Christoff.ai

Farang

restaurants•
London
London

Farang

72 Highbury Park, London N5 2XE, United Kingdom

Interactive map
Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked away on Highbury Park, Farang has quietly become one of London's most compelling Thai restaurants, earning its Michelin Bib Gourmand stripes with contemporary cuisine that respects tradition while embracing British produce. This isn't your typical neighbourhood Thai - it's a chef-driven experience that manages to feel both elevated and refreshingly unpretentious.

Farang: Highbury's Michelin-Blessed Thai Powerhouse

Where open kitchen theatre meets authentic Thai flavours in North London

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

The moment you step into Farang's light, spacious interior, you're struck by how they've transformed the former San Daniele space into something distinctly their own. The modern Thai-inspired decor creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere that strikes that sweet spot between casual and elevated - sophisticated enough for a special occasion, relaxed enough for a neighbourhood dinner. The open kitchen is the real star here, creating genuine theatre as chefs work their magic in full view. It's undeniably lively and bustling, with an energy level that registers a solid 7.5 out of 10. Fair warning though - this place gets properly loud, especially after 7pm when the dinner crowd descends. The acoustics aren't forgiving, so if intimate conversation is your priority, you might find yourself shouting over the din. But for many, this buzzing energy is part of the charm - it feels alive, authentic, and refreshingly unpretentious for a Michelin-recognised establishment.

Food & Drink

Farang's contemporary Thai cuisine is where the magic truly happens. The kitchen works with both fresh Thai and British produce, creating seasonal menus that change regularly - a refreshing approach that keeps things dynamic. Their signature dishes have earned their reputation: the jungle curry packs serious heat and complexity, while the coconut chili jam demonstrates the kitchen's ability to balance sweet, spicy, and umami. The freshly made roti bread alone is worth the journey. You can choose between nine-course tasting menus for the full chef-driven experience or feasting menus that work brilliantly for groups. What elevates the experience is the staff's knowledge - they'll walk you through each dish with genuine enthusiasm and expertise. The kitchen accommodates various dietary requirements with dedicated vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, showing they take inclusivity seriously rather than treating it as an afterthought.

Service & Experience

The service at Farang strikes an impressive balance between attentive and unobtrusive. Staff clearly know their stuff, particularly when it comes to explaining the intricacies of each dish during tasting menu experiences. There's a genuine enthusiasm here that feels authentic rather than rehearsed. The team manages the bustling atmosphere well, though the energy can sometimes feel overwhelming. Pre-booking is absolutely essential - this isn't the sort of place you can rock up to on a whim. For larger groups of six or more, they require a £10 deposit per person, which speaks to their popularity and helps manage expectations.

Value for Money

At price level 2 out of 4, Farang represents what I'd call 'affordable luxury' - you're getting Michelin Bib Gourmand quality without the wallet-crushing prices of starred establishments. The tasting menus offer genuine value for the quality and creativity on display, while the feasting menus provide excellent group dining deals. Beyond the restaurant experience, they've expanded into takeaway with pre-ordering, delivery services, meal kits, curry pastes, and sauces - showing they understand different ways people want to engage with their food. The location near multiple transport links (Arsenal, Finsbury Park, Canonbury and Highbury Islington tube stations, plus bus routes 4, 19, 236) makes it accessible without the central London premium.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Book the 5:30pm slot to experience the kitchen's full energy before the dinner rush hits and noise levels become challenging for conversation. They're open Wednesday 5pm-9pm, Thursday-Saturday 12pm-2:30pm and 5pm-9pm, closed Sunday-Tuesday. Weekend lunch service offers a more relaxed experience if you prefer lower energy levels.

What to Focus On

Don't miss the signature jungle curry and coconut chili jam - these dishes showcase why Farang earned its Michelin recognition. The freshly made roti bread is essential, and if you're dining with others, the feasting menus offer the best way to sample the kitchen's range.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Pre-booking is absolutely essential - this place doesn't accommodate walk-ins. Groups of 6+ need to pay a £10 per person deposit. The open kitchen creates fantastic theatre, but if you want to actually have a conversation, avoid peak dinner hours after 7pm when the noise levels become quite challenging.

The Final Verdict

Farang delivers on its promise of contemporary Thai cuisine with genuine flair and Michelin-worthy execution. The open kitchen creates an engaging dining theatre, though the noise levels won't suit everyone. What impresses most is how they've maintained neighbourhood charm while achieving serious culinary recognition. The seasonal approach keeps things fresh, the service is knowledgeable without being stuffy, and the value proposition is solid for this level of cooking. Yes, it gets loud and you absolutely must book ahead, but these feel like small prices to pay for what is genuinely one of North London's standout Thai restaurants.

Christoff's Rating:
7.8/10

Perfect For:

Thai food enthusiasts seeking authentic flavours with modern techniqueGroups looking for excellent feasting menus and shared dining experiencesDiners wanting Michelin quality without central London prices

Quick Details

1

Farang

⭐ Michelin bib gourmand
⭐️ Chef driven
⭐️ Group dining
🏘️ Neighborhood gem

This Michelin Bib Gourmand winner in Highbury Park elevates Thai cuisine without losing its soul. The open kitchen creates theater as chefs explain each dish's story, from jungle curry to coconut chili jam made with seasonal British produce. Nine-course tasting menus showcase contemporary Thai techniques alongside feasting menus perfect for groups who want to share the experience. The light, spacious interior feels like a warm neighborhood gem that happens to serve Michelin-quality food. Staff genuinely understand the cuisine they're serving, making this an educational experience as much as a meal. The atmosphere builds throughout service, getting properly lively by 7pm.

What's Great

✓ Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition with exceptional value for quality

✓ Open kitchen theater with knowledgeable staff explaining each dish

Keep in Mind

× Gets loud and crowded after 7pm making intimate conversation difficult

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Book the 5:30pm slot to experience the kitchen's full energy before the dinner rush hits

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Wed: 5pm-9pm\nThu-Sat: 12pm-2:30pm, 5pm-9pm\nSun-Tue: Closed"
📍72 Highbury Park, London N5 2XE, United Kingdom
💷£££
📞+44 20 7226 0005
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

Farang has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

Thai Restaurants London: Spice Level Survival Guide 2025 reference image

Thai Restaurants London: Spice Level Survival Guide 2025

restaurants in london•
Aug 21, 2025
← More restaurants in London← Explore all of London