South London

115A Rye Ln, Peckham, London SE15 4ST

Hidden down an alley near Peckham Rye station, this Kurdish restaurant seems to relish being difficult to find, but it’s worth persisting. The kibbeh are to die for and the shawarma is beautifully spiced and delicious – and brilliant value too. Easier to find is the recently-opened secondary outpost on Rye Lane geared towards lunch - their huge mezze plate deal is a steal.

Riverlight Quay, 2 Nine Elms Ln, London SW11 8AW

A five-star luxury hotel makes the leap to London for its first overseas restaurant, with street food downstairs, upmarket dining upstairs, and lots of art - including a giant, 14ft bronze elephant.

4-5 London Road, London SE1 6JZ

Paladar aims to bring the best of Latin America to Lambeth, drawing from areas as wide as Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico and Peru.Expect a varied menu as well as a bodega where you can stock up, and a courtyard garden for warmer weather.

148 Clapham Manor St, London SW4 6BX

Finely sliced black pepper coppa made in-house is a thing of beauty to look at, ruffle up, lay on the semolina sourdough and eat. Jersey milk lends ricotta a satin finish denied other whey cheeses and the combination visually as well as in terms of flavour with black olives and golden Parmesan is regal.