London's best hidden gems: 12 restaurants recommended by our critics

London's urban sprawl can be quite overwhelming, whether you're a tourist visiting for the first time, or a decades-long city resident. With so many attractions on every corner, it can be difficult to squeeze in everything – from the London Eye, to Camden market, to the museums and Royal Parks - there is so much to see and do.

The same is true for restaurants. We know how easy it can be to be swept up in the hustle and bustle, as a tourist or as a local, and end up settling for something comforting, somewhere familiar that you’ve possibly been to before. If you're looking for good food at a reasonable price tag, well, where do you start? London boasts one of the most eclectic, multicultural food scenes in the world, and sometimes there are almost too many options.

It isn’t always a case of going to well-renowned restaurants or the hot spots that you’ve seen on your Instagram feed. Sometimes, it's best to discover the undiscovered, the restaurants flying low on the radar, or as we like to call them: the hidden gems. London's never-ending patchwork of neighbourhoods hide all sorts of little family eateries and restaurants, many of which serve up quality food without the fanfare of better-known, trendy London restaurants.

How do we choose the best hidden gem restaurants in London? At SquareMeal, our team of restaurant critics are always venturing through undiscovered country, trawling for those tiny little neighbourhood restaurants and cafes that hide something special within. Whenever we find something new and special, it goes into this list, so keep popping back to see what sort of gems we've discovered recently. The recommendations below come directly from our editorial team:

• Pete Dreyer, Restaurants Editor (PD)
• Ellie Donnell, Managing Editor (ED)
• Holly Butterfield, Staff Writer (HB)
• Aoife Silke, Staff Writer (AS)

These restaurants are the untold secrets of London’s dining scene; sparkling, precious gems in amongst a world of bustling streets. Luckily for you, we've come across a few of these spots in our time; places where you can find delicious food, great service and a warm, friendly atmosphere, without being flooded by crowds. We've selected our favourite hidden gem restaurants from across London - read on as we let you in on some of London's best kept secrets.

Ogam, Islington

Why: ‘Someone will probably curse me for spilling the beans on this, but I don’t care. Ogam Korean Tapas Bar on Chapel Market sounds like a place to be avoided, but the food is outrageously good - simple but effective stuff like deep-fried dumplings, Korean fried chicken and kimchi pancakes. Owner Taeyeol Kim is national champion bartender in South Korea, and the maximalist cocktails go big on theatrics, but they're just as good as the food. Ogam even brews its own makgeolli (a naturally sparkling rice wine). Also, be warned when choosing your spice levels - the max spice levels result in Hot Ones levels of capsaicin torture.’ - PD
Where: 10 Chapel Market, N1 9EZ
Book now: Ogam

Home SW15, Putney

Why: 'Even Home SW15's name speaks to its small town ethos and approachable neighbourhood vibe. A team of welcoming and hard-working staff show real gratitude for the locals who support them, and indeed diners (including myself) return here time and again for its comfort food menus and 'good vibes only' atmosphere. Many of Home's dishes have gained cult status amongst Putney locals, with the likes of 'those' cauliflower cheese croquettes and 'that' focaccia having remained steadfast items on the menu for years. Other delicious things I've had the pleasure of eating include short rib tacos with chipotle mayo and shaved coconut, and glazed slow-cooked pork cheeks with an unworldly XO butter sauce. My favourite bit? You can always count on being greeted with a smile here, and leaving with one on your face.' - ED
Where: 146 Upper Richmond Road, SW15 2SW
Book now: Home SW15

The Montpelier, Peckham

What: 'I know I’m hardly breaking news here, but it’s hard to think about the lesser-known pubs and restaurants in London without recalling many less-than-sober evenings spent at The Montpelier. The Montpelier, aka ‘The Mont’, or just ‘Mont’, is one of those places that seems to fly under the radar if you live more than a few miles away, but somehow it’s always packed. Last year, it was home to Whole Beast, a residency crowned champion of champions for cooking up the nation's best burger. This year, Rocco has taken over the reins with a menu founded on easy breezy harbourside dining (think grilled fish and oysters galore). Expect old boozer decor, a reliably upbeat atmosphere, nice beers, a mixed crowd, DJ sets, and to wait for a table.' - AS
Where: 43 Choumert Road, SE15 4AR
Book now: The Montpelier

Sarv’s Slice, Ealing

What: ‘If you’ve never braved the trip out to Ealing, then let Sarv’s Slice be your reason. Tucked away inside the Ealing Project cinema complex, this family-run spot serves up some of the city’s best Detroit-style pizza - think thick, focaccia-like bases loaded with a frankly obscene amount of cheese. Brother-sister duo Sarv and Disha are behind the magic (though you’ll likely find the rest of the family there as well) with Sarv bringing years of Michelin training to the kitchen that takes these pizzas to the next level. The burrata, calabrese and chilli honey pizza is the stuff of dreams, though I challenge you to eat it without making a complete mess.’ - HB
Where: The Ealing Project, 1 High Street, W5 5DB
Book now: Sarv’s Slice

Guacamoles, Peckham

Why: 'We're still counting Guacamoles as a hidden gem, but the secret is getting out and at this rate it won't be for long. Aside from being a pretty prominent techno DJ, Guacamoles chef Manny also turns out some of the absolute best tacos in the city. Make your way through Rye Lane Market and you'll see Guacamoles, with counter draped in a giant Mexican flag. Manny's handmade corn tortillas are elite, and the price to quality ratio is off the scale. Plus, Manny is one of the nicest people you could ever meet. A true London gem in ever sense.' - PD
Where: Rye Lane Indoor Market, 48 Rye Lane, SE15 5BY
Book now: Guacamoles

The Indian Veg, Islington

Why: ‘Back to Chapel Market for another hidden gem - the legendary Indian Veg. Dine on a buffet of veggie curry, sides, bread, rice and more for next to nothing, surrounded by passive aggressive veggie propaganda and old newspaper clippings. If that doesn’t sound like your vibe, you can squash a veggie feast into a £4.50 takeaway box and be on your way.’ - PD
Where: 92-93 Chapel Market, N1 9EX
Book now: The Indian Veg

Black Salt, Richmond

Why: Ex-Gymkhana chefs Nand Kishor and Sanjar Gour have joined forces with head chef Manish Sharma (previously Jamavar and Copper Chimney) to open this Michelin-rated Indian restaurant in south west London. Located on the Upper Richmond Road in North Sheen, a relatively unknown area nestled between better known cousins Richmond and Putney, the neighbourhood restaurant quietly serves its well-heeled residents with elevated Indian food. The menu is familiar, but the dishes that arrive at your table are sure to one-up your regular curry house, with the likes of lamb rogan josh, saffron prawn curry, black lentil dhal and duck and guinea fowl kebabs with Granny Smith apple murabba on the list.' - ED
Where: 505-507 Upper Richmond Road West, SW14 7DE
Book now: Black Salt

Dinner For One Hundred at The Hill Station, Telegraph Hill

What: 'First, it was slinging slices from co-founder Jacob Stuttard’s mum’s front garden. Then, the team behind Dinner for One Hundred set up a scrappy alfresco kitchen pop-up outside The Hill Station community café. Fast forward, and their pizza operation has expanded down the road to BAR D4100 and The Perseverance, but it’s their now-permanent cafe pizzeria that keeps calling me back. For locals in the know, it’s become something of a summer ritual: stop for a post-work pint at Skehans’ beer garden, head to the cafe to order a pizza to go (preferably the Gianluca), then park yourself up by the Telegraph Hill tennis courts to watch the sunset over the London Eye. The park is busy, and the pizza is charred, chewy, and fluffy, and if you bring a speaker and a mate, there’s honestly not much more you could wish for.' - AS
Where: Kitto Road, Telegraph Hill, SE14 5TW
Book now: Dinner For One Hundred at The Hill Station

Beijing Dumpling, Chinatown

What: ‘Choosing where to eat in Chinatown can feel like a bit of a gamble, but Beijing Dumpling is a sure bet. It’s a little rough around the edges, but that’s just part of the charm, putting the focus exactly where it should be - the food. Baskets of steamed Xiao Long Bao are the main attraction, but once you’re there you’ll struggle not to over-order from the extensive menu (or maybe that’s just me). Expect hefty portions at affordable prices, which is a pretty unlikely combo for somewhere this central.’ - HB
Where: 23 Lisle Street, WC2H 7BA
Book now: Beijing Dumpling

Little Baobab at The Africa Centre, Southwark

What: 'The latest incumbent of the restaurant space at The African Centre, Little Baobab's Peckham spot is already phenomenally popular with locals. Accessible Senegalise cooking is the name of the game here - boneless, grilled chicken yassa, gorgeous lamb and peanut butter stew, fish balls in a rich tomato sauce, fried okra with chilli mayo, the list of great dishes is endless. Little Baobab also does a great little tasting menu at an incredibly good price for the quality of the cooking, whilst a friendly bartender from upstairs whips around with fresh, exotic cocktails. Ask for a pot of Senegalise hot sauce if you dare (it's good stuff, though). Rustic, delicious food, and charming service - what's not to love?' - PD
Where: 66-68 Great Suffolk Street, SE1 0BL
Book now: Little Baobab at The Africa Centre

Poppy's Thai, Hammersmith

Why: 'This tiny and eclectic dining room in Hammersmith will make you feel like you’ve walked into an antique shop, where dripping crystal chandeliers, old-fashioned lampshades, gold-framed mirrors, mis-matched crockery and other random pieces adorn the space. It’s one of the most bizarrely wonderful Thai restaurants in London, and serves a menu of authentic and affordable dishes including Pad Thai (£8), chicken satay (£6), Massaman curry (£8) and more. Poppy’s Thai is also a BYOB restaurant, and offers a takeaway service if it’s too busy to grab a seat in.' - ED
Where: 78 Glenthorne Road, W6 0LR
Book now: Poppy's Thai

Bravi Ragazzi, Streatham

Why: ‘Ask anyone south of Brixton what their favourite pizza is you’ll hear plenty of locals raving about Bravi Ragazzi. Bravi was slinging out beautiful Napolitan pizzas to south Londoners long before the likes of Franco Manca, Pizza Pilgrims et al moved in en masse. As a result though, they get insanely busy at peak times, and it's not unusual for orders to go missing if you order delivery. Always pick it up yourself if you can, or book a table in the restaurant.’ - PD
Where: 2A Sunnyhill Road, SW16 2UH 
Book now: Bravi Ragazzi

Once you've exhausted this list, head over to our list of the best street food halls in London for hundreds of new dishes and vendors to test out. Perhaps you'll discover your own hidden gem.