Latest reviews for Restaurants in Brixton, London, United Kingdom

Franco Manca - Gorgeous Pizza on my Doorstep by Browners

Browners — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:04:27 +0000

Review by Browners

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7738 3021

I took the rare opportunity of a day off in Brixton to sample the pizza at Franco Manca. After an in depth article in OFM a couple of months ago, the internet has been awash with chatter about this place. And I felt like it was my duty as a Brixton resident and foodie to see what all the fuss is about.

Foolishly I forgot to take a note of the address, assuming that it must be easy to find. But I found myself walking back and forth along Electric Avenue, dodging the market vendors, trying desperately to find this "hidden gem". It always helps of course if you are actually on the right road. A quick call to 118500 and I was back on track. I was put through to Franco Manca who then guided me into the restaurant which was about 18 yards from where I was standing. The charming chap on the phone even spotted me and came to greet me. Top class service from beginning to end.

Snuggled into the heart of Brixton Market, remember, if you can, that it's Unit 4, Electric Lane. The restaurant bridges both sides of the covered market alleyway which adds a great natural flow to environment. On either side are large pizza ovens that have been hand build over in Naples. They generate a temperature of 500'C which is the key to their sourdough pizzas having such a crispy crust and soft middle. I inspected them with great interest, taking notes for next year's big project where I am planning to build an outdoor earth oven in the garden. Should be epic. If anyone's got any advice, I'd love to hear from you.

I ordered the chorizo pizza which comes with dry and wet sausage from Brindisa. It arrived almost as soon as I had spoken. Given all the hype, I was determined not to be prejudiced and was hoping it would live up to all the noise. And it did. As promised it was gorgeously charred on the outside, with the appearance of tiger bread whilst the mozzarella, tomato and chorizo was perfectly cooked as well. The puffy crust was crisp on the outside and pillowy soft inside. A bit like a savoury, hot macaron!

The chorizo had a lick of char and otherwise was simply irresistible. I was tempted to add pepper and chilli oil but didn't want to tamper with something that had been thought through so clearly. The mozzarella made almost made me giggle as it unwound as I tried to eat it like some sort of practical joke. All this fatty, carby goodness was washed down by a jar of their delicious home made lemonade followed the best espresso I've ever had for Â£1!

All the ingredients are impeccably sourced with superb credentials. But the crowning glory is the sourdough base that takes 20 hours of careful nurturing before it meets its glorious fate in the super charged ovens.

I was amused when two gentlemen in suits arrived and loudly asked "are you the guys who make the best pizza in London". I felt like I stood out pretty badly in my brown cords and blue v-neck jumper, but I was a chameleon by comparison. It seems that word has spread and that this gem is fast becoming a lot less hidden.

Be warned that Franco Manca is only open on week days from 12-5. My pizza, lemonade and coffee came to well under a tenner.

I took the rare opportunity of a day off in Brixton to sample the pizza at Franco Manca. After an in depth article in OFM a couple of months ago, the internet has been awash with chatter about this place. And I felt like it was my duty as a Brixton resident and foodie to see what all the fuss is about.

Foolishly I forgot to take a note of the address, assuming that it must be easy to find. But I found myself walking back and forth along Electric Avenue, dodging the market vendors, trying desperately to find this "hidden gem". It always helps of course if you are actually on the right road. A quick call to 118500 and I was back on track. I was put through to Franco Manca who then guided me into the restaurant which was about 18 yards from where I was standing. The charming chap on the phone even spotted me and came to greet me. Top class service from beginning to end.

Snuggled into the heart of Brixton Market, remember, if you can, that it's Unit 4, Electric Lane. The restaurant bridges both sides of the covered market alleyway which adds a great natural flow to environment. On either side are large pizza ovens that have been hand build over in Naples. They generate a temperature of 500'C which is the key to their sourdough pizzas having such a crispy crust and soft middle. I inspected them with great interest, taking notes for next year's big project where I am planning to build an outdoor earth oven in the garden. Should be epic. If anyone's got any advice, I'd love to hear from you.

I ordered the chorizo pizza which comes with dry and wet sausage from Brindisa. It arrived almost as soon as I had spoken. Given all the hype, I was determined not to be prejudiced and was hoping it would live up to all the noise. And it did. As promised it was gorgeously charred on the outside, with the appearance of tiger bread whilst the mozzarella, tomato and chorizo was perfectly cooked as well. The puffy crust was crisp on the outside and pillowy soft inside. A bit like a savoury, hot macaron!

The chorizo had a lick of char and otherwise was simply irresistible. I was tempted to add pepper and chilli oil but didn't want to tamper with something that had been thought through so clearly. The mozzarella made almost made me giggle as it unwound as I tried to eat it like some sort of practical joke. All this fatty, carby goodness was washed down by a jar of their delicious home made lemonade followed the best espresso I've ever had for Â£1!

All the ingredients are impeccably sourced with superb credentials. But the crowning glory is the sourdough base that takes 20 hours of careful nurturing before it meets its glorious fate in the super charged ovens.

I was amused when two gentlemen in suits arrived and loudly asked "are you the guys who make the best pizza in London". I felt like I stood out pretty badly in my brown cords and blue v-neck jumper, but I was a chameleon by comparison. It seems that word has spread and that this gem is fast becoming a lot less hidden.

Be warned that Franco Manca is only open on week days from 12-5. My pizza, lemonade and coffee came to well under a tenner.

Baan Thai - Shocking service by poppybright

poppybright — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 18:13:05 +0000

Review by poppybright

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7274 2020

Tags: thai, expensive, vegetarian dishes

This is my nearest thai restaurant. I live less than a mile away but when I rang to order some food for delivery I was told that it was too far. When I, politely, went on to say that we were not far at all I was promptly hung up on. I would not recommend this place at all purely on the basis of such appalling treatment for a first time customer. They are also hugely expensive, which I was prepared to overlook if it was good. I will not be trying this place again.This is my nearest thai restaurant. I live less than a mile away but when I rang to order some food for delivery I was told that it was too far. When I, politely, went on to say that we were not far at all I was promptly hung up on. I would not recommend this place at all purely on the basis of such appalling treatment for a first time customer. They are also hugely expensive, which I was prepared to overlook if it was good. I will not be trying this place again.

Fujiyama - Like Wagamama's, but better by Natnat

Natnat — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:50:34 +0000

Review by Natnat

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7737 2369

Tags: japanese, lively, cheap eat

Tucked away in Brixton's back streets and yet only a stone's throw from the tube, Fujiyama's is a gem of a place, serving Japanese food including sushi and bento boxes, ramen, noodles and rice dishes. The plum wine is especially recommended! Busy and popular, you can choose to eat in, sitting at long tables next to complete strangers, or take advantage of Fujiyama's takeaway service (they will deliver within a three mile radius). The food is fresh and cooked to order, and has a loyal following. All in all it makes for a good value meal out, as something a bit different.Tucked away in Brixton's back streets and yet only a stone's throw from the tube, Fujiyama's is a gem of a place, serving Japanese food including sushi and bento boxes, ramen, noodles and rice dishes. The plum wine is especially recommended! Busy and popular, you can choose to eat in, sitting at long tables next to complete strangers, or take advantage of Fujiyama's takeaway service (they will deliver within a three mile radius). The food is fresh and cooked to order, and has a loyal following. All in all it makes for a good value meal out, as something a bit different.

Speedy Noodle - Big dishes, fast service by Rhydster

Rhydster — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 23:35:25 +0000

Review by Rhydster

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7326 4888

Tags: chinese, lively, takeaway

The good: this is a cool Chinese restaurant that blends the speed of a Chinese take away speed with eat a more traditional Chinese restaurant. The service is quick, the plates a very big and the variety as well. The dishes come with largely chopped meats (or seafood), vegetables, etc., which makes it more mouth watering. If you order a soup, they are very filling with plenty of ingredients to complement the noodles. Always tables available and they donÂ´t pressure you to leave when youÂ´re finished.

It's located within a couple of minutes walk from Brixton tube station, along the main high street.

The bad: the menu selection sheet is a bit confusing at first. Also, the service isnÂ´t very polite.
The good: this is a cool Chinese restaurant that blends the speed of a Chinese take away speed with eat a more traditional Chinese restaurant. The service is quick, the plates a very big and the variety as well. The dishes come with largely chopped meats (or seafood), vegetables, etc., which makes it more mouth watering. If you order a soup, they are very filling with plenty of ingredients to complement the noodles. Always tables available and they donÂ´t pressure you to leave when youÂ´re finished.

It's located within a couple of minutes walk from Brixton tube station, along the main high street.

The bad: the menu selection sheet is a bit confusing at first. Also, the service isnÂ´t very polite.

Mela @ Herne Hill - Stunning food by lenalouise

lenalouise — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 14:22:14 +0000

Review by lenalouise

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7738 5500

Website: http://www.melarestaurant.co.uk/

Tags: indian, cosy, romantic

This isn't your usual indian. They have the most creative and unique dishes that I haven't seen anywhere else and all cooked excellently and presented beautifully. The a la carte is moderately priced but they have set lunch menus and a buffet on Sunday for cheaper.

The interior is stunning - cushioned seats, beautiful throws everywhere, candlelit table. Think white and purple. Perfect for a romantic meal with a date.This isn't your usual indian. They have the most creative and unique dishes that I haven't seen anywhere else and all cooked excellently and presented beautifully. The a la carte is moderately priced but they have set lunch menus and a buffet on Sunday for cheaper.

The interior is stunning - cushioned seats, beautiful throws everywhere, candlelit table. Think white and purple. Perfect for a romantic meal with a date.

Satay Bar - Cool little restuarant by pachamama

pachamama — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:14:08 +0000

Review by pachamama

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7326 5001

Tags: indonesian, cheap eat, cool

Just went to the Satay with a group of friends. Was a bit of an oasis amongst Brixton. The food was delicious, the cocktails were er... strong and tasty and the staff were really friendly and attentive. What more could you ask for? We had a thoroughly enjoyable time. The Friday night we went was packed so I would recommend booking. I am not sure about the comment below about it being a nightclub. There were no deejays and the music was in the background rather than pumping. The stencil work in and outside was very cool too, a bit Banksy'ish. Would definitely return.Just went to the Satay with a group of friends. Was a bit of an oasis amongst Brixton. The food was delicious, the cocktails were er... strong and tasty and the staff were really friendly and attentive. What more could you ask for? We had a thoroughly enjoyable time. The Friday night we went was packed so I would recommend booking. I am not sure about the comment below about it being a nightclub. There were no deejays and the music was in the background rather than pumping. The stencil work in and outside was very cool too, a bit Banksy'ish. Would definitely return.

El Panzon - Best pub food in Brixton by memespring

memespring — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 10:17:26 +0000

Review by memespring

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0207 924 9888

Website: www.elpanzon.co.uk

Tags: brixton, smoking, breakfast

El Panzon is the best mexican food Ive eaten in London, and probably the best pub food avaliable in Brixton (Jerk chiken at the Effera is up there too).

Stick to the burritos and tacos, they do do other food (ribs etc) which are ok, but you'll probably be disappointed when everyone else is tucking in.

The guy who runs it is really enthusiastic about his food and it shows in what they product. I also believe they buy as much of their veg and supplies from Brixton Market which is a nice way of supporting other local buisinesses.El Panzon is the best mexican food Ive eaten in London, and probably the best pub food avaliable in Brixton (Jerk chiken at the Effera is up there too).

Stick to the burritos and tacos, they do do other food (ribs etc) which are ok, but you'll probably be disappointed when everyone else is tucking in.

The guy who runs it is really enthusiastic about his food and it shows in what they product. I also believe they buy as much of their veg and supplies from Brixton Market which is a nice way of supporting other local buisinesses.

Asmara Restaurant - by lenalouise

lenalouise — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 12:46:29 +0000

Review by lenalouise

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7737 4144

Tags: takeaway, eritrean, cheap

Intimate, family run eritrean restaurant. For those who don't really know this kind of food, they don't use knives and forks!! You eat meals using a special pancake called enjera by ripping bits off and scooping up your meal with your fingers!

It makes eating a lot more fun but it's probably not somewhere you'd wanna go on a first date...unless you're really brave and you won't get embarrased if you get food everywhere lol.

I'd highly recommend getting the set meal (min 2 ppl) as you get to try out a range of different dishes.

Make sure you go when you're really hungry though! The set meal is then followed by popcorn (I don't know why) and their tasty special coffee which is packed full with fragrant spices and served traditionally.

If you like beer, try the one they have there (I think it's called asmara aswell but not sure).

Anyway, definitely a unique and interesting experience and highly recommended.Intimate, family run eritrean restaurant. For those who don't really know this kind of food, they don't use knives and forks!! You eat meals using a special pancake called enjera by ripping bits off and scooping up your meal with your fingers!

It makes eating a lot more fun but it's probably not somewhere you'd wanna go on a first date...unless you're really brave and you won't get embarrased if you get food everywhere lol.

I'd highly recommend getting the set meal (min 2 ppl) as you get to try out a range of different dishes.

Make sure you go when you're really hungry though! The set meal is then followed by popcorn (I don't know why) and their tasty special coffee which is packed full with fragrant spices and served traditionally.

If you like beer, try the one they have there (I think it's called asmara aswell but not sure).

Anyway, definitely a unique and interesting experience and highly recommended.

Cantinho de Portugal - Cheap tasty treat by NikoTheFinn

NikoTheFinn — Thu, 17 Aug 2006 11:22:02 +0000

Review by NikoTheFinn

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7924 0218

Tags: cheap, restaurant, friendly

This is an excellent place to stop by for a quick bite. The decor leaves a little to be desired (it's a little dingy), but the food and beer are cheap and the service is quick and efficient. The place has the feel of a Mediterranean local cantina, and it is in fact frequented by many Portuguese speakers. The spicy sausages are especially tasty.This is an excellent place to stop by for a quick bite. The decor leaves a little to be desired (it's a little dingy), but the food and beer are cheap and the service is quick and efficient. The place has the feel of a Mediterranean local cantina, and it is in fact frequented by many Portuguese speakers. The spicy sausages are especially tasty.

Brixton Bar & Grill - by TrustedBot

TrustedBot — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 18:19:47 +0000

Review by TrustedBot

Rating: 0.00

Phone: 020 7737 6777

Website: http://www.bbag.me.uk

Tags: cocktails, bar, tapas

Situated next to the market, Brixton Bar and Grill serves premium beers and spirits, cocktails and their fantastic ´world tapas´.

Brixton Bar and Grill combines service and style with gritty urban edge, located as it is, in the chaotic and colourful Brixton market under a vast Victorian railway arch.

Inside is a spectacular three room space populated by a dimly-lit front bar with gorgeous dark brown leather banquettes and a central oak wood table. A lavish middle room with exposed ceilings and a lone chandelier and a stylish cocktail lounge at the back, furnished with funky mismatched furniture also add to the setting.

There are regular live sets by DJs and musicians and the space is divided into a lively front bar and more relaxed lounge area at the back. Situated next to the market, Brixton Bar and Grill serves premium beers and spirits, cocktails and their fantastic ´world tapas´.

Brixton Bar and Grill combines service and style with gritty urban edge, located as it is, in the chaotic and colourful Brixton market under a vast Victorian railway arch.

There are regular live sets by DJs and musicians and the space is divided into a lively front bar and more relaxed lounge area at the back.