Spotted groups of confused tourists wandering into your favourite local restaurant? It could be down to their high listing on Trip Advisor. CIARA MURPHY picks out the travel guide's culinary hotspots in south-east London and north Kent.
1. Green Pea – Trafalgar Road, Greenwich
Currently ranking 17th in the whole of the capital, this is definitely one of the top restaurants in south east London. It might look just like a normal café, but don’t be fooled – inside you’ll a family atmosphere and tasty food with an Irish twist. Trip advisor user katelilybee said: "Green Pea is not like any other restaurant - you feel as if you are visiting a slightly eccentric family member who happens to always give you a great meal." We’re up for that!
2. Spice of Life – Lee High Road, Lewisham
Spice up your life at the place Trip Advisor user Tim S calls "the best little Indian in London." Ranked 55th in London, this small family run restaurant has customers raving about the top-notch flavours, friendly service and value for money. Not convinced? Trip Advisor's users claim that this is the Indian they compare others to, which secures its place in the Top 100 in The Good Curry Guide 2013 and on our prestigious list.
3. Mountain View – Trafalgar Road, Greenwich
Another local favourite, Trip advisor's users have been falling over themselves to recommend this place - taking it to number 62 on the London-wide list. With its innovative Nepalese and Indian cuisine, user MiggyTheMoo says: "Definitely worth a visit (or ten)." It’s a must for any curry lover too, as they don’t skimp on the spice and fresh chilli – not for the faint hearted!
4. Zaibatsu – Trafalgar Road, Greenwich
Not judging a book by its cover is definitely the case for this unassuming Japanese fusion joint - number 68 on the Trip Advisor list. Don’t let the simple exterior put you off, as Abbie P says "that’s the beauty of it." LilyFlower93 adds: "it can’t be bettered for feel-good factor, appearance and taste." Bring your own drinks, enjoy the stunning presentation and dig in!
5. Ristorante Carola – Lee Road, Lee
If Italian food is more your style, Carola is the perfect place to go. Walking through the door transports you to a snazzy Italian restaurant where the food is fresh, the specials change daily and the staff are always on hand. Pizza, pasta and delicious desserts make up the fine tastes of Italy, with JaneDBond saying: "We have never had anything other than wonderful food in this restaurant." 162nd best restaurant in London says the website.
6. Madhuwan Restaurant – Bromley Hill, Bromley
Nepal meets Bromley at this vibrant restaurant - rated top in the borough. The hip interior reflects Madhuwan’s approach to cuisine and hospitality – tradition with a contemporary twist and plenty of attention to detail. Serving what Trip advisor user hammadn calls "real Asian food," and its sophisticated décor, this restaurant is the ideal spot for romantic meals, social gatherings or celebrating.
7. Nam Thai – East Street, Bromley
At this restaurant which a Trip advisor member referred to as "always excellent," you can get your hands on some fresh and authentically Thai nosh, along with a truly relaxed ambience. With its extensive menu and growing popularity, juliebbenr assures us that this place just "keeps getting better." Check it out and try some Thai - rated the borough's number two choice.
8. Melucci’s – High Street, Bexley
If you’re looking for something a bit more informal or an opportunity to stuff your face with brilliant Italian food, consider this divine delicatessen in Bexley Village - the borough's best eatery. Operating on a BYOB basis, owners Maria and Christos strive to bring the finest Italian food to customers, which you can even learn how to cook with Maria’s 1 to 1 cooking lessons. Don’t forget to save room for dessert, as Terry J tells us that "the chocolate bread and butter pudding = heaven on a plate!"
9. Brown's of Bexley - Bourne Road, Bexley
This delicatessen packs in the punters and scores second highest in the area. Sally O gave it top marks, saying: "Lovely welcoming and friendly atmosphere in this deli. The service was so refreshing, things were suggested to me the I haven't tried before and they did not disappoint. So my new favourite sandwich is now salt beef and sweet chilli sauce - delicious! Thank you ladies"
10. The Malt Shovel – Darenth Road, Dartford
It might not be Michelin starred, but this country pub in the heart of Dartford - - ranked the best restuarant in the area - will always provide a warm welcome and good home cooked food. With great Sunday lunches and "the best cauliflower cheese ever" according to user janeyearhole, The Malt Shovel provides a traditional approach with a distinctly personal touch. That’s not all – the listed building is steeped in history, and the serve great beer too, having been in the Good Beer Guide for the past four years.
11. Royal Siam – Lowfield Street, Dartford
Just behind the Malt Shovel in dartford's list, grab yourself a taste of Thailand right in the middle of Dartford at Royal Siam, where you can dine on delicious Eastern food in a relaxed and stylish environment. Take a look around – the dining room is peppered with all sorts of traditional Thai arts and crafts to provide talking points while you eat. 0Pete_23 heartily recommends the ‘weeping tiger’ – a grilled beef steak sliced & served on a sizzling dish, whilst NatashaMilburn lets us know that the quality of the takeaway "is just as good as if you were sitting in." Glad to know we don’t have to leave the house for good grub now!
12. Milaad 2 - New Road, Gravesend
Last on our list, but definitely not least is Gravesend's finest - the rare example of a sequel being better than the original (there's a Milaad 1 as well - but its this one which has hoovered up the good reviews). Benjamin Jamain claims their chicken jalfrezi is the best around. Reviewer James7582 was almost overcome with his experience. He wrote: "Having sampled the food from the Milaad take away in Milton Road, it was no surprise at the quality of the service and food. The service and food are excellent and the atmosphere is incredible. I would recommend this restaurant to anybody."
13. Caesars - King Street, Gravesend
A perennial Gravesend family favourite, this is Trip Advisor's runner-up for the area offering breakfast and brunch, lunches and dinner, along with a takeout and delivery service. Set up in 2006 by Massimo and Gino, the venue serves up tasty Italian dishes for eager punters. BeeEllis1190 wrote: "Honestly the best place to eat real authentic Italian food in Gravesend". Hail Caesars.
Do you agree with the list? Any overlooked gems? Leave your comments below.
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