Curated Collection

Top Rated in Southwark

Discover handpicked top rated in Southwark, London, with what to order first at each place.

Every place here is handpicked. Signal score shows how strong and consistent the review coverage is, not a star rating.

19 restaurants

1
OMA

Modern Greek · £££ · Southwark

98Signal

Start with

Açma Verde & Salt Cod XO Labneh

The universal consensus across reviews is that the bread program is 'amazing'; specifically, the açma (a garlic-laced Turkish bagel-hybrid) paired with the salt cod labneh, which Nick Lander called the 'highlight' of the spreads.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

2
KOKUM

Modern Indian · ££ · Southwark

94Signal

Start with

Raan Utthapam

Universally hailed as 'transcendent' by critics, this dish features kid lamb simmered for 12 hours and served on a fermented rice pancake.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

3
Padella

Italian · £ · Southwark

93Signal

Start with

Pici Cacio e Pepe

Described as 'critically acclaimed' and 'so simple, so diet-destroying,' this signature dish is a benchmark for the restaurant's hand-rolled pasta.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

4
Akara

West African · ££ · Southwark

92Signal

Start with

BBQ Tiger Prawn Akara

The namesake dish of the restaurant, described as 'plump, voluptuous' and 'best tackled with both hands.' It features a spongey black-eye bean fritter stuffed with sweet, spiced prawns.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

5
Mei Mei

Singaporean · ££ · Southwark

90Signal

Start with

Hainanese Chicken Rice

Regarded as the 'set piece' of the menu, this 'sneakily bewitching' dish is praised for its 'magical qualities' and 'life-changing flavour' where ginger and pandan penetrate 'every succulent atom'.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

6
Kolae

Southern Thai · ££ · Southwark

89Signal

Start with

Kolae Chicken Bamboo Skewer

Described as a 'chicken Magnum lolly' and 'sticks of pleasure', these huge, juicy skewers are the restaurant's signature must-order.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

7
Bar Douro

Portuguese · ££ · Southwark

89Signal

Start with

Croquetes de Alheira

These crisp smoked sausage croquettes are described as "pungent, fatty and garlicky," serving as a standout example of excellent produce beautifully cooked.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

8
Casa do Frango

Portuguese · ££ · Southwark

88Signal

Start with

Piri-Piri Chicken

The 'main event' is wood-charcoal grilled and described by critics as 'salty and spicy in all the right places' with a crisp, lightly charred, fiery skin that elevates it far above high-street chains.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

9
AGORA

Greek · ££ · Southwark

88Signal

Start with

Hummus with Masabacha & Crisps

Described as the 'best £5 you can spend in London,' this 'show-stopping' dish is a multi-layered affair featuring velvety smooth hummus topped with crushed chickpeas and shards of spicy crisps.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

10
Kachori

Modern North Indian · ££ · Southwark

86Signal

Start with

Guinea Fowl Tikka

Described by critics as 'melt-in-your-mouth' and 'spice-infused', this dish is praised for its 'spot-on' spicing and unique accompaniment of tempered curd rice.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

11
Legare

Italian · £££ · Southwark

85Signal

Start with

Pappardelle with Fennel Sausage Ragù and Cavolo Nero

Described as the 'main event,' these broad, al dente ribbons are wrapped in a rich ragù that critics call 'meaty, carb-laden goodness.'

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

12
Arthur Hooper's

Modern European Small Plates · ££ · Southwark

85Signal

Start with

Burrata with Samphire & Almonds

Critics describe this dish as "fresh and creamy" and "almost soft enough to swim in," serving as a perfect example of the restaurant's market-to-table ethos.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

13
Berenjak Borough

Persian · ££ · Southwark

85Signal

Start with

Koobideh Kabab

Described as 'outstanding' and a 'must be ordered' dish; reviewers praise the minced lamb shoulder for its delicate spices and a 'soft and tender' texture that 'melt in your mouth.'

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

14
BAR D4100

Pizza · £ · Southwark

82Signal

Start with

The MacGyver

The restaurant's 'legendary' signature pie. Critics praise the 'brilliant' combination of whipped feta, chorizo, and hot honey, with one reviewer noting it 'works brilliantly every time' particularly due to the crushed fennel seeds.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

15
La Chingada

Mexican · £ · Southwark

82Signal

Start with

Suadero Tacos

Universally acclaimed by critics as the menu's star; beef brisket confited for hours until hypnotically rich and tender.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

16
La Barra

Colombian / Dominican · £ · Southwark

82Signal

Start with

Pica Pollo

A Dominican obsession described as 'KFC amped up,' featuring chicken with a batter that splutters into 'dark brown curlicues' and served with 'bofes' (lung jerky) and tostones.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

17
Santo Remedio

Mexican · ££ · Southwark

81Signal

Start with

Guacamole with Grasshoppers

This is the restaurant's 'signature' dish and 'famous' starter. The freshly chopped guacamole is topped with deep-fried insects that offer a unique salty 'crunch' and texture.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

18
Tacos Padre

Mexican · ££ · Southwark

81Signal

Start with

Beef Short-rib Suadero Taco

Consistently praised across reviews for its rich flavor, featuring aged beef fat and often paired with burnt onion.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

19
Bala Baya

Israeli · ££ · Southwark

80Signal

Start with

Crispy, Sticky, Crunchy

Universally praised as 'posh KFC,' this addictive dish of fried chicken with bitter orange, harissa, and kimchi is described as 'everything it promised to be.'

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

Explore more collections