Boasting a constantly increasing number of creative and unique eateries, Streatham, located in the leafy end of south west London, has emerged from a once-sleepy enclave to a vibrant and culturally diverse neighbourhood known for its plethora of restaurants, bars and shops. From family-run joints to satisfy a particular craving and romantic restaurants for a special celebration to neighbourhood institutions and slick gastropubs for a night out with the gang, sink your teeth into what Streatham has to offer.
Carmine
Carmine
Bringing a slice of the Big Apple to London, Carmine is modelled after New York’s lively all-day brunch spots—a bustling brasserie serving up breakfast plates, bar snacks and mains. Named after the infamous Soprano’s mafia boss, the spacious 100-seat eatery (inclusive of a coworking space by day) flows seamlessly from bustling brunch spot to after-work watering den and intimate dinner destination, with the stylish Art Deco fixtures adding to the warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Carmine, 20-21 The High Parade, Streatham High Road, London, SW16 1EX, carminesw16.com
Hood
Hood
Radiating charm, Hood keeps it casual with locally brewed beers, European wines and simple, lip-smacking dishes with a seasonal bent. Much of their fresh produce comes from a local farm in Kent, reflecting the kitchen’s strong sustainability ethos, powered by the owners’ passion for working with the community and supporting local farmers and growers. Come here for the friendly atmosphere and menu of creative, modern British bites.
Hood, 67 Streatham Hill, London, SW2 4TX, +44 20 3601 3320, hoodrestaurants.com
Slurp
Slurp
Take your palate for a whirl around Southeast Asia at Slurp, where regional flavours come together in a dizzying menu featuring over 70 eclectic dishes. Whether you are seeking a soul-soothing bowl of ramen or a plate of classic sweet and sour pork, prepared to be spoilt for choice with Slurp’s offerings spanning Chinese, Japanese, Thai and more. With so many cuisines under one roof, Slurp is the ideal destination for families with picky eaters, while keeping your wallet intact at that.
Slurp, 104-106 Streatham High Road, London, SW16 1BW, +44 20 8677 7786, slurprestaurant.co.uk
Aya
Aya
The vibrant spices and flavours of the Middle East come alive at Aya, where a health-conscious menu of traditional Lebanese dishes caters to both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. The cosy restaurant is hospitable and homespun, with a private courtyard garden catering to wedding receptions and cocktail gatherings. Surrounded by an abundance of vegetables, vibrant herbs and fresh seafood, it is easy to buy into the virtues of a Mediterranean diet at Aya.
Aya, 78 Streatham High Road, London, SW16 1BS, +44 20 8677 1719, ayacuisine.com
Baby Spinach
While away the afternoons at Baby Spinach, Streatham’s local café and coffee shop where light breakfast and lunch options are washed down with an excellent brew or fruit smoothie. Whether you’re here to nibble on their gluten-free cakes or for a full-blown lunch, you’ll find time slips away in this indoor-outdoor oasis, with fast Wi-Fi, plenty of plugs and natural sunlight catering to the remote working set.
Baby Spinach. 24-26 The High Parade, Streatham High Road, London, SW16 1EX, +44 20 3096 3158, spinach.london/babyspinachstreatham
Talay Thai Streatham
Talay Thai
A local favourite, Talay Thai is a family-run institution celebrating the rich food culture of the region with heart-warming hospitality. You’ll find all the usual suspects on the menu, from pad Thai to vibrant, chilli-laced curries made with loving attention-to-detail, in addition to a number of unique chef specialties and twists on classics. Dishes are rooted in fresh, quality ingredients, while the homey space lends itself to casual catch-ups or weeknight dinner dates.
Talay Thai, 64 Streatham High Road, London, SW16 1DA, +44 20 8696 0854, lovetalaythai.com
Italian Bistro
Italian Bistro
Offering fuss-free Italian eats and excellent value for money, Italian Bistro keeps it simple with a variety of antipasti, meat, and seafood offerings. For a comforting carb fix, you can’t go wrong with the traditional sourdough pizzas made fresh-to-order in the wood-fired oven, or a plate of handcrafted pasta, from spaghetti tossed with just-cooked seafood, to golden tagliatelle mounded with rich and hearty beef ragu.
Italian Bistro, 32 Streatham High Road, London, SW16 1DB, +44 20 8696 0444, italianbistro.co.uk
Rice Republic
Rice Republic
The antidote to dour Chinese joints boasting bad décor and too much MSG, Rice Republic aims to bring the quality and care back to simple Chinese cooking, with an attractive wine and beer menu to enhance the experience. The focus is on dumplings and dim sum, handmade with care, while larger mains include succulent Hong Kong-style pork char siu, crispy fried shredded beef, and sizzling prawns in a lip-smacking garlic tomato sauce.
Rice Republic, 161 Streatham High Road, London, SW16 6EG, +44 20 8677 7133, ricerepublic.co.uk
Hamlet Bar Lounge & Restaurant
Hamlet Bar & Lounge
For hearty appetites, The Hamlet is the place to go with large European-style sharing plates, mezze platters and signature burgers served with generous hospitality. Steeped in vintage-chic décor, a night here is best enjoyed with an expertly made cocktail to start, before dipping into the mouth-watering menu. With live music throughout the week, daily specials and party rooms for hire, The Hamlet is a one-stop destination for everything from Sunday roasts with the family to riotous group gatherings and birthday celebrations.
Hamlet Bar & Lounge, 10 Streatham High Road, London, SW2 1DB, +44 20 8769 1171, thehamlet-village.co.uk
La Casita
La Casita
Spanish and Portuguese influences meld at La Casita, a convivial neighbourhood eatery with a homestyle kitchen to take you right back to your mother’s cooking. For informal dinners, La Casita’s tapas and mixed grilled platters are excellent for sharing—unfussy comfort food at its best. Start off with a round of padrón peppers, spicy potatoes and flamed chorizo, then move on to a mixed seafood paella, fried salt cod or stewed seafood rice for a hearty meal that never disappoints.
La Casita, 122 Streatham High Road, London, SW16 1BW, +44 20 8664 6033, lacasita-london.co.uk
Firezza
Firezza
When the craving for pizza hits, look no further than Firezza, London’s gourmet pizzeria with a strong footprint across the city. Head to the Streatham location for a quick fix of authentic Neapolitan-style pies with over 22 different topping combinations available, all served on their signature chewy crust brought to temp in the wood-fired ovens. Made fresh daily with the highest-quality ingredients imported from Italy, Firezza proves that nothing beats tradition when it comes to the art of pizza-making.
Firezza, 34-36 Streatham High Road, London, SW16 1DB, +44 20 4542 3706, firezza.com
The Bull
The Bull
Formerly an 18th century coaching inn, The Bull now resides as one of South London’s best-loved pubs, a classic boozer with a contemporary bent. Grab a pint in the beer garden to bask in the summer sun, or enjoy the eclectic interiors complete with stained glass windows while getting your fill of creative pub grub and classics. The Bull is also dog-friendly with sports screens indoors and outdoors for catching all the action.
The Bull, 498 Streatham High Road, London, SW16 3QB, +44 20 8764 4003, thebullstreatham.co.uk