The Waterman's Arms

Launched by the team behind Fallow, this vast restaurant can house up to 500 diners in the heart of Canary Wharf, all while being run with impressive slickness. Guests are spread across several dining rooms, some with counter seating, plus a lovely wrap-around terrace that boasts commanding views of South Dock. The wide-ranging menu offers something for everyone, including playful takes on British classics like maitake Cornish pasty or market fish served with parsley liquor, that's reminiscent of an East End pie and mash.

Tiny and tucked-away on Peckham’s bustling Rye Lane, Lai Rai is a hidden gem of a restaurant. Friendly, affordable and with knockout Vietnamese cooking, it’s the kind of place you leave with a spring in your step. The food is packed with bold flavours and executed with real skill, moving from bánh mì and coffee in the day to a more elaborate menu in the evening. Make sure you start with the brilliant prawn lollies, as no matter how many you order, you’ll still be wanting more. The genial, enthusiastic team just want you to have a good time – and you will!

Enter into this railway-arch restaurant in Peckham Rye and you could convince yourself you’ve been transported to Bangkok. A pair of friends have turned their years of experience in Thai restaurants into an authentic slice of the country, from the bustling atmosphere to fresh, vibrant dishes like fried chicken ‘gai prik’. The chefs don’t hold back on the spice, yet their strong sense of balance ensures the central ingredients are never overwhelmed. Meat-free diners will be particularly delighted that every dish on the menu is matched by a vegetarian equivalent.

An unpretentious Italian restaurant in one of the converted Shad Thames warehouses; the unfussy service suits the style of the place. The seasonally influenced menu uses British produce, with the in-house pasta a particular highlight; dishes are relatively simple but flavours are bold and prices, appealing.

This neighbourhood bistro and wine bar is run by three friends, who all hail from this part of South East London. Original small plates have a rustic style; they’re made for sharing, so choose three or four per person – if you’re in a group, consider ordering the whole menu. The wine list features some interesting small producers and they even have some wines on tap.

Plant-based Peckhamites must surely be in love with this friendly neighbourhood bistro serving solely vegan dishes. The restaurant is simply decorated and boasts an on-view kitchen, which produces hearty, original plates full of bold flavours. The set menu makes good use of what's in season, beginning with snacks and shared starters such as whipped tahini and fried aubergine with sourdough from the nearby TOAD bakery, while the main courses are served individually and dessert can be added on to complete the experience. For a more flexible option, go for the à la carte bar menu.

Few restaurants in London can claim to have a better location than this. For over 30 years, Le Pont de la Tour has been wowing diners with its jaw-dropping views of Tower Bridge, best appreciated from the terrace on a warm summer's day. The restaurant itself, as the name suggests, is thoroughly French at heart: expect confidently executed classics from ratatouille Niçoise to a benchmark crème brûlée. The carefully chosen wine list offers a broad, interesting selection of both classic and esoteric choices.