Guide to the best restaurants in Brixton

Naughty Piglets only has 29 seats so immediately gives diners an exclusive feel. This is a buzzing local bistro serving sharing plates in a bright and contemporary environment. The menus, using sustainable ingredients, change regularly. There's also a wine shop here, and the wine list concentrates solely on organic bottles.

Diners go to Franzina Trattoria to sample authentic Sicilian cuisine. The menu has small plates like arancini, topped focaccia, and seasonal gelato, but you can also try freshly made pasta. The wine list is fully Italian and includes bottles from Sicily. You can also arrange for the chef to cook in your home.

Brixton diners get their burger fix at Black Bear Burger. The emphasis here is on quality ingredients and comforting food. There are several dry-aged beef burgers, plus chicken and vegan options. There are also local beers available, including Black Bear Burger's own signature pilsner.

Relaxed all-day bistro The Laundry has a New Zealand influence. The menu offers up seasonal dishes, with past iterations including things like pea and herb fritters and chargrilled asparagus. The Laundry is particularly popular with brunch lovers, offering a range of dishes to start the day. There's an outdoor terrace too for sunny days.

Etta's Seafood Kitchen is recognised for its welcoming service as well as the quality of its cooking. This is a seafood-centric eatery, serving internationally inspired dishes like curry, saltfish fritters, and classic fish and chips made using sustainably sourced ingredients. This homey local venue is a must-visit for seafood fans.

Diners at Kricket can sample a contemporary interpretation of classic Indian food. Here timeless Indian flavours meet quality British ingredients for a unique take on a favourite cuisine. Menus are seasonal but stand-out dishes include Keralan chicken and samphire pakoras. This is a creative restaurant set in a cosy railway arch.

The Provincial serves up generous portions of authentic Latin American food in a colourful and informal setting. Meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes are all available. Diners can choose a number of tapas to share or opt for a filling main meal. There's plenty of sangria available to wash it all down with.

In Brixton Village, Japanese canteen Okan gives diners an experience of Osaka. Try out small plates at this compact establishment, like teppanyaki, fried noodles, and gyoza, or sample other traditional dishes like donburi. Japanese sake, plum wine, and sake cocktails are on offer to complete the experience.

The concept of The Clink Restaurant gives guests a unique dining experience. Based at HMP Brixton, gourmet meals are prepared and served here by prisoners. Set in the old governor's house, you can enjoy sophisticated dishes like pea, mint, and ricotta tortellini or za'atar spiced poussin, although the food menu does change. No alcohol is served here.

Local café and restaurant Khamsa serves Algerian food in a comfortable and vibrant setting that's full of colour. You can enjoy classic salads and tagines made with authentic ingredients and spices. There's a BYOB policy here too. Khamsa also produces a range of authentic Algerian pastries and cakes.

The Brickstone is a local bar and restaurant that appeals to a varied crowd - enjoy a meal, play pool, dance all night, or watch the big match. The menu includes Eritrean food plus favourites like pizza, pasta, and burgers. The easy-going atmosphere makes it a hit with a wide range of guests.

Diners can explore traditional Colombian flavours at El Rancho de Lalo. This authentic restaurant is full of character and welcomes guests with passionate cooking. Try small plates like patacones and empanadas or sample a main dish. If you want to try authentic Colombian food, then this is a great place to start.

Enjoy elevated Caribbean cooking at buzzing venue Fish Wings & Tings. Fish and prawns are big on the menu, but lots of other dishes are on offer too. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic punch and cocktails are available, plus a wide selection of Caribbean rum. This vibrant venue is small but gets lots of attention.

Maremma is a modern restaurant giving diners the highlights of Tuscan food and wine, and is named after an unspoilt part of the region. The seasonal menus feature pasta that's made on the premises every day, as well as meat and fish grilled over charcoal. Italian wines and classic cocktails are also served here.

Wood & Water is a sophisticated local restaurant serving food with British and Jamaican influences. Expect unique flavours and innovative twists on classic dishes. Small plates on the menu include salted cod and ox hearts, although the menu does tend to change from time to time. There's also a weekend brunch with a traditional Jamaican breakfast.

Bebs Kitchen is a homey and modest restaurant serving Indian cuisine, including speciality dishes from Goa. The menu includes curries, biryani, and Tandoori dishes, with plenty of seafood options. Plant-based dishes are served too. Food here is humble but packed full of flavour, and you can bring your own alcohol.

Enjoy traditional street food from Lebanon at Mezza Me. On the varied menu, there are typical mezze like hummus, labneh, and sambousek pastries, and shawarma and other grilled dishes. Or, you can go for a generously stuffed wrap with a range of different fillings to choose from. Mezza Me also offers takeaways and catering.

Asmara has been on the Brixton restaurant scene for decades and continues to attract hungry diners. This understated restaurant serves classic Eritrean cuisine - platters of food on top of injera bread that are great for sharing. You can finish off your meal by trying a traditionally brewed coffee.

The Courtesan in Brixton is a stylish venue that serves unique dim sum and signature cocktails, and features regular cabaret and burlesque entertainment. The dark wood furniture and period art give the venue a refined, timeless feel, and it functions as part restaurant, part tea house and part late-night cocktail bar. The menu focuses on dim sum, honouring its regal origins while taking advantage of global ingredients and culinary creativity. The signature cocktails combine intriguing ingredients and all of the food and drinks are made by women or women-owned companies. 

Savour a seafood meal in a buzzy market setting at Sea Garden & Grill in Market Row. This spot specialises in modern British seafood dishes, with a menu focused on plates to share. What's available is constantly changing but you can expect things like oysters, battered fish, and cream mussels. A choice of wines plus simple desserts and sides complete the meal.

A firm favourite with London's Portuguese community, O Cantinho De Portugal is a family-run restaurant that serves authentic dishes in a no-frills setting. There are some outdoor seats for sunny days. On the menu you'll see regional dishes from all over the country. Try plates like grilled sardines, sautéed mushrooms, and francesinha sandwiches paired with Portuguese wine.

Temaki is heaven for Japanese handroll enthusiasts. Enjoy feasting on an array of handrolls filled with seafood or veggie options, complemented by tempting set menus and tasty small plates like sashimi. To quench your thirst, you can enjoy a selection of sake, Asian-inspired cocktails, and a carefully curated choice of wines.

Get to know the authentic flavours of Colombia at Santafereño, a warm and unpretentious gem nestled in Brixton Village. With a laid-back vibe, this eatery offers a friendly and inviting atmosphere and generous portions of Colombian fare, served all day to satisfy your cravings.

Other Side Fried occupies a trendy railway arch in Brixton and serves a menu dedicated to chicken. There's everything from chicken strips and succulent wings to mouth-watering burgers, with vegan alternatives for those following a plant-based diet. There's also a variety of sides like crispy fries and tater tots.

Pacifica, formerly Cattivo, is a popular Brixton spot for drinks and casual dining with the same excellent offerings and a vibrant hot pink Cali-inspired makeover. Their menu features a variety of comfort food dishes, including classics like burgers and innovative options like bottomless tropical margarita punch bowls and homemade Nutella-dipped doughnuts for dessert, while their drink menu includes classics like margaritas and contemporary choices like hibiscus margaritas, along with special events like Wing Wednesdays and cocktail masterclasses, making it a versatile destination for food and drink enthusiasts.