LDNGuide
The 6 Best Restaurants In Vauxhall
Ah Vauxhall. Home to high rise buildings, a 10/10 view of the Thames, and 007’s place of work. This patch of south west London may be known for its excellent transport links and popping LGBTQ+ nightlife scene, but it’s also a place where you can find chicken and chips-filled French tacos, a bread roll that will possibly change your life, and Korean fried chicken you’ll want buckets of.
THE SPOTS
This coffee shop and deli on the corner of Bonnington Square has been serving locals for over a decade. And as well as selling everything from Italian biscuits to specialty olive oil and tinned tomatoes, Italo serves some of the best lunches you can get in the area. The menu changes daily, ranging from ciabattas filled with goats' curd and braised leeks, to fresh pastas, to french toast with blueberry sauce, maple syrup, and whipped ricotta. When the sun is out it’s a great place to enjoy an alfresco lunch. When you’re done, head back inside for a Happy Endings ice cream sandwich (and some Pan di Stelle biscuits for the road).
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Daebak, a laid-back Korean spot on Kennington Lane, is one of those excellent little spots where you’ll find locals popping in for a takeaway spicy pork and egg bibimbap, a group ordering fried udon in their trackies, and a couple sharing three different types of Korean fried chicken, all on a Tuesday afternoon. The menu has everything from chicken yakitori, to beef bulgogi. While that’s all well and good, the KFC is why you’re here, specifically the pa dak. The crispy chicken is doused in a honey mustard sauce, and topped with a small mountain of thinly sliced spring onion. It’s crispy, sweet, salty, and has a slight kick from the onion.
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
It was at this charming British restaurant on Wandsworth Road that we decided to name our first-born child ‘potato bread’. Partly because we think Tato would make a cute nickname, but mostly because our feelings towards the glistening, fluffy grilled potato bread at Brunswick House are the closest we’ve felt to unconditional love. This Georgian mansion is ideal for a birthday or a romantic date night over Brixham crab egg noodles and burrata omelette. With dramatic curtains, OTT foliage, and more hanging chandeliers than a lighting showroom, this is a spot we’ll always happily spend an entire evening in.
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Adulis is a spacious, homely, dinner-only Eritrean spot on Brixton Road. Not only is it a casual place to get a weeknight dinner, but it’s so filling that you’ll probably end up with a goody bag for later. Save yourself the angst of deciding between everything on their lengthy menu and go for one of the platters. Our go-to is the veg and meat platter. It’s got a nice mix of vegetarian options from a comforting hamili stew, to a peppery zighni that we’re very into. All served on a satellite dish-sized injera, it makes for a deeply satisfying meal.
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Intimate? Check. Melted wax candles? Yes. Delicious pasta? Absolutely. This little Italian restaurant and deli is rumoured to be where the lady and the tramp first fell in love. OK, it was us who started that rumour, but this candlelit spot definitely has all the potential for the ultimate date night. Wine bottles lining the walls, fairy lights all around, and a whole gnocchi section on the menu. The al tartufo ravioli is a winner, and you’re highly encouraged to end with a slice of tiramisu. We’d also suggest picking up some pesto and a wine bottle from their deli to go.
photo credit: Giulia Verdinelli
Inside this Tardis-like beer garden under Vauxhall Bridge, you’ll find beer taps, plenty of seating, and a number of food stalls. What you need to know is that one of these food stalls is an Algerian spot called French Tacos. Which specialises in, you guessed it, French tacos. Essentially a burrito filled with meat, chips, and melted cheese, choose from fillings like crispy chicken, minced beef, and cordon bleu. It’s the type of wedge wrap that’ll have you taking a nap afterwards, and it’s 100% worth it. Don’t miss the creamy Algerian sauce—it’s sweet, spicy, and significantly improves the taco.
