From local chippies to gourmet Indian eateries, plenty of restaurants, cafes and takeaways celebrated successes this year, from local awards to winning big at national food awards.
We’ve rounded them all up below:
Babur, Forest Hill
Babur is a longstanding restaurant in Forest Hill, having opened in 1985 and in that time it has garnered a huge number of awards.
This year Babur was named in SquareMeal’s Top 100 London Restaurants for 2024.
Babur was named in SquareMeal’s Top 100 London Restaurants for 2024. (Image: Cru Comms)
The restaurant is well known for its gourmet take on Indian food, with dishes like swordfish tikka masala and mango brulee, along with a menu of crafted cocktails taking inspiration from India.
Bona Pizzeria, Forest Hill
Moving from curries to pizza, Bona Pizzeria in Forest Hill received the award for Best Pizza at the Deliveroo Restaurant Awards 2024.
The restaurant first opened in 2015 and serves up a menu of freshly made Neapolitan pizza, along with Italian classics like tiramisu and eight different styles of garlic bread.
Bona Pizzeria in Forest Hill received the award for Best Pizza at the Deliveroo Restaurant Awards 2024 (Image: Bona Pizzeria)
It also caters for different dietary needs, with vegan options using plant-based cheese, and has a drinks menu of beers, wines and cocktails.
Break the Fast, Catford
If it’s breakfast and brunch you’re after, Break the Fast in Catford won a Blue Ribbon in the Cafes category at this year’s Good Food Awards 2024.
Break the Fast in Catford won a Blue Ribbon in the Cafes category at this year’s Good Food Awards 2024 (Image: Break the Fast)
Specialising in breakfast and brunch, its menu is an eclectic mix of classic British fare like a full English, as well as international dishes like jerk chicken loaded fries and Turkish eggs.
Brockley’s Rock, Brockley
If you fancy a classic fish and chips, Brockley’s Rock celebrated winning a Gold Seal in the category of Fish and Chips at the Good Food Awards 2024.
The award is given to businesses based on customer ratings, and this restaurant was ranked as one of the best 60 chippies in the UK.
Brockley’s Rock celebrated winning a Gold Seal in the category of Fish and Chips at the Good Food Awards 2024 (Image: Brockley’s Rock)
The business caters for a range of dietary needs with gluten-free dishes as well as grilled options if you fancy something a bit lighter.
Dinner for One Hundred, Nunhead
Another pizza restaurant that won big this year was Dinner for One Hundred in Nunhead, which was named in the Times Top 50 Pizza Places in the UK list.
Dinner for One Hundred in Nunhead was named in the Times Top 50 Pizza Places in the UK list (Image: Dinner for One Hundred)
It serves a range of pizzas with gluten-free options as well as sides like the popular Giant Cheesy Garlic Bread.
Dolce Desserts & Café, Catford
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Dolce Desserts & Café in Catford took home the award for Best Café at the Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards 2024.
Dolce Desserts & Café in Catford took home the award for Best Café at the Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards 2024 (Image: Dolce Dessert and Café)
This popular local business, which opened in 2021, serves a range of sweet treats and pastries, as well as breakfast and lunch options like eggs royale and a mozzarella, pesto and tomato sandwich.
Gurkha’s, Sydenham
Another winner at this year’s Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards was Gurkha’s in Sydenham.
This restaurant serves a menu of both Indian and Nepalese cuisine and has been feeding the people of Sydenham for over two decades.
Panas Gurkha, Blackheath
Another Nepalese food stop that won big this year was Panas Gurkha in Blackheath, which won Restaurant of The Year, London at the Asian Curry Awards 2024.
The restaurant first opened its Lewisham branch in 2015 before opening a further two in Welling and Chislehurst.
The Panas Ghurka team celebrate at teh Asian Curry Awards (Image: Asian Curry Awards)
The menu offers a range of homestyle Nepali dishes cooked by Michelin-starred chef Ram Paudal, with dishes like the popular ‘Mum’s Chicken Curry’, inspired by a recipe made by restaurant owner Sujan Katuwal’s mother.
Quaggy’s Kitchen, Lee
If you’re after an Indian takeaway, Quaggy’s Kitchen in Lee celebrated winning the Rider Love Award under the category Above & Beyond at the Deliveroo Restaurant Awards 2024.
The business first opened in September 2023 and serves authentic Indian fare, with popular dishes like tandoori and biryani cooked by chef Juel Miah.
Quaggy’s Kitchen in Lee celebrated winning the Rider Love Award under the category Above & Beyond at the Deliveroo Restaurant Awards 2024 (Image: Quaggy’s Kitchen)
The Real Turkish, Catford
If it’s Turkish food you prefer, The Real Turkish in Catford received a Special Commendation at the Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards 2024.
This family-run business first opened in 2023, and is run by husband and wife duo Aiga and Sami Maras.
The Real Turkish in Catford received a Special Commendation at the Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards 2024 (Image: Emily Davison)
Some of the most popular dishes with diners include the shish kebabs, which go well with the Caribbean Breeze cocktail or milkshakes.