The Best Restaurants In and Around Borough Market

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.