London Peckham Restaurant Guide

“From a small shop come the most divine pizzas – yes, even beating Franco Manca’s original (i.e. Brixton) branch” – that’s the bold claim made by fans of this year-old pop-up-turned permanent in Peckham (which also operates out of a container at Pop Brixton).

“The home-made parathas, masala dosas and pickles are the stuff of dreams” at this early pioneer of the Peckham food scene – “a favourite for many years”. The “delicious South Indian regional food” comes courtesy of Claire Fisher, who was inspired to open the venue after her travels. One or two reporters, though, feel that while it’s “a nice neighbourhood restaurant”, it “never quite lives up to our high expectations” nowadays.

Whether it’s labelled “pan-Balkan” or “the best Greek-ish cooking in London”, this “delightful and informal converted neighbourhood pub” “does charcoal-grilled food that’s just a bit different from (and better than) the competition”, and is “worth the trek” to furthest Peckham. There are also “unusual and surprisingly good wines” from the region.

An excellent “cheap ’n’ cheerful choice” – this “small neighbourhood place in gentrified Peckham” has won more-than-local renown for its “wonderful modern Italian food, executed with style and elegance”. There’s a “very good if limited menu (three choices each of starter, main and pudding)” and “lovely staff who are attentive in the right way”.

Frank Yeung’s “friendly and small Peckham cafe serves delectable Taiwanese street food, in particular heavenly steamed buns”. In February 2018 he opened a Tooting spin-off Daddy Bao – see also.

“Go for the pho and the other Vietnamese specialties… not to mention the spectacular cocktails” – reasons to visit the Nguyen family’s “fun, cool, well-priced local” in Peckham Rye. It’s only been open a couple of years, and they’ve already opened a new Brixton sibling too.

“Welcome to the big plate phenomenon!” – practically the only options are imaginative sharing boards from the blackboard menu at this “excellent French-run neighbourhood spot” – a revamped Old Truman pub in Nunhead.

The tastefully restored, Grade II listed, former ticket office of Peckham Rye station is the venue for this year-old venture, named for its ‘live fire’ mode of cooking from the large smoker and robata grills which are central to the open kitchen. Open from breakfast on – and serving a flatbread menu at lunch – fans hail its “amazing and interesting food” (“I daren’t rate it too highly for fear we won’t be able to get a table!”), although other feedback say it’s good but not outstanding.

“Well-priced sourdough pizzas” served in “very basic but functional” surroundings have established a foothold in South London for this group (Brixton, Peckham, Honor Oak Park and most recently Ladywell). Fans appreciate the “small menu which makes it easy to order”; the drinks list features local craft beer, coffee roasted in Shoreditch and ginger beer brewed on site.

This somewhat South African-influenced newcomer (it’s primarily trendy modern British small plates) created by chef Patrick Williams and front-of-house Amy Corbin (daughter of restaurant royalty, Chris Corbin) inspires a mix of opinions. Fans are in the majority and say “it’s superb to enjoy food of this standard in the heart of Peckham”, but one or two detractors feel culinary results are either “not that great” or “a bit pricey”.