Exploring the South London Food Scene

London has almost 9 million residents, an incredible 15,000 restaurants and 74 Michelin Stars. It’s a melting pot of cultures and cuisine and a paradise for foodies. And, with an impressive 89 different varieties of cuisine, no matter how many times you eat out, you never have to have the same thing twice. 

But with such a banquet of options before you, choosing where to eat can be a long and arduous task. So, let us take you through some of South London’s finest restaurants, from the classic to the truly contemporary. 

The greatest thing about having so much choice is deciding just how adventurous you want to be with your dining. But being adventurous doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. From quick eats to fine dining, there’s a restaurant to suit every budget and every level of culinary wanderlust. 

Kudu, Peckham

This South African restaurant serves unique and authentic dishes from the Rainbow Nation itself. Their most popular dishes include the likes of the grilled monkfish with muscles and dashi veloute, or the treacle cured trout, sesame, blue corn, chilli and avocado. At a mid-range price point, this Peckham institution is a must for those seeking something outside the box.

Maltby Street Market, Bermondsey 

Food markets are a staple of London life; and like many things, the South does them better. One weekend must-visit is Maltby Street Market. This lane of vendors covers a sensational spread of cuisines from Ethiopian to French and is perfect for those who can’t settle on just one dish. 

Havet, Bromley

Turkish food is an underrated cuisine but it is the perfect choice for those who crave new flavours. This grill restaurant in the heart of Bromley is an ideal dinner spot for South Londoners. Their mouth-watering menu features authentic dishes, mezze sharers, succulent grilled cuts and more. Havet is an elevated way to enjoy the best of Turkish cuisine in comfort and style. 

The days of limp vegetables and dahls are over; plant-based dining is a whole art form that is just as good as its meaty counterpart. Any cuisine can be veggie or vegan now, from East Asian to Caribean, West Indian to French. But what’s good in South London?

Naifs, Peckham

From the brilliant mind of the former Vanilla Black chef, this South London gem is serving up seasonal menus that celebrate flavour and freshness. The family-run, family-style dining serves a £30 set meal featuring smokey celeriac with an onion and pepper sauce, radicchio and lentil salad with garlic tofu sauce, braised white carrots and many more mouth-watering dishes.  

Plants of Roselyn, London Bridge

A Thai lover? We’ve got just the place. This entirely plant-based menu features truly authentic dishes from all around Thailand. Try the Ancient Khmer Curry, the Phucket Coconut Noodle Soup and their delicious Tamarind Coconut Bites. It’s a taste of the East without any meat and it’s garnering rave reviews from vegetarians, vegans and meat-eaters alike. 

There’s always room for dessert, though, with some of the sweet treats on offer, you might want to skip the starters and main altogether. Whether you’re into classic bakeries or something a little darker, there’s a sweet spot for everyone in South London.

Bread Ahead, Bromley

This South London institution is an unmissable destination for doughnut lovers. People worldwide flock to Borough Market, and many stop by the delicious Bread Ahead stall for a taste of incredibly fluffy,  stuffed doughnuts. But if you’re staying a little further afield from the centre you can enjoy the same iconic menu. In the centre of Bromley you’ll find the mouth Southern of their branches, and you won’t leave hungry. If you can pull yourself away from the sweet section, they also sell a range of delicious breads and pizza. But the real star will also be the soft, sugary cakes that made them famous. 

Dark Sugars, Greenwich 

Head a little to the East in the South and stop in at Dark Sugars, the Greenwich-based chocolatiers making chocolate waves and mouths water since 2014. Owned by Nyanga, her dream was to bring the taste of African cocoa to London. Starting in Brick Lane and moving to Greenwich in 2021, her chocolates are an artisanal marvel, and a 4 storey store is a full sensory experience that can’t be missed.

Whether you’re already planning a trip or simply looking for a food adventure to embark upon, Brama is the perfect location for your South London foodie exploration. Situated in Bromley, in the South of London, you can enjoy the leafy countryside with an incredible connection to Central London in a mere 34 minutes.

Visit for leisure or for business; our contemporary hotel is ideal for any traveller looking for somewhere that is convenient for city trips but with a little less hustle and bustle.