Borough Market and London Bridge boast some of the most exciting eateries in the capital. From cosy Greek spots to spicy Thai kitchens, this foodie hotspot offers flavours from across the globe.
Whether you're after a quick lunch or a special dinner, these restaurants showcase the best of London's diverse food scene.
1. Agora – Mediterranean Magic With A Modern Twist
Hidden away on Park Street, Agora serves up Greek-inspired dishes that'll transport you straight to the Aegean. The restaurant's bright blue façade hints at the Mediterranean treasures waiting inside. Their slow-roasted lamb shoulder falls apart at the touch of a fork, while the homemade tzatziki provides the perfect cooling accompaniment.
Don't miss their grilled octopus – charred to perfection and drizzled with lemon and olive oil. The atmosphere strikes that rare balance between buzzy and relaxed, making it ideal for both date nights and catch-ups with mates. Pop in during the week for their reasonably priced lunch menu that won't leave your wallet crying.
2. Akara – West African Cuisine That Packs A Punch
The aroma of spices hits you before you even step through the door at Akara. This family-run gem brings authentic West African flavours to Borough Market with recipes passed down through generations. Named after the popular Nigerian bean fritters, their signature akara comes perfectly crisp on the outside and fluffy within.
The jollof rice rivals any you'll find in Lagos, with that distinctive smoky undertone that marks the real deal. Vegetarians won't feel left out either – their groundnut stew with sweet potatoes is hearty enough to satisfy even dedicated carnivores.
The space itself is cosy with colourful artwork adorning the walls, creating a warm, welcoming vibe that'll have you planning your next visit before you've even paid the bill.
3. Bar Daskal – Spanish Small Plates And Sherry Heaven
The moment you walk into Bar Daskal, you're transported to an Andalusian taverna. This intimate Spanish bar feels like Madrid's best-kept secret somehow landed in London Bridge. Their pan con tomate – seemingly simple but devilishly hard to perfect – comes with bread that's crisp-edged yet pillowy inside, topped with intensely flavourful tomatoes.
The sherry selection is mind-boggling, with knowledgeable staff ready to guide novices through the fino to oloroso spectrum. Come evening, the place hums with conversation as locals share plates of garlicky prawns and wafer-thin jamón.
The space is tiny, which only adds to its charm – though it means booking ahead is essential if you want to snag one of the coveted window seats overlooking the market.
4. Camille – French Bistro Classics With British Ingredients
Nestled on Stoney Street, Camille marries French cooking techniques with seasonal British produce. The result? A neighbourhood bistro that feels like it's been there forever, despite only opening in 2021.
Blackboards announce the day's specials – perhaps a velvety celeriac soup or a perfectly pink rack of lamb.
Their steak frites deserves special mention: the chips are triple-cooked to golden perfection while the béarnaise sauce achieves that tricky balance between buttery richness and tarragon sharpness. The wine list focuses on small French producers, with plenty available by the glass.
Weekend brunch brings queues of locals hoping to bag a table for their legendary croque madame – worth the wait for that moment when the knife breaks the egg yolk, creating an instant sauce for the ham-stuffed sandwich.
5. Elliot's – Farm-To-Table Pioneer With Perfect Pizzas
Long before 'locally sourced' became a menu cliché, Elliot's was quietly building relationships with farmers and producers. This Borough Market stalwart has evolved over the years, now focusing on wood-fired cooking that brings out the best in simple ingredients.
Their sourdough pizzas have developed a cult following – the naturally fermented dough creates a crust that's simultaneously chewy, crisp and slightly tangy.
Seasonal toppings might include wild mushrooms foraged from Kent or nduja made by a small producer in Calabria. The restaurant itself feels unpretentious yet special, with an open kitchen where you can watch chefs expertly manoeuvring pizzas in the roaring oven.
Their natural wine selection is thoughtfully curated, featuring bottles from small-scale producers who intervene minimally in the winemaking process.
6. Lupins – Small Plates With Big British Character
Tucked away in a converted railway arch, Lupins serves 'Sunshine Food' – their term for British ingredients given global twists. The restaurant's name comes from the lupin flower, reflecting their colourful, vibrant approach to cooking. The menu changes with the seasons, but certain favourites remain year-round due to popular demand.
Their cornmeal-crusted squid with aioli elevates the humble calamari to new heights, while the brown butter panisse (chickpea chips) are dangerously addictive. The space itself is compact but cleverly designed, with a small open kitchen where you can watch the chefs at work.
Seats at the counter are perfect for solo diners or couples, while the handful of tables accommodate small groups. Their weekday set lunch is one of London Bridge's best-kept secrets – restaurant-quality food at sandwich prices.
7. Padella – Pasta Perfection Worth Queuing For
The perpetual queue outside Padella tells you everything you need to know – Londoners will happily wait for the city's best pasta. This Borough Market institution has a refreshingly simple concept: a handful of handmade pasta dishes at prices that won't make your eyes water.
Their pici cacio e pepe has achieved legendary status – thick, hand-rolled worms of pasta coated in a silky sauce of Parmesan, butter and black pepper.
It's Italian cooking at its purest, where technique and quality ingredients speak for themselves. The restaurant operates a no-bookings policy, but the queue moves surprisingly quickly.
Inside, the two-floor space is minimalist yet atmospheric, with marble-topped counters perfect for watching the chefs at work. Pro tip: arrive just before opening (12pm or 5pm) to minimise waiting time.
8. Rambutan – Sri Lankan Street Food With A Contemporary Edge
Former pop-up Rambutan found its permanent home near London Bridge, bringing chef Cynthia Shanmugalingam's Sri Lankan heritage to life through vibrant, punchy flavours. The restaurant hums with energy as fragrant curries and sambols arrive at tables. Their mutton rolls – spiced meat encased in a golden crumb coating – make the perfect starter, especially when dunked in the accompanying hot sauce.
The hoppers (bowl-shaped fermented rice pancakes) come with various fillings, the egg hopper being particularly photogenic with its sunny-side-up centre. Vegetarians are well catered for with dishes like the cashew and green bean curry that's creamy without being heavy.
The space blends industrial elements with touches of colour, while friendly staff are happy to guide first-timers through the menu. Cocktails incorporate Sri Lankan ingredients like arrack (coconut spirit) and cinnamon.
9. Wright Brothers – Seafood Specialists A Stone's Throw From The Thames
What began as an oyster wholesale business has evolved into one of London's most respected seafood restaurants. Wright Brothers' Borough Market branch sits in the shadow of Southwark Cathedral, offering a menu that celebrates the best of British waters. The oyster selection changes daily, with varieties from both UK shores and beyond, each with its own distinct character.
Their seafood platters are spectacular sharing centrepieces – towers of crushed ice laden with crab, prawns, clams and more. For those who prefer their seafood cooked, the fish pie comes crowned with a perfect mash crust, while the whole grilled fish of the day showcases supremely fresh produce with minimal intervention.
The restaurant's interior balances maritime touches with contemporary comfort, featuring a curved oyster bar where you can perch and watch the shuckers at work.
10. Kolae – Thai Barbecue That Brings The Heat
Kolae brings the smoky, spicy flavours of Thai barbecue to London Bridge. The restaurant takes its name from a southern Thai grilling technique, where marinated meat is cooked over coconut husks for a distinctive aroma. Their gai yang (grilled chicken) is a masterclass in balancing sweet, sour and spicy elements – the meat juicy within and lacquered golden-brown outside.
Don't miss the nam jim jaew dipping sauce that accompanies it, packing serious umami punch. The som tam (green papaya salad) offers welcome freshness alongside the richer grilled items, with a chilli kick that can be adjusted to your tolerance.
Inside, the restaurant buzzes with energy – an open kitchen sends out wafts of lemongrass and lime leaf, while the concrete and wood interior is softened by lush plants and colourful plates. Booking is essential, especially for their popular weekend service.
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