10 best restaurants south east london to Try
South East London is one of the most exciting UK areas to eat out in right now, home to Michelin-starred joints, welcoming gastropubs and a host of lesser-known restaurants begging for your attention. From authentic international flavors to modern British cuisine, this part of London has no end of incredible dining spots to suit every budget and taste.
Whether you’re looking for fresh seafood, a decadent burger, or a tastemaker fine dining experience, this guide highlights the best restaurants in South East London to grab a bite.
What Makes South East London a Great Place to Dine? – best restaurants south east london
✔ Different Flavours – Caribbean and African to modern European and traditional British.
✔ Affordable & Luxury Options – From budget-friendly food to fancy restaurants, there are dinner options to suit every budget.
✔ Off the Beaten Path – Explore quaint, family-owned places and hip restaurants away from the ocean of tourists.
✔ Plentiful Atmosphere – Also these up-and-coming dining neighborhoods in London — Greenwich, Bermondsey and Peckham — now house the new bustling website places and bars.
10 of the Very Best Restaurants in South East London – best restaurants south east london
Trivet — A Michelin Star Experience
📍 Address: 36 Snowsfields, London SE1 3SU
⭐ Cuisine: Modern European
Trivet Michelin-starred restaurant in South East London, specialising in creative tasting menus and high-end seasonal produce. Their specialties, such as beef short rib with a special umami glaze, are not to be missed.
Why Visit? – best restaurants south east london
✔ Michelin star fine dining experience
✔ Tasting menu using innovative and seasonal ingredients
✔ Beautiful but comfortable for a casual dinner out
The Dairy - A Food to Table Favorite
📍 Address: 15 The Pavement, Clapham, London SW4 0HY
⭐ Cuisine: Modern British
The Dairy is inspired by a farm-to-table philosophy, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients in its imaginative dishes. Their whipped butter and truffle honey sourdough is legendary, and their small plates menu is meant for sharing.
Why Visit? – best restaurants south east london
✔ Vibrant flavors from locally sourced ingredients
✔ Cozy, stylish setting
✔ Perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner
Peckham Cellars – Best for Wine Aficionados
📍 Get here: 125 Queens Road, London SE15 2ND
⭐ Cuisine: European Small Plates
So if your morning entails a love of natural wines and tasty small plates, you must go to Peckham Cellars. Their charcuterie boards, roasted seasonal vegetables and inspired meat dishes are all complemented by their carefully selected wine list.
Why Visit? – best restaurants south east london
✔ Best-seller wine bar and bistro
✔ Great for a laid-back night out
✔ Ofriendly staff & amazing atmosphere
Artusi — A Minimalistic Italian Gem
📍 Address: 161 Bellenden Road, London SE15 4DH
⭐ Cuisine: Italian
Artusi is an unfussy Italian place that specializes in fresh pasta and uses good olive oil and real flavors. The menu varies day by day but their own homemade pasta and seafood dishes are consistently superb.
Why Visit? – best restaurants south east london
✔ Arial, homemade Italian pasta dishes
✔ Small, intimate setting
✔ High quality and great value
Kudu – Peckham’s Taste Of South Africa
📍 119 Queen’s Road, Peckham, London SE15 2EZ
⭐ CUISINE: South African-inspired Modern European
Kudu brings the bold flavors of South Africa to London with a menu of braaied (grilled) meats, homemade bunny chow and punchy small plates. The signature Kudu bread and melting herb butter is a must try.
Why Visit? – best restaurants south east london
✔ South African inspired unique menu
✔ Warm, trendy atmosphere
✔ Amazing cocktails and wine selection
10/ The Begging Bowl – Best Thai in South East London
📍 Address: 168 Bellenden Road, London SE15 4BW
⭐ Cuisine: Thai
This Thai-owned and operated restaurant provides over-the-top flavors with stunning presentation. The menu features spicy curries, fresh seafood, and perfectly grilled meats, with a modern approach to every dish.
Why Visit? – best restaurants south east london
✔ Genuine Thai food with a twist
✔ Good for groups, sharing plates
✔ Vibrant, colorful setting
NewsThe Mayflower – a Historic Riverside Public House
📍 Address: 117 Rotherhithe Street, London SE16 4NF
⭐ Cuisine: Traditional British Gastropub
The Mayflower is one of the oldest riverside pubs in London, with simple classic British comfort food — beer-battered fish and chips, slow-cooked pies and Sunday roasts. It also has lovely views of the Thames.
Why Visit? – best restaurants south east london
✔ Classic British cuisine in a historic atmosphere
✔ Old-world pub-style decor
✔ Good choice of ales and ciders
Flour & Grape – Best Pasta in South East London
📍 Address: 214 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3TQ
⭐ Cuisine: Italian
Flour & Grape is known for its handmade pastas in robust, delicious sauces. One of the most beloved orders is their pappardelle with slow-cooked beef shin ragu, alongside an excellent array of Italian wines.
Why Visit? – best restaurants south east london
✔ Fresh ingredients & hand made pasta
✔ Inexpensive but good Italian food
✔ Cozy and romantic ambiance
Sparrow – International Fusion Style Restaurant
📍 Address: 2 Rennell Street, Lewisham, London SE13 7HD
⭐ Type of Cuisine: Fusion (European, Indian, Asian)
Sparrow serves a global array of flavors including Indian-spiced lamb, Italian-style seafood and Asian-inspired vegetable dishes. The menu varies so there’s always something different to try.
Why Visit? – best restaurants south east london
✔ Creative fusion menu
✔️ Great options for vegetarians
✔ Chill but smart atmosphere
Buster Mantis – An Underrated Jamaican Experience
📍Address: 3 Resolution Way, Deptford, London SE8 4NT
⭐ Cuisine: Caribbean
For a deep dive into Jamaican cuisine, visit Buster Mantis. The jerk chicken, curry goat and plantain sides are flavorful and the relaxed vibe makes it a good spot to grab drinks with friends.
Why Visit? – best restaurants south east london
✔ Authentic Caribbean flavors
✔ Hipster bar low underground space
✔ Great rum cocktails
Final Thoughts on Where to Eat in South East London – best restaurants south east london
Fine dining, comfort food or international, you’ll find some of the best restaurants in London right now in South East London.
Top Restaurants According To Your Preference
🏆 Best Fine Dining Trivet, The Dairy
🍝 Best Italian: Artusi, Flour & Grape
🔥 Best Thai: The Begging Bowl
🥩 Best Gastropub: The Mayflower
🌍 Best for Global Flavors: Sparrow, Kudu
🍷 Best Wine Bar: Peckham Cellars
South East London has something for every food lover, no matter what you’re craving. Make your reservation and let the exploration begin! 🍽️✨
