Curated Collection

Top Rated in South London

Discover handpicked top rated in South 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.

61 restaurants

1
OMA

Modern Greek · £££ · Southwark

98Signal

Start with

Açma Verde & Salt Cod XO Labneh

The universal consensus across reviews is that the bread program is 'amazing'; specifically, the açma (a garlic-laced Turkish bagel-hybrid) paired with the salt cod labneh, which Nick Lander called the 'highlight' of the spreads.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

2
Barang

Contemporary Cambodian · ££ · Borough

95Signal
✓ Visited

Start with

Diver Scallop with Tamarind Butter

Universally acclaimed; The Observer's critic stated they 'trust Barang with my life' after eating this, while the Standard praised the 'textural triumph' of the fat roe, daikon, and pork crackling 'cut into fries'.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

3
KOKUM

Modern Indian · ££ · Southwark

94Signal

Start with

Raan Utthapam

Universally hailed as 'transcendent' by critics, this dish features kid lamb simmered for 12 hours and served on a fermented rice pancake.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

4
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.

5
Sollip

Korean-European Fine Dining · ££££ · Bermondsey

92Signal

Start with

Daikon Tarte Tatin

The restaurant's signature dish; a savoury reinvention of the classic dessert using caramelized radish, toasted barley, and potato cream.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

6
Akara

West African · ££ · Southwark

92Signal

Start with

BBQ Tiger Prawn Akara

The namesake dish of the restaurant, described as 'plump, voluptuous' and 'best tackled with both hands.' It features a spongey black-eye bean fritter stuffed with sweet, spiced prawns.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

7
Baccalà

Italian Seafood · £££ · Bermondsey

91Signal

Start with

Roasted octopus with 'colonnata' lard

Described as a 'bonafide home run' by Square Mile, this starter featuring marinated bell peppers and olives is noted for leaving diners 'wanting more.'

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

8
Janda Diner

Malaysian · ££ · Peckham

91Signal

Start with

Satay Ayam

Universally praised as 'beautifully grilled to tender inside' with 'delicate flecks of char outside.' These skewers are described as 'supremely easy to enjoy' and 'exactly as we'd like it.'

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

9
Mei Mei

Singaporean · ££ · Southwark

90Signal

Start with

Hainanese Chicken Rice

Regarded as the 'set piece' of the menu, this 'sneakily bewitching' dish is praised for its 'magical qualities' and 'life-changing flavour' where ginger and pandan penetrate 'every succulent atom'.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

10
Nandine

Kurdish · ££ · Camberwell

90Signal

Start with

Mezze Dips

Described as a 'vivid rush of saturated tones,' this platter includes lime-brightened hummus and a rust-colored 'sweet and smoky red pepper purée' served with warm, spice-dusted flatbread.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

11
Mauby

Caribbean Small Plates · ££ · Brockley

90Signal

Start with

Smoked Sausage

Described as a 'jolting curtain-raiser,' this dish features a 'crisp-skinned snap' and 'bonfire-wafted spicing.' It is served with a vibrant yellow Bajan pepper sauce that critics praise for its heat and vigour.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

12
Kolae

Southern Thai · ££ · Southwark

89Signal

Start with

Kolae Chicken Bamboo Skewer

Described as a 'chicken Magnum lolly' and 'sticks of pleasure', these huge, juicy skewers are the restaurant's signature must-order.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

13
Bar Douro

Portuguese · ££ · Southwark

89Signal

Start with

Croquetes de Alheira

These crisp smoked sausage croquettes are described as "pungent, fatty and garlicky," serving as a standout example of excellent produce beautifully cooked.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

14
Trivet

Modern European · ££££ · Bermondsey

88Signal

Start with

Chicken with a Vinegar Sauce

A menu staple since opening, this dish of poached and roasted Devon White chicken is described by critics as a masterclass in execution and a must-order for those wanting the classic Trivet experience.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

15
Casa do Frango

Portuguese · ££ · Southwark

88Signal

Start with

Piri-Piri Chicken

The 'main event' is wood-charcoal grilled and described by critics as 'salty and spicy in all the right places' with a crisp, lightly charred, fiery skin that elevates it far above high-street chains.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

16
AGORA

Greek · ££ · Southwark

88Signal

Start with

Hummus with Masabacha & Crisps

Described as the 'best £5 you can spend in London,' this 'show-stopping' dish is a multi-layered affair featuring velvety smooth hummus topped with crushed chickpeas and shards of spicy crisps.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

17
Artusi

Italian · £££ · Peckham

88Signal

Start with

Pappardelle with Lamb Shoulder Ragu

Jay Rayner calls these 'broad, silky ribbons' a 'standard bearer' for the restaurant, featuring meat cooked down until only the 'deep flavor' remains.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

18
Maremma

Tuscan Italian · ££ · Brixton

87Signal

Start with

Tortelli Maremmani

These cheese and ricotta stuffed dumplings are a visual highlight of the menu; critics who skip them report 'kicking themselves' when they see the dish served at other tables.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

19
Kachori

Modern North Indian · ££ · Southwark

86Signal

Start with

Guinea Fowl Tikka

Described by critics as 'melt-in-your-mouth' and 'spice-infused', this dish is praised for its 'spot-on' spicing and unique accompaniment of tempered curd rice.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

20
Peckham Bazaar

Pan-Balkan · £££ · Peckham

86Signal

Start with

Grilled Octopus

Regarded as a 'neighbourhood classic', this dish is consistently cited as a standout and is the main reason many reviewers promise to return.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

21
Flour & Grape

Italian · ££ · Bermondsey

85Signal

Start with

Roasted Pork Shoulder Tortelloni

Described as a 'clear winner' that is 'stuffed to within an inch of its life' and served simply with sage butter.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

22
Legare

Italian · £££ · Southwark

85Signal

Start with

Pappardelle with Fennel Sausage Ragù and Cavolo Nero

Described as the 'main event,' these broad, al dente ribbons are wrapped in a rich ragù that critics call 'meaty, carb-laden goodness.'

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

23
Arthur Hooper's

Modern European Small Plates · ££ · Southwark

85Signal

Start with

Burrata with Samphire & Almonds

Critics describe this dish as "fresh and creamy" and "almost soft enough to swim in," serving as a perfect example of the restaurant's market-to-table ethos.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

24
Berenjak Borough

Persian · ££ · Southwark

85Signal

Start with

Koobideh Kabab

Described as 'outstanding' and a 'must be ordered' dish; reviewers praise the minced lamb shoulder for its delicate spices and a 'soft and tender' texture that 'melt in your mouth.'

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

25
Kaieteur Kitchen

Guyanese · £ · Elephant & Castle

85Signal

Start with

Pepper Pot

Guyana’s national dish and a signature for which 'people travel for miles'; it is an 'earthy, rich beef stew' made with cassareep, herbs, and spices.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

26
Zeret Kitchen

Ethiopian · ££ · Camberwell

85Signal

Start with

Zeret Surprise

The 'undisputed benchmark order'—a massive communal platter described by critics as a 'spectacular spread' of meat, dahl, and salad served on a 'soft bed' of spongy injera bread under a traditional mesob cover.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

27
2210 by NattyCanCook

Modern Caribbean · £££ · Herne Hill

85Signal

Start with

Roti with Scotch Bonnet Butter

Universally praised as the perfect snack to start; described as crisp, thin, and served with 'highly addictive' butter.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

28
Solis

South American / Iberian Grill · ££ · Battersea

85Signal

Start with

Half Spatchcock Chicken

Reviewers describe it as 'astonishingly succulent and juicy,' highlighted by a 'vibrant orange aji-aji oil' that is smoky, sweet, and fruity rather than hot.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

29
Masters Superfish

Fish and Chips · ££ · Waterloo

85Signal

Start with

Battered Cod and Chips

A favorite of London cabbies, this dish features fish delivered fresh from Billingsgate Market encased in a 'dark, dense batter' that is 'extra crunchy.' Critics suggest detaching the batter to savor it separately while smearing mushy peas over the flaky fish.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

30
Levante

Turkish · ££ · Lewisham

83Signal

Start with

Lamb Ribs

Described as 'salty-sweet, crisply fatted' and 'viscerally satisfying,' they are sliced to create more surface area and 'happily lubricate the surrounding heaps of rice with tributaries of liquid fats.'

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

31
Levan

Modern European · £££ · Peckham

83Signal

Start with

Comté Fries

These signature snacks are described as chunks of deep-fried chickpea flour batter with a cheesy center, finished with a layer of powdery Comté and a 'perfect puddle' of saffron aïoli.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

32
Trinity

Modern British · ££££ · Clapham

83Signal

Start with

Agnolotti of Rabbit Livers

An adventure in taste and texture, these pasta parcels are richly creamy and filled with liver deeply saturated with Chianti.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

33
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.

34
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.

35
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.

36
Franzina Trattoria

Sicilian · ££ · Brixton

82Signal

Start with

Tagliatelle Nero di Seppia

Praised as a 'perfectly al dente' and 'creamy bowl of the sea' with generous portions of calamari that hit the right notes for seafood lovers.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

37
FM Mangal

Turkish · ££ · Camberwell

82Signal

Start with

Special Mixed Grill

The ultimate sampler of their grill mastery, featuring lamb chops, ribs, quail, chicken wings, and kofte.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

38
Sorella

Italian · £££ · Clapham

82Signal

Start with

Truffle Arancini

Described as 'small, feisty truffle arancini,' these are a staple starter at this neighborhood joint that are consistently praised for their flavor.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

39
Marcella

Italian · ££ · Deptford

82Signal

Start with

Seasonal Ragu Pasta

Whether it's ox cheek, beef shin, or venison, the slow-cooked meat ragu pastas (often pappardelle) are consistently rated as rich, comforting, and technically perfect.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

40
Lai Rai

Vietnamese · ££ · Peckham

82Signal

Start with

Bò Lá Lốt (Betel Leaf Beef)

These 'well-knit beef patties' feature a 'medicinal' betel leaf spice and a 'thrillingly unfamiliar' coffee-laden barbecue sauce that The Evening Standard praised.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

41
Ganapati

South Indian · ££ · Peckham

82Signal

Start with

Paratha

Described as a dish of 'flaky, buttery moreishness' so good it prompted a critic to quote the M&S ads: 'This isn’t just a paratha. This is a Ganapati paratha.'

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

42
Yemanes'

North African · £ · Peckham

82Signal

Start with

Breaded Halloumi Wrap

This is a staple dish featuring halloumi that is 'crispy on the outside and gooey in the middle.' The absolute highlight is the freshly baked flatbread, which reviewers describe as a 'powdery pillow of dough.'

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

43
Italo

Italian Cafe & Deli · ££ · Vauxhall

82Signal

Start with

Italian-style Sandwiches

Generously filled with seasonal ingredients like mortadella and sweet peppers.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

44
Guido’s

Italian · ££ · Dulwich

82Signal

Start with

Cacio e pepe pasta

The quintessential must-order dish supplied by the editor.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

45
Olley's Fish Experience

Fish and Chips · £ · Herne Hill

82Signal

Start with

Haddock and Chips

Consistently praised as fresh, firm, and flakey with a light, perfectly crisp batter.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

46
40 Maltby Street

Modern European · £££ · Bermondsey

81Signal

Start with

Seasonal Fritters

Consistently praised as a perfect starter, whether they appear as 'lacy leek tempura' served with piquant mushroom ketchup or 'deep-fried Ardrahan cheese' that spills across warm potatoes.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

47
Santo Remedio

Mexican · ££ · Southwark

81Signal

Start with

Guacamole with Grasshoppers

This is the restaurant's 'signature' dish and 'famous' starter. The freshly chopped guacamole is topped with deep-fried insects that offer a unique salty 'crunch' and texture.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

48
Tacos Padre

Mexican · ££ · Southwark

81Signal

Start with

Beef Short-rib Suadero Taco

Consistently praised across reviews for its rich flavor, featuring aged beef fat and often paired with burnt onion.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

49
Bala Baya

Israeli · ££ · Southwark

80Signal

Start with

Crispy, Sticky, Crunchy

Universally praised as 'posh KFC,' this addictive dish of fried chicken with bitter orange, harissa, and kimchi is described as 'everything it promised to be.'

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

50
Kappacasein

Cheese / Street Food · £ · Borough

80Signal

Start with

Cheese Toastie

Described as a 'seriously stonking' sandwich that attracts a 'perma queue,' this legendary grilled cheese is made with a blend of Montgomery cheddar, Ogleshield, London raclette, and Comte with onions and leeks on Poilâne sourdough.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

51
El Rancho De Lalo

Colombian · £ · Brixton

80Signal

Start with

Empanadas

These are dense, fried to order, and 'stuffed to bursting with strands of spiced pork,' served alongside a fiery homemade aji chilli relish.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

52
The Camberwell Arms

British Gastropub · £££ · Camberwell

80Signal

Start with

Scotch Bonnet Pork Fat on Toast

Universally acclaimed as the pub's signature snack; a rich, spicy 'Bat-Signal' calling you to eat.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

53
Silk Road

Xinjiang Chinese · £ · Camberwell

80Signal

Start with

Lamb Shish

The gateway drug to Xinjiang cuisine; fatty, cumin-heavy skewers that are universally adored.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

54
Eat Vietnam

Vietnamese BBQ · ££ · Deptford

80Signal

Start with

Cánh Gà (Chicken Wings)

Described by reviewers as some of the best in the city—huge, crispy, and coated in a addictive, boozy 'bar-b-grill' sauce.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

55
Chaconia

Caribbean · £ · Deptford

80Signal

Start with

Curry Goat Roti

The consensus highlight across all major reviews; tender, melting meat in a soft, chewy skins that often sells out.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

56
Canton Arms

British Gastropub · £££ · Stockwell

80Signal

Start with

Six-hour Braised Shoulder of Blackface Mutton

This hearty sharing dish is described as being taken to the point where it can be 'carved with a spoon,' creating a 'virtuous interplay between aromatics and meat.'

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

57
Babur

Modern Indian · £££ · Forest Hill

80Signal

Start with

Steamed Shoulder of Lamb

A signature dish marinated for 100 hours in Punjabi masala; consistently praised for its tenderness and depth of flavor.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

58
Mr Bao

Taiwanese · ££ · Peckham

80Signal

Start with

Mr Bao (Pork Belly)

The namesake bun and a 'classic' that critics agree the restaurant gets right; it features sticky sweet, tender pork belly with an 'unctuously fatty rind' and peanut powder.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

59
Namak Mandi

Pashtun · ££ · Tooting

80Signal

Start with

Namak Mandi Lamb Karahi

This signature dish features tender lamb simmered with tomatoes, ginger, salt, and pepper in a black wrought iron wok, resulting in a depth of flavor that critics call 'peerless.'

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

60
Daddy Bao

Taiwanese · ££ · Tooting

80Signal

Start with

Shiitake Mushroom Bao

A highly-praised game changer filled with teriyaki shiitake mushrooms, smoky yellow bean sauce, and sharp pickled onions.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

61
Mamuśka!

Polish · ££ · Waterloo

80Signal

Start with

Ruskie Pierogi

Universally praised, these classic dumplings are a crowd-pleaser, especially when served fried and dusted with crispy bacon.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

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