Guide to the best restaurants in Deptford

Visit Marcella for Italian cuisine prepared with fine seasonal produce. The menus here change frequently and a set menu is served every Sunday. At this airy and contemporary restaurant you can try innovative dishes with British influences like poached quince with gorgonzola or pheasant and wild mushroom tagliatelle. The wine list is 100% Italian.

On-trend eatery Tila serves globally-inspired small plates in a hip environment. The menu features nods to cuisines from around the world, with dishes cooked over an open fire. Try plates like devilled dressed crab, pork chops, and burnt aubergine, plus cocktails and wine. You're also welcome to visit just to have a drink.

Discover the vibrant flavours of African cooking at long-standing restaurant Tomi's Kitchen. This comfortable venue has warm and friendly service, and catering and takeaways are available too. On the menu you'll see authentic recipes like jollof rice, plantain, pepper soup, and stock fish. The restaurant is based in the heart of Deptford.

You can get traditional Vietnamese cooking at Café Mama Pho. Pho is the speciality here and there are five different types on offer. Other classics like pancakes, summer rolls, and rice or noodle dishes are available too, paired with Vietnamese beer. The venue is simple but packed with character.

At Klose & Soan you can try an exciting menu of weekly-changing small and sharing plates with Mediterranean influences. Dishes like crab arancini, grilled halloumi, saganaki, and lamb kleftiko are served in a restaurant space full of rustic charm. The restaurant also offers catering for a range of occasions, from corporate lunches to weddings.

Unique fusion restaurant Kilig combines Colombian and Filipino influences. Based in a railway arch, the interior is elegant with potted plants and natural tones. Food is served throughout the day here, with choices like ceviche, arepas, cassava fries, yam pancakes, and a Colombian take on a classic fry-up.

Visit Tea House Chinese Restaurant for traditional Cantonese and Sichuan cooking. This spot is low key and recognised for its warm and friendly atmosphere. Dim sum and hot pot are available here, as well as a variety of other classic dishes like smashed cucumber salad, ma po tofu, roast meats, and spring rolls. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are also available.

One of Deptford's top destinations for Vietnamese cooking is Viet Anh Pho. This family-run restaurant has a cosy feel with dark walls and a homey interior. Try a banh mi sandwich with a choice of fillings, including vegan options. Otherwise there are dishes like ribs, summer rolls, pho, and bún. Homemade soft drinks are on the menu too.

Dirty Apron serves modern seasonal British menus that change every week. This independent railway arch restaurant serves brunch throughout the day and holds supper club events in the evenings. Expect dishes like crab kedgeree, bubble and squeak hash browns, and curry or roast lamb for dinner. Plenty of plant-based options are on the menu.

Viet Rest's hot pink exterior makes it instantly noticeable. Once you're inside you'll see walls decorated with tranquil murals. Traditional Vietnamese dishes are served here, made with fresh local ingredients. Visit this friendly restaurant to sample recipes like pho, bun cha, salads, fried rice or noodles, and summer rolls.

Red-fronted eatery Good Friends serves a wide range of popular Chinese dishes. This compact venue has a fun and bustling atmosphere and also does takeaways in addition to dining-in. On the varied menu you'll see dishes including chow mein, ho fun, curries, egg foo yung, and roast duck. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are also on offer here.

Head to Jerk Yard for Caribbean street food in a cosy railway arch restaurant. The space is homey and comfy with indoor and outdoor tables. The menu is all about authentic home cooking - think rice and peas, fried plantain, wings, and jerk salads. Beers, Guinness punch, and non-alcoholic drinks are served to complete the meal.

Eat Vietnam Bar B Grill is a popular local spot for traditional Vietnamese dishes. 10% of the restaurant's profits are donated to charity initiatives in Vietnam. The venue is cosy and vibrant with a wide variety of dishes on the menu. Try crispy pancakes, pho that's simmered for 24 hours, wok-fried dishes, and meals for kids. 

For pizza in Deptford, head to Sodo Pizza, a modern restaurant packed with plants. This is seasonal and sustainable sourdough pizza made with heritage grains, local mozzarella, and homegrown veggies. Vegetarian and vegan options are available too. Pair your pizza with something from the natural wine list, which changes frequently.

Get the traditional London favourite of pie and mash at Manze's. This classic eatery has been open in Deptford for over a century, and has a traditional look both inside and out. It's a simple and fuss-free menu here - meaty pies and mash all doused in green liquor. Add on some jellied eels to get the full experience.

Compact restaurant M&D specialises in Japanese cuisine. This restaurant is casual with a few tables for eating-in. Takeaways are popular here too. Try bento boxes, sushi, or hot food like fried noodles or rice, curry, soup, and stir-fries. All of the authentic food here is suitable for halal diners and dishes are prepared by experienced chefs.

M'Arks of Deptford serves food and drinks all day, with many ingredients being locally sourced. It's a laid-back spot with a fun and social atmosphere. Remote workers are welcome, there's regular live music and sport, and a varied selection of drinks and food are on the menu. Expect tacos, burgers, sandwiches, and a roast on Sunday, washed down with cocktails and local beers.

Head to Taca Tacos when you're craving Mexican street food. This place began as a pop-up but now has a permanent home in Deptford. It's a laid-back spot serving tacos and burritos with a Californian twist. Various tempting fillings are on offer and if you're in the mood for brunch you can enjoy breakfast burritos and tacos at the weekend.

Inventive restaurant Sharkbait & Swim has a trendy style and is based in a railway arch. The menu focuses on innovative fish and seafood small plates, but meat and plant-based dishes are served too. Menus change frequently but you can expect things like Thai fish sausage, pan-fried flounder, and oysters. Wine and cocktails are also served here.

Family-run Vietnamese restaurant Viet Alley specialises in authentic food, served in an on-trend setting with dark walls and neon signs. The varied menu here includes lots of vegan options. Begin a meal with pork ribs, summer rolls, or chicken wings before trying out vermicelli soup or bowls with tasty toppings, or pho that's stewed for 12 hours. The food is fresh and the atmosphere is friendly.

Try fish and seafood with a West African touch at Suya & Lobster. The contemporary interior is visually appealing with flower walls and neon signs. On the menu you'll find grilled meat with suya seasoning, seafood boils, and generous seafood platters. This friendly eatery also does children's meals. Cocktails and mocktails are available too.

Get tasty Caribbean cooking paired with top quality coffee and cocktails at Buster Mantis. This creative spot is a bar, café, and restaurant with a cool industrial chic style. Try classic jerk chicken, fish dishes, or authentic dumplings here. The venue also has its own gallery space.