Crystal Palace is a neighborhood in South London that boasts an impressive array of restaurants, cafes, pubs, and shops. To get the most out of this vibrant dining scene, visitors should head to the “Crystal Palace Triangle,” which is formed by Westow Street, Westow Hill, and Church Road. This area is home to many independently owned establishments and is widely considered to be the epicenter of Crystal Palace’s culinary offerings.
While there are certainly great restaurants to be found outside of the triangle, the area is home to some of South London’s most exciting eateries. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best Crystal Palace restaurants, as well as provide practical tips for exploring this dynamic neighborhood.
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Key Takeaways
- Crystal Palace Triangle is the heart of the neighborhood’s dining scene
- The area is home to many independently owned restaurants, cafes, pubs, and shops
- Visitors can expect to find some of South London’s most exciting eateries in this area.
Brilliant Crystal Palace Restaurants
Spinach
Spinach is a vegetarian and vegan restaurant that offers fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients. The menu features hearty salads, delicious sandwiches, and innovative main courses packed with vegetables. One of the unique things about Spinach is its custom salads, where customers can choose a base of curried barley salad, bittersweet salad, aubergine salad, or roasted chickpea salad and mix with meat or a veggie/vegan protein. Freshly baked goods are available from the counter, and the specials change often, so regulars never get bored. Spinach also offers 2-4-1 cocktails on Saturday nights.
Four Hundred Rabbits
Four Hundred Rabbits is a popular restaurant in Crystal Palace that specializes in wood-fired sourdough pizza. The pizzas are made in the Neapolitan tradition and combine expert pizza making with creative toppings. The restaurant offers a wide variety of pizzas, including the unique rhubarb pizza and “The Beef,” which features 40-day aged rare breed beef mince. On Tuesdays, all pizzas are just £10. The restaurant also has a delightful cocktail and drinks list, and the spacious and fresh venue is perfect for couples, families, and groups.
Manuel’s Restaurant & Bar
Manuel’s Restaurant & Bar is a Mediterranean restaurant that offers authentic Italian cuisine. The restaurant is located toward the north of Crystal Palace and has served the local area for years. The menu features fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and tender meats. The venue is warm and elegant with genuine Italian homely vibes. Manuel’s Restaurant & Bar also has a charming outdoor seating area for warm days and nights.
A Torre
A Torre is a family-owned Portuguese restaurant that offers a classy menu packed with fresh ingredients and authentic flavors. The restaurant offers perfectly cooked seafood dishes like grilled tuna steak, grilled meats like grilled lamb cutlets, and loads of delicious starters. It’s a warm and welcoming venue with reasonable prices on top-quality food.
Mediterranea
Mediterranea is a family-owned restaurant that offers top-quality authentic Italian food. The restaurant combines a wonderful Italian deli counter with a simple but smart restaurant. The menu features amazing subs and sandwiches, gorgeous pizzas and calzones, pasta, and plenty of other options.
Urban Orient
Urban Orient is a casual eatery that offers authentic Vietnamese cuisine. The restaurant offers a wide range of traditional dishes, including fragrant pho, vibrant salads, and zesty stir-fries. The chilled, laid-back atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for eating with groups of friends, and the service is renowned for its promptness and friendliness. As of 2023, the restaurant has a BYOB policy too.
The Brown & Green
The Brown & Green is a cafe-restaurant that focuses on breakfast and lunch. The restaurant offers incredible breakfasts courtesy of full English (normal and veggie), fantastic butties, scrambled eggs, beans, and more. Lunchtime is handled by burgers, posh fish finger sandwiches, and fresh salad bowls. The drinks list is enormous, with plenty of alcohol and soft drinks, including boozy hot drinks. The cafe is also dog-friendly.
Numidie Bar and Bistro
Numidie Bar and Bistro offers a beautiful blend of Moroccan and Algerian cuisine. The restaurant serves spicy and robust North African classics like tagine and delicious baklava for dessert. The hummus is top quality, and there’s a larger-than-average selection of meat-free options.
Yak & Yeti
Yak & Yeti brings the flavors of Nepal and India to Crystal Palace. The restaurant offers a diverse range of dishes from both regions, including momos (Nepalese dumplings), tender tandoori dishes, and aromatic curries, accompanied by a variety of familiar Indian breads and rice options. The menu is absolutely massive, so customers are pretty much guaranteed to be pondering over several different dishes. Prices are very reasonable, and the service is excellent.
Lorenzo Italian
Lorenzo Italian is an authentic Italian restaurant that features pizza, pasta, and classic mains like gnocchi and various pollo (chicken) dishes. The restaurant has three floors, with a main restaurant and upstairs and downstairs dining rooms. It gets really busy on the weekend and has an enviable reputation.
Mi Cocina Es Tuya
Mi Cocina Es Tuya is a family-run Venezuelan restaurant that offers excellent empanadas, arepas (corn bread), cachapas (pancakes), and many other authentic South American dishes. The restaurant is meaty, tasty, hearty, and will fill customers up effortlessly.
The Crystal Palace Market
The Crystal Palace Market is a modern brasserie-style restaurant that focuses on locally-sourced, seasonal produce, and sustainably-caught seafood. The restaurant offers dishes like grilled fish, succulent
Other Places to Eat in Crystal Palace
Blackbird Bakery
For those with a sweet tooth, Blackbird Bakery is a must-visit destination. This artisan bakery offers a range of freshly baked pastries, cakes, and bread daily. However, it’s not just a bakery as they also serve savoury dishes, like quiches and sandwiches, making it an ideal spot for breakfast or lunch. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely coffee break while sampling some of their delectable treats.
The Sparrowhawk Pub & Dining
The Sparrowhawk is a cosy and welcoming gastro-pub serving a menu of delicious British fare, pizzas, and burgers. The massive menu is reasonably priced and has something for everyone, making it perfect for families and larger groups. Their “crafternoon tea” combines inventive cakes and savoury bites with unlimited craft beer or prosecco. The bottomless brunch is also a local favourite, and their themed social nights are worth checking out. From hearty Sunday roasts to comforting classics like fish and chips, The Sparrowhawk offers a relaxed and inviting atmosphere for a casual meal.
The Alma
Located in the heart of Crystal Palace’s Triangle area, The Alma is a charming and modern pub that offers a contemporary spin on classic British dishes. Savour a hearty Sunday roast or choose from a well-curated but compact menu of seasonal dishes. With a great selection of craft beers, wines, and cocktails, The Alma creates a relaxed atmosphere for a casual meal or drinks with friends. The prices are very reasonable too for a London pub. The large outdoor dining area and courtyard only add to the appeal of this fantastic pub on warm days and nights.
These three eateries are among the top choices for visitors to Crystal Palace. Each offers a unique dining experience with a great selection of food and drinks.
Practical Tips for Exploring The Best Crystal Palace Restaurants
Crystal Palace is a hub for food enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of independent restaurants and small chains. The triangle area is the perfect place to start your search for the best Crystal Palace restaurants. For those dining in large groups, the Sparrowhawk pub is a great option. It’s conveniently located and offers a variety of food options. To get to Crystal Palace, hop on the Overground and get off at Crystal Palace tube station.