This curated list highlights South London's vibrant food and culture scene, featuring everything from acclaimed restaurants and bustling markets to unique galleries and cozy pubs. It's a guide to experiencing local favorites, often away from the main tourist trails, offering authentic tastes and charming atmospheres.
White Cube Gallery
A small art gallery in Bermondsey that has hosted notable exhibitions by artists like Anthony Gormley.
The Camberwell Arms
A highly-regarded restaurant in Camberwell, often cited for having one of the best Sunday roasts in London, particularly their slow-roasted lamb.
Kokum
An East Dulwich Indian restaurant that has gained acclaim for its authentic and experimental approach to traditional dishes.
Portena
A charming spot in Borough Market specializing in empanadas and wine, offering a magical experience as the market stalls close for the day.
Borough Market
A world-renowned food market in London, offering a vast array of culinary delights from numerous vendors.
Maltby Street Market
A vibrant market located under railway arches in Bermondsey, featuring a narrow lane lined with diverse food stalls and bars.
August Bakery
A bakery in Clapham known for its delicious pastries and appealing interior design.
Peckham Cellars
A highly-rated 'small plates' restaurant in Peckham, celebrated for its seasonal menu and exceptional wine list.
Flour and Grape
A small and intimate pasta restaurant in Bermondsey known for its sharing tables and delicious pasta dishes.
Canova Hall
A Brixton bar located in The Department Store, known for its authentic industrial aesthetic, DJs, and cocktails.
The Garden Museum
A unique museum in Lambeth dedicated to the art, history, and diversity of British gardening, located within a Victorian church.
Ganapati
A colourful and quirky independent South Indian restaurant in Peckham with a small, seasonal menu that reflects its vibrant character.
Tap and Bottle
A cozy wine bar located under the railway arches near London Bridge, offering both wine on tap and an extensive list.
Rye Books
A quaint and cozy independent bookshop in East Dulwich where neighbours often chat, making it a charming local spot.
Berenjak
A highly anticipated Middle Eastern restaurant tucked away in Borough Market, known for its authentic cuisine.
Taverna Travastere
A bustling and popular neighbourhood Italian restaurant in Clapham, famous for its carbonara.
Petersham Nurseries
A garden centre and café near Richmond, offering an immersive and fragrant escape from the city.
Herne Tavern
A pub in Honor Oak celebrated for having one of the best pub gardens in London, with tables set amongst trees.
Brockley Market
A market in Brockley popular for its fresh produce, including excellent vegetables and a notable fresh pasta stall.
El Pastor
A popular Mexican restaurant in Borough Market known for its tacos, tortillas, and tequila, with multiple London locations.
Llewelyn’s
A popular cafe on Railton Road in Herne Hill that thrives on weekends with market stalls and a lively local atmosphere.
Spring Street Pizza
A New York-style pizza spot under the railway arches in London Bridge, helmed by a Michelin-starred chef.
Monmouth
A highly-regarded coffee vendor in Borough Market, known for its quality coffee and charming market ambiance.
Mac & Sons
A unique establishment in Southwark that combines an Irish pub with a Thai menu, popular for sharing small plates.
La Mia Mamma
A Clapham-based Italian restaurant recommended by Stanley Tucci, uniquely run by Italian mothers.
North Cross Road Market
A vibrant Saturday market in East Dulwich offering a variety of food stalls and local goods.
Kudu Grill
A South African 'braai' (barbecue) restaurant in Nunhead, known for its incredible steaks and wide array of delicious sides.
Tooting Market
A historic market in Tooting that hosts various food vendors and eateries, including popular chains and independent spots like The Tapas Room.
Oma
A new Greek restaurant in Borough Market that has quickly gained popularity for its authentic dishes and lively atmosphere.
Yama Momo
A dimly lit and intimate Japanese restaurant on Lordship Lane in East Dulwich, known for its extensive food and cocktail menu.
The Sourcing Table
A quirky and informal wine bar in Crystal Palace offering a wide selection of wines and small bites.
Hakata
A restaurant on Bermondsey Street that is a perfect spot for comfort food during colder months, known for its ramen and cocktails.
Designs of Modernity
A Crystal Palace store specializing in curated mid-century modern furniture from Europe and the United States.
Prezzemolo & Vitale
A specialty food store in Wimbledon known for its Italian products, including arancini, pastas, cured meats, lasagne, and focaccia.
The Begging Bowl
A popular Thai restaurant in Peckham known for its lively atmosphere and small plates, frequently recommended by locals.
Brother Marcus
A restaurant near Borough Market serving Greek Cypriot-inspired sharing plates, known for its dips, meats, and vegetables.
Franklins
An East Dulwich establishment that combines a cozy pub with a quality dining experience, especially popular for Sunday lunch.
2 Drops
A stylish wine bar at Battersea Power Station offering cheese toasties and a well-designed space.
The Horniman Gardens
A beautiful garden space in Forest Hill, offering stunning views over South London and hosting a small weekend market.
The Cutty Sark
A historic pub in Greenwich known for its magical atmosphere, especially during Christmas when it's decorated with garlands and features a roaring fire.
Padella
A highly popular and accessible pasta restaurant in Borough Market, famous for its classic dishes like cacio e Pepe.
Forza Wine
A popular rooftop bar in Peckham offering frozen cocktails and cauliflower fritti with great views over the city.
Little Taperia
A small and intimate tapas bar in Tooting that is a local favourite for its delicious small plates.
Alkemi
A homewares store in Nunhead that offers a variety of attractive and tempting everyday objects.
The Laundry
A buzzy and informal dining spot in Brixton that offers quality food and drinks, with Sunday roasts being a particular highlight.
East Dulwich Tavern
A beloved local pub in East Dulwich, known for its community feel and energetic atmosphere, especially after local football matches.