The best lunch in Peckham

The elegant Artusi has been serving sophisticated Italian cuisine in Peckham for over a decade, bringing the warm hospitality of neighbourhood eateries in Italy to South London. With hand-written blackboard menus and a crisp, modern interior, it's a popular spot for lunch in Peckham, serving a slightly shorter version of their dinner menu during the week, with three-course set lunches on Sundays.

SoulFood, also known simply as JB's, is a small Caribbean eatery that does authentic jerk chicken – just look for the smoke billowing from the steel drum. Other island specialities like mac and cheese, patties, and curry goat are served here as well. It's a small, simple spot with just a few seats, so it's a particularly popular choice for a takeaway lunch in Peckham. SoulFood also does catering and local workplace delivery, making it convenient for office lunches.

The much-loved Ganapati is a simple spot, but its bursting with colour – and flavour. There's a welcoming atmosphere throughout and pleasant terrace seating for the warmer months. The concise, regularly changing menu features staples like comforting curries and biryanis, accompanied by a thoughtful selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. At lunchtime, you can choose from a selection of affordable thali meals.

Hidden in the Persepolis corner shop is a homely Iranian café serving a plethora of traditional Middle Eastern dishes in a pleasant setting. The fully vegetarian menu is designed to be enjoyed as a sharing feast, though you can also order individual dishes. The brightly coloured venue is small but quite popular, so getting in early is key if you want to spice up your Peckham lunch with Middle Eastern flavours.

Dating back a century or so, M. Manze is a true London institution for pie, mash, and eels. The green frontage and vintage interior set the tone for a proudly traditional meal, with the Peckham restaurant open during lunchtime only. Order a proper pie with liquor or gravy, add a side of eels if you're feeling adventurous, and finish with a cuppa. A vegan pie is available as well.

On a rooftop next to Peckham Rye Station perches Forza Wine, an offshoot of the now defunct Forza Win restaurant that had its fair share of admirers. At this relaxed wine bar you're treated to sweeping views, paired with natural wines, cocktails, and a rotating menu of snacky small plates like panzanella, burrata, and harissa chicken. There's an affordable daily lunch special too, with an optional glass of wine, of course.

Market Place Peckham continues the founders' mission to give emerging street food brands a foothold on some of London's busiest high streets. Inside the lively food hall, you'll find a broad mix of traders serving everything from pizza and noodles to kebabs, burgers, and sweet treats, meaning there's a lunch here for everyone. Budget-friendly and relaxed, this is great for a lunch that's as much a meal as it is a social occasion.

Levan is a spirited Peckham lunch favourite, offering modern European cooking with a strong focus on sustainability. Its light, welcoming dining room sets the scene for inventive bistro-style dishes that balance creativity with approachability. The set lunch menu is available with a choice of two or three courses, with dishes like pork & mushroom chou farci or delica pumpkin, brown butter & wood sorrel, with suitable wine pairings provided.

Maíz brings a different bite of Mexican cuisine to Peckham, setting itself apart with a focus on pozole – a corn stew traditionally enjoyed at festive gatherings in Mexico, but serving as a nourishing, filling lunch over here. Small, friendly, and easy-going, the space offers counter seats for casual dining as well as a handy takeaway option. The more familiar tacos are served here as well.

Bánh Bánh is a cheerful, modern Peckham spot for discovering Vietnamese flavours. The interiors are airy and lively, filled with greenery and splashes of colour that match the upbeat mood. The menu ranges from small plates and fresh rolls to comforting noodle dishes, with the family-run kitchen switching to an entirely meat-free offering every Monday. The signature pho noodle soup is a great lunch option that'll warm you up and provide fuel for the rest of the day.