Best restaurants in Vauxhall

Looking for somewhere to get a bite to eat in Vauxhall? Well you’ve come to the right place, because we’ve searched the entire borough for where to get the best grub. Mostly visited by professionals who work in one of the many offices here, it’s not always thought of as a foodie destination, but we hope that this list proves to you it’s worth the journey.

Updated on 29 June 2023

Vauxhall can often be overshadowed by its neighbouring boroughs, when Battersea and Oval sit on either side. With Battersea boasting the powerstation and Oval being home to one of the country’s greatest cricket grounds, it’s no surprise that people tend to stick to these areas when looking to refuel. But we’re here to fight Vauxhall’s corner because with an ever growing food scene, it’s worth a trip just for a good meal. Need convincing? Let us talk you through the best restaurants in Vauxhall to show you why. 

On the whole, it’s easy to miss the local gems around here, as they tend to be tucked away down back roads or just particularly unassuming from the outside. So we’ve taken the guesswork out of it for you, and compiled all of the spots worth visiting into one convenient list. For such a small area, there’s an impressive variety of cuisines available, meaning you’re covered whether you’re after a dozen oysters and wine or some Japanese small plates. Or perhaps you’re looking for places to eat near Vauxhall Station? Not a problem, because whilst all options are close by, some are as little as a two minute walk away.

Essentially, whether you’re looking for something fancy for date night, or a relaxed eatery to catch up with friends after work, Vauxhall’s choice of restaurants is not to be sniffed at. So take this as your cue to explore this little borough south of the river, and find out what you’ve been missing. With light and airy cafes, charming sandwich spots, and quirky pubs, there’s even an option for every time of day, and they’re all worth shouting about.

Click on each restaurant to find out more info, and book yourself in today.

Waterfront London

Waterfront London

Waterfront 3 St. George Wharf, London, London, SW8 2LE

There are few things better for the soul than good food and being by the water, so imagine the benefits when you combine the two? Waterfront is the international brasserie that boasts the best patio in Vauxhall, right on the River Thames, and it has an equally stunning menu to match.

£30 - £49
Steak
Japanese
Burgers
The Garden Café Lambeth

The Garden Café Lambeth

Lambeth Garden Museum, 5 Lambeth Palace Road, Lambeth, London, SE1 7LB

This award winning cafe at the Garden Museum serves up a daily changing menu of Modern-British and European plates. Expect simple dishes that let the ingredients sing, and views of a luscious green patio that’ll have you forgetting you’re in London.

£30 - £49
Modern European
British
Jihwaja

Jihwaja

353 Kennington Lane, Vauxhall, London, SE11 5QY

Jihwaja is perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner, with its low key interior and speedy service, plus there’s even a karaoke room for those who are looking to party. Expect all of the Korean classics like Bibimbab, noodle soups and Korean fried chicken.

Under £30
Korean
Brunswick House

Brunswick House

30 Wandsworth Road, Vauxhall, London, SW8 2LG

This quirky pub is an obvious choice when it comes to looking for good food in Vauxhall, and with Jackson Boxer at the helm, it’s no wonder. This is a perfect spot for catching up with friends over a bottle of wine and a selection of small plates, whether it’s within the Grade ll listed Georgian mansion or out on the sunny terrace.

£30 - £49
British
Harar Restaurant

Harar Restaurant

49 South Lambeth Road, London, London, SW8 1RH

Harar puts an underappreciated cuisine under the spotlight, serving Ethiopian food right by Vauxhall Park. We’d recommend getting one of the platters so you can try a variety of delicious things from the menu.

£30 - £49
Thai
Ethiopian
Daebak

Daebak

316-318 Kennington Lane, Vauxhall, London, SE11 5HY

This Korean hotspot is loved for its big portion sizes and modest price tags, but if there’s one thing that's got chins wagging about this place, it’s the Korean fried chicken. It’s available in a variety of flavours but our favourites are the honey mustard sauce and soy garlic.

Under £30
Korean
Darby

Darby's

3 Viaduct Gardens, Vauxhall, London, SW11 7AY

We love anywhere that offers an oyster happy hour, but it helps when the rest of the menu is as good as this. Pitching itself as a restaurant for all of life’s occasions, Darby’s is both relaxed enough for a post-work catch up and special enough for somewhere to celebrate.

£50 - £79
British
SquareMeal London Top 100
Italo

Italo

13 Bonnington Square, Vauxhall, London, SW8 1TE

Picture a typically charming Italian Delicatessen that has you wanting to restock your entire pantry each time you enter - and now throw a cafe into the mix, which serves up some of the best sandwiches you’ll ever eat (made with fresh focaccia, of course). Well, welcome to Italo.

Under £30
Mediterranean
Italian
Vine Bar

Vine Bar

Unit 7, Vauxhall, London, SW8 2LE

Vine Bar brings a slice of Italy to Vauxhall, with its traditional menu and ingredients that are shipped from Italian farmers. Expect plates like burrata with sundried tomatoes, spaghetti vongole and lemon chicken - all perfect with a glass of Italian vino.

£50 - £79
Modern European
Vegetarian
Bars
Italian
Wine Bars
Evernight

Evernight

3 Ravine Way, Battersea, London, SW11 7BH

Evernight is one of the best Japanese offerings in the area, and with its minimalist style, it’s also the most chic. Serving an Omakase style menu, guests can tuck into everything from chicken karaage to yellowtail and trout sashimi.

£50 - £79
Modern European
Sushi
Japanese
British
SquareMeal London Top 100

Looking to head somewhere north of the river? Fear not, we’ve scoured the streets of London to find the best restaurants in a range of different boroughs so that you’re never far from finding your next good meal. Just a short trip over Vauxhall Bridge, and you can explore the best restaurants in Westminster, or get your glad rags on and sample everything that Knightsbridge has to offer. London is spoiled for choice when it comes to places to eat, and no area is more compact with tempting menus than Soho. Jam packed with every cuisine you can imagine, it’s an ideal spot to head to for dinner and drinks, but can be difficult to decipher where is worth spending your hard earned cash. So take a look through our list of best restaurants in Soho to avoid any disappointment.

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