Updated on 07 November 2024
Every month the list of best restaurants in Peckham seems to grow. Frequented by all types, from born-and-bred Peckhamites to young, arty folks, students and hipsters, this is an area that is alive and constantly changing. It’s home to on-trend hangout spots, including the Bussey Building, Peckham Levels, and Copeland Park, but rubbing shoulders with Instagrammable social destinations, you’ll find brilliant Peckham restaurants of all types.
Among the best restaurants Peckham has to offer, you’ll find brilliant old boozers and whole-in-the-wall neighbourhood cafes to restaurants and market stalls specialising in the cuisines of the communities that call Peckham home. Peckham’s best restaurants throw up plenty of options, from authentic Latin American spots and restaurants celebrating the flavours of the Afro-Caribbean diaspora to authentic Thai eateries and pubs serving seasonal menus made up of pies, burgers, and roasts. As a result, no matter the budget or occasion, you’re guaranteed a lot of choice when eating out in this neighbourhood.
Quite a few of the best restaurants in Peckham on this list have since spread across London as a result of their creativity and success here. So who knows? You might find the next big thing to take over London. Whether you’re in the area for a film screening at Peckhamplex, hungry after an afternoon sunbathing on Peckham Rye or looking to celebrate a special occasion over a showstopping meal, allow us to make a few suggestions.
46 Peckham Rye, Peckham, London, SE15 4JR
The A4 menu at this top Vietnamese joint offers small plates, sharers, and noodles, so guests can choose to order starters and mains or share everything as a family-style feast. Don’t miss the sticky fish sauce chicken wings.
Unit 4.1 Copeland Park, Peckham, London, SE15 3SN
Set in Copeland Park, Jumbi is a hi-fi vinyl bar and restaurant honouring the sounds and flavours of the Afro-Caribbean diaspora. Think guava glazed chicken, plantain nachos, Trinidadian doubles, Picantes, and Rum Raisin Espresso Martinis.
293 Rye Lane, London, SE15 4UA
This light, calm, convivial space is the perfect spot in which to indulge in a bao bun. Our favourite of the fluffy steamed buns is the ‘bao diddley’ but there’s plenty more besides, including a dessert bao.
28-30 Peckham High Street, Peckham, London, SE15 5DT
A Persian grocery store and vegetarian BYOB restaurant, Persepolis is a well-loved fixture in the area. Serving up mezze platters, Iranian specialities, and non-alcoholic juices this one is a top spot for casual lunches and affordable midweek dinners.
38 Holly Grove, London, SE15 5DF
57 Nunhead Lane, Peckham, London, SE15 3TR
The Nunhead Lane sister site to the popular Kudu restaurant, Kudu Grill offers a South African-inspired menu focused around open-fire braai cooking. Discover smoky charred meats, brilliant roasts, and the most addictive peri-peri prawns in Peckham.
119 Queens Road, Peckham, London, SE15 2EZ
Modern European with South African flair, Kudu is a beloved destination for date nights, celebration dinners, and weekend brunches (the fried chicken sourdough waffle is particularly good). Top tip: Kudu also offers astonishingly affordable Friday set lunches.
168 Bellenden Road, Peckham, London, SE15 4BW
A constantly changing line-up of delicious Thai tapas featuring exhilarating flavour combos keep locals and visitors begging for more here. You might have to wait for a table, but it’ll be worth it.
11a Station Way, Peckham, London, SE15 4RX
Hausu is leading the way in London's listening bar revolution, with innovative cooking backed by a vinyl soundtrack. It serves a menu of creative, flavourful modern dishes with Italian influences and subtle Japanese twists.
105 Peckham High Street, Peckham, London,
First established on the high street in 1927, M Manze’s pie shop burnt down during the 1985 Peckham riots, after renovation it returned and has served its famous pies, silky smooth mash, eels and parsley liquor ever since.
119 Consort Road, London, SE15 3RU
Ottoman-inspired food at reasonable prices keeps locals returning to Peckham Bazaar time and time again. Bag a spot on the fairy-lit terrace on a summer evening and enjoy the lazy pace of this friendly joint.
196A Peckham Rye, Peckham, London, SE22 9QA
A recently renovated, traditionally styled independent pub, the Clock House Tavern is warm and welcoming. Think cosy snugs, an outdoor terrace, and a versatile function room alongside a refreshed menu of pub grub, roast dinners and great wines.
161 Bellenden Road, London, SE15 4DH
Minimal surroundings at this small neighbourhood restaurant allow the no-fuss Italian food to do the talking. The menu is short and because the chef uses cheaper cuts of meat and seasonal veg, prices are spot-on.
43 Choumert Road, London, London, SE15 4AR
An updated Victorian boozer with live music and DJs most days of the week, The Montpelier doesn't have a permanent kitchen team. Instead, you'll find a regularly changing roster of residencies, all of them consistently great.
Arch 164, Peckham, London, SE15 4ST
Sharing Rye Lane real estate with The Carpet Shop nightclub, before 10pm Taquiza is a go-to destination for authentic tacos and top-notch cocktails. In summer, al fresco benches make it a great spot for frozen Margaritas, too.
12-16 Blenheim Grove, Peckham, London, SE15 4QL
The Rooftop, Peckham, London, SE15 4BQ
A laid-back bar blessed with brilliant views, top-tier wines, and Italian-leaning small plates, Forza Wine is a well-loved spot for date nights, anniversaries, and birthdays. Dishes here are simple but elegant, and always made with quality ingredients.
125 Queens Road, Peckham, London, SE15 2ND
Popular for glasses (and bottles) of quality wine and inventive Mediterranean small plates, Peckham Cellars is a local favourite. In summer, perch on street side benches to enjoy orange wine and snacks in the sunshine.
Keep up to speed with all the new restaurant openings in the city with our list of the best new restaurants in London, and if new talent is what you're after, you're bound to find it by the bucketload on our definitive list of the cool and trendy restaurants in the capital.
Collect points, worth at least £1, every time you book online and dine at a participating restaurant.
Already a member? Sign in