London Stockwell Restaurant Guide

“This longstanding Clapham stalwart with a nightclub vibe” from a trio of ex-Nobu chefs celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, with a “broader than Nobu” menu that “works well in the most part” – and it’s “good value, too”. There’s the occasional complaint that the “noirish decor lends a bleakness to the ambience”.

“A short menu of high quality” continues to win acclaim for this “great little Italian off Clapham High Street”, where the “delicious sharing plates” are inspired by renowned chef-patron Robin Gill’s time working on the Amalfi coast. He first made his name here in Clapham with The Dairy, which opened 12 years ago and closed down in 2020.

2023 Review: “Bright modern tapas with some old favourites” are on the menu at this “stylish” pair south of the river, named after the food market in Barcelona. “Consistently good cooking” and “reasonable prices” are the plus points, although they may “lack the extra zing of the very best places”.

2023 Review: “Fab” California-style pizzas (bigger and fresher toppings, apparently) are all you can eat at this handy converted public convenience next to Clapham Common tube, apart from the breakfast butties served until 2pm. There’s also red & white wine on tap, and own-label beers by the can.

“Yummy mummy hangouts” that have proliferated across the capital and its surrounding high streets over the past few years, with “relaxed and colourful décor” and “friendly waiting staff”. They are very accommodating to families, both “child-friendly” and “pooch central, with snacks and water” – although if you don’t bring your own, you might find there are “too many dogs”. The eastern Med-style cooking varies between “fresh and well prepared” at best to “adequate, sometimes slow” – while “bottomless Bloody Mary or Mimosa on a Sunday can be dangerous!”.

On Clapham's main drag – an August 2025 Pan-Asian opening offering a diverse menu inspired by Thai and Nepalese cuisines. Led by owners Natalie and Matt, along with Head Chef Marcus Kong and menu consultant Daisy Beale, Tirak offers an array of dishes, such as crispy seabass, crying tiger pork belly, and an unusual pistachio & Gulab Jamun cheesecake.

Carved out of the lobby of a Clapham studio complex, this “fun” yearling from Dom Hamdy of Bistro Freddie wins praise for “decent, modern small plates, big on flavour”. There’s a “cool vibe and lovely little courtyard as you enter”, although the overall vibe has a slightly “amateur”, “pop-up feel”.

“Real Italian (from Bologna) pizzas” – from a chain founded in Castel Maggiore in 2010 with 21 locations in Italy and now with outlets in Clapham, Kentish Town and – in 2025 – near Tottenham Court Road. “These best-in-class pizzerias use top ingredients, not least of which is the exceptional quality sourdough, authentically replicated from the mothership in Bologna. Toppings are generous and delicious. The menu is relatively short, but this keeps the prices at a level offering very good value for money. Good wines and draft craft beers underscore the philosophy of just doing the basics extremely well”.

Opening its 10th branch in 2025 – amidst the towers of Canary Wharf – this much commented- on chain is leaving behind its Soho roots – as a quaint old deli of 75 years’ standing – and is now in full-on ‘roll-out’ mode. Fans still find it “very impressive for a chain that’s growing so fast” and tip its “lovely mint-green” outlets as “an ideal place to meet and enjoy authentic pasta and Italian dishes”. Some branches, though, are better than others: in particular the “friendly and relaxed Marylebone branch at the junction of Wigmore Street is a winner”. Others, though, can show the strains of expansion: “What’s the point? It’s neither stand-out, nor cheap and cheerful. Unexceptional pasta is served in a so-so ambience. I am not sure I get it??”