I’ve lived in Lewisham all my life and one thing I will say about my home borough is that it does have a pretty strong foodie presence, with plenty of international cuisine on offer.
From well-established Indian restaurants to up-and-coming family restaurants serving kebabs and cocktails – these are my top five favourite restaurants to visit.
Casa Linda, Lee
Located a stone’s throw away from Lee Station, Casa Linda (which was previously the Luciano’s restaurant) serves hearty Italian fare.
The restaurant is inspired by the cooking of “Nonna Linda” and focuses on traditional Italian dishes, with signature plates like tagliatelle bolognese, linguine frutti di mare and wood-fired pizzas. It has a bottomless pizza offer on Mondays.
Why it’s worth a visit
The restaurant has a really cosy and homely vibe and, being so close to Lee station, it makes a great dinner spot to visit on the way home from work.
The food is delicious, especially their tiramisu, and they have a regularly rotating specials menu as well as a broad wine list with a focus on Italian varieties.
It’s also dog-friendly and the staff are always attentive, offering efficient service.
The Real Turkish, Catford
Opened in 2023 in Rushey Green, this family-run restaurant is owned and run by husband-and-wife duo Aiga and Sami Maras.
The restaurant serves traditional Turkish and Anatolian fare with a range of halal options, along with specialities like mixed grill platters, mezze boards and baklava.
The restaurant has risen in success over the years, receiving highly commended awards at the Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards and winning a Blue Ribbon at the 2025–2026 Good Food Awards.
Why it’s worth a visit
This has to be, hands down, one of my favourite places to have a cocktail in Lewisham, especially their piña coladas and different flavours of frozen daiquiri.
But the food is also delicious, with really generous portion sizes and everything freshly prepared.
The hanging kebabs are one of my favourite things on the menu, as well as the sigara börek.
The Saffron Club, Blackheath
One of Blackheath’s longest-standing restaurants, established back in 2008, The Saffron Club has become a staple for locals looking for an Indian restaurant.
It serves a mix of Indian and Himalayan-inspired dishes, along with a broad range of vegan and vegetarian options, with highlights including tandoori lamb momos, saffron mixed grill and Goan prawn curry.
Why it’s worth a visit
The restaurant has a really relaxed vibe, with a broad menu and some delicious vegetarian options like their paneer tikka and samosas.
One of my favourite dishes from the menu is the Himalayan chicken, which is a sweet and aromatic dish with so much flavour.
The Everest Inn, Blackheath
If you’re looking for a taste of Nepal, The Everest Inn celebrated its 20th year in 2025.
Run by owner Yadav Bhandari, the restaurant serves a menu of Nepalese classics and has recently added a brand-new cocktail bar to its downstairs space.
The restaurant has won a plethora of awards over the years, including at the Asian Curry Awards and London Curry Awards, and has even catered for Number 10 Downing Street.
As for its food, the restaurant serves dishes like tandoori, Nepalese-style curries and Himalayan specials, along with a menu of cocktails inspired by Nepal.
Why it’s worth a visit
The restaurant serves a really delicious and affordable brunch for £35, where you can try a broad selection of small plates.
They have some really delicious fish dishes and their cocktails are also very unique, with the Annapurna being a personal favourite.
The restaurant always has a welcoming atmosphere and is a real hub of the community, with regular events like music nights as well as their yearly Diwali celebration.
Babur, Forest Hill
Giving Indian food a gourmet spin, Babur has been a fixture of Forest Hill since 1985 and celebrated its 40th birthday last year.
Recognised by the Michelin Guide, the restaurant serves both classic and contemporary Indian dishes, with experimental plates like their swordfish tikka masala and mango crème brûlée.
The restaurant has won many awards over the years, including at the Asian Curry Awards, and has also been featured in the Good Food Guide and recognised with an AA Rosette.
Why it’s worth a visit
There’s always something new at Babur for every season and holiday, so you could visit several times in a year and never get bored.
Their cocktail menu is one of the biggest I’ve ever come across in Lewisham, with both classic and contemporary cocktails, with the currytini being a personal favourite.
The staff are very passionate about the food and it’s always busy with diners, even during the week.
Being so close to Honor Oak station, it also makes a good post-work dinner spot.
