Bib Gourmand££Vietnamese
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!
Bib Gourmand££Italian
Peckham may not be the first place you expect to find the spirit of Italian cooking alive and well, but there's no denying the straightforward joys to be found at this enthusiastically run neighbourhood bistro – which is named after Pellegrino Artusi, who wrote ‘The Science of Cooking and the Art of Fine Dining’ back in 1891. It's a small, sweet restaurant where the cooking is simple, honest and downright delicious, with the homemade pasta a definite highlight. The prices are fair, the portions are generous and the flavours are abundant – what more could you ask for?
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.0/5 · 80 reviews
Artusi in Sutton holds an average rating of 4.0/5. Food quality is a primary strength, with many praising delicious, well-cooked dishes like smoked ox tongue, roast squash, and pasta, often noting generous portions. However, some reviews describe meals as basic or dry. Service is polarizing; while friendly and knowledgeable staff are highlighted, others report slow pacing, pressure to leave, and payment issues. The atmosphere is relaxed and suitable for sharing platters. Value is generally considered good, though some feel large portions do not always match high quality.
Ideal for diners seeking authentic Italian flavors and a relaxed social setting, best visited during off-peak hours for optimal service.
Bib Gourmand££Thai
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.