The Alpino has been there for many years. The new owners are a nice old Italian couple and they put a lot of effort into customer service. The food varies from bog standard builder's type breakfasts to specials of the day such as fresh tuna steaks, cottage pies, chicken kievs and fresh pasta dishes which tells me someone in the kitchen knows how to cook and cares and not just a burger flipper like most caffs.
They have a lot of fresh pizzas and pasta on the menu which is great but lacking in good old fashioned Italian dishes (can't believe they don't have a minestrone or a canneloni).
Coffee and drinks are good too.
My only gripe is the horrible cheap tables and chairs - why did they have to rip up the classic 60s banquette seating? And they didn't even replace the floor afterwards which means all the tables are lopsided. Also the toilet needs a serious looking at, clean but falling and apart and leaking. However, it's one of the best caffs left in Islington so I fully support the place.

Some of the best breakfasts in town but they also do excellent specials everyday like steak, duck, fish stew, fresh pasta etc. Everything they serve is one step up from what you usually get. The owners are very friendly and seem to take what they do seriously-which is great to see. If you go in as much as me you will get a nice kiss off the glamorous Italian owner. Just make sure her husband can’t see.

Alpino a really cool 50s style cafe. Good coffee and cake in stylish surroundings.

I really like Alpino.