Neighbourhood gems according to London locals

Hello JoJo interiors, including mushroom lamps casting a glow onto tabletops and a trio of contemporary portraits from Camberwell Art College on the walls

London’s food scene is as diverse as its population, with every corner offering its own culinary treasures. While the capital is famed for its world-class fine dining, it is often the tucked-away neighbourhood favourites that capture the hearts of locals.

The proud Londoners on the olive team have scoured the city’s streets to bring you their personal recommendations for the best neighbourhood spots. These foodie gems span a geographical patchwork, celebrating everything from authentic delis and patisserie cafés to lively pubs and intimate wine bars. Whether you’re after a casual plate of oysters, a taste of Portugal, or something altogether unexpected, you’ll find it here.

Read on to explore the breadth of London’s local dining scene and the unique qualities that make each spot special.

Neighbourhood gems according to London locals

Red Lion and Sun, Highgate

Janine Ratcliffe, who has lived in Highgate for 30 years, says "If there is such a thing as the perfect local then The Red Lion and Sun might just be it. Tucked away in a quieter part of Highgate Village, it’s my go-to place for celebrations, long boozy Sunday lunches, impromptu plates of oysters and Guinness (the seafood is ridiculously good) or just a takeaway frozen marg from the bespoke cart out front. In summer, the sun-dappled back garden is glorious and in the freezing depths of winter there’s a table for two beside the log fire I always request that’s the best seat in the house. Landlord Heath Ball is a hospitality legend and consistently wins awards for the brilliant menu and the inventive wine list (look out for star bottles from New Zealand maker Prophet’s Rock – the pinot noir is exceptional). Must-orders include the Korean chicken wings, the Basque baked crab and the legendary Sunday roasts. For those extra special times, there’s also an off-menu sharing selection to order ahead including whole suckling pig, cote de boeuf, whole lobsters and chargrilled langoustines."

Address: 25 North Road, London N6 4BE
Nearest tube station: Highgate
theredlionandsun.com

Prestige, Tottenham

Hannah Guinness, a long-term Tottenham resident, says "Prestige is a true Tottenham hidden gem. Admittedly, it’s a little hard to find – hidden away on an industrial estate right next to a mechanic – but once you’re there it’s a lovely, greenery-filled café serving next-level, award-winning patisserie. Run by former Bake Off: The Professionals semi-finalists, Geanina and George Ursache, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to ordering. My personal favourites are the multiple-layer Russian honey cake (medovik) with burnt honey and dulce de leche, and the extra-chunky eclairs filled with creme patissiere."

Address: 20 Enterprise Row, London N15 4LU
Nearest tube station: Seven Sisters
prestigepatisserie.com

A chocolate eclair and multiple-layer Russian honey cake on a cafe table outdoors

Dar's Grill, Hampstead

Keith Kendrick, who has lived in Hampstead for 30 years, says "Dar’s in South End Green feels as much a part of the community as the brothers who run it. Before they opened the restaurant more than 10 years ago, they were already pillars of the neighbourhood, running two newsagents for decades. At Dar’s, they’re serving up the Punjabi food of their Pakistani heritage: heaving trays of grilled lamb or chicken are legendary – tender and smoky, charred to perfection. It’s BYO, which only adds to the relaxed, everyone's welcome vibe. Dar’s isn’t flashy; it’s a home from home — and for me, it’s one of Hampstead’s quiet treasures."

Address: 2 Elm Terrace, London NW3 2LL
Nearest overground station: Hampstead Heath
darsgrill.co.uk

The Old Nun's Head, Nunhead

Helen Salter, who has lived in South London for almost a decade, says "This southeast London pub turns the notion of a grubby London boozer on its head. It looks like a quaint countryside pub on the outside, yet inside you can expect disco balls behind the bar, a Britney Spears shine and a soundtrack of silly pop music. It prides itself on being an inclusive space, which is proven by the friendliest staff you’ll come across in a London pub. Plus, it’s serving some of the best pizza in the city. Dough Hands has garnered a cult following due to its crisp dough and feather-light crust. It’s co-pioneering the emerging London pizza, a style which mashes up various influences including a New York inspired thin crust and light base. My personal favourite is the Shroomy 2.0, which sees soy-roasted mushrooms topped with soft taleggio cheese, tarragon, garlic and grana padano. There’s a first-rate selection of craft and cask ale, too."

Address: 15 Nunhead Green, London SE15 3QQ
Nearest train station: Nunhead
theoldnunshead.co.uk

A Portuguese Love Affair, Hackney

Emily Marten, who has lived in east London for three years, says "Summer is the perfect time to fall head over heels with this delightful deli/wine bar/café/ on Hackney Road that stays open until 11pm on Friday and Saturday evenings. The interior is cosy with a wide selection of wines including the likes of crisp and aromatic vinho verde, but if you ask me, it’s the Super Bock beer on tap that really brings a taste of Portuguese summer to this little corner of Hackney. Best enjoyed from their suntrap garden which spills out into Ion Square Gardens during events with Portuguese musicians and DJs.

"As a vegan, I can’t comment on the pastel de nata but you can expect great things from their award-winning, creamy custard-filled tarts. There’s also a wide selection of empanadas including vegan and fish, as well as ‘tofu a bras’ – a vegan twist on the classic bacalhau a bras dish. And if 11pm isn’t late enough for you they've recently opened a basement two doors down for late night dancing and queer-focused events."

Address: 326 Hackney Road, London E2 7AX
Nearest overground station: Hoxton
aportugueseloveaffair.co.uk

Janda Diner, Peckham

Zazie Atkinson, a southeast Londoner of three years, says "Janda Diner brings bold, modern Malaysian cooking to the heart of Peckham. Now on bustling Rye Lane, it’s hard to miss with its hot pink frontage and retro seventies-inspired interior. Head chef Ady Yacob serves up traditional dishes with clever twists – don’t miss the ayam goreng susu (fried chicken in condensed milk and white pepper) or the comforting kari kepala ikan (fish head curry with sea bream, fenugreek, coconut milk and tamarind). I also wouldn't skip on starters like satay ayam (chicken satay) or roti jala sage (sage crepes with dhall). The mocktails, like the pandan-laced Janda Potion, are excellent, as well as their teh tarik (traditional pulled milk tea), with the option to make it boozy, or you can BYOB. There's a strong community feel, too, thanks to a partnership with Peckham Pantry, which you can also choose to donate to. Named after the Malay word for female divorcee, Janda feels like a celebration of home, from the heartfelt cooking to the friendly service."

Address: 191 Rye Lane, London SE15 4TP
Nearest overground station: Peckham Rye
jandadiner.com

The Roti Jala Sage (roti jala sage (sage crepes with dhall) served at Janda Diner, Peckham — The Roti Jala Sage (roti jala sage (sage crepes with dhall) at Janda Diner, Peckham

Gökyüzü, Green Lanes

Lucy Roxburgh, a life-long Londoner, says "There's a taste of Turkey in the heart of Harringay at Gökyüzü. Green Lanes is buzzing with Turkish delis and restaurants turning out hot pide and lahmacun, but Gökyüzü is my favourite. There are a few locations across North London and each menu has slightly different specials to discover, showcasing Mediterranean flavours and authentic Turkish dishes. Go with a group so you can try plenty of dishes from the vast menu. Must-orders you need on the table are a lahmacun (a thin traditional Turkish flatbread topped with lamb mince), cheesy halloumi pide and the smoky baba ganoush, made with aubergines cooked on a charcoal grill. The homemade manti – tiny lamb-stuffed dumplings topped with plenty of garlicky yogurt and a rich spiced butter – are a deeply comforting bowl worth visiting for."

Address: 26-28 Grand Parade, Harringay Ladder, London N4 1LG
Nearest overground station: Harringay Green Lanes
gokyuzurestaurant.co.uk