Curated Collection

Cheap Eats in Southwark

Discover handpicked cheap eats in Southwark, London, with what to order first at each place.

Every place here is handpicked. Signal score shows how strong and consistent the review coverage is, not a star rating.

14 restaurants

1
Padella

Italian · £ · Southwark

93Signal

Start with

Pici Cacio e Pepe

Described as 'critically acclaimed' and 'so simple, so diet-destroying,' this signature dish is a benchmark for the restaurant's hand-rolled pasta.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

2
BAR D4100

Pizza · £ · Southwark

82Signal

Start with

The MacGyver

The restaurant's 'legendary' signature pie. Critics praise the 'brilliant' combination of whipped feta, chorizo, and hot honey, with one reviewer noting it 'works brilliantly every time' particularly due to the crushed fennel seeds.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

3
La Chingada

Mexican · £ · Southwark

82Signal

Start with

Suadero Tacos

Universally acclaimed by critics as the menu's star; beef brisket confited for hours until hypnotically rich and tender.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

4
La Barra

Colombian / Dominican · £ · Southwark

82Signal

Start with

Pica Pollo

A Dominican obsession described as 'KFC amped up,' featuring chicken with a batter that splutters into 'dark brown curlicues' and served with 'bofes' (lung jerky) and tostones.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

5
The Black Pig

Italian Pork Sandwiches · £ · Southwark

75Signal

Start with

Honey Truffle Parmesan

The 'signature sandwich' featuring 10-hour slow-roasted pork shoulder topped with a 'mountain of 30 month aged parmesan.' Reviewers describe it as a 'stunning symphony of salty, sweet, sour and spicy' that 'deserved a museum spot.'

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

6
Phở Thuý Tây Café

Vietnamese · £ · Southwark

72Signal

Start with

Beef Pho

Described as 'a thing of beauty, to be worshipped', the broth is praised for being 'seamlessly complex' with a fragrant hit and a 'clean aftertaste'.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

7
El Marsem

Algerian Bakery · £ · Southwark

72Signal

Start with

Bourek

Described by critics as 'TARDIS-like parcels' of minced meat, potato, cheese, and harissa, or generous versions filled with 'potatoes and egg and olive.' They are considered 'outstanding examples of the form.'

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

8
Jenecheru

Bolivian · £ · Southwark

70Signal

Start with

Salteñas

Described as the 'real deal' and compared to soup dumplings; a sweet-savory baked pastry filled with rich stew that bursts upon the first bite.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

9
Enat Guada

Ethiopian · £ · Southwark

68Signal

Start with

Vegetarian Platter

Described as a "selection of lentil/vegetable dishes" that are "some of the best" locals have ever had, served traditionally on "injira pancakes."

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

10
Salteñas Martin

Bolivian · £ · Southwark

60Signal

Start with

Chicken Salteña

Described as perfect with a soft but dense pastry and a fresh, runny filling speckled with raisins.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

11
Lebanese Grill

Lebanese · £ · Southwark

55Signal

Start with

Half-grilled chicken

Staff recommend this as the most popular dish; it features 'perfectly flavourful' crispy chicken and rice with a 'lovely kick of spice' from the mayo and sriracha drizzle.

Useful signal, but still lighter than the standouts.

12
Banh Mi Keu Borough

Vietnamese · £ · Southwark

0Signal
Light Coverage

Start with

Vegan Banh Mi

The go-to plant-based option, offering a classic sandwich format without the meat.

Light coverage. Worth knowing, but not heavily written about.

14
Habesha Village

Ethiopian · £ · Southwark

0Signal
Light Coverage

Start with

Meat and Lentil Combo

Described as a superb main meal featuring an array of meats and lentils with rich flavors.

Light coverage. Worth knowing, but not heavily written about.

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