The best restaurants in Peckham: an opinionated guide
Gone are the days when the best restaurants in London were confined to Zone 1, huddling around the river Thames like freezing penguins. Nowadays the quest for a good meal in London could take you anywhere from Stoke Newington to Brockley, with some of the finest around being served up in south London's once-overlooked neighbourhood, Peckham. As a resident of the area I am biased, though I believe that even visitors from far-flung places would agree that the gastronomic boom which the area has seen in the last decade or so is as real as it is exciting. Whether it is Mexican food you are after, Taiwanese bao or (in my opinion) the best pizza in London, you will find it in SE15.
This list of the best restaurants in Peckham also includes the surrounding area (that's to say, Camberwell, Nunhead and East Dulwich), since the entire region is brimful of delectable eateries. Among the excitements in these Peckham-adjacent areas are pubs offering classic or inventive takes on traditional cuisines: you've got Mike Davies' perennially popular The Camberwell Arms, serving up modern British dishes in a relaxed, local-pub-esque environment, The Grove House Tavern, whose collaboration with the nearby Cafe Mundo sees a menu of delectable sandwiches, and Skeehan's, a traditional Irish pub in Nunhead with an impressive menu of Thai food.
Whether you are after something elevated or hearty, quick and delicious food, Peckham has you covered. Read on for our pick of the best, and bon appétit!
The best restaurants in Peckham (and nearby)
David Post1/23Ganapati
It could be argued that Ganapati was the very first domino to fall in Peckham. Founded by British-born Claire Fisher in 2004, with a menu inspired by Claire’s trips to south India, its mission has remained unchanged in the 20-odd years since: traditional dishes available at a reasonable price served in an unpretentious setting. It has been popular in the decades since opening and we suspect that will only continue in the years to come – do not miss out.
Dashti Jafar2/23Forza
Founded by ex-River Cafe chef Michael Lavery, Forza Wine is spread across the top floor of one of the tallest buildings in the heart of Peckham, meaning many patrons are drawn in by the impressive views across the city, though they stay for the authentic Italian food and wonderful wine list. Try the cauliflower fritti with aioli or the braised beans with pumpkin puree and pancetta. The restaurant also has an outpost in the National Theatre, which is an equally brilliant spot to enjoy summer sun with a side of aperols and fritti.
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Copyright 2024. All rights reserved.3/23Tonkotsu
Housed in the same building as Forza Win, though a few floors down, the Peckham outpost of Tonkotsu boasts some of the most umami-heavy, restorative ramen around. The noodles are made fresh daily and the broth is heady and flavoursome. Exposed brick and crittal windows define the decoration here, while the broth-heavy menu also includes noodle salads and a Katsu curry.
Teo Della Torre4/23Mr Bao
One of the most popular restaurants in Peckham, Mr Bao is not the place to try and get a last minute booking, so plan ahead or try your luck with a walk-in. Inside, moody lighting and traditional Taiwanese design are transportive, while the menu of soft, pillowy bao - a traditional bun - is always something to get excited about. The beef, pork and fried chicken are reliable favourites though don’t forget to check out the daily specials (both bao and cocktail) for something truly thrilling. The kimchi is an unmissable side – it is ginger heavy and sweet and pairs perfectly with the richly-flavoured fillings.
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Taquiza5/23Taquiza
Nestled in the arches of the Peckham railway line, Taquiza specialises in Mexican street food and some of the punchiest margaritas in the neighbourhood. We recommend visiting with at least three friends, or one other person with a very healthy appetite as you will want to try most, if not all of the menu. The fried chicken wings are sublime, as are the beef, halloumi and aubergine tacos, but the star of the menu is undoubtedly the refried black beans, which are creamy, flavoursome and provide the perfect side dish or something to slather on top of a taco before popping it in your mouth. Don’t forget to ask about the specials, as they live up to their name. Perfectly located just a stone’s throw away from a number of bars (Bar Levan is just around the corner, as is the rather wild and brilliant Zapoi) for a nightcap.
Tea Della Torre6/23Lai Rai
Though just a few months old, Lai Rai is already attracting a cool crowd in search of Vietnamese dishes and a vibrant atmosphere. Lai Rai, with its menu of classics, satisfies that craving. The space is small but eye catching – from the outside its Wes Anderson-esque colours stand out on the busy Rye Lane, and inside its decoration, the work of House of Baby draws on Vietnam's cafe culture, with informal high-topped tables and stainless steel stools set against brightly-coloured walls and neon curtains. During the day, the menu comprises Banh Mi and Vietnamese coffee (it's made with condensed milk and is devilishly moreish) while at night it's small plates and cocktails. Book now as we suspect it is only going to get trickier to snag a table here.
Matt Russell7/23Levan
If it is small plates and good wine you like, then Levan is for you. Austrian-trained head chef Philip Limpl has been at the helm here, and in its neighbouring wine bar-cum-bottle shop Bar Levan since 2023. His approach is low-intervention, allowing seasonal ingredients to take centre stage, while a small amount of cheffery elevates them into something truly special. The vibe at both Levan and Bar Levan is intimate and relaxed, with flickering candlelight, jazz emanating from a record player and chalkboard menus listing nibbles, small plates and larger sharers. The drinks list leaves little to be desired, and will satisfy cravings for rare natural wines and cocktails too (a current favourite of ours is the Cami dels Contrabandistes red – a delectable blend of Embolicaire, Garnacha and Cabernet Sauvignon). Food-wise, you're unlikely to go wrong here though for meat eaters, the chicken liver parfait tartine and dry-aged rib eye are musts.
Caitlin Isola Caprio8/23TOAD Bakery
Since opening its doors in 2022, Toad Bakery has established itself as a destination spot for moreish and inventive baked goods made fresh daily. Founders Oliver Costello and Rebecca Spaven (previously of Ottolenghi and Fortitude Bakehouse respectively) have established a modern bakery serving everything you would expect and more, from bread to pastries and wonderful tarts and cookies (the chocolate chip is heavenly while the saffron and cardamom rice pudding tart with an apple puree base is as surprising as it is tasty). A visit to the neighbourhood, nay, south London, is not complete without a stop at Toad (or, its neighbour Cafe Mondo, which uses its bread to make its sandwiches – see below). Get there early on the weekends or be prepared to queue: we are not the first to discover this place.
Lillie Eiger9/23Cafe Mondo
Sandwiches are quickly becoming the coolest item on any menu, so it was only a matter of time before the classic sandwich shop saw a reprise too. Cafe Mondo is just that, with a New York twist and a sensational menu to boot. Being that the base of each sandwich is Toad bakery bread (see above), it is only natural that each of the rest of the ingredients is superior too, all of which contributes to an exciting and indulgent sandwich menu that has quickly become popular among locals. The harissa aubergine is high on our list of favourites as is the chickpea caesar. Sandwiches come wrapped in a charming gingham paper and are best eaten immediately, on one of the benches directly outside. If you prefer your sandwich in the evening, head to the nearby Clock House Tavern, where mondo’s menu is transported and available between 6pm and 9pm (9.30 on the weekend).
Duda Diner10/23Duda Diner
Before opening the doors to its permanent home on Evelina Road in Nunhead, Duda Diner popped-up in the pub across the road, The Pyrotechnics Arms (which, incidentally, has recently been re-vamped and is now a wonderfully cosy spot to enjoy a few drinks) where it gained much interest among the locals as a great choice for tasty, authentic Malaysian food. By day, the premises play host to Goodcup – a suitably popular coffee shop, but by night on Thursday through to Saturday the space is transformed into Duda Diner. Delights include mee goreng mamak and lamb satay skewers.
Karo Jandova11/23The Hollydale
Technically this recently-renovated pub is in Nunhead, but if you like a quiet drink and an exceptional steak sandwich as much as I do then you won’t mind the relatively short walk from Peckham proper (though you could also get off the train at Queen’s Road and potter up Hollydale Road). The pub only serves food Thursday-Sunday and you aren’t guaranteed that a steak sandwich will grace the menu (it oscillates between that and a smashed burger, which is also very good), but when it is available it is nothing short of perfection. Warm ciabatta, thinly sliced, rare za’atar-grilled sirloin topped with grilled onions, garlic aioli, rocket salad and Dijon mustard and served with a side of chips. Bliss.
12/23Oi Spaghetti and Tiramisu
Since opening in 2015, this gem of a spot has occupied a single timber cabin in the middle of the Copeland Park carpark (at the foot of the popular Bussey Building, and next door to Jumbi, a popular late-night cocktail bar). Once inside, however, you are completely transported: gone are the cars and industrial buildings – you are now in a deeply cosy, six-seater restaurant whose chef, Francesco, creates an ever-changing menu made up of just a handful of choices (all Spaghetti, as the name would suggest). Francesco livestreams as he prepares the dishes, which not only satisfies his growing audience but also helps to nullify what could be a rather too-intimate atmosphere. Every morning Francesco whips up a large tray of Tiramisu which constitutes the dessert offering and which is perfect in its creamy richness. Embrace the fact that you will end up dining with strangers: there is not enough space here to enjoy privacy but it’s all part of the fun. This is not just a brilliant spot for unpretentious, delicious Italian food but an ‘experience’ too – though not an experience in the tiresome molecular gastronomy sense, but an experience that will leave you smiling and thrilled by the novelty of it all.
13/23Bake with Monia
Roman-born Monia opened her bakery-cum-deli-cum-restaurant in July 2025, and has been serving Italian delights ever since. Its owner can often be found busy in the kitchen or making coffee for the loyal customers who come for the bustling Romanesque atmosphere as much as for the authentic flavours and brilliant selection of Italian ingredients. What is really exciting is when Monia stays open for dinner, which happens sporadically so it’s best to DM her on Instagram to find out the next seating. Traditional pastas with simple but delicious sauces dominate the menu. Don’t expect anything fancy: this is hearty food at reasonable prices (around £14 for a healthy bowl of pasta). You can also take masterclasses in Italian cooking with Monia or one of her chefs which is an exceptionally fun way to spend a Sunday evening.
14/23Hanar
Down a cobblestone street directly opposite the exit from Peckham Rye station, it might be easy to miss this middle eastern delight. The vibe at Hanar is informal and pleasantly chaotic. The lighting is dim and the stairs slightly higgledy-piggledy, but that is what makes this spot so charming. The tables spill out onto the cobblestone courtyard outside, where heaters make alfresco dining in winter perfectly possible and incredibly cosy. Large platters of meats, dips and grain salads are the thing to order and share (don’t miss out on the pistachio dip). The restaurant is BYO, so bring your own bottle of wine and enjoy a relaxing, delicious evening.
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The Begging Bowl
This is Thai food but not necessarily as you know it. A far cry from the classic Thai takeaway, The Begging Bowl is a light-filled, greenery-heavy, buzzy restuarant that explores the whole of Thai cuisines, celebrating the grilled meats hailing from the north to the creamy curries in the south. Traditional herbs, spices and flavourings are sourced from Thailand itself, with meat and fish coming from local suppliers. One of the first restaurants to open on the now deeply-foodie Bellenden Road, The Begging Bowl is now something of a Peckham institution and is well worth a visit if you are craving flavour heavy food that packs a punch.
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16/23Artusi
The fact that Artusi's story begins with a small premises on Bellenden Road, which it still occupies today, is something of a point of pride for Peckham, since the restaurant has gone on to pop up in central London hotspots like Underbelly in Soho. The success of the restaurant is down to its commitment to a simple concept: good, classic Italian food, cooked using excellent ingredients. A good bowl of pasts is a guarantee here, though don't overlook the meat and fish dishes too: we're particularly keen on the cod with butterbeans and purple sprouting broccoli. The restaurant is small and tables are tricky to come by so booking is essential, though if you are desperate you can always put your name down and wait in the wine bar, The Sourcing Table, which is conveniently opposite. If you are looking for somewhere to host a large table, its ‘private dining space’ which is a separate area overlooking the kitchen is both intimate and reasonably priced: seating up to 16 and charging roughly £40 a head for three courses, it's a brilliant choice for a birthday party.
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17/23Skehan's
Though often hailed one of the best pubs in London (thanks to its unpretentious atmosphere, old-school interior and regular folk music performances), Skehan's food is not to be overlooked. Its resident chef, Madam Chai, makes a delicious menu of traditional Thai dishes every night of the week, while Tuesday's see the addition of a good old fashioned burger and Sunday's, of course, are when you will find a brilliant roast dinner.
Sebastian Garraway18/23Bar D4100
In the few short years since it opened Bar D4100 has become not just a hotspot for locals but it actually attracts visitors from other corners of the city. The concept is simple but brilliantly executed: sourdough pizzas with interesting flavours served in an eclectic and buzzing space by a dynamic and friendly team. The pizza is sublime, and combines classic flavours with unexpected twists (order the Maguyver with n'duja, whipped feta and hot honey and thank me later) while the decoration, underpinned by a mish-mash of well-loved pieces, artwork and photographs lining the walls and empty wine bottles repurposed as candlesticks, helps to set the tone for an unpretentious, jolly evening. Don't miss the occasional live music set, or the singles night. A few doors down is Vermut, a classic Vermouth bar with a similarly lively vibe – head here before or after dinner for a dimly-lit lead-in to (or wind down from) the perfect evening.
c Paul Winch-Furness - Photographer19/23The Clock House Tavern
Fans of smashed burgers will be delighted to hear that after much research, I have found the best one in London, and in spite of my having tasted many in restaurants up and down the city, it is pure coincidence (and good fortune) that the best one is right on my doorstep. The one served at The Clock House Tavern (a pub owned by the same group that owns the Grove House Tavern just off Camberwell Grove, which is not far away and which also serves a delectable smashed burger) is positively addictive. A crisp, juicy patty is topped with a cheesy burger sauce, tart pickles and snuggly wedged between a perfectly fluffy burger bun. It is far more than the sum of its parts and is truly something quite special. The portion sizes are quite generous so one order of chips will easily feed two people (trust me). Burger aside, the pub is warm and welcoming, and in summer months its foliage-filled front terrace overlooks Peckham Rye, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a bit of people watching.
20/23Hausu
One of the most recent and very exciting openings, Hausu occupies a slot in the same building that houses Peckham Rye train station, though don't let this discourage you. Its decoration is elegant and pared-back and makes it easy to forget that you are platform-adjacent (the effective sound system helps with this too). The cuisine here is modern European with a hint of Asian flavour thrown in and for those who like their food with a bit of flare, ticks all the boxes. Dishes like ’turbot with seaweed butter, minestera nera and roe‘ and ‘sirloin with chilli and black lime butter’ dominate the menu, though there are unexpected delights to be found in the ‘scallop and prawn toast‘ and ‘delica pumpkin with Colston Bassett cheese, hot honey and hazelnuts’. A similarly impressive wine list comes to boot, with choices to suit all budgets.
Simeron Lily Patel21/23KOKUM
Despite the large volume of competition just around the corner on Lordship Lane (which is home to several Indian restaurants), KOKUM has quickly defined itself as a reliable go-to for authentic Indian food with a modern bent. The staff are friendly and efficient and the menu is inviting: it is easy to over-order here. Try the sticky pork ribs as a starter and the chicken Kohlapuri (similar to a butter chicken) for main. There is also a large range of grilled options, and all the delicious accompaniments too.
22/23The Camberwell Arms
This effortlessly chic south London gem takes the classic Sunday roast to the next level with starters like scotch bonnet on toast, pickled mackerel with horseradish cream, and mussels in spicy pork fat. Opt for one of the five shareable roasts, featuring spit-roasted chicken, roast pork belly, braised lamb shoulder, roast lamb rack, or dry-aged Hereford beef. Not a roast fan? Indulge in bubbling sharing pies, seafood, or pasta. The casual dining room has a 1940s brasserie aesthetic, complete with scrubbed wooden floors and reclaimed tables and chairs that complement its dark interior. Wash down your meal with no-nonsense service, daily ales, and a well-priced, diverse wine list.
23/23Taca Tacos
Do not let the unassuming exterior of this bijou taco spot fool you. Though small in size it is big in flavour, offering a menu of delectable meat, fish and vegetarian tacos. You can build your own meal of individual tacos priced from a budget-friendly £4.70, or go for the ‘beef birria combo‘ which includes three beef tacos and a broth on the side. Each is packed with flavour, and will leave you satisfyingly full though excited for your next visit. There is a small garden out back for al-fresco summer dining, though we suggest sitting in the window and enjoying your meal with a view of the bustling street outside.
