Why you should add Brixton to your London itinerary

Before World War II, Brixton was London’s go-to spot for shopping, as three of the city’s main department stores were located here. After the war, the Windrush generation arrived—when immigrants (mostly from the Caribbean, and a few from Ireland) settled into the neighborhood and would leave an indelible mark on Brixton. It also gained a reputation among Londoners as a no-go zone as its notoriety for being crime-ridden and challenging pervaded the British mind for a couple of generations.

For the last 25 years, the neighborhood has continued to evolve, as some of the original Caribbean families have moved elsewhere and newbies have moved in. Today Brixton is still coated in its Caribbean colors, but it’s become a safe multi-ethnic neighborhood that has both stayed true to its post-World War II roots, as well as showed some signs of gentrification (or “regeneration,” as some prefer to call it here).

If you’re a music fan, Brixton was the home of a slew of famous musicians and bands, including David Bowie, Bronski Beat, Pato Bonton, Flesh for Lulu, and Maxi Jazz, among many others.

It also has a superlative dining scene. From Caribbean, African, Afghani street food to put-on-your-best shirt restaurants where you can graze on superior seafood, Chinese, French and Italian fare, among much more. Hungry yet? Keep reading because we’re about to reveal the best places to eat in Brixton.

Best places to eat in Brixton

Fish, Wings & Tings

The name of this diminutive spot, with lots of outdoor seating, says it all. Right on the corner of the famed food-focused market Brixton Village, this is a Trinidadian-accented eatery that’s Brixton Caribbean to the core.  It’s Trinidadian street food consisting of, yes, fish and wings, but also plenty of tings (i.e. everything else). The cod fritters are addictive, the curried chicken roti is one of the best versions in the neighborhood, and the oxtail stew is perfect for a chilly London day.

Naughty Piglets

Yes, you can expect various cuts of meat from the pig at this French-accented eatery, plus whatever else is in season. The chefs are rotating at Naughty Piglets, so if you’ve been here before, your second visit may see a completely different menu. This wine bar has a special emphasis on natural wine, so expect some funky lesser-known bottles from various corners of Europe, but especially France, Italy, and Spain.

Alhaji Suya Brixton

Dive into the delicious world of Nigerian cuisine at Alhaji Suya. Serving up Hausa cuisine from northern Nigeria, Alhaji is a kiosk where you can get your food and eat it at an outside space. The suya, or kebabs, are tender and juicy. Various parts of the cow, plus chicken and lamb, are offered.

Traveler’s tip: Once you’re done exploring the best places to eat in Brixton, why not hit up some of London’s top spots? Check out our tips for a Self-Guided Tour through London.

Gremio de Brixton

Located underneath St. Mathew’s Church, Gremio de Brixton is one of the most ambient spots to eat and drink in the neighborhood. The vaulted ceiling alone is worth stopping by for. It just so happens that this Spanish restaurant churns out some pretty good tapas, too.

Expect above-average Iberian staples here, such as jamon croquettes, gambas al ajillo (shrimp cooked in garlic, chilis, and olive oil), grilled artichoke hearts, and patatas bravas. You can wash it all down with glasses of Rioja, a pint of Estrella Galicia, or, oddly enough, one of several margaritas listed on the menu.

Okan

With two locations, one in Brixton Village and another just a short walk away, Okan serves up great takes on the street food of Osaka. The restaurant has donburi and various noodle soups on the menu, all of which are very satisfying, the main draw to Okan is the okonomiyaki, a pancake embracing various ingredients, such as vegetables and/or octopus, among others.

Maureen’s Brixton Kitchen

One of the best spots in Brixton to tuck into some serious Jamaican fare, Maureen’s restaurant doubles as her actual living room. No joke. If you’re uncertain what you want to sink your teeth into, just stop thinking and order the jerk chicken which is juicy, flavorful, and fall-off-the-bone tender.

The Clink at Brixton Prison

This isn’t just a cheeky gimmick. The Clink is a real prison restaurant where prisoners are being trained in culinary arts and hospitality. There are, of course, rules to dining here: you have to reserve at least seven days in advance, bring your ID, and family members of current prisoners here are excluded from dining at The Clink. Expect well-executed but relatively unadventurous fare like pan-roasted fish, pastas, and roasted chicken.

As you can see, this list of the best places to eat in Brixton includes a diverse selection of culinary gems. There are so many places to eat in this vibrant London neighborhood, it’ll be difficult choosing which ones to visit first, but you won’t be disappointed, that’s for certain.

And when you’re finished exploring Brixton’s best bites, why not explore more of London’s culinary scene? From our Food Tour of London’s Historic Pubs to a Tour through Borough Market & Southwark, our expert guides will help you explore the best that this bustling international city has to offer.