SE1 Eating Guide
From food markets to authentic Spanish tapas. The best places to eat in SE1.
If you’re looking for a foodie haven, then SE1 is the place for you. It’s home to both Borough Market and Maltby Street Market, an endless array of quality restaurants on Bermondsey Street and much more. South London has really stepped up to the plate.
EDITOR’S PICK
Stroll down to Maltby Street Market on the weekend and you’ll be bombarded with choice. Each trader is a master at what they do. They’re enthusiastic about provenance, method and quality. This buzzing foodie hangout hosts a plethora of options from moreish sushi buns at Sticky Bandits to Finest Fayre’s Scotch eggs.
Address: Maltby Street Market, Ropewalk
You couldn’t talk about the SE1 food scene without mentioning this beloved tapas bar. Launched by ex-head chef José Pizarro, this atmospheric kitchen is always packed with satisfied customers and full of energy. Food is simple and delicious. Look out for the day’s specials; they never fail to impress.
Address: 104 Bermondsey Street
Telephone: 020 7256 5333
Save yourself a trip on the Eurostar and head south of the river for this Gallic treat. The restaurant is cosy and creates indulgent French cuisine from dauphinoise potatoes to succulent steak. It’s the kind of comforting neighborhood restaurant that makes you wish you lived next door.
Address: 109 Bermondsey Street
Telephone: 020 7407 2140
From 10am-4pm every Saturday, the arches along Druid Street transform into an innovative street food market. This exciting space hosts a rotating food stall roster meaning that you’ll never want to sample the same thing twice. Our recommendation: Try Pojang for some of London’s most authentic Korean street food.
Address: Druid Street Market, 126 Druid Street
There is such charm to this restaurant. You’ll find 40 Maltby Street tucked away under a railway arch. It’s not polished, and the kitchen is the size of a postage stamp, and it’s all the better for it. The cooking is sophisticated and you’ll never want to tell a soul that it’s there. Sorry.
Address: 40 Maltby Street
Telephone:
This airy restaurant is always heaving. It champions the cuisines of Eastern Europe and asks you to bring a thirst for vodka with you. With over 60 varieties on offer (and over 50 cocktails), you won’t fail to become an aficionado.
Address: 74 Blackfriars Road
Telephone: 020 7928 1111
Sat on the gritty Tower Bridge Road, The Other Room Bar is the perfect example of laid back Californian cooking. It certainly makes the most of having some of London’s finest breweries on its doorstep. The staff are friendly and informed, and will happily talk you through the selection of craft beers on offer.
Address: 60 Tower Bridge Road
Telephone: 020 3302 0610
In amongst all the deliciously indulgent food on offer in SE1, you have this fantastically unassuming spot. Village East specialises is great breakfast dishes with a twist, from confit turkey hash to eggs Benedict with seared tuna. Plus, you won’t want to miss their Bloody Marys with their kick of beetroot juice.
Address: 171-173 Bermondsey Street
Telephone: 020 7357 6082
This may well be one of London’s best-kept secrets. From the team behind Maltby Street Market, Spa Terminus is hidden further south beside the railway tracks, and is frequented by those in the know. Walk through the unassuming blue door to be presented with fresh bread from Little Bread Pedlar, artisan cheeses from Neal’s Yard Dairy, moreish sausages from Crown & Queue, to name but a few.
Address: Spa Terminus, Dockley Road
A firm favourite with SE1 locals, this tiny octagonal café is highly regarded as serving some of the best coffee in the area. Not only is its coffee good, but you also won’t want to leave without trying some of their hearty winter soups, fresh artisanal baguettes or melt-in-your-mouth pastries.
Address: 199 Bermondsey Street
Telephone: 020 7407 6431
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