Kish Mish is a Persian restaurant that makes sure you never forget it, with beautiful interiors — carpeted floors, wooden chairs, and soft, dim lighting.

And let’s be real, can you even say you’ve been to a Middle Eastern restaurant if hummus isn’t on the starters list? Of course, it was absolutely demolished in seconds, but we also really recommend the Borani-Bademjan — a smoky aubergine and garlicky yogurt dip. A very strong contender for first-place dip.

As tempting as it was to stick with a classic kebab (and trust us, we’re sure those would’ve been incredible too), we had to go for one of the chef’s specials. If there’s a whole section dedicated to them, they’ve got to be worth it, right? We chose the Zereshk Polow ba Morq: a whole chicken leg simmered in a smoky, tomatoey sauce and served on a bed of saffron, pistachio, and almond rice. Now, we know we should say the meat was the highlight, but honestly, credit where credit’s due — the rice (usually just a side dish) completely stole the show!

Have to try: Borani-Bademjan (aubergine dip)
Perfect for: Family dinner
Approx price for 2: £60-£90

The Alma has that classic cosy, warm, and welcoming British pub feel — but with just a touch more refinement, so you still feel like you’re properly going out and not just heading to your local.

The menu is seriously impressive. It’s got all your classic pub favourites, but elevated and made slightly more bougie, along with plenty of other tempting options. Just listen to this: for starters, we went for the fried chicken, which came with scotch bonnet & pineapple hot sauce, kewpie mayo, and blue cheese remoulade. Definitely not for the weak — so lemon-and-herb Nando’s lovers, maybe skip this one. But the creamy mayo and blue cheese were the perfect balance to that fiery kick.

For mains, we kept it classic with a cheeseburger — though maybe not so classic the way they do it here. It came packed with jammy caramelised onions and a peppercorn mayo, which was a flavour combo we’d never had before but instantly became obsessed with. Pair that with anything from their expansive list of craft beers and you’re golden. 

Have to try: Fried chicken with scotch bonnet and pineapple hot sauce
Perfect for: Catch up with friends
Approx price for 2: £40-£90

Four Hundred Rabbits is a super quirky, casual, and vibrant restaurant. Not sure what the name has to do with the cuisine or vibe — there’s probably a story behind it — but either way, they’re serving up some seriously delicious pizza.

We went for the 100% sourdough burrata pizza, topped with rocket and pesto. And before you come for us, when has a classic Margherita ever disappointed? Honestly, how many times have you gone for something extravagant only to wish you’d just stuck with the Margherita? That said, we checked out the summer specials, and they somehow made a pineapple pizza sound almost tempting. Almost. It had a cream base, smoked bacon, pineapple, and chipotle ketchup — honestly, doesn’t sound that bad.

They also have cool deals, like £10 off any pizza on Tuesdays, so definitely make sure to check that out.

Have to try: Sourdough garlic bread
Perfect for: Casual lunch with friends
Approx price for 2: £22-£50

Manuel’s is giving homely, casual Mediterranean vibes, but refined enough to know the food is going to be top quality.

They’re always running events — big tributes to the greats. We were lucky enough to catch their Whitney Houston Motown live tribute, which was the perfect way to get the energy up and have a good time with friends. They’ve also got jazz nights if you’re after a more chill vibe.

But let’s get to the main event: the food. For starters, we had the king prawns with lemon sauce, chilli, cherry tomatoes, and brandy. Such a classic dish, but one that never compromises on flavour. Then for mains, we went for the homemade ravioli with spinach and ricotta in a butter and sage sauce. That sauce. Honestly, drinkable.

And of course, you absolutely have to end the evening with an espresso martini. Law.

Have to try: Homemade spinach and ricotta ravioli
Perfect for: Fun with friends
Approx price for 2: £40-£100

Alessandro’s is a modern, refined yet still casual Italian spot — the perfect place for those last-minute special occasion plans. Not too fancy that it feels over the top, but just refined enough that you know you’re doing something a little special.

For starters, we kicked things off with the garlic bread with mozzarella — honestly the only way to guarantee we get our pizza fix without ordering a whole one for mains (and still look sophisticated at an Italian). For mains, we went with the seafood risotto — squid, mussels, clams, prawns, the works. The creaminess paired so well with the salty punch of the seafood.

Dessert had to be a two-parter, because obviously tiramisu is a no-brainer, but we couldn’t resist the tartufo al pistachio. Best decision ever. A milk chocolate praline tartufo filled with pistachio ice cream — it was absolute heaven.

Have to try: Tartufo al pistachio
Perfect for: Dinners with family
Approx price for 2: £50-£100

Yep, another Italian lined up for you. Fair play to Crystal Palace, they’re seriously knocking it out of the park (pun intended) with the amount of delicious Italian spots around. This one’s super casual, homely, and family friendly.

We kicked off the evening with a bottle of Pinot Grigio blush (classy, we know) — but honestly, Italian food just calls for wine. Instead of sticking to the usual starters (aka garlic bread), we decided to switch it up and go for the Mediterranean platter. It came loaded with roasted peppers, aubergine, courgettes, mozzarella, all drizzled in olive oil and balsamic glaze. Felt like absolute health queens after that one.

…But then we quickly undid all that with the mains. Lactose intolerants, look away now. We went for the gnocchi porcini — gnocchi bathing in a buttery, creamy, parmesan-y, wine-infused mushroom sauce. Indulgent doesn’t even begin to cover it, but it was such a treat.

Have to try: Gnocchi Porcini (butter, wine, mushroom and parmesan sauce)
Perfect for: Casual dinner or lunch
Approx price for 2: £30-£100 (depending on how many starters/drinks)

Dem Restaurant has such a buzzy atmosphere, really giving that big Turkish family dinner vibe — no fuss, just laughter, good times, and even better food.

We kicked things off with the sigara börek, a filo pastry stuffed with feta cheese and parsley. So simple, but honestly so addictive. Their charcoal grill menu is longgg, which only means one thing — it’s what they do best. We pushed the boat out (wait for it)… and ordered the chicken shish. It came with rice, bulgur wheat, chilli and garlic sauce, all for just £20. Considering most places will slap a fiver on each side, that’s a serious win. They’ve also got great platter deals if you’re with a big group and want to try a bit of everything.

The drinks list is just as solid. We went for a Sex on the Beach — and get this, cocktails are only £9.50. In London! And they don’t skimp either, they’re still strong and boozy. Double win.

Have to try: Filo pastry with feta and parsley
Perfect for: Family dinners
Approx price for 2: £45-£100

Westow House is both a pub and a hotel in Crystal Palace, and if it’s classic pub grub you’re after — just elevated and actually top quality — then this is the spot. No doubts, no complaints.

We can’t lie, the small plates and starters were calling our name way louder than the mains. The mains are solid, don’t get us wrong, but you could find them anywhere. The small plates though? Way more fun, and we wanted a bit of everything.

We shared the Korean chicken bites (spicy and crunchy, absolute perfection), the grilled fish tacos (so fresh with the guac and tomatoes), and the charred broccoli (because balance). But let’s give credit where it’s due — this was not your usual sad, under-boiled broccoli. It came with miso peanut butter and pomegranate, making it genuinely interesting and super tasty.

Obviously, you’ve got to pair it all with a drink because A) you’re in a pub, and B) did you even read that food lineup? It’s begging for something boozy to wash it all down.

Have to try: Korean chicken bites
Perfect for: Casual lunch with friends
Approx price for 2: £30-£80

Coco’s is fun, vibrant, and full of energy — definitely one to bring the girls for good food and even better drinks. Pro tip: hit up happy hour (5:30–7:30, Tuesday to Saturday) to really get your money’s worth.

This place is all about hearty, comforting Caribbean food, so prepare yourself for seriously flavour-packed plates. We kicked things off with the deep-fried goat’s cheese, perfectly balanced with a sweet jam. Then for mains, it had to be the chargrilled jerk chicken burger. We’re already obsessed with jerk chicken, but putting it in burger form? Genius.

And listen, you can’t come here and skip the cocktails. We don’t care how much of a wine-or-beer-only person you think you are — leave that at the door and embrace the fruity goodness. Start with the rum punch (obviously, it’s a Caribbean joint), follow up with the watermelon margarita, and after that… honestly, order whatever. By then, you probably won’t remember anyway x.

Have to try: Jerk chicken burger and watermelon margarita
Perfect for: Fun with friends
Approx price for 2: £50-£150 (you will go wild on the drinks!)