The best restaurants in Crystal Palace

This family-run restaurant next to Crystal Palace Park has been taking care of hungry patrons for more than four decades, welcoming generations of locals through its doors. It's reassuringly timeless, with chequered tablecloths, warm service, and classic Italian dishes that never go out of style. There's an easy-going charm to it all that feels genuine rather than needlessly nostalgic, and when the sun's out, the rooftop terrace is a beaut.

Having taking over the space of shuttered local fav Joanna's, 56 Westow is a refined neighbourhood restaurant in Crystal Palace drawing on flavours from across the Mediterranean, from Moroccan tagines to Spanish cheeses and Italian breads. Set the a chic pub-meets-bistro space, it works just as well for cosy dinners for two as it does for group gatherings. A thoughtfully chosen wine list complements the menu – there's even a bottle shop on-site if you'd like to pick up a souvenir from your quick trip to the Med.

Spinach is considered one of the most popular eateries in Crystal Palace, its friendly approach chiming well with the neighbourhood. Full of light and lush foliage, the laidback space is run by a family with a strong ethical backbone, ensuring sustainability runs through everything they do, from responsibly sourced ingredients to considered interior choices. The menu shifts week by week, covering nourishing breakfast and brunch plates alongside light lunch fare like sandwiches and salads.

We wouldn't go so far as to claim this Crystal Palace restaurant is all about music – it's Italian, after all, and food will always come first. That said, with a well-stocked record collection and a rotating roster of DJs, the soundtrack is very much part of the experience here. The relaxed neighbourhood spot welcomes guests lingering over plates of zucchini fritti and pizza, sipping aperitifs, or stopping by on the weekend for brunch.

Multiplying like, well, rabbits, Four Hundred Rabbits is one of the best pizzeria groups in South London, renowned for putting fermentation front and centre to make their pizza base with officially certified 72-hour sourdough. This family-run operation has a restaurant in Crystal Palace, where you can enjoy a wide range of toppings, from time-honoured classics like tomato and mozzarella to more unexpected choices like rhubarb or gruyère.

Make your way to Chabela for a taste of comforting, authentic Latin American cooking. Previously known as Mi Cocina Es Tuya, this unpretentious, home-from-home restaurant in Crystal Palace serves classics from across the region, including tacos, enchiladas, arepas, and empanadas. Colourful and warm, the compact eatery reflects the open-hearted hospitality characteristic throughout South America.

Manuel's in Crystal Palace is the kind of charming Italian all-rounder that doesn't miss a beat. There's fresh pasta on the menu, regular live music to get a vibe going, a pleasant garden for soaking up the sun, crisp white tablecloths – they even do an Italian-inspired Sunday roast. Whether you're looking for a place for a casual lunch hang, a romantic dinner date, or a special occasion, Manuel's fits the bill with gusto.

Kish Mish introduces Crystal Palace to fragrant Persian cooking. Drawing inspiration from traditional Iranian mud houses, the interiors feature warm, earthy hues with vibrant Persian ornaments. In the kitchen, time-honoured halal recipes are brought to life using classic Iranian herbs and spices such as saffron, cinnamon, and parsley. The restaurant can also be booked for private events, and the menu is available for delivery too.

Founded by a former “MasterChef Vietnam” contestant and his wife, Urban Orient is part of a small family of South London restaurants championing flavourful, good-value Vietnamese food. The menu leans into classics such as summer rolls, dumplings, pho soup, and rice bowls, accompanied by Vietnamese teas, coffee, and beer. The compact space has a casually eclectic, no-frills atmosphere thanks to its mix-and-match decor.