Best-of Guides London

The Best Restaurants In and Around Borough Market

9 Restaurants
Serving as one of London’s largest produce markets, some claim that there have been stalls trading on Borough Market’s current site for almost a century. Its revival in the 1990s came about with the establishment of a charitable trust, and ever since it’s become famous for attracting artisan producers who come to sell their wares to London’s innumerable shoppers, tourists and foodies. It’s no surprise, then, that a number of good restaurants have sprung up in and around the market, ready to feed these happy customers. Here are some of our favourites.
Updated on 06 September 2024
Akara
Arch 208, 18 Stoney Street, Borough Market, Southwark, SE1 9AD London
££ · African

Situated under the railway arches in the Borough Yards development, Akara comes from the same stable as Akoko. Like that restaurant, it takes its cues from West African cuisine – although this time, there’s a Brazilian influence at play too. The titular black-eyed pea fritter is popular in both regions, and the best way to begin your meal; choose from a choice of fillings that could include crab, celeriac or barbecued tiger prawns. The other dishes are equally bright and well-crafted.

Bala Baya
Arch 25, Old Union Yard Arches, 229 Union Street, Southwark, SE1 0LR London
££ · Israeli

Handily located by Southwark tube station, this lively restaurant brings a taste of Tel Aviv to the area. It’s one of several restaurants nestled underneath the railway arches in this neighbourhood, and its interior is inspired by the Bauhaus architecture of the Israeli city. Balanced, fresh-tasting dishes, often with an original twist, are designed for sharing – and they’re open for brunch on weekends too. The atmosphere is fun, and the service team remain consistently on the ball.

El Pastor
7a Stoney St, Borough Market, Southwark, SE1 9AA London
££ · Mexican

The Hart brothers, who introduced Barrafina to the streets of London, turned their attention to Mexico for this lively restaurant. Another spot that sits under a railway arch, it’s a place with plenty of character, in large part thanks to the barrel-vaulted ceiling. Authentic, freshly made tacos and tostadas are joined by larger sharing plates like short rib or carnitas. The drinks are equally enticing, with a wide selection of both mezcal and tequila on offer.

Kolae
6 Park Street, Southwark, SE1 9AB London
££ · Thai

Thai sharing plates are the order of the day at this chic spot with a minimalist yet warm aesthetic, featuring exposed brick and soft lighting. Located just outside the market itself, the restaurant is spread over three floors, with the ground level home to a long open kitchen and a few seats at the counter for those who like to feel the buzz. The dishes have a zingy freshness to them, and the vegetarian and vegan options are fabulous. To add to the appeal, the set menu offers terrific value for money, and the mocktails are suitably refreshing.

OMA
3 Bedale Street, Southwark, SE1 9AL London
£££ · Greek

Adding yet another world cuisine to the area’s vibrant tapestry, OMA is a hugely appealing Greek restaurant with an extensive sharing plates menu. It’s hard to narrow down the choice of expertly cooked Mediterranean fare, but do keep an eye out for the giouvetsi (orzo-based stews), which are cooked in clay pots and whose variants could include oxtail or wild red prawn. The first-floor dining space is split into two distinct areas: one market side and one street side, with the latter perfect for people-watching as the crowds flood into the market below.

Rambutan
10 Stoney Street, Southwark, SE1 9AD London
££ · Sri Lankan

Craving a curry while you’re out browsing the stalls? Rambutan will more than do the job. The cooking, which is inspired by the ‘Sri Lankan diaspora’, has a particular focus on the north of the country. Dishes are packed with flavour and the spicing is nicely balanced; the menu includes smaller plates like deep-fried roti alongside a selection of curries that show off produce from prawns to pumpkins. It’s a popular place, so perhaps book ahead rather than dropping in off the cuff – you’ll be rewarded by satisfying cooking and a lively atmosphere.

Roast
The Floral Hall, Borough Market, Southwark, SE1 1TL London
£££ · Modern British

There is no better view across this bustling market than from the first floor Floral Hall where Roast resides. Produce from the stalls below invariably finds its way onto the plate, where modern British cooking is the order of the day. Steaks from the grill and a choice of Wellingtons form a large chunk of the menu, and Sundays unsurprisingly see a wide variety of roasts. The ‘Market Menu’ represents the best value and they even offer afternoon tea to revive the weariest of shoppers.

Sollip
Unit 1, 8 Melior Street, Southwark, SE1 3QP London
££££ · Creative

One of two Michelin-Starred restaurants just round the corner from each other, Sollip is a rather understated place both in its décor and on the plate. Modern, pared-back presentation prevails in dishes where the central ingredient is given the room to shine. The heritage of the restaurant’s Korean owners comes across subtly in the cooking, alongside well-honed European techniques. Elegant, refined and with a strong creative streak, Sollip is something of a hidden gem.

Trivet
36 Snowsfields, Southwark, SE1 3SU London
££££ · Modern Cuisine

Awarded its second Michelin Star in 2024, Trivet is a collaboration between Chef Jonny Lake and Michelin Sommelier Award winner Isa Bal, so it unsurprisingly comes with an exceptional wine list. The food is equally superb, with Jonny producing finely tuned, refined and well-balanced dishes with a dose of originality. Warm, natural service helps to make this such an enjoyable restaurant, and a lovely bar is the perfect setting in which to enjoy a glass from that extensive wine selection before or after dining.

Extend your trip to London with an overnight stay in a Michelin-recommended hotel.