Foodies have revealed their top places to eat which they've described as "hidden gems" dotted around South East London.
The eye-watering list was compiled on Reddit after one user asked people to reveal their favourite places, with attractions such as the Horniman Museum and Gipsy Hill Brewery being named among them.
But a number of food and drink venues also emerged as some of the best places to visit, from TikTok-famous bakery Chatsworth Bakehouse in Crystal Palace to independent Italian restaurant Artusi in Peckham.
We've rounded up the top foodie spots that Reddit users said were among South East London's hidden gems and what you need to know about them.
Chatsworth Bakehouse, Crystal Palace
One foodie spot mentioned frequently in the Reddit thread was TikTok-famous Chatsworth Bakehouse in Crystal Palace.
This popular bakery, known for its Cereal Cookies and handmade pizzas, was recently recognised as one of the UK's best bakeries after being featured in the prestigious Good Food Guide.
Founded by Tom Mathews and Sian Evans during the Covid-19 pandemic, the bakery began as a home baking venture before moving into a shop on Anerley Road and later expanding into a second nearby premises in 2024.
The bakery is well known for its artisan focaccia bread, handmade pizzas and inventive bakes, including its famous Guinness Cake, which draws long queues of customers every week.
Despite its growing national profile, co-founder Sian Evans said the bakery remains focused on serving the local community, describing customer support as its greatest achievement.
El Molino, Beckenham
Another hidden gem repeatedly recommended by Reddit users was El Molino, a long-running Spanish restaurant that has been serving locals on Beckenham Road since 1991.
The family-run restaurant has built a loyal following over more than three decades, with many locals describing it as one of the best places to eat in the Penge and Beckenham area.
El Molino specialises in traditional Spanish cuisine, offering a wide range of tapas dishes including calamari, garlic mushrooms, chorizo cooked in red wine and fried aubergine topped with goat's cheese.
The restaurant is also known for its house sangria and selection of Spanish wines, making it a popular choice for leisurely evenings spent sharing plates with friends and family.
Himalayan Kitchen, Penge
Himalayan Kitchen was another venue that received high praise from Reddit users, with many describing it as one of the standout food spots in Penge.
Established in 2014, the family-run restaurant specialises in Nepalese and North Indian cuisine and has won a number of awards over the years, including recognition from the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards, the British Takeaway Awards and the prestigious Tiffin Cup competition held in Parliament.
Its menu brings together traditional curries and tandoori dishes with Nepalese favourites such as momo dumplings, which have become one of the restaurant's most popular dishes.
Other customer favourites include the Gurkha Himali Chicken, Himalayan Special Biryani and a range of grilled meat and seafood dishes cooked in the tandoor.
Sapore Vero, Beckenham
A favourite among pizza and pasta lovers, Sapore Vero was frequently recommended in the discussion as one of South East London's top spots for authentic Italian food.
The restaurant first opened on Beckenham High Street in 2013 and was founded by Giuseppe, who wanted to bring traditional Southern Italian cooking and Neapolitan-style pizza to the area. The business has since expanded, with additional locations in Hither Green and Bromley.
At the heart of the menu are wood-fired pizzas made using the restaurant's signature UNICA multi-grain dough, with toppings ranging from classic Margherita to more indulgent options featuring nduja, burrata and Parma ham.
Alongside its pizzas, Sapore Vero serves fresh pasta dishes, Italian desserts and a carefully selected list of wines and cocktails inspired by regions across Italy.
Artusi, Peckham
Also making the list was Artusi, the acclaimed Peckham restaurant that has been going strong for more than a decade.
The Italian-inspired restaurant opened on Bellenden Road in March 2014 and quickly gained a reputation for its simple seasonal cooking and freshly made pasta.
Artusi was originally led by chef Jack Beer, formerly of The Clove Club, and has since earned a recommendation in the Michelin Guide, which praises its honest cooking and neighbourhood atmosphere.
The menu changes regularly depending on seasonal ingredients, but diners can expect freshly made pasta, carefully prepared small plates and simple desserts that have helped attract a loyal following.
Its success has also led to the launch of sister restaurant Marcella in Deptford, further strengthening its reputation as one of the most influential restaurants in the area.
Marcella, Deptford
While mentioned less frequently than some of the other venues, Marcella was singled out by Reddit users as one of Deptford's standout restaurants.
The restaurant is the sister venue to Peckham favourite Artusi and follows a similar approach, focusing on Italian-inspired cooking with a regularly changing menu built around seasonal produce.
Known for its relaxed atmosphere and quality ingredients, Marcella has become popular with locals looking for fresh pasta, simple sharing plates and carefully selected wines.
Its neighbourhood focus and understated approach have helped it establish itself as one of South East London's most highly regarded independent restaurants.
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