Arguably South London’s most famous borough – and one which gave us Giggs, Only Fools & Horses, Isla Bevan, Rio Ferdinand, John Boyega and so many more – on any given day Peckham’s streets are a hive of activity; a cornucopia of cultures and cuisines, as African-Caribbean grills and bakeries mix with minimalist coffee houses and ‘Modern European’ bistros to give the high street an unmistakably eclectic vibe.
It’s a vibe that’s been seeing seismic change recently, for better or for worse. Amidst this backdrop of change, Peckham’s restaurant scene has burgeoned, offering a diverse array of dining options that cater to both new and old residents, with the area’s more established food purveyors adapting to shifting times with admirable nimbleness.
For many, the culinary landscape of Peckham thrives when managing to reflect the area’s multicultural heritage and evolving identity, and today we’re stepping out of the borough’s busiest train station, Peckham Rye, in search of something to eat.
Join us as we explore the restaurants, both new and old, that make Peckham’s dining scene truly one-of-a-kind. Here’s where to eat near Peckham Rye Station, featuring some of the best restaurants in Peckham.
Levan
Just a minute’s walk from Peckham Rye Station, Levan, a contemporary European bistro, takes its name from the legendary DJ Larry Levan, and pays homage to the spirit of inclusivity and creativity that he embodied.
Chef Philip Limpl, formerly head chef of Kona in Copenhagen, leads the kitchen team in crafting seasonal sharing plates that showcase the best of modern European cooking, inspired by Paris’ ‘bistronomy’ movement, which aims to fuse fine dining with a more casual atmosphere and eclectic wine lists.
Start with the now iconic Comté fries with saffron aioli; a decadent twist on the classic French chip blanketed under whispers of delicate grated cheese, showcasing Limpl’s ability to elevate humble ingredients to new heights. Follow that with a couple of sharing plates; the bavette steak (cooked blushing) with heritage tomatoes and scotch bonnet that’s currently on the weekly changing Chef’s Menu is a knockout. And anytime there’s pork chop on that menu – arriving a pleasing pink – don’t miss out on it!
That said, it’s the restaurant’s fantastic wine list that takes centre stage, with a firm focus falling on low-intervention, bio-dynamic wines from small producers across Europe, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to sustainability and quality.
Accordingly, one of the most notable achievements for Levan has been winning the Special Jury Prize in The Buyer’s 2022 Star Wine List of the Year UK. This prestigious award highlights the restaurant’s dedication to championing wines from the Jura region in France (the owners here nearly called the restaurant ‘Jura’ in its honour), an area often underrepresented and challenging to source.
Levan’s wine list features an impressive range of producers and styles from this region, showcasing a refreshing, unique, and distinctive personality that sets it apart from other neighbourhood restaurants in Peckham.
Levan has also earned a coveted entry in the Michelin Guide.
Address: 12-16 Blenheim Grove, London SE15 4QL, UK
Website: levanlondon.co.uk
JB’s Soulfood
If you’re stepping off the train seeking the sweet, spicy smell of jerk chicken on the grill, then don’t look for smoke signals as soon as you alight. Instead, head north out of Peckham Rye Station and up Rye Lane, making for JB’s Soulfood, arguably the best known jerk in the area (except, perhaps, Gregg Wallace).
Serving the good folk of Peckham High Street since 2014, Bill and Jennifer, the much-loved dynamic duo behind the South London institution, have transformed a compact unit into a bustling hub of authentic Caribbean cuisine and community. Bill, a former welder, convinced Jennifer to bring her culinary skills to the forefront, and together they created a soul food haven.
Though you can squeeze in around one of the restaurant’s clutch of sparsely appointed wooden tables, owing to its size JB’s is better suited to takeaway, and that’s fine by us; there’s nothing better than pitching up on the pavement outside and getting acquainted with the signature drum-smoked jerk chicken, which is also one of the area’s best value meals, clocking in at under a fiver when served over rice. A plastic cup of JB’s Guinness punch will send you merrily on your way…
… But not before you pick up a side of silky macaroni cheese and, because you’re here, you’re hungry and it’s delicious, some heavily, headily-spiced curry goat.
Lunchtime deals and student specials run every lunchtime from Monday to Friday.
Address: 27A Peckham High St, London SE15 5EB, United Kingdom
Website: JB’s Soulfood Ltd | London | Facebook
Hausu
Right next to Peckham Rye station at 11a Station Way (in the former Coal Rooms space), Hausu brings together food and music in a way that captures the creative energy of SE15.
Founded by siblings Tom and Holly Joseph, alongside their mate Chris, Hausu takes its name from a trippy Japanese horror film from the ’70s. Fortunately, it’s not all shocking psychedelic shades and murderous household appliances. Instead, the space offers a relaxed, mid-century feel with green banquettes, herringbone floors, and warm lighting that gives the panelled walls a soft glow. Set and setting, indeed…
Holly Joseph, who previously worked at The Camberwell Arms and The Waterman Arms (both on our rundown of London’s best gastropubs, incidentally), runs the kitchen here. Her menu is a globetrotting affair, with dishes like scallop and prawn toast – a dish with truly gorgeous mouthfeel, coming covered in black sesame seeds and served with a quite spicy dipping sauce. To truly get a measure of the place, don’t miss the humble, restorative ‘Dad’s Broth’ (£4.50) either, a chicken soup packed with herbaceous flavours that offers a glimpse into the Joseph family’s food heritage.
For something on decidedly the other side of the substantial scale, try the sirloin steak (£47 for 450g). It comes with a beef sauce and a pert condiment made from confit lemon zest, salted red chillies, and crispy garlic. Be warned – these steaks are big boys, served on the bone, and can take a while to hit the table. Best order an extra starter while you wait.
Music is central to Hausu’s identity. Chris selects tracks that play through a vintage sound system, creating a soundtrack that envelopes but doesn’t overwhelm the dining experience. On Fridays, local DJs take over, and the team believes strongly that music and food together create something special.
A place this vibey needs carefully made drinks, and the Gibson Martini (£11) is a knockout (quite literally after three or four), combining Absolut Vodka, Dolin Blanc, and juice from Hausu’s house pickles.
Open Tuesday through Thursday from 5-11pm, Friday 5pm-1am and Saturday 12pm-1am (closed Sunday and Monday), Hausu works for both quick drinks and proper meals. Its location practically inside the station makes it perfect for a pre-train cocktail or a night out in Peckham.
Address: 11a Station Wy, London SE15 4RX
Website: hausulondon.co.uk
Bar Levan
Christ we loved Larry’s, the New York-inspired bistro that used to sling the finest meatball subs known to man from this spot, the same one that Bar Levan now occupies.
So, like a stepkid who needed convincing about their mum’s new partner, we went into Bar Levan more than a little apprehensive, having already decided we missed Larry’s chilled out vibes and latke too much to welcome its replacement into our lives.
We were wrong. Opened in the Autumn of 2023 by Mark Gurney and Matt Bushnell as a replacement for Larry’s, the minds behind neighbouring Levan from a few paragraphs earlier have brought another slice of Parisian chic to Peckham with Bar Levan. Inspired by the vibrant natural wine bars of Paris, such as Septime La Cave and Aux Deux Amis, Bar Levan offers an intimate vibe seemingly at odds with the bustle of the Blenheim Grove thoroughfare beyond its doors.
Just a stone’s throw from Peckham Rye Overground, Bar Levan is a 42-cover space that features high-top table, as well as street-level seating for those warmer days. The bar’s vintage sound system and rare vinyl collection, curated by owner Mark Gurney (something of the nominative determinism here, being a house DJ?), provide a dulcet backdrop to your dining and drinking experience. Every Friday, local DJs spin tunes, and once a month, the bar hosts the cult music and wine tasting event, Strictly Bangers.
Bar Levan’s wine list, curated by Gurney, is a treasure trove for natural wine enthusiasts. The ever-evolving selection features an extensive range of natural wines from across Europe, including lesser-known regions like Slovakia, The Czech Republic, and Hungary, alongside more familiar territories such as Austria, Italy, and France. Wines are available by the glass, carafe, or bottle, with unique ‘one-offs’ making regular appearances. Lovely, inclusive stuff.
The menu features playful sharing plates rooted in informal European bistro classics, blending retro and refined cooking styles. Start with small bites like miso devilled egg with nori and togarashi, or a more prosaic but no less delicious Ortiz anchovies in olive oil. Pair both with an even more straightforward baguette and butter, the latter properly salty and all the better for it.
Move on to Bar Levan’s excellent Croque Monsieur with pickles, a stacked, indulgent affair that continues Larry’s legacy of doing truly killer sandwiches. Even better are ‘mussels on crisps’, which are just that. Need we say more?
Bar Levan is open from Tuesday to Friday, 5pm to 12am, and on Saturdays from 12pm to 12am. The bar takes reservations but also welcomes walk-ins.
Address: Unit 5, 12-16 Blenheim Grove, London SE15 4QL
Website: barlevan.co.uk
Beef Suya at Tiwa ‘n’ Tiwa, Peckham
A joyful weekend spent eating through Eater London’s recommendations on where to eat in Peckham (for pleasure, not business) ended in the conclusion that the beef suya at Tiwa ’n’ Tiwa is one of the most moreish plates of food in all of the city. It’s also one of the spiciest.
As Jonathan Nunn (editor of the superb food newsletter Vittles) writes, the easiest way to find Tiwa ‘n’ Tiwa is to head to the huge, glass fronted Burger King on Peckham High Street, turn around, and ‘’look for the smoke’’.
Follow your nose, and you’ll find barbecued beef suya that’s been rolled in the effervescent Nigerian suya spice blend yaji, usually made from several different strains of dried chilli alongside onion, garlic and ginger powders, white and black pepper and several other heady ground spices.
The chilli-hit here is of the rasping variety, teasing and taunting the back of the palate rather than the tip of the tongue, as fresh chilli seems to. Its analeptic quality invigorates, and despite the hot fluster it puts us in, it’s impossible not to order another plate.
Address: 34A Peckham High St, London SE15 5DP, United Kingdom
Artusi
Artusi, named after the famous Italian gastronome Pellegrino Artusi, is the Italian neighbourhood restaurant every borough dreams of; it’s no frills in every sense of the word, and all the better for it.
A chalkboard menu details the ever-changing offerings of the day; always expect two or three freshly made pasta dishes (on one of our many, many visits a wild garlic spaghetti with a ricotta salata was bloody lovely), a strong vegetable showing and a couple of meat and fish dishes. The cod, pancetta and braised coco beans currently on the menu is a salty delight.
Though simplicity and respect for ingredients lies at the heart of the operation, everything is executed with confidence and care – what we would expect from a former Clove Club chef, Jack Beer.
Whisper it, but the Sunday set menu deal, from 12pm to 8pm, is probably the best of its kind in the city – you can enjoy 3 courses for just 25 quid. Yes, 25. For more of a blowout, the £40 per person sharing menu for eight or more people, housed in the airy lower floor right next to the kitchen, is another great deal.
The restaurant boasts an all-Italian wine list, with a focus on small producers and natural wines, as is the way in a modern London neighbourhood restaurant. The 2020 Ciello Baglio Antico Catarratto – an orange wine bursting with vivacity and freshness – is a steal at £8 a glass.
Whilst Artusi isn’t quite so close to Peckham Rye Station as the other entries on our list, sitting a ten minute walk away on Bellenden Road, it’s certainly worth stretching your legs for.
And if you’re in ‘Central’, there is now a second branch of Artusi in Soho.
Address: 161 Bellenden Rd, London SE15 4DH, United Kingdom
Website: artusi.co.uk
Oi Spaghetti + Tiramisu
For those craving pasta even closer to Peckham Rye Station, Oi Spaghetti has got you covered (in red sauce). This intimate eatery specialises in homemade pasta dishes, prepared lovingly with fresh ingredients and traditional techniques – yep, there’s no automated pasta rolling machine here.
Chef Francesco, the brains behind this compact space, hails from Italy and brings with him a passion for sharing the authentic flavours of his homeland with London diners, all from a space that is perhaps best described as a hut on an industrial estate.
It’s a tight menu in keeping with its surroundings, with just four or five pasta dishes on at any one time, plus a starter or two and a single dessert, tiramisu, with only nine portions available daily.
Of those pastas, we’re particularly enamoured with the ‘Red One’; essentially a puttanesca, with plenty of kick and piquancy from Kalamata olives, capers and red chilli both fresh and dried. It arrives adorned with a graceful covering of DOP parmesan and drizzle of Toscanian olive oil, and satisfies just about every food craving you could be suffering from in a single bite.
Finish with an order of that famous Italian sweet pick-me-up (if it’s not sold out), and head back to Peckham Rye Station satiated and satisfied.
A word of warning; book your table in advance as this cosy eatery is actually teeny tiny shed that only has a handful of tables.
Address: Copeland Industrial Park, 133 Copeland Rd, London SE15 3SN, United Kingdom
Website: oispaghetti.co.uk
Guacamoles
Inside the recently renovated Rye Lane Indoor Market at 48 Rye Lane sits Guacamoles. Hmm, perhaps sits isn’t quite the right phrase – it stands proud. Look for orange dahlias painted on white beams, Mexican flags, and a sombrero perched on top of a small blackboard menu and you’ll know you’ve arrived.
This colourful taco spot is run by Manolo de la Torre – known as ‘Taco Manny’ to some – and his wife Gabriella. What started as a pop-up in late 2023 has quickly become a beloved fixture in Peckham, serving really damn good tacos at surprisingly reasonable prices.
Manny’s background adds depth to his cooking. Originally from Veracruz on Mexico’s east coast, he comes from a family of food vendors – his grandfather built a business selling burritos to factory workers. After coming to the UK and noticing the lack of affordable Mexican options, Manny decided to fill that gap. “This is fast food; it shouldn’t be expensive,” he says. “With one kilogram of masa, I can make 90 tortillas”, he told FT Globetrotter.
Mission statement dispensed with, unsurprisingly the menu centres on corn tortillas made fresh daily by hand. The birria tacos feature slow-cooked beef with a complex spice blend that gives them remarkable depth. Even more impressive is the lengua (beef tongue) taco, where the meat becomes wonderfully tender after slow-braising.
The al pastor uses pork belly that’s been braised and fried rather than the traditional spit-roasting method. The mix of achiote, orange, and vinegar creates a flavor that’s complex and satisfying. Every order includes freshly made guacamole and three different salsas, plus lime wedges.
Save room for Manny’s tres leches cake – a light sponge soaked in evaporated milk following a family recipe passed down through generations. It’s delicate yet indulgent. The Jamaica Aguas Frescas (hibiscus tea) makes a perfect accompaniment – sweet and refreshing with a pleasant tartness.
While you can take your food to go, it’s worth eating in the market’s food court. The area directly in front of Guacamoles has colorful papel picado decorations and a lively atmosphere that enhances the experience.
Budget-conscious visitors should come on Tuesdays when tacos are just £3 each. As for Manny’s claim that these are “the best tacos in London” – well, they’re certainly contenders.
Address: Rye Lane Indoor Market, 48 Rye Ln, London SE15 5BY
Instagram: @guacamolespeckham
M. Manze
M. Manze, a renowned pie and mash shop, has been serving Londoners with its delicious traditional British meals since 1902. The history of this iconic establishment is deeply rooted in the culinary culture of London, particularly in the eastern docklands area where it first gained popularity during the Victorian era. Pie and mash, originally a working-class food, was designed to be easily transportable and protected from the dirt and grime of historic London by its pastry crust.
The legacy of M. Manze began with Michele Manze, an Italian immigrant who opened his first pie and mash shop on Southwark’s Union Street in 1844. His business was inspired by the travelling piemen who sold their pies throughout London. Over the years, the Manze family expanded their business, opening several shops across the city. Today, the fourth generation of the Manze family, Emma Harrington, her father Rick Poole, and her husband Tom Harrington, continue to run the family-owned business.
Located at 105 Peckham High Street just a 5 minute walk north of the station, M. Manze’s Peckham shop is the second oldest surviving branch after the Tower Bridge shop. It first opened its doors in 1927 and has since become a beloved institution in the community. However, the shop faced a significant challenge in 1985 when it was burnt down during the riots in the area.
A long legal battle ensued, and unfortunately, Lionel Manze, Michele’s son who took over the business after his father’s death in 1932, did not live long enough to see the outcome. Despite these hardships, M. Manze persevered and continues to thrive in Peckham.
The signature dish of M. Manze is, of course, their famous pie and mash. The pie consists of a minced-beef filling, which historically contained leftover scraps of meat and vegetables, baked in a pastry crust. It is served with mashed potatoes and a thin green parsley sauce called liquor, which, despite its name, contains no alcohol. This hearty meal has been a staple of London’s culinary scene for generations and remains a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
M. Manze is not only known for its delicious pie and mash but also for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. The staff at the Peckham shop are friendly and greet customers with a smile, making it a go-to place for those seeking a taste of traditional London grub. In addition to their signature dish, M. Manze also offers other handcrafted traditional English dishes, such as stewed eels, which are available for delivery throughout the UK.
Read: The best restaurants in London Bridge and Borough
Address: 105 Peckham High St, London SE15 5RS, United Kingdom
Website: manze.co.uk
Ganapati
Ganapati is a South Indian gem tucked away just off Bellenden Road, offering a taste of Kerala cuisine as imagined by head chef and owner Claire Fisher, who has spent years perfecting her recipes, resulting in dishes that transport diners straight to the sun-soaked shores of Southern India.
Open since 2004, long before Peckham shapeshifted into its current form, the restaurant’s inception can be traced back to Claire Fisher’s life-changing trip to India in 1992. Enamoured by the rich flavours and vibrant culture, Claire embarked on a journey to master the art of South Indian cooking, which eventually led her to Holly Grove, and Ganapati.
The Thali here, a traditional Indian platter with a selection of curry, rice, raita, mung bean salad, pickles and poppadoms, offers a true taste of Kerala’s diverse culinary landscape, and is just fantastic. It’s a bargain, too, at £12.50 for the full spread, and is one of the best budget lunches in the immediate area. Come get it while it’s hot!
Address: 38 Holly Grove, London SE15 5DF, United Kingdom
Website: ganapatirestaurant.com
Peckham Bazaar
National newspaper recognition has not dented the idiosyncrasies of this great ‘pan-Balkan’ Peckham institution, where head chef and owner John Gionleka, originally from Albania, brings his wealth of experience and passion for regional cuisine to create dishes that are both comforting and innovative..
With its celebration of the South Eastern Mediterranean, it’s no surprise that fish is done superbly here, with a grilled octopus, white taramasalata (none of that neon-pink stuff here), and caper dressing a standout dish on our last visit, showcasing the chef’s skill in combining bold flavours and textures. It’s intriguing, exciting and both familiar and thrilling, which is pretty much all you want from a meal out.
The wine list here is a celebration of sometimes lesser-known grape varieties from the Balkans and Eastern Europe, and features unique and diverse options, ranging from the Simcic Opoka Ribolla, an orange wine from Slovenia, to Greek reds and other regional favourites. Spirit enthusiasts can indulge in a Peckham Negroni with Otto’s vermouth from Athens, which is excellent. Throw in a glass or two, and you’ve got yourself one of the best meals in Peckham.
Address: 119 Consort Rd, London SE15 3RU, United Kingdom
Website: peckhambazaar.com
The Begging Bowl
Located on Peckham’s premier foodie strip Bellenden Road, the Begging Bowl uses Thai street food to form gorgeous small plates of zest and fire. The building is beautiful and airy, adding to the buzz this place generates even on a weeknight.
Chef-owner Jane Alty has trained in some of the best kitchens in London. Originally from New Zealand, Jane has lived in London for two decades, working alongside the city’s best chefs in top-name restaurants such as Bibendum, Galvin at Windows, Racine and, most influentially, the Michelin-starred Bangkok restaurant Nahm.
On the menu, dishes boast real clarity and punch, with excellent sourcing evident in the precision of flavour. Don’t miss out on deep fried whole sea bass, served under a tangle of shredded green mango and doused in a perky tamarind dressing. The jasmine rice, so fragrant and nourishing, is limitless. A real treat, and one of London’s best Thai restaurants, for sure.
Address: 168 Bellenden Rd, London SE15 4BW, United Kingdom
Website: thebeggingbowl.co.uk
Mr. Bao
Mr. Bao has been delighting South Londoners with its famous fluffy buns and other Taiwanese staples since 2016.
Frank Yeung, the owner of Mr. Bao, is no stranger to Peckham’s restaurant scene, as he co-owns Miss Tapas on Choumert Road and has previously run a small chain of Mexican restaurants called Poncho 8 with his friend Nick Birkett, who is co-owner here. The duo fell in love with baos during their trips to New York and Asia, which inspired them to bring these instagrammable bites back to Peckham. We’re so glad they did.
The star of the show at Mr. Bao is undoubtedly one of its signature dishes, the Bao Diddley, a fried chicken bao given a real kick of flavour by kimchi and wasabi mayo. The tapioca flour used here is the masterstroke, making their chicken extra crispy, the fermented bean curd nestled within the buns packing an umami punch. It’s pretty much the definition of ‘crowd-pleaser’. For the vegetarians in the gang, the teriyaki shiitake mushroom bao is just as satisfying.
If you have a penchant for dessert, then their squidgy, sweet, salty and savoury miso cookie sandwich will make you smile – think two freshly baked chocolate chip cookies sandwiched together with miso caramel and marshmallow fluff. We’re grinning just thinking about it.
The restaurant also boasts an enjoyable selection of drinks, including their house Daddy Bao Yuzu Pale Ale, Mr. Bao Plum Wine Negroni, and a keen roll call of sake. Aahhhh.
And with that, we’re in need of a well-earned lie down…
Address: 293-295 Rye Ln, London SE15 4UA, United Kingdom
Website: mrbao.co.uk
