From Canary Wharf to Mayfair, we’re diving into London’s great restaurants that we keep going back to. Dulwich has long had a reputation as one of South London’s trendiest neighbourhoods thanks to its leafy streets and village-like charm. But these days, another reason that people are flocking to the area is for its diverse selection of top-notch eats. As someone who has been living in the area for nearly five years, I wanted to share my favourite spots to get fed. Discover the very best restaurants in Dulwich, London, from Sri Lankan to Greek cuisine.
The best restaurants in Dulwich, South London
1. Kartuli | Georgian cuisine on Lordship Lane
Location: East Dulwich, Lordship Lane
Address: 65 Lordship Lane, East Dulwich, London SE22 8EP
Cuisine: Georgian
Vibe: Atmospheric, cosy and characterful
Cost: around £26–£40 per person
Best for: Georgian food, sharing, wine, date nights and special occasions
Family-friendly: Yes, although the intimate atmosphere makes it particularly appealing for adults
Vegetarian: Good choices, with plenty of vegetable dishes
Worth ordering: Khachapuri, khinkali, badrijani and pkhali.
Kartuli
I was first drawn into Kartuli thanks to its striking green frontage on Lordship Lane. While the design was enough to make me book, the food is what keeps me coming back. If you’ve never tried Georgian food, this friendly spot is an excellent introduction to both the cuisine and the wine scene.
Kick off with a starter platter of dips, like the divine beetroot and walnut paté, before indulging in the iconic khachapuri, a traditional boat-shaped bread filled with cheese and egg. As a pescatarian, I usually opt for the tasty mushroom khinkali (dumplings), while my meat-eating companions love the pork mtvsadi (marinated pork with herbs) and the shkmeruli (roasted chicken). Round things out with the homemade honey cake and you’re sure to be a happy camper.
Learn more about Kartuli
2. Evi’s | Homemade Greek delights in a relaxed environment
Location: East Dulwich, North Cross Road
Address: 18 North Cross Road, East Dulwich, London SE22 9EU
Cuisine: Greek
Vibe: Modern, relaxed and neighbourhood-focused
Cost: around £20–£40 per person
Best for: Greek food, relaxed lunches, dates and dinner with friends
Family-friendly: Yes at lunch; under-16s aren’t accommodated at dinner
Vegetarian: Good selection
Worth ordering: Greek sharing plates and skewers.
This little restaurant is one of our favourites, and it actually grew out of a souvlaki street stall at the Saturday North Cross Market. The menu changes with the seasons here, but you’ll always find a wonderful selection of Greek delights, including classics like Tzatziki and Halloumi.
My regular dish is the Kolokythokeftedes, courgette and feta fritters that are super light and airy. The Pork skewers and the lamb chops are other family favourites. Desserts change regularly, but if you’re lucky, you may get the exquisite orange-soaked filo pie. You can wash it all down with some Greek natural wine or soda.
The team here are super friendly and welcoming, and it feels like a real family joint. Be sure to book in advance as it’s a cosy setting, and it gets busy, especially on the weekend.
Discover more about Evi’s
3. Kokum | Modern Indian with a twist
Location: East Dulwich
Address: 58–60 East Dulwich Road, London SE22 9AX
Cuisine: Modern Indian
Vibe: Stylish, contemporary and relaxed
Cost: around £30–£60 per person
Best for: Date nights, modern Indian food, groups and Sunday lunch
Family-friendly: Yes
Vegetarian: Excellent selection
Worth ordering: Amritsari fish, lamb dishes, Indian small plates and the Sunday roast.
Kokum
We eat at Kokum at least once a month, simply because the food is so, so good. The restaurant itself feels contemporary and stylish, making it a great spot for special occasions or family get-togethers. It was founded by Sanjay Gour, formerly head chef at London’s beloved Gymkhana, so you know you’re onto a sure thing.
Orders that we have on repeat are the pani puri, Amritsari fish, Lamb Chop and Kasundi Prawns. For curries, enjoy the perfectly spiced Malvani Fish or the Lamb Shank Nihari. From Tuesday – Friday, from 12:30 – 6:30 pm, you can get three courses for just £25, which is quite the deal.
Discover more about Kokum
4. Trinco | Seasonal Sri Lankan fare
Location: East Dulwich, Lordship Lane
Address: 20–22 Lordship Lane, East Dulwich, London SE22 8HN
Cuisine: Sri Lankan-inspired
Vibe: Relaxed, creative and sociable
Cost: around £20 per person
Best for: Casual dining, brunch, plant-based food and an easy-going evening
Family-friendly: Yes during the daytime
Vegetarian/vegan: Particularly good
Worth ordering: Hoppers, aubergine dishes, dhal and jackfruit.
Trinco
Located inside Oru Dulwich, a coworking and wellness space, Trinco serves tasty, Sri Lankan-inspired dishes by day and night. During the day, you can opt for a hearty dhal or a toastie stuffed with paneer and tomato chutney. At night, the menu offers a range of sharing plates that are plant-forward. We recommend the Mozzarella and Coconut Samosas, Kothu Roti served with tempeh and vegetables and a selection of sambols and hoppers.
Learn more about Trinco
5. The Victory | An elevated gastropub with a French twist
Location: East Dulwich, Lordship Lane
Address: 157 Lordship Lane, London SE22 8HX
Cuisine: Modern British x French / gastropub
Vibe: Stylish neighbourhood pub with serious cooking
Cost: around £40–£90
Best for: Dinner, Sunday lunch, drinks and special occasions
Family-friendly: Yes
Vegetarian: Some options, depending on the menu
Worth ordering: Seasonal British dishes and the poulet jaune when available.
Having opened its doors in mid 2026, The Victory (in the site that formerly housed Franklins) is one of the most exciting new openings in Dulwich. Launched by restaurateur Jamie Younger, the brain behind Peckham’s Begging Bowl, this gastropub dishes up French-influenced dishes crafted from British ingredients.
We are fans of the seafood dishes, which are prepared with the freshest ingredients, and my partner always loves their lamb concoctions. Sunday lunch is an elevated roast affair, with favourites being the 1/2 Roast Poulet Jaune Chicken with Bread Sauce and the Roast Sirloin of 38-day aged Hereford Beef.
Discover more about The Victory
6. Spinach | Cosy cafe vibes with a plant-forward menu
Location: East Dulwich, Lordship Lane
Address: 161 Lordship Lane, East Dulwich, London SE22 8HX
Cuisine: Contemporary and seasonal cafe dishes
Vibe: Bright, lively and relaxed
Cost: around £15 per person
Best for: Brunch, lunch, families and casual dining
Family friendly: Excellent; dedicated kids’ menu
Vegetarian: Very good
Worth ordering: The weekly-changing salads and seasonal small plates
Spinach
Another Dulwich restaurant that serves a delicious plant-forward menu is Spinach. I’m a sucker for the corn fritters, served with avocado and halloumi, while my partner is a fan of the Baleadas, a tortilla stuffed with refried beans and feta on the brunch menu. The rotating selection of seasonal salads is always very popular, so be sure to get there early.
It’s one of the more family-friendly options on this list, with a dedicated kids’ menu and plenty of flexible seating. The restaurant has a private dining room and terrace, plus it’s a great spot for a coffee meetup, too.
Find out more about Spinach
7. Simorgh | Persian delights
Location: East Dulwich
Address: 481 Lordship Lane, London SE22 8JY
Cuisine: Persian
Vibe: Spacious, homely and informal
Cost: around £30–£45 per person
Best for: Persian food and groups
Family-friendly: Yes
Vegetarian: Good selection
Worth ordering: Persian kebabs, saffron rice dishes and Persian starters.
Simorgh
Having just opened in 2026, Simorgh is making quite a name for itself. The sister restaurant to the vegetarian Peckham institution, Persepolis, here, the team focuses on authentic Persian dishes that include meat and fish. We usually start with a meze platter (don’t miss the Paneer Sabzi) before digging into the Dolmeh selection and lamb kebabs.
The restaurant occupies a former Edwardian pharmacy, retaining some of its original features, which makes for a unique dining experience. They also have an outdoor terrace, which is the perfect spot for an al fresco meal when the weather allows.
Learn more about Simorgh
8. Kix Bar + Kitchen | Mexican and Asian flavours together in harmony
Location: East Dulwich, Lordship Lane
Address: 57 Lordship Lane, London SE22 8EP
Cuisine: Mexican and Asian fusion
Vibe: Lively, fun and contemporary
Cost: around £20–£50, per person
Best for: Cocktails, groups, sharing and nights out
Family-friendly: More suited to adults, particularly later in the evening
Vegetarian: Good options
Worth ordering: Korean chicken tacos, bao and small plates.
We’ll be the first to admit that the idea of Mexican and Asian flavours together may not seem like a natural coupling. However, Kix manages to make it work, and then some.
We order the Korean Chicken Tacos, Bang Bang Miso Cod Tacos, Tempura Aubergine Bao and Scallop Ceviche Tostadas. They also have a banging drinks list, and I’m a sucker for the Lychee Daiquiri. Be sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Find out more about Kix Bar + Kitchen
9. Victus & Bibo | Casual, chilled tapas with great drinks
Location: East Dulwich, Lordship Lane
Address: 377 Lordship Lane, London SE22 8JJ
Cuisine: Mediterranean / Turkish tapas
Vibe: Casual, intimate and friendly
Cost: around £20–£30 per person
Best for: Casual dinners, sharing and brunch
Family-friendly: Yes
Vegetarian: Good options
Worth ordering: Turkish-inspired mezze and sharing plates.
Another newcomer to the neighbourhood in 2026, Victus & Bibo has become our go-to for casual dining. The reception is always warm, the vibe is welcoming, and it’s got this special feel about it.
This is the kind of spot where you can catch up with family or friends over shared plates, like perfectly grilled halloumi, spicy sausage and a selection of dips that will have you wanting a doggie bag. It’s got a little outdoor area too, which is perfect for drinks and nibbles in the sun.
Learn more about Victus & Bibo
10. Norbert’s | The rotisserie chicken you’ll want on repeat
Location: East Dulwich
Address: 5–6 Melbourne Terrace, Melbourne Grove, East Dulwich, London SE22 8RE
Cuisine: Rotisserie chicken / casual European
Vibe: Tiny, informal and neighbourhood-focused
Cost: around £20–£40 per person
Best for: Casual dinners, chicken lovers, takeaway and relaxed lunches
Family-friendly: Yes, although space is extremely limited
Vegetarian: Limited
Worth ordering: Rotisserie chicken, chicken-fat potatoes and sauces
Good to know: Only 16 seats.
As a pescatarian, I have no business writing about a restaurant where rotisserie chicken is the main draw. However, my partner is such a huge fan that he would never let me live it down if I did not include this wee spot on the list.
In his words: “Order the half chicken with chicken-fat potatoes and salad, and thank me later. The lunch sandos are fire too.” If you can’t get a spot to dine in, you can always order to go.
Discover more about Norbert’s
11. 1785 Belair House Bar & Restaurant | A stately backdrop for some delicious food
Location: West Dulwich
Address: Belair House, Gallery Road, London SE21 7AB
Cuisine: Modern British / brasserie
Vibe: Elegant, spacious and relaxed
Cost: around £15–£30 per person
Best for: Sunday lunch, afternoon tea, families and celebrations
Family-friendly: Yes; kids’ menu available
Vegetarian: Good selection
Worth ordering: Sunday roast and afternoon tea
Good to know: The venue sometimes closes for weddings, so booking ahead is advisable.
1785 Belair House
If you’re looking to impress, then book yourself a table at No. 5 at Belair House. Set inside a gorgeous Georgian mansion and overlooking Belair Park, here, you’ll find a lovely afternoon tea spread, made even sweeter by its surroundings. From Tuesday–Saturday, you can enjoy the classic afternoon tea for just £30 per person, or opt for the Prosecco version for £35.
On Sundays, it’s all about the Sunday Roast, served with Yorkshire pudding, roast vegetables, and lashings of gravy. Finish off with some sticky toffee pudding for dessert, and you’ll be done and dusted.
Find out more about 1785 at Belair House
12. Heritage Dulwich | Sophisticated Indian delights
Location: West Dulwich
Address: 101 Rosendale Road, West Dulwich, London SE21 8EZ
Cuisine: Contemporary Indian
Vibe: Elegant, refined and destination-worthy
Cost: around £30 per person, tasting menu from £50
Best for: Special occasions, tasting menus and serious Indian food
Family-friendly: Better suited to older children and adults
Vegetarian: Excellent
Worth ordering: Seven-course tasting menu or weekend Royal Thali.
Heritage Dulwich
If you’re looking for exceptional Indian cuisine in West Dulwich, then you can’t go past Heritage Dulwich. With the kitchen under chef Dayashankar Sharma, who has more than 30 years’ culinary experience, expect traditional dishes crafted with contemporary techniques.
For when you’re really hungry, opt for the Royal Thali lunch that includes a range of starters, meats, breads, curries and desserts. My regular order is the Samudri Khajana, South Indian fried calamari; Aloo Chole, old-school chickpeas, potatoes and spices; with a cheese and chilli naan – yum!
Discover more about Heritage Dulwich
13. Rocca di Papa | Classic Italian food
Location: Dulwich Village
Address: 75–79 Dulwich Village, London SE21 7BJ
Cuisine: Italian
Vibe: Bright, relaxed and family-friendly
Cost: around £20–£30 per person
Best for: Families, pizza, pasta, lunch and pre/post-park meals
Family-friendly: Excellent
Vegetarian: Good options
Worth ordering: Homemade pasta, pizza and tiramisu
Good to know: Open from 9am for coffee and croissants, with dining from 11.30am.
Rocca di Papa
We love Rocca di Papa for family get-togethers as there’s loads of space, the service is friendly, and it’s casual enough for the little ones. On the menu is a selection of classic Italian delights that are sure to satisfy every type of eater.
Kick off with some arancini or bruschetta before moving on to homemade pizza and pasta. I’m a fan of the Margherita pizza with buffalo mozzarella and the Cacio & pepe al tartufo, while my partner always makes a beeline for the Lasagna al forno. Finish off with a Mimosa and a side of tiramisu, and you’ll be grand.
Find out more about Rocca di Papa
Frequently asked questions: best restaurants in Dulwich, South London
For a special occasion, Heritage Dulwich is one of the strongest choices, particularly if you want a tasting menu. Kartuli is another good option for something distinctive, while The Victory offers more sophisticated cooking in a neighbourhood pub setting. 1785 Belair House has a wonderful setting in a Georgian Mansion, while Rocca di Papa is large enough for big groups.
Rocca di Papa, Spinach and 1785 Belair House are particularly good choices for families. Rocca di Papa is convenient for families visiting Dulwich Park, while Spinach has a dedicated kids’ menu. 1785 at Belair House also has a kids’ menu and plenty of space.
There are plenty of good options. Trinco is particularly interesting because its menu leans heavily towards plant-based Sri Lankan-inspired cooking. Kokum, Spinach and Heritage also have strong vegetarian choices, while Kartuli offers several Georgian vegetable dishes.
We love Kartuli, The Victory, Kokum and Kix Bar + Kitchen, with everything from Georgian and Indian food to modern British cooking and Mexican-Asian fusion.
Dulwich is surprisingly easy to reach from Central London.
By train: The easiest option is usually to take a Southeastern train from London Bridge to North Dulwich or East Dulwich. East Dulwich is particularly convenient for restaurants around Lordship Lane. There are also services to West Dulwich.
By Overground: You can travel to Peckham Rye and continue by bus or walk towards East Dulwich and Lordship Lane.
By bus: Numerous London bus routes connect Dulwich with Central London and neighbouring South London districts. Buses are particularly useful for reaching Dulwich Village and West Dulwich, where the railway stations aren’t as close to the restaurants.
By taxi: A taxi or Uber from Central London will generally take around 25–40 minutes, depending heavily on traffic.
Absolutely. Dulwich works particularly well as a half-day or full-day trip. You can combine lunch or dinner with Dulwich Picture Gallery, Dulwich Park and a wander around Dulwich Village or Lordship Lane. It has a noticeably more relaxed, residential atmosphere than Central London while still being straightforward to reach by public transport.
East Dulwich and Lordship Lane have the greatest concentration of restaurants, making them the best choice if you’re visiting primarily to eat. Dulwich Village is better for a slower day combining restaurants, independent shops and Dulwich Park, while West Dulwich is home to options such as Heritage Dulwich and 1785 at Belair House.
Rocca di Papa is one of the easiest choices, as it is in Dulwich Village and close to both Dulwich Park and Dulwich Picture Gallery.
For a date, consider Kartuli, Kokum, Evi’s or The Victory. Kartuli has an intimate, atmospheric setting, Kokum combines polished interiors with relaxed Indian cooking, Evi’s has a warm and light vibe, and The Victory works well if you’d prefer a sophisticated pub atmosphere.
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