South London

336 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, SW9 8QH

A totally unique cocktail bar and restaurant, this offers some truly creative and mind-blowing cocktails. A Bloody Mary arrives as a clear drink (they make their own clarified tomato juice), and many others come with a taste-enhancing accompaniment while other drinks are presented with smoke, fizz, or have flashing icecubes. The kitchen has changing residencies, currently Donnelley’s, where you can experience an eclectic range of dishes with influences from all corners of the globe.

3 Atlantic Rd, Brixton, London SW9 8HX

Not so much of a restaurant as a take-out with the option to sit in, this is the flagship premises of the fried chicken chain. Perch on the high stools and watch the bustle of Brixton through the glass arch as you choose from six different burger options, including garlic butter mayo fried chicken with parmesan and pickles. There is a vegan option, and sides include vegan dirty tater tots with “bacon” bits and ranch sauce.

Unit 39, Brixton Village, Coldharbour Ln, Brixton, London SW9 8PS

Okan has three outposts in total, and with two of these in SW9 Brixton folk feel rather spoilt. The locations feel different in atmosphere and serve different dishes, so it's worth checking both out. Head to Brixton Market for Osaka-influenced cooking with sizzling hot plates of teppanyaki, omuyaki soba or okonomiyaki. Round the corner is their Coldharbour Lane site, where the fare is Izakaya style tapas with mum’s ramen and donburi in a calmer setting.

426 Coldharbour Ln, Brixton, London SW9 8LF

Fun, bright, and a bit bonkers, this restaurant is the brainchild of Tim Anderson - the youngest ever winner of Masterchef back in 2011. Nanban means “southern barbarian” and Tim’s cooking style is to mash up Japanese soul food with international flavours from Brixton Market. Ramens all come with a twist, like the lazy goat ramen topped with Scotch bonnet-pickled bamboo shoots. Other dishes include Japanese inspired burgers.

58D Atlantic Rd, Brixton, London SW9 8PY

A hidden gem, and one for dedicated sushi lovers, this 6 seater set up specialises in Yoroppa-Mae style Sushi Omakase. There is no menu, the chef serves up to 18 inventive courses with the freshest fish he can source that day. The chef graduated from Tokyo Sushi Academy and the restaurant focuses on Japanese techniques while also taking influence from his Colombian and Thai heritage. An intimate and unique experience.