The SL Team’s Favourite Neighbourhood Restaurants

When I’m in Brixton, I’m spoilt for choice at the market – but when I want something a little more elevated, I head to Naughty Piglets. Just off Brixton’s main drag towards Herne Hill, it’s a relaxed, charming wine bar and bistro where owner Margaux Aubry brings her signature touch of French flair. The blackboard menu is short and ever-changing, filled with inventive small plates, while guest chefs put their own spin on things. The real draw, though, is the natural wine selection, stored in the on-site ‘dungeon’ – and the staff really know their stuff.

Another spot I love in the market is Bottle + Rye. Found inside Brixton Village, it’s a cosy wine bar complete with a disco ball, where I’ll happily settle in for a glass (or two) and a few small plates. The menu changes regularly, so there is always something new to try, while the wine list focuses on low-intervention bottles from across Europe – a solid date-night spot.

If I’m craving something quick and comforting, I head straight to Okan. Tucked inside Brixton Village, it feels like a tiny slice of Japan, specialising in Osaka street food – think yakisoba, yaki udon and its own okonomiyaki pancakes. It’s usually busy but I’ve found you can beat the queues if you swing by at lunchtime or mid-afternoon. 

And no Brixton list would be complete without Fish, Wings & Tings. I usually grab a table overlooking Coldharbour Lane and order something full of Caribbean flavour – the jerk wings, stewed oxtail and coconut curried prawns with rice and peas are all favourites, though they often sell out.

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With shelves stocked floor to ceiling with wines from all over the world, Coolersomm is a hidden gem in Wandsworth Town for anyone who wants to expand their wine knowledge. Alongside expert staff, there’s also a limited menu of snacks and cheese. On a Wednesday, you don’t pay corkage either, so you can quaff away at shop-bought prices. It also doubles up as a wine shop, so you can take home your favourites.

Fiel is a new brunch spot overlooking Wandsworth Common. It has the best atmosphere – expect to find all the usual favourites, as well as some lunchtime specials that nod to the owners’ Portuguese roots, including Bacalhau à Brás (cod, potatoes and eggs). With cool black and white photos on the walls and light and airy décor, it’s a welcoming place to while away the morning.

Folde celebrates the best of vegetarian cooking. By day, you’ll find vibrant brunch plates and salads, homemade focaccia and freshly baked treats. Come evening, the menu turns its focus to seasonal small plates, with vegetables at the heart of every dish – think chilli crisp fried eggs on focaccia with creamy feta and coriander, or Delica pumpkin with leek and pumpkin seed pesto, shoestring fries and sage. Cocktails are crafted with the same care: seasonal, inventive and designed to pair with thoughtfully-chosen wines. 

Having recently been bought by Adam Byatt (of Trinity fame), neighbourhood favourite Brinkley’s is undergoing a repositioning in terms of both décor and menu, but aims to stay true to its local brasserie roots. Watch this space over the coming months but in the meantime, you can enjoy dishes like the Cornish dayboat fish pie, slow-cooked aubergine parm and the BK burger with smoked bacon, jalapeños, cheddar and chips.

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