Restaurants In South London

Looking for the best places to eat in south London? Stop right there and scan your eyes over our hand-picked guide, it’s an eclectic gathering of some of our favourites. Whether you’re in need of an authentic tapas experience, hoping to delve into some dim sum or just looking to wile away the hours at a charming gastropub, our collection of the best restaurants in south London comes out top trumps.

Last edited by Kiera Chapman

Last updated on 1st November 2024




Pho

Head down to the gorgeous setting of Battersea Rise and enjoy some authentic Vietnamese cuisine, with picturesque views. Whether you're in the mood for a healthy salad, noodles that pack a punch or an aromatic curry, Pho has got you covered. 

Balans - Various Sites

Balans Soho Society has come south of the river to deliver their 'too much of a good thing is a very good thing' ethos, with a mix high and low life décor, eccentric touches and a Bohemian attitude.

Exhibit

Bottomless Dinner and 4 other offers

Regularly topping up Balham's rumblin' tums, The Exhibit serves carefully curated drinks and a hearty menu of fresh British produce. Bag yourself a table and get ready for a festival of eating; there's everything from roasted pheasant to Grilled royal beam and Galloway beef burgers with all the trimmings. There's an eclectic entertainment programme for dessert, too.

Megan's

Looking for a beautiful new brunch spot? Megan's boasts a number of spots south of the river, as well as East Dulwich and Clapham Common with floral decor and fairy lights aplenty. A favourite with bloggers and the MIC crowd, these venues are perfect for the 'Gram.

Meat & Shake Tooting

Making a name for itself as one of South London's best casual dining spots, Meat & Shake in Tooting plates up hearty meat-based dishes with flavoursome, freshly-made shakes. Enjoy a belly-warming brisket, sink your chops into a seasoned steak or enjoy a cheese and sauce topped burger that's full of attitude.

Cottons Vauxhall

For gorgeous views while you dine, check out Cottons in Vauxhall. Their spacious outdoor terrace overlooks the river, while the interiors are full of colourful, quirky decor and reggae beats. You can enjoy a vast selection of Caribbean eats here, from lobster mac and cheese to oxtail stew and jerk chicken. You can also nab bottomless brunches between 12 and 2.30pm on Saturdays, including three courses and 90 minutes of unlimited prosecco or rum punch for just £34.50.

Paladar

Get your tastebuds at the ready for a gluten-free feast at Paladar, an impressive eatery in Waterloo serving up delectable sharing plates in a vibrant venue. A centre of excellence for Latin American cuisine in London, they've got deliciously eclectic mix-and-match approach grub as well as yummy cocktails, wines and spirits from their bar. We'd recommend grabbing a helping of grilled chimichurri prawns and finishing off by nibbling on sweet corn cake served with guava compote and fresh cheese ice cream.

Auberge

Complimentary glass of prosecco and 1 other offer

If you're seeking a South London restaurant with a difference, Auberge offers a delicious French menu and stunning scenes of the city, including a peek at The Shard. Make your way inside this pretty Waterloo bistro and bar, where you'll get to clink glasses of red vino, all while delving into European delicacies like duck confit, steak frites and so much more. This classy joint is designed to fit the bill for anything from a romantic dinner to a celebratory birthday meal or just a night out with friends.

GBK Dulwich

GBK on Lordship Lane is the perfect destination for those looking for a bite to eat in a laid-back environment - and a bargain too. Nab one of its famous patties and a drink for £7.95, or browse a menu full of creative favourites. The Hey Pesto is a stand-out, featuring hand-breaded chicken and crispy bacon. 

Copper Ceylon

This gem of an eatery can be found on East Street in Bromley, filled with plush velvet booths and low lighting while serving authentic dishes using fresh ingredients and spices imported from Sri Lanka. Dishes here include king fish curry, creamy coconut dhal and shrimp chilli sambol, earning them an prize for Best Sri Lankan Restaurant in the 2022 London Curry Awards.

Mamma Dough - Restaurants

When it comes to pizza restaurants in South London, Mamma Dough's locations in Ladywell, Peckham, Brixton, Sydenham and South Norwood ought to fit the bill. Expect a load of sourdough slices slathered in tasty toppings, with cocktails, wine or beers to wash it down.

The Gourmet Bar

Found within Novotel Greenwich, The Gourmet Bar is a relaxing restaurant that promises delicious contemporary eats and a relaxing atmosphere. Its interiors are modern and quirky, with colourful art fixed to the walls and velvet sofas lounging about. Visit to tuck into the likes of jerk chicken burgers, baked camembert, plus salt and pepper squid. 

Azzurro

Azzurro combines authentic Italian flavours with a relaxed Southbank vibe. Choose from handmade pizzas, fresh pasta, and small plates, all enjoyed in their cosy yet airy space or on the sun-drenched terrace, ideal for gatherings or leisurely afternoon dining.

It has plenty of gluten-free dining options - you can choose anyone of its pastas and swap it for gluten-free fusilli. Look forward to bolognese, carbonara and more, as well as a selection of fresh salads topped with chicken and bacon.

The Refinery, Bankside

Promising "industrial sophistication" just a stone's throw from the Tate Modern, The Refinery is another of our favourite restaurants south of the river. Bright, airy and undeniably sophisticated, the food here is fantastic, but it's the range of innovative cocktails and global wines that really stand out here. Ideal for business brunches, after-work lounging or dinner and drinks with friends.

The Fentiman Arms

RWC package

Found within a stone's throw of the Oval cricket ground, the Fentiman Arms is rightly considered one of the best gastropubs in south London. Homely and snug, the venue has made a name for itself with its glorious range of British cooking; take your pick between sausage & mash, chicken pie and beer-battered fish & chips, available to enjoy in the garden in the summer months.

The Red Duck

Traditional Chinese flavours with a modern twist? Sign us up. Make your way over to The Red Duck in Balham and you'll get just that, including crowd-pleasing favourites like chicken chow mein, salt and pepper squid, and sirloin beef in black bean sauce.