London Herne Hill Restaurant Guide

“A funky little place” – this “excellent local” in Herne Hill is run by brothers Luca and Ollie Sechi, whose culinary aim is plant-based Italian cuisine (‘just like Mama used to make – only without the meat, dairy or egg!’). “Astonishingly popular with a loyal crowd, the ambience is always lively”. “I went with two reluctant carnivores who proclaimed it top-notch!”

“Love coming here”, say fans of the “excellent fish ’n’ chips” served for 36 years by Harry Niazi opposite Brockwell Park – where it’s “great to eat a takeaway”. It takes its name from Oliver Twist, in which Dickens refers to Londoners’ favourite dish.

“Great pizza that’s very good value” is the USP of this Neapolitan-style shopfront outfit by Brockwell Park. It used to have three offshoots across South London, but now only the Herne Hill branch is ongoing.

This classy venue opposite Herne Hill station is a “favourite local” – there’s a “superb buzz” about the place (although for some reporters that translates as “a heavy decibel level”) thanks to its “consistently good”, contemporary cuisine and “charming service”. An “interesting and reasonably priced wine list” seals the deal.

2023 Review: “Always fresh sourdough pizza” has helped build a strong local following for this hip southeast London group, with outlets in Crystal Palace, Nunhead, West Norwood, Herne Hill and Elephant & Castle. A new natural wine selection from specialist importer Les Caves de Pyrène is now available alongside the craft beers on tap. Top Tip – “make sure you leave room for the ice cream”.

“An offshoot of Llewelyn’s” (just next door) – this cute Herne Hill yearling is a “very buzzy” deli/bakery/bar serving “interesting food choices and a wide range of drinks and tipples”. “The emphasis is on small plates (some would say very small!)”

A “buzzy” atmosphere and “welcoming service” are the strong suits of this “expanding group”, with 16 branches in London and another handful nearby. While nobody disputes that they’re “lovely to sit in” and offer “value for money”, the “Middle-Eastern-inspired cooking” divides opinion, with some reporters “pleasantly surprised by the tasty food” and others bemoaning “underwhelming” dishes that “sound better than they taste”.