Forza Win
Unit 4.1 Copeland Park, 133 Copeland Road, SE15 3SN
After a multitude of pop ups and supper clubs, Forza Win has settled into a former grain store in Peckham’s Copeland Park. They became known for ticketed banquets, but they’ve now upgraded their warehouse so that the experience is open to all. This isn’t fine dining by any means – expect to find yourself around a communal feasting table – but it’s seriously good, honest, Italian food. The menu changes daily and is reassuringly concise: feast on five courses, or pop in for a quick beer and bowl before heading elsewhere. Don’t miss Awesome Sauce on Wednesday – pick one of their three pasta specials and have it with a glass of wine for £10.
Legs
120-122 Morning Ln, London E9 6LH
Hackney’s Morning Lane might look like just another industrial street with a big Tesco, but it also houses one of the area’s finest restaurants – Legs. It’s a little off the beaten track, but the reputation draws foodies to this tiny restaurant/wine bar in droves. Get a seat at the bar (there are only four of them), and have chef-owner Magnus recommend a glass or two to accompany your small plates. Depending on the season and the day, you can expect burrata with fennel and lemon, veal chop with pesto, and duck egg with mushrooms.
Llewelyn's
293-295 Railton Rd, Herne Hill, SE24 0JP
With alumni from The Anchor & Hope, St. John and Rochelle Canteen behind it, Llewelyn’s has some serious credentials. This is picturesque neighbourhood dining at its best – the entrance is usually steeped in foliage, and the window seats look out onto the Sunday farmer’s market. Food-wise, expect fresh, modern plates of seasonal British fare, with a focus on simply cooked meat and fish like lamb, rabbit and skate.
Sparrow
2 Rennell Street, London SE13 7HD
Culinary husband and wife duo Terry Blake and Yohini Nandakumar have accumulated stints at Pollen Street Social, Bao and St. John between them, and their menu reflects their varied heritage; it’s an eclectic mix of whatever takes their fancy – often combining Asian and British influences. Choose from the ever-rotating selection of small plates for lunch, or head here on the weekend for brunch – the treacle bacon sandwich is one we won’t forget in a hurry.
Salon
18 Market Row, Brixton, London SW9 8LD
Brixton Village is full of great neighbourhood restaurants (the original Franco Manco is housed here, and we can remember the queues when it first opened) but Salon stands out not just as a great local restaurant, but a great restaurant in its own right. Nestled on Market Row, the space has expanded over the years to encompass a restaurant serving up inventive seasonal plates, a downstairs bar, and a separate wine shop to grab a bottle to take away.
Lifestyle: Lists
Top 5: Neighbourhood Restaurants
What’s good in the hood?
