Home to Wimbledon Tennis Championships, this South West London neighbourhood is an ever-growing enclave of popular restaurants and bars. Whether you’re a local resident or a tennis fan seeking a bite between matches, feed your appetite at these gastropubs, restaurants and casual bistros that are certified foodie faves.
Giggling Squid
A Thai chain with a footprint across the UK, Giggling Squid is a popular go-to for its friendly service and hearty plates packed full of bold flavours, spanning traditional Thai dishes and smaller sharing-style tapas. With heartily portioned plates and an upbeat vibe, Giggling Squid makes for the ideal spot for everything from a casual catch-up with friends to a family dinner, with an array of vegan options and a kids’ menu also available. Highlights at the upmarket eatery include steamed baby squid stuffed with minced chicken, crispy fried sea bass and slow-cooked ‘chubby cheek pork’.
26 High Street, Wimbledon, London, SW19 5BY, +44 20 8946 4196, gigglingsquid.com
Cent Anni
Contemporary Italian restaurant Cent Anni, located smack dab in Wimbledon Village, offers superb homestyle Italian food ranging from pizza to homemade pasta, seafood and meats—all paired with an enviable wine list. Start off with the calamari fritti and crab arancini, a plate of creamy burrata or thinly sliced beef carpaccio strewn with shaved parmesan and micro herbs. For mains, hungry diners can tuck into the creamy classic carbonara, seasonal risotto, and an array of thin-crust pizzas, choosing from Italian veggie, Italian hot, classic margherita, and the signature house pizza topped with prosciutto, salami, burrata, Parmesan and peppery rocket.
33 High Street, Wimbledon, London, SW19 5BY, +44 20 3971 9781, centanni.co.uk
The White Onion
Also situated in Wimbledon Village, The White Onion caters to discerning tastes with top-quality French fare rooted in fresh, seasonal ingredients. Awash in a serene palette of turquoise blue, off-white and light wood, the elegant bistro serves classic dishes such as duck leg rillette, pan-fried cod and lamb Wellington, all executed with attention to detail and clever modern touches. Free from pretension or formalities, a relaxed vibe permeates the space, whether you’re seated at the marble-topped bar or in the cosy dining room channelling a quaint countryside feel.
67 High Street, Wimbledon, London, SW19 5EE, +44 20 8947 8278, thewhiteonion.co.uk
The Ivy Café Wimbledon
Light, bright and accented with pops of foliage, The Ivy Café draws in a sophisticated crowd, with the restaurant spread across several distinct areas, including a first floor private dining room and garden terrace replete with hanging ivy and comfortable lawn furniture. The kind of neighbourhood stalwart that befits all occasions or times of day, The Ivy Café offers polished service, prime people-watching and an international menu full of crowd-pleasers such as shepherd’s pie and steak tartare, in addition to an afternoon tea offering. A vibrant drink menu includes signature libations, twists on classics, an extensive wine menu, and a selection of non-alcoholic cocktails for teetotallers.
75 High Street, Wimbledon, London, SW19 5EG, +44 20 3096 9333, theivycafewimbledon.com
The Fox And Grapes
Perched on the edge of Wimbledon Common, this old-school watering den underwent a makeover a few years back to transform into a chic gastro-pub, with a menu now overseen by Michelin-decorated British chef, Paul Merrett. At Fox And Grapes, the seasoned veteran effortlessly blends British ingredients with French and Mediterranean influences, which can be evidenced in highlights such as chargrilled corn-fed chicken thighs, harissa-spiced aubergine, and Jerusalem artichoke and parsley ravioli. The flavour-packed menu is complemented by a seasonally rotating wine list developed in partnership with Berry Bros & Rudd.
9 Camp Road, Wimbledon, London, SW19 4UN, +44 20 8619 1300, foxandgrapeswimbledon.co.uk
Sticks ‘n’ Sushi
Easily reached from Wimbledon station, Danish import Sticks ‘n’ Sushi channels a clean, Scandinavian aesthetic, with exposed bulbs, light wood and white-washed walls emitting modernist vibes. With an idiosyncratic Japanese-Nordic influence, the Wimbledon mainstay pleases on both the aesthetic and epicurean fronts with top-notch sushi served alongside yakitori skewers and more creative standouts such as beef tataki with smoked cheese. Cap off your meal with an attractive selection of desserts, Japanese beers, and sakes sourced from premium purveyors. Sticks ‘n’ Sushi is also ideal for group dining with a number of set menus offering an assortment of tried and true favourites.
58 Wimbledon Hill Road, Wimbledon, London, SW19 7PA, +44 20 3141 8800, sticksnsushi.com
Bean & Hop
Seeking brunch and a quality brew? Look no further than Bean & Hop, a family-owned café which injects as much love and care into their top-notch roasts as they do their excellent brunch menu. Offering both indoor dining and alfresco tables scattered on the sidewalk, come here for a hearty breakfast with popular items including Turkish eggs, shakshouka, smashed avocado and chorizo, breakfast quesadillas, or grilled halloumi wraps. Pair your selection with an array of side dishes or a treat from the display counter stocked with fresh-baked cakes and bakery items. As an added plus, the café is dog-friendly so bring your furry friend along for some good nosh and vibes.
424-426 Garratt Lane, Wimbledon, London, SW18 4HN, +44 20 7998 6584, beanandhop.co.uk
The Light House Restaurant
This neighbourhood hot spot has been serving the community since 1999, and continues to draw in loyal patrons from Wimbledon and the surrounding suburbs. The Light House Restaurant’s contemporary British food reflects a fresh and light culinary philosophy, served in an elegant, cream-coloured dining room decorated with striking artwork and leather banquettes. A seasonally changing menu keeps regulars coming back, whether for the pristine seafood executed with a light touch, the delightful daily specials or the rustic, soul-satisfying desserts. Ask the sommelier for a recommendation from the reasonably-priced cellar, and spend the hours toasting to good wine and conversation on the lovely patio, ideal for balmy summer evenings.
75 The Ridgway, Wimbledon, London, SW19 4ST, +44 20 8944 6338, lighthousewimbledon.com