Have just updated my iPhone 4 to iOS 5 seemingly without problem however none of my apps have been restored, although strangely the space is still being reported as used (as 'other' not as 'apps') so they must be on there somewhere? Any ideas?
Just read about this on the Apple forums. Go to your summary page in iTunes. Apparently the sync apps box was left unchecked. Check it and then sync. Hope this solves your problem.