London Restaurants - South London

5-6 Melbourne Terrace, Melbourne Grove, London SE22 8PL

This rotisserie chicken restaurant in East Dulwich comes with a high pedigree. It's from John Ogier (ex Lyle's, The Marksman) who has teamed up with chef Jack Coghlan (ex-Planque and Lyle's). The chicken is carefully sourced and there are lots of added extras like lentils vinaigrette and chicken-fat new season potatoes to go with the main event.

16 Grove Lane, London SE5 8SY

This pub comes from the team who also run the very well-reviewed (and award-winning) The Baring in Islington. This pub has a seasonal, sustainable approach to the regularly changing menu, but keep an eye out for the fantastic pizza dough bites with taramasalata. There's a separate bar area if you're dropping in for a drink so it's still very much in "proper pub" territory.

39 Northcote Rd, London SW11 1NJ

Casual Indian spot Tamila comes from the folk who brought us Indian gastopubs The Tamil Crown and Tamil Prince. Harking back to the group’s street food roots the menu puts roti and curries at the heart of its offering with a special section for dosas and snacks too. Cocktails are particularly inventive and worth trying, including a Gunpowder Margarita.

97 St. John’s Road Battersea Rise, London SW11 1QY

Ploussard comes from the same team behind Other Side Fried but this is a very different affair. It's a neighbourhood wine bar and restaurant in Battersea with a seasonal small plates menu and a focus on natural wines. Tables are also kept back for walk-ins at the bar if you fancy popping in for wine and snacks.

30 Wandsworth Rd, London SW8 2LG

Jackson Boxer’s Vauxhall restaurant is definitely a case of ‘more is more’ decor-wise. The beautiful surroundings are more than matched by the menu though which plunders the best of British and European produce.

3 Viaduct Gardens, Nine Elms, London SW11 7AY

A menu with some Irish influence is on offer at this neighbourhood restaurant from Robin Gill (ex-The Dairy), which happens to be inspired by his father. It's an all-day restaurant, bakery and oyster bar just opposite the US Embassy. Particular attention is paid to their sourcing and you should be able to get a great pint of Guinness here too.

Unit 20 Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, London SW11 8EZ

This cosy neighbourhood bar is from the team behind Quo Vadis and Barrafina so they know a thing or two about good food and wine. On the wine front, there’s plenty by both the glass and bottle and there's plenty of beer on tap too, with a focus on Guinness and Estrella. The food offering focuses on the cheese toastie with classic options and guest sandwiches on rotation. The sheltered riverside terrace is a boon on warmer days.

278 Queenstown Rd, Nine Elms, London SW8 4LT

Popular tapas spot Boqueria is an independent restaurant focusing on giving Battersea residents a flavour of Spain. As the name suggests, it’s inspired by Barcelona’s iconic food market - expect a range of croquetas, classic tapas, and proper paella. If you want to push the boat out the restaurant’s roast suckling pig is a must and the wine list is a treasure trove of well-known favourites and lesser-known gems.

Arch 65 Queen's Circus, Nine Elms, London SW8 4NE

The first bricks-and-mortar site from top-tier catering company Spook London, Archway is one of those neighbourhood spots everyone wished they had nearby. A tight menu focuses on what’s in season, with the chef’s River Cafe roots showing in the Italian-influenced dishes. The name, in case you’re confused, references its location in an old railway arch.

63 Battersea Bridge Rd, London SW11 3AU

Classic French restaurant Augustine is run by chef Franck Raymond (formerly at Mon Plaisir). Here in Battersea, his menu is informed by his upbringing in the Evian region of France so, in addition to classic dishes like French onion soup you’ll also find regional specialities on offer. The all-French wine list is well worth perusing.

Every branch of Bao has a distinct identity and for their Battersea branch, the team took inspiration from the noodle shops of Taiwan. Key to that is the beef noodle broths which you'll find here in a rich as well as a lighter version. There are, of course their signature bao buns too, and expect to find dishes on the menu that are exclusive to Battersea. For party planners, the private karaoke room is worth knowing about.

Unit 1A, 3 Ravine Way Embassy Gardens, London SW11 7BH

Evernight comes from Lynus Lim, a Singaporean chef who trained up under Tom Anglesea at the Laughing Heart. It's inspired by Japanese izakayas, using mostly produce local to the UK. Here you'll find a big emphasis on low intervention wine too.

7 New Union Square, Embassy Gardens, London SW11 7DN

Situated in the shade of the American embassy and billed as the unofficial US consulate in London, Philly restaurant and dive bar Passyunk couldn’t be in a better location. It’s a great place to watch key sporting events with a menu that includes a much-vaunted Philly cheesesteak along with a wide range of American beers on tap.

42 Peckham Rd, London SE5 8PX

Previously known mainly for their sandwiches, this is Mondo Sando's standalone cafe which adds a lot more to the mix. There are, of course, excellent sandwiches on the menu - it's primarily a sandwich bar by day with drinks and more dishes added in the evening - all at a notably great price.

42 Electric Boulevard, Nine Elms, London SW11 8BJ

Dishoom's first restaurant in South London, this sees them right next door to the power station, featuring a design blending Bombay nostalgia with futurism. As ever, the food pays homage to the Irani cafés and the food of all of Bombay. Classic dishes like bacon naan and House Black Daal will be available with a few dishes unique to this location. Booking is only allowed before 5.45pm so expect queues after and you're able to bring your dog too, in a not to the nearby dog's home.

Arcade Food Hall, 1st Floor, Battersea Power Station, Circus Road W, Nine Elms, SW11 8AL

Solis comes from Ana Gonçalves and Zijun Meng, the duo behind TATA Eatery, launching as a standalone restaurant in Battersea's Arcade Food Hall. Positioned as a unique chicken and steak grill, it draws influences from Spain, Portugal, Uruguay, and Argentina. On top of the food, you'll find sangria, cocktails and a wine list featuring Uruguayan wine.

227 Dartmouth Road, London SE26 4QY

Originally created over lockdown, Spasia Dinkovski's Mystic Burek specialises in Balkan cuisine. most specifically the bureks in its name. Here you'll find filo pies, dips, desserts, Balkan snacks and regular specials which you can eat-in or take away. Look out for special supper club announcements too.

12 Ash Avenue, Elephant Park, London SE17 1GQ

Kachori is in Elephant & Castle's revamped Elephant Park area and is going for modern regional Indian cooking, taking its influences from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and the Punjab. It also features top chef Brinder Narula who comes to Kachori from Gymkhana.

133 Queen’s Rd, London SE15 2ND

Little Kudu is the third restaurant from the Kudu group, after Kudu and Kudu Grill, and as the name suggests, it's something of a smaller restaurant than before. Here, the food is more of a tapas-style affair, which still retains that South African influence on dishes like their braaibrodjie.

Battersea Power Station, Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, London SW8 5BN

Control Room B comes from the people behind the Mr Fogg's group of bars. This bar is inside Battersea Power Station and, as the name suggests, has taken over one of the former control rooms. Look out for many of the original features in the bar, and more than a few electric-themed cocktails.

547 Battersea Park Rd, London SW11 3BL

Kapihan in Battersea saw the popular Filipino bakery return in a new location. On the menu are their popular Filipino pastries and bakery goods like the classic bibingka rice cake alongside ensaymada, leche flan and sourdough pandesal along with weekend specials.

1 Electric Boulevard, Nine Elms, London SW11 8BJ

This restaurant covers the rooftop of the art’otel that's directly opposite Battersea Power Station, giving it unrivalled views of one of London's most iconic buildings. That's backed up by food from acclaimed chef Henrique Sá Pessoa (with Michelin stars to his name) who has produced a menu featuring contemporary Portuguese dishes using the best British, Spanish and Portuguese produce.

Ground Floor, 404-406 Market Row, Brixton, London SW9 8LD

This is Brixton wine bar is from Robin and Sarah Gill, best known for restaurants like Darby's, Bermondsey Larder and Sorella. It's inspired by the Parisian bar scene and there's definitely a French vibe to the bar. Created from the tiniest of kitchens, the menu changes regularly and is a combination of snacks, small plates and a few larger dishes.

Unit 19 & 20, Brixton Village, London SW9 8PR

Three Uncles started life as a takeaway restaurant, but their Brixton opening was the first time they launched a more traditional restaurant. Here they concentrate on the Cantonese roasted meats that have won them a great reputation, so expect roasted duck, crispy pork belly, char siu BBQ pork and lots more.

57 Nunhead Ln, London SE15 3TR

This Peckham restaurant comes from local success story, Kudu, and it's all about South African braai, with open-fire cooking a big part of the restaurant. Most of the dishes will come from the open grill and they'll also be using their nearby allotment as a source for the produce.

67-68 Granville Arcade, Brixton Village, London SW9 8PS

This Brixton restaurant is from Brian Danclair, the man behind the popular Fish, Wings & Tings. Here, he's using locally sourced ingredients to create refined sharing plates inspired by the Caribbean, Europe and the Americas. That's all backed up by fine wines and cockails.

263-265 Battersea Park Rd, London SW11 4NE

Enjoy the best Spanish food and wine, with a particular focus on the Basque region. And - if you like what you try - you can also buy it to bring home. With various locations around town, each Tapas Room lets its manager pick the wine list, so there’s always something different to try.

339 Battersea Park Rd, London SW11 4LS

Recently renovated, this popular Battersea haunt has been given a Gatsby-style makeover. So if you’re after somewhere a bit glam to go ‘out out’ then this is the venue for you. Weekend brunches are a big thing here and the cocktail list combines both low and no alcohol serves as well as those with a serious kick.

12 - 14 Arches Ln, Nine Elms, London SW11 8AB

If low beer miles are a concern, then this Battersea taproom couldn’t be a better choice - they pump their beers direct from the brewery to their tanks. Food-wise it’s British cheese and charcuterie sharing boards and toasties.

Unit 12 Circus Village, West Circus Road, London SW11 8EZ

Wines by the glass is the Vagabond USP and there are more than 100 on offer here using their clever enomatic system. Battersea is also home to their winery making wines from vineyards close to London.