London's best hidden gems: 19 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 - let alone discover London's best hidden gem restaurants. 

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 London 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, on or off the clock, 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 content team:

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.

Durak Tantuni, Wood Green

Why: ‘Dogan Yesil has been banging out tantunis for over 20 years from this tiny little cafe on West Green Road, and slowly but surely, he's built a cultish following of fans. What is a tantuni, you ask? It couldn't be more simple - braised beef is spiced and then fried on a big flat plate in the front of the cafe, before he piles it into thin lavash wraps, with a good handful of chopped parsley, onion and tomato. You're given a bowl of lemon wedges and pickled chillies to cut through the richness, and that's it - take alternate bites of your tantuni and your chilli, whilst squeezing lemon over the top.’ - Pete Dreyer, Senior Content Editor
My must-order: I prefer a single tantuni, but you can upgrade to a double for an extra 50p
Where: 390 West Green Road, N15 3PX
Read more: Durak Tantuni

Earl of Derby, New Cross Gate

Why: ‘I’ve spent a lot of time in this pub, most of it sipping post-mix lemonades and not-so-tactfully separating a greying lump of mushy peas from my fish and chips. Back then, circa 2010, it was The Telegraph - a decent local, favoured by old fellas and their dogs. Now, after a refurb from the Parched pub group (Grove House Tavern, The Montpelier, to name a couple), it’s got a fresh, younger look. The old guard still comes, but clever pricing and some seriously impressive cooking courtesy of Gengelly’s has drawn in more of my own demographic. BOGOF burgers, £4 Murphys 'til 6 pm, and £5 Negroni Thursdays will do that. The black label cheeseburger, drenched in mornay, is my favourite, though a Sunday roast with crispy lamb belly comes in at a very close second (the Yorkshires are dipped in rosemary salt).’ - Aoife Silke, Content Executive
My must order: Teamed with a pint of Murphy's (the best in London), the black label cheeseburger with mornay, burger sauce, pickles, and Lincolnshire poacher is elite.
Where: 87 Dennett’s Road, Telegraph Hill, SE14 5LW
Book now: The Earl of Derby

Lower Wine Bar, Waterloo

Why: ‘Whilst most of my visits to Waterloo involved dashing off to the station, this cosy wine bar on Lower Marsh deserves a detour. Whilst there’s a couple of tables outside, inside is where the magic happens, with its moody, candlelit feel and a menu hand-scrawled onto a blackboard, it’s the kind of place where you feel instantly miles away from the outside world. Alex Pitt’s inventive wine list allows you to explore an extensive collection of rare and interesting bottles, so allow yourself to get swept up in it: chat to staff, sample a few wines, and over-order on the largely Spanish-leaning small plates. There’s a glass of English sparkling and a slab of tortilla that I still dream about.’ - Holly Butterfield, Social & Content Executive
My must order: You can’t go wrong with a bowl of olives and a thick slice of sourdough with cultured butter, alongside many glasses of wine (of course)
Where: 19 Lower Marsh, SE1 7QL
Book now: Lower Wine Bar

Hai Cafe, Clapton

Why: ‘For those that live in Clapton, Hai Cafe is no secret, but if you live outside of E5, this dinky Vietnamese restaurant is easy to miss. You’ll smell it before you see it: the wafts of slow-cooked broth and fresh Vietnamese herbs are hard to resist. It’s family-run and walk-in only (usually around a 20-minute wait, which gives you just enough time for a pint at Biddle Bros), and everything is made from scratch. Mama Hai’s recipes are hearty, home-cooked, and deeply comforting, complemented by generous portions and speedy service. Ask any Clapton local where to eat, and chances are they’ll say Hai Cafe - for good reason.’ - Beth Lane, Contributing Writer
My must order: A side of crab and chicken spring roll
Where: 120b Lower Clapton Road, E5 0QX
Read more: Hai Cafe

The Dynamo, Putney

Why: ‘I might be biased because I am also a self-confessed 'cyclist', but this welcoming cycling cafe on the Lower Richmond Road in Putney serves some of the best pizza south of the river. Fact. Each one is named after a famous cycling route, which is fun if you're into that sort of thing, but the bottom line is that they're huge, doughy and laden with properly delicious combinations. If you're really hungry, the Blockhaus will fill a hole, a white-based number topped with mozzarella, gooey roasted aubergine, caramelised onions, chilli honey and gorgonzola, although it's not for the faint-hearted. My favourites are the Tourmalet, which packs in nduja, chorizo salami and ancho chilli, and the Ventoux, a savoury-lovers dream featuring anchovies, kalamata olives and capers.’ - Ellie Donnell, Head of Content
My must order: The Tourmalet Pizza
Where: 200-204 Putney Bridge Road, SW15 2NA
Book now: The Dynamo

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.’ - Pete Dreyer, Senior Content Editor
My must-order: The tteokbokki is good, but it's heckin' spicy
Where: 10 Chapel Market, N1 9EZ
Book now: Ogam

Uncle Wrinkle, New Cross Gate

Why: ‘Uncle Wrinkle feels less like a Chinese takeaway and more like opening the wrong door and ending up in somebody’s family kitchen: three tables draped in nostalgic plastic cloths, with a pottery cabinet at the back stacked with handmade ceramics for sale. Behind the counter, Auntie and Uncle Wrinkle can be seen stirring up the woks, slinging bulging takeaway bags and brewing up pots of jasmine tea for the few lucky enough to rock up and find a vacant table (no bookings, FYI). By takeaway standards, the menu isn’t enormous (Uncle Wrinkle isn’t on the apps), but if you’re stuck for choice, set menu B makes things simple: spicy beef samosas, a giant portion of chicken fu yung, egg fried rice, and pork in satay sauce all for £15 per person. Go on, pay Uncle a visit.’ - Aoife Silke, Content Executive
My must order: I could devour two or more portions of crispy salt and chilli aubergine, no problem
Where: 299 New Cross Road, SE14 6AS
Read more: Uncle Wrinkle

Sarv’s Slice, Ealing

Why: ‘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.’ - Holly Butterfield, Social & Content Executive
My must order: Spicy nduja with sweet pickled peppers and calabrian chilli ranch
Where: The Ealing Project, 1 High Street, W5 5DB
Read more: Sarv’s Slice

Cafe Hebe, Haggerston

Why: ‘Cafe Hebe feels as homely as your own living room, just with slap-up sandos, banging coffee, and a few extra friendly faces. Founded by Jackson Christie, the tiny cafe sits below Playhouse East and doubles as a creative hub, hosting everything from cabaret to stand-up comedy. During the day, it’s the perfect sun-soaked spot to ‘work-from-home’ or read a book, and by night, it’s brimming with Negroni drinkers spilling out onto the pavement. The menu changes weekly, with a fresh line-up of sandwiches, ranging from banh mi with Vietnamese pork shoulder to crispy aubergine ciabatta with lemon aioli. It’s down-to-earth, community-led, and London is lucky to have it.’ - Beth Lane, Contributing Writer
My must order: Chicken parm, without a doubt
Where: 258 Kingsland Road, E8 4DG
Read more: Cafe Hebe

Guacamoles, Peckham

Why: ‘It was actually Pete who put me onto Guacamoles. To my shame, despite living just down the road, I was totally oblivious to the magic happening inside the old Rye Lane Market. Now, post-revelation, I’m obsessed. As is my mum, who, despite a frustrating aversion to messy foods, has built a weekend routine, largely (I think) to serve as an excuse to pay Guacamoles a visit: a film at Peckhamplex, followed by tacos, with a bottle of Victoria lager for special occasions. With outposts in Tooting and Hackney, Guacamoles can’t claim the same hidden gem status as before. But beyond the foodie circuit, founder Manny’s sublime handmade corn tortillas still fly under the radar. Mix and match your tacos, order the homemade guac to share, and lean into the cantina-style vibe.’ - Aoife Silke, Content Executive
My must order: By nature, I’m a bit of a flip-flopper, but this is my solution: order three tacos – two birria, one carnita, maybe with a Mandarin Jarritos to sip on.
Where: Rye Lane Indoor Market, 48 Rye Lane, SE15 5BY
Read more: Guacamoles

Khao Bird, Soho

Why: ‘I'm not sure this necessarily falls into the bracket of hidden gem - it's located slap bang in the middle of Soho, after all. But this relatively new, and yet-to-become mainstream, Northern Thai spot, to me, is one of Soho's best restaurants, yet often gets overlooked for its big-name neighbours. Khao Bird is quirky and cool: think loud neon pink lighting, exposed extractor fans and shiny concrete floors, offset by electric, high-impact cooking that explores smoky Northern Thai BBQ in a myriad of lesser-known forms. Order the mutton fries, watermelon salad and its signature smoked beef Khao Soi, which comes with noodles two ways (soft and crispy), chilli relish and slow-cooked short rib. And the doughnut bao is a must!’ - Ellie Donnell, Head of Content
My must order: Smoked Beef Khao Soi
Where: 24 Brewer Street, W1F 0SS
Book now: Khao Bird

Sud Italia, Spitalfields

Why: ‘I couldn't honestly tell you how many pounds Sud Italia's pizza portafoglio has saved me over the years. Spitalfields is the spiritual home of expensive London street food, and yet, there in the covered market, Sud Italia's azure-blue van is happily churning out little foldy cheese and tomato pizzas for a mere £5. In this financial climate! If you're somewhere in Spitalfields and you can't find it, just follow the sound of aggressively loud Italian hip hop and you'll surely find it.’ - Pete Dreyer, Senior Content Editor
My must order: The pizza portafoglio
Where: Old Spitalfields Market, Brushfield Street, E1 6AA
Read more: Sud Italia

Sylva, Deptford

Why: ‘Sylva is a neighbourhood cafe in the truest sense, the kind that makes me want to become a regular. You know the sort: laptop open, flat white in hand, looking out over Folkestone Gardens and pretending to actually work when really, you're more focused on the pastry parcel stuffed with Munster cheese and peppers you've just ordered off the specials board. It’s helmed by Shuli Wimer, an ex-River Cafe chef, drawing on her Israeli roots with a menu that takes much of its produce (often surplus) from fruit and veg wholesalers Smith & Brock just yards down the road. Shuli’s morning buns are the go-to in the AM, but get there quick - they disappear like hot cakes.’ - Aoife Silke, Content Executive
My must order: Shuli switches up the menu daily, but there’s one dessert constant: a vast wedge of homemade pecan pie (all caramelised sugar and rich golden syrup)
Where: Folkestone Gardens, Trundleys Road, SE8 5JE
Book now: Sylva

Beijing Dumpling, Chinatown

Why: ‘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.’ - Holly Butterfield, Social & Content Executive
My must order:  Any of the dumplings, but particularly the spicy pork xiao long bao
Where: 23 Lisle Street, WC2H 7BA
Book now: Beijing Dumpling

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.’ - Pete Dreyer, Senior Content Editor
My must-order: I mean... You could just say the vegetable curry, but the idea is just to load up with about 10 different unknown beige food items and enjoy.
Where: 92-93 Chapel Market, N1 9EX
Read more: The Indian Veg

Dinner For One Hundred at The Hill Station, Telegraph Hill

Why: '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 or ‘Jèsus’), 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.' - Aoife Silke, Content Executive
My must-order: Call me basic, but you can't beat quality pepperoni - order the ‘Jèsus’.
Where: Kitto Road, Telegraph Hill, SE14 5TW
Read more: Dinner For One Hundred at The Hill Station

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.' - Ellie Donnell, Head of Content
My must-order: 'Those' cauliflower cheese croquettes
Where: 146 Upper Richmond Road, SW15 2SW
Book now: Home SW15

Little Baobab at The Africa Centre, Southwark

Why: 'The latest incumbent of the restaurant space at The African Centre, Little Baobab's Peckham spot is already phenomenally popular with locals. Accessible Senegalese 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 Senegalese hot sauce if you dare (it's good stuff, though). Rustic, delicious food, and charming service - what's not to love?' - Pete Dreyer, Senior Content Executive
My must-order: The chicken yassa is good; they do a lunchtime chicken yassa burger that sounds like it could be great
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 (£9), chicken satay (£6.5), Massaman curry (£9) 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.' - Ellie Donnell, Head of Content
My must-order: Massaman curry
Where: 78 Glenthorne Road, W6 0LR
Book now: Poppy's Thai

Once you've exhausted this list, head over to see London's Top 100 Restaurants, as selected by the SquareMeal team. It includes well-established heavyweights and some of our personal favourites. And, if you're keen to stay on top of what's new, fresh, and hot right now, simply peruse our pick of London's best new restaurants.