Where to Eat in South London

Set in the crumbling grandeur of an antique-filled Georgian Mansion, this modern British classic has quietly been one of the city’s standout restaurants for years. The dining room has to be seen to be believed, while a walk-in only terrace is a fine place to visit for drinks and seasonal dishes like dayboat cod with rainbow chard and delicate autumnal textures of squash and girolles; or a hefty wood-fired rib of Belted Galloway beef, served with a punchy smoked anchovy hollandaise.

A neighbourhood restaurant by Tower Bridge that punches well above its weight, this cool natural wine bar, restaurant, and terrace by the Thames is a love letter from owner Jay Patel to the cuisine of Italy. Excellent antipasti (like radicchio salad, or peaches with gorgonzola dolce) precede pristine plates of hand-shaped pasta, with chef Matt Beardmore (ex-Trullo) turning out immaculate plates like orecchiette with braised rabbit and chard, or taglioni with anchovy butter and crunchy pangrattato. A cannolo for dessert is non-negotiable.

A cosy setup in Brixton market, perfect modern bistro fare and natural wines have made this new bar and restaurant from Robin and Sarah Gill an instant favourite. Stop by for a glass of skin contact wine and a few dishes — say, Cantabrian anchovies or a classic steak frites with peppercorn sauce. For October, a chic signature rabbit and boozy prune terrine graces the menu, served with customary cornichons and sourdough toast. Pro tip: don’t miss the gooseberry and mirabelle eclair for dessert.

It’s so cosy at this beloved Bermondsey bistro from the Casse-Croûte crew — why, even the food is wrapped up warm. Check out the classic French starter of pâté en croûte, the swanky venison wellington with ‘sauce grand veneur’ (a glossy sauce of madeira and chocolate) and the signature sea bass shrouded in its own little puffer jacket of pastry. Dessert might be sticky tarte Tatin or the double carb delight of an apple soufflé with caramel and bread ice cream. For October, a signature dish of squid ‘carbonara’ graces the menu as a special.

Hard by an iconic London landmark, this south-of-the-river outpost of Harneet Baweja’s three-strong Gunpowder group serves modern Indian flavours in cool, contemporary style. Regional and family recipes are styled up into showstoppers like the spicy, spiky venison and vermicelli doughnut, crispy soft shell crab, and blackened lamb chops. A pretty outdoor terrace with views of Tower Bridge seals the deal.

With its electric atmosphere and standout Mexican fare, El Pastor in Borough Market upgraded London’s taco game, and continues to produce hand-pressed tortillas to accompany its signature pastor tacos, tuna tostadas, and shortrib sharing plates. Cocktails are essential, and there’s plenty of outdoor seating on buzzing Stoney Street. For October, expect a fork-tender taco filled with octopus and pork belly.

Crisp, burnished crusts and seasonal toppings await at this pastel pink pizza restaurant, where groups of friends gather for perfect pies and margaritas. A huge wood-burning oven turns out pizzas like a white pie scattered with house sausage, fior di latte and caramelised onions, or a meat-free stunner with Symplicity meatbalsl, Aleppo chilli, red onion and cheese. For October, the kitchen’s excellent Hawaiian pizza — a perfect example with ham hock, charred pineapple and chillies — is on the menu for those stopping by.

Named for the Tagalog word for joy and happiness, this Filipino-Colombian restaurant offers a perfect marriage of its founders’ roots. Tucked under the Deptford arches, a chic dining room with a long bar (perfect for casual dinners), cosy booths and an open kitchen greets diners; meanwhile, a menu that’s difficult not to love and excellent cocktails set the tone for a fun night out. Who could say no to a spread of empanadas and crispy lumpia; dressed Maldon oysters and kare kare chicken? For October, expect an outstanding prix-fixe menu of the kitchen’s favourite dishes, available throughout the week except Sundays.

Just across from Greenwich Market, Grind’s Greenwich space features a bright, verdant conservatory where diners can sip cocktails and enjoy a menu that spans weekend brunch, dinner, and everything in between. The attention to detail we’ve come to expect from Grind’s cafes and all-day dining spaces is present: pretty tiles, flashes of neon, and plush banquettes you’ll find it difficult to tear yourself away from.