The best new restaurants in South London

The debut restaurant by Nikita Pathakji, an acclaimed chef who won the "MasterChef: The Professionals" title in 2022 and the "Great British Menu" Champion of Champions in 2026, Maai is a collab with her mother and sister. She showcases her expert command of contemporary British gastronomy within this inviting, family-run establishment in Clapham, with creative dishes like her trademark octopus "tako yaki" doughnut, a cocktail list curated by her sister, a tasting menu experience, and even her take on a Sunday roast.

Spun off from the famed Manchester original, this expansive Brixton outpost has claimed the title of London's largest rooftop destination, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor environments. The site functions as a sprawling cultural hub where visitors can navigate between communal food halls, cocktail bars, and intimate lounges, all while sampling a curated selection of global street eats. The venue hosts a revolving calendar of live gigs, DJ sets, and other entertainment.

Originally launched as a perennially sold-out supper club, All Roads found a permanent home in a snug venue just steps from Brixton Station. The kitchen remains focused on soulful Caribbean-inspired comfort food, featuring unique signatures like fried wings in a herby black tea marinade or pork with pimento peppercorn gravy. The atmosphere is enhanced with a curated music backdrop, regularly highlighted by live DJ sets.

Oudh 1722 marks Aktar Islam's first London opening, following the huge success of his Birmingham restaurant Opheem, one of just two Indian restaurants in the UK to hold two Michelin stars. Housed over three levels of a Victorian building, the restaurants delves into the culinary traditions of Lucknow and its surrounding region. The menu ranges from textured kebabs to aromatic slow-cooked curries, layered biryanis, and more.

081 Pizzeria built its reputation on classic Neapolitan pizzas, yet its founder is keen to go beyond tradition. Housed in the former Little Kudu railway arch, Connie's serves London-style pizza, distinguished by a crispier base and made with quality Italian and British ingredients, including Wildfarmed flour. If you're a fan of 081 but are looking to expand your pizza horizons, give it a whirl.

Run by a pair of seasoned hospitality pros, Ruth's in Putney is a friendly local bistro with a candlelit dining space and a relaxed bar, each offering a laidback, comfortable feel. The kitchen focuses on polished British dishes built from top-notch British ingredients. With its lively, welcoming atmosphere, Ruth's is designed to be your go-to spot whether you're popping in for a glass of wine or settling in for a long, leisurely meal.

Plaza Khao Gaeng shines a spotlight on the bold flavours of Thailand, from seaside to rainforest. The stars of the show are the hearty Southern-style curries, rich with fresh coconut milk and fragrant spice blends. Diners can also tuck into a variety of stir-fries or opt for sharing menus designed for the whole table. This is the restaurant group's second location – the original Tottenham Court Road outpost earned a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide in 2023.

Maíz brings a slice of Mexico to Peckham, zeroing in on pozole, a slow-simmered corn stew that's a staple of Mexican festivities, but isn't often seen on London menus. You'll also find tacos inspired by the street flavours of Mexico City, plus margaritas and mezcal to keep the party spirit flowing. The space itself is compact and easy-going, with counter seats for a quick bite and a takeaway option for those on the go.

From the team behind Notting Hill's fashionable Gold, Tower House brings Mediterranean relaxation to Richmond's riverside. Set in a prime spot overlooking the Thames, it features a leafy garden for sunny days and a glass conservatory for year-round dining. The menu showcases Mediterranean-inspired plates such as wood-roasted turbot and chargrilled seasonal vegetables, all served in a lush, chill setting.

Whole Beast takes a bold, rock'n'roll approach to nose-to-tail dining, cooking over open flames in ways most wouldn't dare attempt. Their award-winning signature burger made them a cult favourite during their pop-up days, and their first permanent Brixton home builds on that legacy . A strong line-up of craft beers, cocktails, and natural wines rounds out the experience perfectly.

Created by up-and-coming chef and The Clink ambassador Nathaniel Mortley, better known as NattyCanCook, 2210 pays tribute to his late grandmother, whose passion for food first sparked his own culinary journey. The restaurant takes a refined, modern approach to Caribbean flavours, blending influences from across the islands with the finesse of classic French cooking.

Led by a chef with a fine dining pedigree, Raaz delivers a fresh take on Indian fusion to Putney's dining scene. The lively restaurant plates up bold curries, smoky tandoori dishes, and classic chaat favourites, paired with inventive Indian-style cocktails, a comprehensive wine selection, and an upbeat soundtrack to match the atmosphere.

Celebrated chef Scott Hallsworth (formerly of Nobu and The Freak Scene) transports Balham into the heart of Tokyo's nightlife, with glowing neon lights and an after-dark buzz. Inspired by Japan's kushiyaki joints, the menu centres on chargrilled skewers and a variety of small plates designed for sharing, paired with inventive cocktails, Japanese beers, and premium sake.

Started by two friends with backgrounds at spots like Som Saa, Farang, and Plaza Khao Gaeng, Kruk is a lively Thai eatery in Peckham that fully embraces fiery flavours. Dishes featuring house-made fermented sriracha and smoky chilli pack a punch, balanced by cocktails infused with Thai ingredients such as kaffir lime. Out back, a leafy garden draped in grapevines offers a breezy escape from the heat.

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.

Chinese eatery Mulan Noodle in South London serves up street food from Xi'an. Known for its fiery kick and rich noodle dishes, the menu features highlights like chilli oil, complemented by cocktails and bubble tea. Adding to its charm, the restaurant also hosts live performances featuring traditional Chinese instruments.

Lai Rai blends daytime café vibes with after-dark dining and cocktails, putting a fresh spin on Vietnamese cuisine. By day, it serves up classics like bánh mì and sweet Vietnamese coffee; by night, the menu shifts to inventive dishes such as twice-cooked crispy chicken or fried prawns with young green rice, paired with creative cocktails like a Vietnamese twist on the espresso martini.

Swallow grew out of Alexander Dunstan's supper clubs, where dinners were combined with creative happenings like life-drawing sessions and burlesque performances, all wrapped in a laidback, community-first vibe. The permanent restaurant keeps that spirit alive, opening from early doors with coffee and pastries before shifting into generous British comfort dishes, well-chosen drinks, and an atmosphere that feels warm and sociable.