Updated on 23 January 2024
From the small pop-up places in Pop Brixton to the bustling Borough Market, we’d go as far as to say this line-up of South London restaurants should be revered as somewhat of a foodie pilgrimage. As with all of our best lists, which round up the crème de la crème of the restaurant scene in various areas, our selection of the best restaurants in South London bridges brilliant Michelin star style spots with more accessible eateries that bring brilliant food to the fore, with attractive pricing. We’re not concerned so much with big names and blingy interiors but with whether or not it’s a spot we’d recommend to friends and family, somewhere we’d happily urge people to spend their hard-earned cash on a meal that feels every bit worth it.
Whether you fancy some of the capital’s best pasta at Padella, a full performance from the team at Story or a low-key Indian sharing feast from Kricket, the best restaurants in South London shall provide. Below is our pick of the places we’ve eaten at across Borough and Brixton, and everywhere in between. We’d love to know if you think we’ve missed anywhere out, let us know on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
6 Southwark Street, London Bridge, London, SE1 1TQ
41-43 Atlantic Road, Brixton, London, SW9 3JS
216 Camberwell Road, Camberwell, London, SE5 0ED
Zeret Kitchen champions Ethiopian cuisine, priding itself on the authenticity of its dishes which come from family recipes. It’s all about comfort on this menu, so expect plenty of grilled and stewed meats, plus some plant-based options like chickpeas in berbere sauce and spicy baked bread.
148 Clapham Manor Street, London, SW4 6BX
104 Bermondsey Street, Bermondsey, London, SE1 3UB
36 Snowsfields, Bermondsey, London, SE1 3SU
Headed up by two The Fat Duck alumni, this recent addition to the London dining scene has been going down a storm. Precise, subtly inventive cooking and a unique wine list help to keep Trivet busy.
119 Brockley Rise, Dulwich, London, SE23 1JP
Babur is part of the furniture in South London’s Forest Hill, having served the locals since 1985 becoming one of the area's most loved Indian restaurants. You’ll find both modern and traditional dishes that showcase the variety in India’s culinary landscape, beyond what you’d find at your local curry house.
199 Tooley Street, London Bridge, London, SE1 2JX
5-7 Voltaire Road, London, SW4 6DQ
3 Viaduct Gardens, Vauxhall, London, SW11 7AY
1A Nelsons Row, Clapham, London, SW4 7JR
A 50-cover modern European restaurant and counter bar down the road from Clapham Common. Seasonal dishes span modern twists on classics, fresh pastas, and charcoal-grilled meat and fish, all washed down with sustainable tap wines and bottles from exciting smaller winemakers.
4 The Polygon, Clapham, London, SW4 0JG
Cardamom Building, London Bridge, London, SE1 2YR
4-5 London Road, Elephant and Castle, London, SE1 6JZ
Lambeth Garden Museum, 5 Lambeth Palace Road, Lambeth, London, SE1 7LB
30 Wandsworth Road, Vauxhall, London, SW8 2LG
194 Bermondsey Street, Bermondsey, London, SE1 3TQ
Looking for something a little more specific? You might like our guide to the best restaurants in London Bridge...
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