The best restaurants in Southwark

A bright and airy spot, Minnow offers a relaxed, modern dining experience with an extra care on presentation and quality. The outdoor seating area will have you hoping for a sunny day, with the typical Parisian chairs adding an extra touch to the decor. Known for its seasonal menus, this neighbourhood gem highlights fresh, locally sourced ingredients with a European twist. The brunch menu is particularly popular — think poached eggs with avocado on sourdough, with a freshly squeezed OJ or a golden French toast with mixed berries and whipped cream. For lunch or dinner, the roast pumpkin salad with pine nuts and feta is a must-try, while the smoked haddock croquettes are the perfect starter for a hearty meal. Minnow’s atmosphere is elegant but casual, adorned with flowers, rattan chairs, candles, and bricked walls to satisfy your Pinterest dreams whilst bringing a sense of cosiness that makes for the ideal laid-back meal with friends or a weekend brunch.

Missing that summer week away on the sunny coast of Portugal with white sandy beaches and that accidental sunburn? We can’t bring the weather or the sand over, but we can tell you where to go for some delicious bacalhau à brás in the heart of London. Cantinho do Paz on Clapham Road brings the warmth of Portuguese hospitality alongside delicious home-style dishes, served in typical aluminium platters over white paper sheets. The menu highlights the best of each region, with starters showcasing the famous salt cod fritters, flaming choriço, and sauteed clams with white wine sauce. For the mains, you might struggle to choose just one of the traditional favourites like the classic grilled salted cod with roast potatoes, the aromatic and glossy piri-piri chicken that’s grilled to perfection, or the Francesinha! Whatever you go for, don’t forget there are crunchy and creamy pastéis de nata for dessert — they’re baked fresh daily and they’re absolutely irresistible. The wine list stars some of the best bottles of Portugal, from the fruity tastes of Periquita to the full-bodied Papa Figos or Cabeça de Burro, and the crispy Mateus Rosé. Hungry yet?

Hidden away in Brixton, Franzina Trattoria is an intimate Sicilian restaurant where you can dive into rustic, filling Italian cooking and savour hand-rolled pasta, rich sauces, and fresh seafood straight from the Mediterranean, all introduced by Chef Pietro Franz. The condensed yet carefully planned menu offers a wide selection of small plates, designed to be shared. Mix up the flavours of potato croquettes and chickpea fritters and lemon with fried aubergine balls with pine nuts, raisins and Caciocavallo cheese. Follow with some freshly handmade tagliatelle, whether that’s the Nero di Seppia or the Pesto Trapanese, for authentic Sicilian flavours. The relaxed, no-fuss vibe of Franzina makes it a flawless spot for a casual mid-week dinner or a weekend date night. And don’t forget to try the house-made cannoli — they’re the ideal treat to end your meal!

If you’re spending a day in the very heart of Southbank or have just attended an event at the Royal Festival Hall at Southbank Centre, Strada is the ultimate pit stop for delicious, no-nonsense Italian food with a view of the Thames. This classic Italian chain serves up crowd-pleasers like wood-fired pizzas, creamy pasta dishes, and superfood salads. The seared king prawns with garlic and parsley are a favourite, especially followed by a Parma pizza, topped with prosciutto and rocket. If you’re after something heartier, try the indulgent, creamy spaghetti carbonara, packed with pancetta, or the Risotto Alla Pescatoria – a great alternative if you want to add some seafood freshness to your meal. Gluten-free and calorie menus are available upon request.

For something with a bit more spice, head to Turtle Bay in Brixton for an explosion of Caribbean flavours. Known for its lively atmosphere and vibrant décor, Turtle Bay serves up a menu filled with jerk chicken, coconut curries, and the famous bottomless brunch cocktails. The jerk pit prawns, and the curry goat are the trademark dishes, both offering that signature fiery kick that’s not for the faint-hearted. The menu also features fresh salads, buddha bowls, beach sharing boards, seafood soul bowls, or you can tailor your own sunshine salad by choosing the base and adding any of the optional toppings. Whatever you do, make sure you try the Jerk Corn on The Cob and pair your meal with one of the rum cocktails for the full Caribbean experience. Turtle Bay is all about good vibes, making it a go-to spot for a fun night out with friends.