The best new restaurants in South London

Colombo Kitchen is the ultimate Sri Lankan hotspot, adding a dose of island spice to South London. The original location in Worcester Park was awarded Sri Lankan Restaurant of the Year 2023 and specialises in beloved classics like hoppers and kottu. With its effortlessly cool vibe and laid-back service, Colombo Kitchen offers a chilled-out spot where guests can kick back, relax, and soak up the dishes of Colombo without leaving the UK.

Azteca Öme, the Battersea-based spin-off of Chelsea favourite Azteca, invites patrons on a unique culinary journey fusing the flavours of Mexico and Japan. Featuring a diverse setup with a Cantina restaurant, outdoor veranda, the La Fiesta bar, and private dining options, Azteca Öme utilises local British ingredients in its menu for a contemporary touch. The interior features natural, earthy, and tribal elements, and live DJ music helps establish a vibrant ambiance.

Scott Hallsworth, formerly of Nobu, reopened his successful pop-up as a permanent site in a warm and inviting venue in Fulham and is now hitting the expansion trail. The Balham restaurant showcases the chef's unique interpretation of pan-Asian cuisine, fusing together different culinary traditions in innovative ways. The menu features inventive dishes such as the iconic salmon sashimi pizza with truffle ponzu, and black cod tacos with scorched red chili salsa.

Situated within the Studio Voltaire gallery, Crispin is a contemporary European eatery and bar, offering both indoor and al fresco dining options. This elegant yet simple venue presents a menu of seasonal fare, showcasing traditional British and European cuisine, paired with eco-friendly wines on tap and a carefully selected list of seasonal wines. Additionally, the establishment seeks to connect with the local artistic communities through a range of initiatives.

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.

In addition to its main dining area, Franklin & Baines, a laid-back steakhouse located in Clapham, features a lovely rooftop terrace during the warmer seasons. The menu highlights skilfully grilled steaks, complemented by a selection of small plates and other substantial options like pan-fried hake or broccoli steak. The establishment also offers a Sunday roast and various weekly deals, including 2-for-1 steak specials.

Paradise Cove London marks the exciting new chapter of Chef Tee's cherished local haunt, formerly known as Sugarcane. This spot continues to deliver genuine Caribbean cuisine in a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere. Despite its small size and the bustling crowd, the cosy space adds to the charm. The menu boasts a range of Caribbean favourites, featuring an abundance of fish, ribs, and plantains, and be sure to leave room for their signature rum-soaked cakes.

El Pastor is one of London's top places for tacos and soon you'll be able to get them at Battersea Power Station with the group's newest location, opening in 2024. Flavour-packed food is dished up in a colourful and vibrant setting, with classic taco fillings to choose from like chicken, mushrooms, or pulled pork. Alternatively, grab a sharing plate for a social meal.

Peckham's Café Britaly presents a unique "authentically Britalian" gastronomic adventure, merging British and Italian cuisine. This café is the inaugural joint venture of chef Alex Purdie, with a background at Bouchon Racine and Bocca di Lupo, and Richard Crampton-Platt, who has worked with both Bocca di Lupo and Gelupo. Patrons can anticipate unique dishes such as a full Britalian breakfast and a bold version of carbonara with cream.

Camille, a charming French bistro with both indoor and outdoor seating, is run by the same group responsible for Ducksoup and Little Duck The Picklery. Situated in close proximity to Borough Market, Camille uses the fresh, locally-sourced ingredients available there to present a menu steeped in regional French culinary traditions, drawing inspiration from travels across France. The food is complemented by a thoughtfully selected wine list that features small, artisanal French winemakers.

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.

Oma, led by chefs formerly of Kiln and Sabor, draws its culinary influence from the Greek islands. The menu is rich in fresh seafood and wholesome Mediterranean dishes, including hummus masabacha, harissa-grilled prawns, and lamb belly skewers. The restaurant's design is inspired by natural landscapes, featuring earthy tones and textures, and includes a raw bar, an open-plan kitchen, and an expansive terrace with views of Borough Market.

Popular plant-based restaurant group Mildreds is expanding fast, with two new sites planned for 2024. Both will feature plenty of seating and outdoor dining, as well as Mildreds' signature vegan recipes with global influences. Mildreds Wimbledon will also serve as the launchpad for MiMA, the group's vegan bakery concept serving fresh pastries, open sandwiches, and sweet treats, along with freshly brewed coffee.

Joining the growing Arepa & Co group, the Elephant & Castle branch introduces its namesake arepas and a variety of genuine Venezuelan snacks to the heart of South London. The menu is a showcase of familiar traditional delights, including crunchy tajadas, yuca chips, plantain crostini, and cachapas. The arepas are available with a diverse range of fillings, such as smoked apple sauce, slow-cooked pork shoulder, and a guava chipotle glaze.

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.

Located on the ground floor of a bespoke pavilion on the river, the Canary Wharf branch of the chic Hovarda, originally from Soho, attracts a stylish clientele with its live DJ sets and an array of Aegean-inspired culinary delights. This opulently decorated establishment offers a menu brimming with Mediterranean favourites, including kofte, lamb kleftiko, and octopus stew. Enhance your dining experience with a variety of spirits and cocktails, each infused with the distinctive tastes of the Mediterranean.