South London’s district of Bermondsey, with its expansive, extensive history dating back to the Domesday Book, has long been an essential part of London lore and landscape. Originally known for its monasteries, the area gradually transformed with the arrival of the leather industry in the 17th century, becoming a major manufacturing centre during the Industrial Revolution.
As the years have passed, Bermondsey has continued to evolve, embracing its industrial heritage while simultaneously adapting to modern times – indeed, many of the area’s most forward thinking restaurants and bars are now housed in former warehouses.
And it’s with one foot in the past and another in the present that today we’re exploring its defining artery, Bermondsey Street, which seems to have carved out a niche all of its own in this little spot south of the river, its outdoor seating and upright drinking spilling onto its cobbled streets and evoking something altogether more continental than its SE1 postcode might suggest.
Running from the southern end of Tower Bridge Road to Grange Road, this lively thoroughfare boasts some of London’s most cherished culinary institutions; whether it’s tapas or tapenade you’re after, Bermondsey Street has got you covered.
So, put on your best dress, bring your appetite, and meet us out on the street; here are the best restaurants on Bermondsey Street.
The Garrison
Ideal for inclusive, confidently-cooked pub dining…
With its old-school ambience and good-natured service, the Garrison has become a beloved Bermondsey institution since opening two decades ago.
Sitting on the corner of Bermondsey Street and White Ground and coaxing passersby in with a most insistent of come hithers, the gastropub has seemingly grown up with the surrounding area. As this stretch of southeast London has slowly gentrified – for better or for worse – the Garrison has been there, as welcoming to the increasingly yuppy population as it is its beloved regulars.
It could be argued that the Garrison’s most major evolutionary step happened in the spring of 2014, when the pub appointed Tom Langdon as its new head chef. Langdon brought his expertise to the award-winning gastropub, ensuring that the menu was defined by pared back, proudly unrefined, ingredient-led modern European food.
Under Langdon’s guidance, the restaurant has continued to flourish, offering a clean and contemporary farm-to-table approach to its dishes, evident in the no-nonsense, utterly delicious dishes currently on offer; how does a blushing onglet steak with caramelised cauliflower and bone marrow gravy sound?
Just lovely to us, but for those seeking something a little more summerlike, on a recent visit the heritage courgettes with smoked tomato over a bed of braised borlotti beans was particularly synergistic with the London sun.
Daily delivery of fish caught the night before, whether that’s black bass from Brixham, seabass from Perranporth or brill caught off the Cornish coast, is also treated thoughtfully here; whole beasts arrive adorned with simple but superlative buttersauces; the house sourdough perfectly poised for dredging and mopping.
As any pub still devoted to serving the community should, the Garrison does a mean Sunday roast, too, with all the bells, whistles, flourishes and fancy that you’d expect from a Michelin-rated place. The middle white pork belly, crackling crisped separately and plenty of it, is the must-order, if you ask the locals (us).
Pair any and all of the above with a pint of unfiltered lager from nearby Battersea Brewery, and you’ve got yourself one of London’s most laid back afternoons.
Read: 7 of the best sunday roasts in South London
Address: 99 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3XB
Website: thegarrison.co.uk
Pizarro
Ideal for sharing Spanish plates…
It could quite convincingly be argued that the celebrated Spanish chef José Pizarro rules the restaurant roost in SE1, with not one but two celebrated tapas bars in Bermondsey, and a certain level of ubiquity on lists such as this.
But in this case, familiarity certainly doesn’t breed contempt, with Bermondsey locals and diners coming from further afoot ensuring that both Pizarro and José are buzzing every night of the week.
José Pizarro’s passion for Spanish gastronomy has led him on an international journey to share his culinary expertise with the world. Born in Extremadura, Pizarro honed his culinary skills in kitchens across Europe before opening his first restaurant, Bermondsey’s José, in London.
Its (and his) increasing popularity quickly gave rise to Pizarro, located just a stone’s throw from the former. With an unwavering commitment to Spanish culinary traditions, Pizarro showcases the richness and diversity of Spain’s food culture at his (sur)namesake restaurant.
Though just a 200 metre stretch of sidestreet separates the two restaurants, there is actually a fair amount of discrepancy in the food and vibe offered within each. Pizarro sets itself apart by highlighting the essence of broadly southern Spanish cuisine through innovative dishes made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients that are perhaps a little more elaborate – and larger – than the more traditional tapas plates served up to road.
There’s also a keen focus on seafood here, with the pulpo a la Gallega (Galician-style octopus), served in a reduction of the red-wine braising liquor that it’s been bathed in, a particular highlight. For the carnivores, the menu’s centrepiece is the suckling lamb, a simultaneously wobbly and crisp piece that’s been slow cooked over charcoal, its corners blistered and burnished from that familiar dripping of fat and licking of flames. A yoghurt aioli helps temper the sweet fattiness of this young cut.
An essential part of dining at Pizarro is exploring the exquisite, eclectic all-Spanish wine selection. The restaurant’s extensive wine list features traditional Spanish favourites like Rioja and Cava, as well as lesser-known wines such as Almansa and Picapoll, the latter of which pairing particularly well with that suckling lamb from just a paragraph prior.
Indeed, if you’re keen to sit a while and savour that wine, alongside some larger sharing dishes, then Pizarro is perhaps a better bet than its sibling, with banquettes and booths catering to larger groups looking to take a load off. Should you be looking for a truly traditional tapas bar experience, though, then it’s to José you should head…
Address: 194 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3TQ
Website: josepizarro.com
José
Ideal perhaps the most traditional tapas experience in London…
José, an elegant yet welcoming tapas bar, wouldn’t feel at all out of place down a side street of Seville or Valencia, with its open-door, standing room only vibe causing an inviting din from midday until close. Located in a former Victorian building, José’s interior reflects the aesthetic charm of southern Spain, with its exposed brick walls, wooden floors, and an open kitchen. Yep, it’s all kitchen clatter and dining room chatter here…
The chalkboard menu features an array of seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients presented in the most traditional of styles – expect faultless versions of patatas bravas, oozing, onion-heavy tortilla, piquant boquerones, blistered padron peppers, chorizo in sherry, and the restaurant’s exemplary daily changing croquettes. It’s all there, and it’s all bang on the money…
…No wonder, then, that José is one of Bermondsey Street’s most beloved restaurants.
Address: 104 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3UB
Website: josepizarro.com
Read: Where to eat near London Bridge station
Casse-Croûte
Ideal for when you fancy a classic French dining experience…
As this Bermondsey neighbourhood has evolved into something that feels as close to ‘continental’ as we’ll get on these gloomy shores, with its alfresco dining and drinking scene, so too have its restaurants, with a whole host of tapas bars, pasta restaurants and French bistros opening in recent years to keep in step with the changing atmosphere.
It should come as no surprise, then, that the charming, unassuming bistro Casse-Croûte is flourishing on Bermondsey Street. Now celebrating its second decade here, the allure is arguably in its consistency; though the menu regularly changes, the food is reliably, resolutely hearty and fresh. A fine balancing act, indeed…
The masterminds behind this culinary gem are three French friends – chef Hervé Durochat and front-of-house duo, Alexandre Bonnefoy and Sylvain Soulard. The trio brings with them extensive experience in the hospitality and culinary industries, having honed their skills in both London and their native France.
Focusing on traditional French cuisine, Chef Durochat and his dedicated team prepare daily menus that draw inspiration from rural, hearty classics alongside lighter, ‘metropolitan’ dishes. The compact menu ensures that each dish is crafted with the utmost care and quality ingredients, often procured from local producers.
On the tight chalkboard menu in an even tighter dining room, expect homemade boudin noir using rare breed British pork alongside fish soup, the swimmers sourced from Billingsgate, the soup bolstered via a very pokey rouille. Yep, this is proud French fare from a team who know how to do the classics with precision and respect.
In that compact 20-seater dining room, it’s all iconic red-and-white chequered tablecloths, while the walls are adorned with vintage posters, photographs, and shelves housing a treasure trove of wines. Fairy lights and a small terrace with tables for al fresco dining provide the perfect ambiance for a warm summer evening, accompanied by a glass of fine wine and the soothing melodies of classic French chansons.
And speaking of wine, Casse-Croûte boasts a thoughtfully curated wine list, showcasing vibrant selections from various French regions.
The pastry work at this restaurant is on point, too, just as you’d expect from a restaurant that might as well be flying the Tricolore outfront. The skilfully constructed chou chou forêt noir is a must-order, but even better is a particularly brooding chocolate mousse, served with a trio of freshly baked madeleines. When it’s on the menu, profiteroles coated in chocolate sauce and sprinkled with almond flakes are a beautiful thing, too. Expect to leave Casse-Croûte a couple of kilos heavier, sure, but also several hedons happier.
Address: 109 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3XB
Website: cassecroute.co.uk
Flour & Grape
Ideal for a taste of Italy in every forkful…
Just at the point where Abbey Street becomes Bermondsey Street, you’ll find Flour & Grape, an understated Italian pastificio who have understood the assignment and deliver on its finer details with aplomb.
Open for just six years but already well in its stride, the vibe here is freshly made pasta and wines poured by the glass – a place where you can drop by for the swiftest of snacks and sips, or one you can sink into for a longer stint, if you’ve got nowhere to be.
Should you fall into the former camp, take up a stool at the marble-topped bar, which offers a fantastic vantage point for those who wish to witness the pasta-making process first hand. If you’ve come here to take your time, there’s an additional dining space upstairs, which showcases the building’s exposed brickwork and high ceilings, imbued with an air of historic charm. Seating options include comfortable leather banquettes as well as intimate tables for two, ideal for a romantic dinner.
At the helm is founder and owner Nick Crispini, a hospitality heavyweight with a passion for celebrating Italian produce – wine included – in a modern London setting. Crispini’s dedication to upholding authentic recipes and techniques is mirrored by Head Chef Roberto Mercandino, who brings his rich Neapolitan heritage and culinary prowess to the kitchen. It’s a match made in heaven.
Flour & Grape’s mainstay is, without question, its range of freshly crafted pasta dishes. Each one is prepared onsite daily with inspiring combinations of classic sauces, seasonal ingredients, and a contemporary twist. From the indulgent yet delicate crab taglierini to the hearty sausage and fennel pappardelle, there’s a dish to satisfy every pasta lover’s cravings.
But the food at Flour & Grape is not limited to pasta. Gourmet antipasti offerings such as beef carpaccio and burrata with fresh heritage tomatoes provide an irresistible start to any meal. Desserts continue the theme; order the the creamy Amalfi lemon and ricotta cheesecake or the satisfyingly rich chocolate and espresso budino, either of which will undoubtedly end your meal on a sweet high note.
Address: 214 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3TQ
Website: flourandgrape.com
Cafe Murano
Ideal for hearty Italian home cooking…
Cafe Murano is the brainchild of chef Angela Hartnett, whose restaurant Murano in Mayfair is the proud holder of a Michelin star. Here, it’s a more laid back and leisurely affair, with more manageable prices to match.
That’s not to say the quality of ingredients or cooking are compromised here. No, at Cafe Murano, you’ll find plates of power and precision which celebrate British produce via an Italian home cooking sensibility, whether that’s in the superb cacio e pepe gnocchi with a silky, peppery coating, or the superlative seafood risotto, properly portioned and generously appointed with clams, mussels and cuttlefish. It’s a briny delight.
Larger plates keep things simple to great effect; the light and breezy hake with summer minestrone and pesto is especially good. For something a little more gutsy, Sunday lunches at Murano are a hearty affair. Think hunking plates of roast beef from with a side of horseradish cream, plenty of fluffy yet crispy roast potatoes and a pouring of rich gravy.
Don’t leave without satisfying that sweet tooth; Cafe Murano’s desserts are bright and seasonal affairs. Ours is a vanilla panna cotta with strawberries, if you’re asking.
Address: 184 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3TQ
Website: cafemurano.co.uk
Omoide
Ideal for light lunches with verve and vitality…
Translating to ‘memories’ in Japanese, Omoide is the brainchild of chef Angelo Sato. Born in Tokyo, Sato embarked on his culinary journey at a young age. By the precocious age of 17, he had flown to London to seek employment under renowned chef Gordon Ramsay at his eponymous Chelsea location, as well as its sister restaurant Maze.
After gaining invaluable experience as the Head Chef of Michelin-starred ‘Restaurant Story’, Sato opened Omoide at the age of 26. This marked his first solo venture, allowing him to showcase his personal culinary style and influences from his Japanese-German heritage.
Before opening Omoide, Sato ran Mission Sato, a bento box service in Old Street Underground station and Bermondsey. Although it only lasted for three months, closing in November of the previous year, it paved the way for the creation of Omoide and, more recently, the acclaimed Humble Chicken in Soho.
At the core of Omoide’s menu are the carefully designed ‘shokuji’ bowls – a harmonious marriage of sushi rice, seasonal vegetables, and elegantly poached or grilled protein (on our last visit, it was a choice of chicken, salmon, tuna or aubergine), each crafted to tell its own unique story of taste, texture, and aroma. The yuzu salmon, garnished with crispy shallot, edamame and pickles, is perhaps the most clear iteration of the concept; a light, bright bowl that nourishes as much as it cleanses.
Omoide’s offering is not limited to shokuji bowls alone. A selection of soups – dashi and ramen – and hot plates, including a no-holds barred chicken katsu curry, bring some fat and savour to the menu.
Anyway, back to that sense of cleansing and renewal; Omoide’s range of non-alcoholic cocktails that incorporate Japanese flavours is as good as we’ve had in London, the refreshing cucumber cooler with shiso and lime a real crowd-pleaser in the summer months.
Address: 126 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3HS
Website: omoide.co.uk
Speaking of which, the sun’s out, and we’re off to enjoy it. There really is nowhere better than London in summer, don’t you think?
