London’s second-largest and most southern borough, Croydon is well-known for its picturesque green spaces and amazing street art. This vibrant mini-city is also the birthplace of many celebrities including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Amy Winehouse, and Kate Moss.
Looking for a nice dining establishment for a date night or a family gathering in Croydon? The good news is that this south London neighbourhood has a bustling restaurant scene. From hipster joints and traditional pubs to swanky restaurants with impressive interiors, Croydon has it all!
Whether you wish to enjoy a classic English pub grub or try Italian, Middle Eastern, and Asian local food delicacies, this Croydon restaurant guide has got you covered.
Bagatti’s Italian
There is no shortage of Italian restaurants in South London and Bagatti’s is one of our favourite Italian eateries in Croydon. Like every other family-run restaurant, Bagatti’s has its own cool story to tell. The Bagatti family used to live in the picturesque village of Bardi near Parma in Emilio-Romagna. The family decided to move to London and open a restaurant where they serve traditional dishes from the Emilio-Romagna region.
With signature starters such as mozzarella fritters, different variations of bruschetta, and asparagus with parma ham, the antipasti selection at Bagatti’s is simply divine. Restaurateur Peter Bagatti is also proud of the restaurant’s main dishes that include everything from pizzas and meat dishes to pasta and risottos.
Try the butter-filled king prawns or go for the ravioli ricotta e Spinaci that will simply melt in your mouth. For dessert, we recommend ordering the warm Panettone and butter pudding.
- Address: 56-58 S End, Croydon CR0 1DP
- Phone: +44 20 8686 9649
Karachi Cuisine
Wish to enjoy delicious Pakistani food in a sophisticated yet relaxed dining atmosphere in Croydon? Book a table at Karachi Cuisine, a lovely restaurant with consistently good food and service. In 2018, the restaurant was awarded in the London Curry Awards the “Restaurant of the Year – Editor’s Choice Award”.
What’s on the menu? The mixed grill platter for 2 that includes different cuts of beef, chicken, and lamb is definitely one of the most popular dishes here. There is also Maghaz Karahi, lamb brain served with green chillies, ginger, onions, and fresh tomatoes.
Seafood lovers won’t stay hungry at this Pakistani restaurant. The masala fish fry, prawn madras, and tandoori fish tikka are cooked to perfection. We should mention that all curries here at Karachi Cuisine are made from scratch.
- Address: 1113-1115 London Rd, London SW16 4XD
- Phone: +44 20 8689 6868
Galicia
Galicia is a vibrant tapas bar in Croydon that offers an extensive food menu and a nice selection of wines. If you are looking for an authentic Spanish experience in South London, you’ve come to the right place.
Galician-born Fernando Alexandre used to work as a waiter at this restaurant back in 1996. Today, he owns this authentic Spanish dining establishment with vibrantly designed tiles that decorate the walls.
We highly recommend ordering the grilled wild boar. Very tender, pink on the inside, and served in medallion shapes, the dish is to die for! Of course, you can also opt for the classics like patatas bravas, paella, and octopus vinaigrette.
Some of the other popular dishes on the menu include fillet steak with pepper and chilli sauce, mushrooms with spinach and ricotta, and grilled salmon with sauteed potatoes and salad. Wash down these tasty foods with a jug of sangria!
- Address: 269-275 High St, Croydon CR0 1QH
- Phone: +44 20 8686 0043
Basil and Grape
Welcome to Basil and Grape, a lovely Italian restaurant, pizzeria, and wine bar located in the heart of Croydon. The décor here is simple with a laid-back feel. The staff is attentive and always more than happy to walk you through the restaurant’s fabulous menu. It should also be noted that Basil and Grape have one of the finest selections of imported Italian wines in South London. When serving, the waiters will give you an introduction to each wine, its origin, its taste, etc.
The food menu includes everything from roman pizza and Italian cured meats to salads and a variety of sharing boards. Start with some olives alongside a selection of bruschetta or order goat’s cheese with fig jam as a starter. The stone-baked Roman Pizza is a big crowd-pleaser here at Basil and Grape. It is served on thick wooden platters and offers plenty of topping options.
The dessert list is maybe a bit too basic for an Italian restaurant and includes options like vanilla cheesecake, ice cream, and tiramisu. However, the restaurant has several great offers throughout the week like Wine Down Wednesday and Bottomless Prosecco which is available daily. They also do wine tastings every evening.
- Address: 46 George St, Croydon CR0 1PB
- Phone: +44 20 8680 2277
McDermott’s Fish & Chips
If you are craving some fish and chips when in Croydon, look no further than McDermott’s. Seriously, this award-winning eatery serves probably the best fish & chips in South London. Owned by Tony and Sean McDermott (father and son), the restaurant has been in the business for more than 25 years and has received numerous awards like the Independent Fish and Chip Restaurant of the Year Award in 2012.
Why do fish & chips taste so amazing here at McDermott’s? They buy the best ingredients on the market, prepare the most delicious homemade tartare sauce ever, and have friendly customer service. Guests can choose to sit in their fully-licensed restaurant or get take-away. Apart from fish & chips, there is not much more on the menu. There’s just sorbet dessert, haddock, and ice cream.
- Address: Unit 5-7, The Forestdale Shopping Centre, Featherbed Ln, Croydon CR0 9AS
- Phone: +44 20 8651 1440
Aqua Bar & Grill
Aqua Bar & Grill is a contemporary brasserie in Croydon well-known for its Italian and Greek food delicacies. The interior is modern with mood lighting, a fish tank, and comfortable furniture. On the menu, you will find signature dishes like chicken souvlaki, pitta, and sea bass. Customers like the size of the portions and say how the food is consistently good at this neighbourhood eatery.
If you are into seafood, make sure to order scallops or maybe tiger prawns. Meat lovers can opt for the rib of beef which is seriously amazing. Aqua Bar & Grill is also big on desserts with delightful options such as baklavas, baileys crème Brulee, vanilla pod panna cotta, and the sticky date and toffee pudding.
- Address: 35 S End, Croydon CR0 1BE
- Phone: +44 20 8667 0070
Ponte Nuovo
According to Trip Advisor, Ponte Nuovo is the best restaurant in Croydon. It is always packed with customers, has stellar reviews, and offers a sophisticated and glamorous décor. What’s not to like? The menu at this stylish 200-seat Italian bar and restaurant is quite extensive. Expect to find everything from pasta dishes and pizzas to fish-based dishes and locally sourced meats.
Agnello Brassato is probably one of the most popular dishes on the menu. This oven-roasted lamb shank served in red wine sauce is absolutely fabulous and worth ordering. If you are a fan of pasta, book a table at Ponte Nuovo and order the spaghetti ragu or lasagne di Carne. As for the meat dishes, Pollo Ponte and Vitello Milanese is what we would recommend.
- Address: 86-88 High St, Croydon CR0 1NA
- Phone: +44 20 8686 1112
The Oval Tavern
The Oval Tavern is home to one of the most beautiful beer gardens in South London. This classic brick pub in Croydon is also a great place to enjoy some fine pub grub. Whether you are craving mac and cheese or wish to sink your teeth into a chunky sausage, their pub grub menu is simply amazing. The Sunday roasts at the Oval Tavern are out of this world, but make sure to book in advance since they are in very high demand.
The pub also hosts a regular programme of events including music and live entertainment. They have a full stage outside for al fresco performances including jazz, rock, and ska music. On Wednesdays, you can participate in the Oval Tavern’s legendary pub quiz. On the drinks menu, you will find an ever-changing range of ales and high-quality local brews.
- Address: 131 Oval Rd, Croydon CR0 6BR
- Phone: +44 20 8686 6023
Little Bay
Little Bay is without a doubt the most beautiful restaurant on this list. Located in the heart of South Croydon, this modern dining establishment is well-known for its quirky theatrical décor, modern European and French cuisine, and live opera performances throughout the week. The restaurant offers a selection of starters, mains, and desserts, as well as a comprehensive wine menu with many imported wines from France.
The steamed mussels and seabass paella are good options for those into seafood. If you wish to enjoy delicious meat dishes, the shoulder of lamb, pork medallions, and halloumi burger is what you want to order at this swanky restaurant in Croydon.
Visitors with a sweet tooth can look forward to enjoying the Eton Mess & banana cream profiteroles for dessert. Guests also compliment the service at the restaurant and say how the staff is attentive and super friendly.
- Address: 32 Selsdon Rd, South Croydon CR2 6PB
- Phone: +44 20 8686 6981
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Yumn Brasserie
Wish to experience delicious food, superb cocktails, and top-notch service? Make your way to the Yumn Brasserie in Croydon. Offering a memorable dining experience, this restaurant ticks all the boxes. Head Chef, Connor Godfrey has an impressive portfolio. He worked at popular places such as Royal Garden Hotel, Wilton’s and The Westbury. The in-house mixologist prepares the best cocktails ever. As for the service, the staff is brilliant and very attentive.
So, what’s on the menu? A bit of everything really! From the cheese soufflé and prawn curry to scallops with samphire and garlic butter and duck breast with tomato and olive caponata and puréed potatoes, everything you order at Yumn Brasserie is going to be delicious. For dessert, try the snickers cheesecake or get the dark chocolate fondant.
- Address: 69-71 S End, South Croydon, Croydon CR0 1BF
- Phone: +44 20 8681 2336
Also Read: Best Bars in Croydon