London Herne Hill Restaurant Guide

2022 Review: Opened in February 2020, a plant-based café with cute outside terrace in Herne Hill from brothers Oliver and Luca, who used to run the Bean & Bowl stall in Herne Hill Market. During the day, there’s a menu of brunch plates and plant-based burgers – by night, pasta and one or two more substantial dishes complete the offering. “We actually didn’t realise it was a vegan restaurant until we sat down but all our food was so delicious we’ll definitely be back!”

“Love coming here”, say fans of the “excellent fish ’n’ chips” served for 36 years by Harry Niazi opposite Brockwell Park – where it’s “great to eat a takeaway”. It takes its name from Oliver Twist, in which Dickens refers to Londoners’ favourite dish.

“Great pizza that’s very good value” is the USP of this Neapolitan-style shopfront outfit by Brockwell Park. It used to have three offshoots across South London, but now only the Herne Hill branch is ongoing.

This “high-level local bistro” opposite Herne Hill station is “great for date night”, and its kitchen team is “very accomplished at composing dishes that bring together familiar ingredients in unfamiliar combinations to good effect, rather than for curiosity value”. The latest addition is a wine bar and shop next door, called Lulu’s.

2023 Review: “Always fresh sourdough pizza” has helped build a strong local following for this hip southeast London group, with outlets in Crystal Palace, Nunhead, West Norwood, Herne Hill and Elephant & Castle. A new natural wine selection from specialist importer Les Caves de Pyrène is now available alongside the craft beers on tap. Top Tip – “make sure you leave room for the ice cream”.

“Fairy lights, greenery and charming decor create a warm and cosy atmosphere” at this still-expanding group, which is most popular as a “reliable and friendly brunch option”. Its Med-inspired tapas is typically rated somewhere between “tasty” and “nothing special” and scores overall are dragged well down by those experiencing “chaotic service” and “food that doesn’t live up to the pretty dining room”.