From longstanding Vietnamese and Caribbean spots to newcomers serving up tapas, vegan burgers and more - we look at where's good for chowing down in SE8.
Buster Mantis
Where: 3-4 Resolution Way, Deptford, London SE8 4NT
Local Gordon McGowan’s lively spot can be found tucked into the railway arches in Deptford. The Jamaican-inspired menu always features jerk and curry along with rotating specials. There’s also an arts space here to promote local artists and performers.
Follow them for the latest info: @bustermantis
Cafe Mama Pho
Where: 24 Evelyn St, London SE8 5DG
This family-run Vietnamese also has a branch in South Ken, but this is the original. Obviously the pho is the big draw here, but the summer rolls are also very good and the Co’m Bo Kho beef stew is a real winter warmer.
Follow them for the latest info: @cafemamapholdn
Chaconia
Where: 26 Deptford High Street, London SE8 4AF
This Caribbean restaurant is about to reopen for collection/delivery (keep an eye on their Insta or Facebook page for details) which will make fans of its Trinidadian dishes very happy. Rotis are made in house and filled with chicken stew or goat curry and their pilaf (rice and peas) is the business.
Follow them for the latest info: @chaconiase8
Deptford Market Yard
Where: Deptford Market Yard, London SE8 4BX
The opening of Deptford Market Yard in 2016 can be pinpointed as the time the area started picking up as a trendy food spot. There are now eight restaurants, cafes and bars in this spot under the arches at Deptford Railway Station - Tapas Room, Mama’s Jerk, Taproom, Lomond Coffee, Dirty Apron, Little Nan’s, Jars Bar and record shop turned weekend bar AAJA Deptford.
Follow them for the latest info: @deptfordmktyard
Eat Vietnam Bar B Grill
Where: 234 Evelyn St, Deptford, London SE8 5BZ
Deptford has a strong Vietnamese offering, but Eat Vietnam stands out in the crowd. Their summer rolls are particularly pretty, but carnivores should seek out the Phở Đặc Biệt (Pho with Pulled chicken, rare beef, slow-cooked shin and flank) as well as the exemplary grilled meats section.
Follow them for the latest info: @eatvietnam_london
The Full Nelson
Where: 47 Deptford Broadway, Deptford, London SE8 4PH
This tiny vegan/veggie bar and kitchen now only has a few tables for dining in, so delivery or collection might be your best option. If you do manage to score a table the food is all corn dogs, seitanic wings, and a range of burgers including the Sith which features Deptford death sauce.
Follow them for the latest info: @thefullnelsondeptford
Gaff
Where: 8 Creekside, Deptford, London SE8 3DX
This newish cafe barely opened before lockdown loomed. Now it’s back up and running, serving Perky Blenders coffee and sarnies made with Kennington Bakery sourdough. They do a nice line in homemade sausage rolls and there’s plenty for veggies and vegans here too.
Follow them for the latest info: @gaff_deptford
Isla Ray
Where: 37 Deptford High St, Deptford, London SE8 4AD
South Londoner Rachael Dalton- Loveland is the driving force behind this cheerful cafe - having been inspired to open it after a few years spent in Melbourne. During the day it’s more of a brunch place, switching to a tacos menu in the evening. The feel may be global, but they pride themselves on using local suppliers.
Follow them for the latest info: @isla_ray_cafe
Marcella
Where: 165A Deptford High St, London SE8 3NU
Sibling restaurant to Artusi in Peckham, this high street modern trattoria marries the best of traditional Italian know-how with a light modern touch. The pasta is great, of course, but so are the many, regularly-changing mains. Head downstairs afterwards to the bar which serves up Italian cocktails and wine.
Follow them for the latest info: @winemakersdeptford
Stockton
Where: 2 Deptford High St, London SE8 4AF
Gordon McGowan’s other Deptford business is “a café, kitchen and late-night cocktail bar”. They do a very popular weekend brunch and a plant-forward small plates menu. The cocktails are strong and innovative and well worth spending time on.
Follow them for the latest info: @barstockton
Villages Brewery
Where: 21-22 Resolution Way, Deptford, London SE8 4NT
Made in Deptford, this local business run by the two Village brothers (hence the name) now supplies a lot of the new bars and restaurants popping up. But if you want to try it where it’s brewed, head to their taproom from Thursday to Sunday.
Follow them for the latest info: @villagesbrewery
The Waiting Room
Where: 134 Deptford High St, Deptford, London SE8 3PQ
Sibling establishment to The Full Nelson, this veggie cafe has a strong local following. Recent hits have included a vegan ‘meatball’ sub but really what you’re after are the amazing vegan doughnuts which they make in house.
Follow them for the latest info: @waitingroomse8
Winemakers Deptford
Where: 209 Deptford High St, London SE8 3NT
Longtime friends Matt and Sam are behind Klose & Soan which is now the permanent residency at the Winemakers’ Deptford branch. Theirs is a regularly changing menu of small dishes, perfectly formed to go with the excellent organic and biodynamic wine list
Follow them for the latest info: @winemakersdeptford
Photo: Sitdowncomedian
Subscribe to hear the latest from Hot Dinners
