The best new restaurants in South London

For aromatic curries, vibrant South Indian dishes, and freshly prepared, flaky, buttery rotis perfect for dipping, dunking, and mopping, make your way to Tamila. This street food gem is your go-to destination for all things curry, from the team behind the acclaimed Tamil Prince pub. Tamila originally debuted as a stall at Hackney Bridge, and this is its first standalone location.

This contemporary European eatery presents globally-inspired dishes in a chic yet inviting environment with a warm, friendly vibe. A standout feature of the fashionable interior is the painted bricks bought by locals as a way to raise funds. The menu features creative options like butternut squash tagine and braised featherblade of beef, alongside decadent desserts such as salted caramel cheesecake and churros paired with rich chocolate sauce.

At Lolo, celebrated Spanish chef José Pizarro, renowned for popularising Spanish cuisine in the UK, expands his culinary repertoire to include breakfast alongside his classic range of authentic tapas. Just a short stroll from his iconic tapas bar, this restaurant provides all-day dining, focusing on traditional Spanish tastes and dishes.

If you're after one of the top affordable steaks in town, Flat Iron is the place to be. This chain of steakhouses offers excellent cuts of steak at reasonable prices, ensuring that everyone can savour the flavour of premium beef. The Southbank branch of this fast-growing steakhouse group is located at the Royal Festival Hall.

Mignonette is a contemporary French bistro in Richmond, launched by a seasoned figure from London's culinary world. The restaurant seeks to reinvent classic French cuisine at an affordable price, presenting high-quality seasonal dishes in a cosy, inviting atmosphere. The à la carte menu includes vegetarian and vegan selections, and there's also the option for private dining.

Café François, an offshoot of the esteemed Mayfair dining spot Maison François, is an all-day brasserie, café, and delicatessen that specialises in traditional French cuisine. Located in Borough Market and spanning two levels, the venue begins the day with an array of pastries and breakfast baguettes, moving on to more substantial fare like whole lobster frites. Additionally, it boasts a substantial selection of in-house patisserie treats.

Turo Turo gained popularity through its residency at The Queen's Head in Holborn, especially known for its traditional boodle food fights. Headed by a skilled chef, the Filipino street food venture expanded south of the river for its first permanent location, offering a diverse selection of genuine Filipino dishes, such as beef longganisa sandwiches, braised-pork rice bowls, and sweet rice cakes.

Located close to Borough Market, Eat Momo is a family-run business that specialises in mouthwatering Nepalese momos. These dumplings come with a variety of fillings, including meat-free options. It's a simple canteen-style venue with Nepalese folk music on the playlist. There's also a grab-and-go hatch for when you're in a hurry.

Caspino, situated in the Upper Riverside area of Greenwich Peninsula, offers a delightful fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences within a casual, bistro-style setting. Whether you're popping in for a refreshing cup of quality coffee, settling down to savour a robust meal inspired by the rich flavours of these regions, or unwinding with a drink in the relaxed atmosphere come evening, there's something for every occasion.

The cuisine at Sticks'n'Sushi is both visually stunning and delicious, with each dish resembling a detailed work of art. The menu focuses on authentic sushi and yakitori skewers, offering both meat and vegetable options. The overall concept merges Japanese and Danish minimalist designs, reflected in both the restaurant's decor and its culinary presentation.

Building on the success of their initial establishment at the renowned Harrods department store, the much-loved pasta takeaway and delivery service Pasta Evangelists launched new outlets in South London, including Greenwich. Promoted as a welcoming neighbourhood venue with a focus on Italian cuisine, the restaurant offers a menu filled with artisanal interpretations of classic pasta dishes like cacio e pepe and beef ragu, complemented by Italian wines and set to the backdrop of nostalgic Italian melodies.

Once known and loved as the Other Side Fried chicken shop, Buster's Hamburger Bar has rebranded under the same management, shifting its focus to another popular comfort food – burgers. The venue, now styled in more subtle tones, maintains a laid-back vibe. Burgers are crafted from Welsh Wagyu beef and served in a freshly baked potato roll, with a selection of toppings available. Guests can also enjoy desserts and a range of drinks to complete their meal.

Fat Phill's, a Dutch quick-service chain, has ventured abroad for the first time with a small eatery in Clapham Junction. This South London spot features the brand's signature smashed burgers, including classic choices like the double cheeseburger, as well as creative options like the Meaty Madness, which is piled high with a burger patty, cheddar, pastrami, bacon, chicken tenders, mayo, and BBQ sauce.

Lovers of true honky-tonk Americana needn't cross the Atlantic – they can simply head over to Lil' Nashville in Chiswick. Originally a pop-up, this bar and restaurant, inspired by the Southern United States, serves up plenty of country tunes, line dancing, hearty dishes, and a genuine selection of food and drinks to satisfy all London cowboys and cowgirls.

Omm, meaning "mother" in Arabic, brings the warmth of home and the soul of Lebanon to Barnes. With elegant interiors inspired by Lebanon's landscapes and a menu celebrating its rich culinary heritage, Omm offers a refined yet authentic dining experience. From freshly prepared mezze and grilled meats to a curated selection of cocktails and wines, the restaurant provides a cosy, dog-friendly space for a meal steeped in tradition and care.

Nestled beside Wimbledon Station, Oy Bar is a cosy neighbourhood spot with a strong focus on oysters. Whether you fancy a single oyster, a selection, or a lavish platter, they've got you covered – paired perfectly with a tequila shot or a classic Bloody Mary. The menu also features an assortment of other seafood delights, complemented by an excellent choice of wines and a variety of other beverages.

Expanding on the success of its Soho flagship, the Battersea branch of Duck and Rice seamlessly blends the charm of a traditional Chinese tea house with the inviting warmth of a British pub. Here, you'll find the restaurant's renowned Cantonese cuisine served in a generous space featuring nearly 200 seats, an open kitchen, and an elevated bar area.

This refined wine-led restaurant boasts impressive credentials. Housed within a five-star hotel and accessed via a private entrance, it's the latest incarnation of a popular wine bar pop-up originally launched by the two Michelin-starred Trivet in Southwark. The focused menu revolves around expertly grilled dishes, featuring both fresh innovations and beloved Trivet classics, all paired with a curated selection of standout wines.

Hello Jojo has set up shop in the old Forza Win premises in Camberwell. Established by a pair of local residents, this versatile spot functions as both a restaurant and a bakery, producing freshly baked bread and pastries each day. By day, it offers a selection of light lunches, while in the evening, the focus shifts to elegant, thoughtfully crafted dishes. The venue prides itself on using locally sourced, high-quality ingredients, with a strong commitment to seasonality.

Chuck's in Brixton Village dishes up rotisserie chicken in a laid-back setting, with options including sandwiches, a box with sides, or straight-up a half or whole bird. To complete the meal, you can add things like roasted spuds, seasonal veg, or grilled ciabatta. There's also pork belly on the menu, while a glass of wine or a negroni makes for a fitting companion.

Norbert's is a laid-back and inviting hangout in East Dulwich, specialising in rotisserie chicken. At the helm is John Ogier, known for his work at Marksman and Lasdun. It's a small but buzzing venue, soundtracked by nostalgic tunes, serving up creative cocktails – including a standout house margarita finished with a chicken skin salt rim – and there's also the option to take your meal to go.

Michelin-starred chef Tom Kemble brings his culinary finesse to the world of NYC pizza at Spring Street Pizza. The dough, carefully fermented for at least 48 hours, forms the base for pizzas topped with timeless favourites. You can grab a slice or opt for the whole pie, with wine and cocktails to go along. To finish, treat yourself to some soft serve at this welcoming neighbourhood pizza spot.

Pyro marks chef Yiannis Mexis's debut solo restaurant, where he brings together vibrant Greek flavours and seasonal British produce, all cooked over open flames. Taking cues from the convivial atmosphere of a contemporary Greek taverna, the menu offers generous sharing dishes such as herb-packed spanakopita with aged feta, smoky vegetables, and bay leaf-roasted Cornish turbot. The experience continues into the evening with cocktails served in the outdoor bar and garden.