Where To Eat & Drink In Camberwell
Where To Eat & Drink In Camberwell
Image: Gladwell's Grocery & Deli
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Where To Eat & Drink In Camberwell

Camberwell is one of the most desirable neighbourhoods in south London for many reasons – its restaurants, pubs, cafés and weekly farmer’s market among them. Here are the best places to eat and drink on your next visit.
By Sherri Andrew /
Image: Gladwell's Grocery & Deli

FOR A SLICE:

Theo’s Pizzeria

Easily one of the best pizza spots in south London, Theo’s has sites in Elephant & Castle and Camberwell. The team create wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas with crispy bases and doughy crusts. Heading in, you’ll walk past the enormous domed oven, typically filled with pizzas or dough for sandwiches (think bread stuffed with peppers, ’nduja, onions and gem lettuce). Start your meal with antipasti, fill your boots with a classic margherita or chestnut mushroom pizza, and finish with a scoop or two of the team’s homemade ice cream.

2 Grove Lane, SE5 8SZ

Visit THEOSPIZZERIA.COM

FOR ASIAN STREET FOOD:

Noko

One of the coolest restaurants on this list, Noko offers authentic Asian street food in its pared-back dining room, which is inspired by minimalist Japanese homes. The idea here is to order quickly and enjoy a selection of dishes as soon they arrive from the kitchen. Smaller bites include smacked cucumber, salt and pepper prawns, while larger sharing dishes include scallops with glass noodles, fried chicken served with numerous dipping sauces, and meat and veg cooked over the robata grill. Later in the year, the team will open a second site in Elephant & Castle.

15 Camberwell Church Street, SE5 8TR

Visit NOKOASIAN.UK

FOR SWEET TREATS:

Toad Bakery

One of London’s best bakeries is sandwiched between Camberwell and Peckham. Owned by husband-and-wife duo Alex and Sarah Thompson, Toad is known for its moreish goods, from crusty sourdough loaves to buttery croissants and its signature chocolatines. There’s usually a queue around the corner, as hungry locals wait in line for extra-large sweet treats that change weekly – think saffron and vanilla teacakes; fig, pear and custard pastries; and apple buns. 

44 Peckham Road, SE5 8PX

Visit TOADBAKERY.COM

Toad Bakery
Toad Bakery
The Camberwell Arms
The Camberwell Arms, JW Howard Photo

FOR A GLASS OR TWO:

Véraison Wines

This independent wine shop, which opened two years ago, quickly became a popular spot thanks to its affordable wines, most of which are sold by the glass, starting at just £4. It specialises in organic and biodynamic wines – look for Italian wines and orange wines on offer from small, independent producers. Visit on Wednesdays when the team waives corkage fees, allowing you to purchase wine in the shop and enjoy it right at the bar, or drop by for one of its many tasting events.

78 Camberwell Church Street, SE5 8QZ

Visit VERAISONWINES.CO.UK

FOR EXCELLENT PUB GRUB:

The Camberwell Arms

This buzzy pub is a favourite among chefs, foodies and those in the know. With a string of awards under its belt, it has a cosy and welcoming atmosphere – for diners and dogs alike. Many around the capital are prepared to travel across town for one of the gastropub’s sharing-style Sunday roasts and hangover-busting cocktails. During the week, there’s a weekly changing menu that showcases excellent seasonal produce. Current menu highlights include broad bean and pea fritters with whipped feta, taglioni with pecorino and crispy sage, and chargrilled lamb with anchovies.

65 Camberwell Church Street, SE5 8TR

Visit THECAMBERWELLARMS.CO.UK

FOR CHINESE DISHES:

Silk Road

Cantonese restaurant Silk Road reopened its doors earlier in the year after moving sites. The restaurant is known for its Xinjiang cuisine, with dishes like ‘big plate chicken’ made with noodles, potatoes and green chillies; crispy pork belly; and stir-fried chicken gizzards. You’ll find plenty of vegetarian dishes too, like spicy Xinjiang salad, hand-pulled egg noodles, veggie dumplings, and stir-fried aubergines with tomato and chili. 

47 Camberwell Church Street, SE5 8TR

Visit SILKROADLONDON.COM

The Camberwell Arms
The Camberwell Arms, JW Howard Photo
Nandine
Nandine

FOR KURDISH CUISINE:

Nandine

Founded by Pary Baban in 2016, Nandine has become a destination for those wanting authentic Kurdish food in London. In Camberwell, where Pary first arrived in the UK from Kurdistan in 1995 after being displaced, her menus are inspired by her travels around Kurdistan. Dining is based largely on sharing plates. Highlights include smoked aubergine; aged, cracked wheat in sundried yoghurt topped with baked garlic tomatoes; and loaded Beharat fries rolled in za’atar and topped with pomegranate sauce, pink yoghurt, mint and sesame seeds. Don’t miss Nandine’s signature seven-spice chicken shish, which is coated in a secret spice blend and served with za’atar flatbread and labneh amba dip.

45 Camberwell Church Street, SE5 8TR

Visit NANDINE.CO.UK

FOR BRUNCH & LUNCH:

Love Walk Café

This small independent café is open daily from 7am to 5pm, serving crowd-pleasing breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes. Early in the day, its friendly team serves a great full English, avocado on toast, granola bowls and pancakes, while lunchtime is for toasted sandwiches, loaded jacket potatoes or salads, all served with juices, smoothies or coffees. Save space for one of its cinnamon buns or a slice of homemade cake. 

81 Denmark Hill, SE5 8RS

Visit LOVEWALKCAFE.COM 

FOR GROCERIES:

Gladwell’s

Gladwell’s, with its simple interiors and interesting artwork, created a real buzz when it opened two years ago. Housed in a Grade II-listed building which had been shut for 30 years, it stocks fruit and veg, meat and fish, and store-cupboard essentials. There’s also a deli serving freshly made focaccia sandwiches, bagels, salads and soups, as well as a wine cellar that’s home to hundreds of wines from around the world and hosts regular tastings.

2 Camberwell Church Street, SE5 8QU

Visit GLADWELLS.CO.UK

Gladwell’s
Gladwell’s
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