As a north Londoner, when I heard that Charli XCX’s favourite London restaurant was just down the road in Highbury and Islington, I knew I had to pop in for a bite
Charli XCX is easily one of the most influential figures for Gen Z and Millenials alike, thanks to the success of her 2024 album Brat, which birthed the iconic Brat Summer era and sent a slime green wave global as fans channelled their inner Brat.
A year on, the 365 singer is still having a cultural impact, from her DJ set with Cannes (alongside fiancé George Daniel) to her song ‘I think about it all the time’ climbing in virality on TikTok as the backing track for the new ‘propaganda I’m not falling for’ trend.
As the cultural icon she’s become, her recommendations are treated like gold dust and thankfully, she’s not gatekeeping them. In a video posted in November 2024, Charli engaged in a quick-fire Q&A with Top Jaw, sharing her top recommendations, from the best bar in London (she says it’s Trisha’s in Soho) to her favourite restaurant.
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Charli’s favourite London spot, Trullo, is based in Highbury and Islington. The quaint, unassuming restaurant is mere seconds from the tube station, and is nested on St Paul’s Road. It’s only noticeable by it’s royal blue exterior and doubles as the perfect spot for a mega star to grab a low-key bite.
I managed to book a table for 9pm, fairly late but a win is a win. Once seated at our table, the lights around us dimmed and my friend and I couldn’t help but notice how cosy and – dare I say – romantic the spot had become. It’d make the perfect place for a date.
We ordered sparkling white wine and the Bruschetta of Westcombe ricotta and marinated Olasagasti anchovy (£14.50) to start, although our waiter described a delicious squid starter option that wasn’t featured on the menu. For mains, we both loved the sound of the Pici with white asparagus, prosciutto San Daniele and egg yolk (£21), but asked for a different pasta shape – sorry to be pici but I love tagliatelle!
Our waiter obliged and offered the meal in a tagliatelle shape instead which tasted divine. With a huge portion, oozing with flavour, it’s no surprise that Charli listed this as one of her favourites in the whole city.
From incredible service, indulgent food and a cosy atmosphere. In total, our meal, including drinks and service charge cost £125.42 for two. You really can’t go wrong with a bite at Trullo, but good luck at getting a spot as bookings fill fast.
Next month, you’ll be able to experience Charli’s very own music recommendations, as the singer has been busy curating her own ‘Party Girl Festival’ which she’ll headline along with personally chosen special guests, including 070 Shake, The Dare and The Japanese House, with many more still to come.
The ‘Party Girl Festival’ is part of the LIDO festival and will take place from June 6 to June 15, but Charli won’t take to the stage until June 14.
The singer announced the ‘Party Girl Festival’ via Instagram, sharing the festival poster with the caption: “I’m throwing a festival in London in Victoria Park on June 14th and all these people are playing so get tickets xx.”
Fans took to the comments to share their excitement at the line-up and Charli’s impending performance, with one writing: “This the only time I wish I lived in the UK.”