The Crystal Palace restaurant scene is packed with lively spots representing practically every continent on the planet – here are some of its very best.
Words by Sam Jeans
Dining in Crystal Palace? First of all, you’ll want to head to “Crystal Palace Triangle”, formed by Westow Street, Westow Hill and Church Road.
Each side of the triangle is packed with superb restaurants, cafes, pubs and shops – many of which are independently owned.
That’s not to say there aren’t some fantastic restaurants outside of the triangle, but the triangle is undoubtedly home to some of South London’s most exciting places to eat.
So, without further ado, these are the Crystal Palace restaurants you need to check out.
Brilliant Crystal Palace Restaurants
Spinach
££
Classy lunch date? Spinach is a sleek vegetarian and vegan eatery that focuses on fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Their menu is super-healthy, with hearty salads, delicious sandwiches and innovative main courses packed with veg.
One of the coolest things about Spinach is its custom salads, where you 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. Oh, and one more thing – 2-4-1 cocktails are available Saturday nights, and they’re fabulous.
Four Hundred Rabbits
££
Four Hundred Rabbits has earned a reputation as one of Crystal Palace’s top spots for wood-fired sourdough pizza. And let’s face it, with so many Italian restaurants and pizzerias around, the competition is tough.
Drawing inspiration from the Neapolitan tradition, their pizzas are 100% genuine sourdough and combine expert pizza making with creative toppings. If you’re a fan of funky pizzas, try their rhubarb pizza (it’s weird we know, but it works!), whereas meat lovers will find “The Beef” delicious, with its 40-day aged rare breed beef mince.
Prices are pretty much what you’d expect for pizza in the capital, and there’s a delightful cocktail and drinks list too. The venue itself is spacious and fresh, perfect for couples, families and groups.
On Tuesdays, all pizzas are just £10. And watch out for delicious guest pizzas and fun collaborations with local producers.
Manuel’s Restaurant & Bar
££
Toward the north of Crystal Palace, Manuel’s Restaurant & Bar offers Mediterranean cuisine with a truly authentic Italian edge. Crystal Palace is home to a whole host of independently owned authentic restaurants like Manuel’s, which have served the local area for years.
This is a classic no-nonsense restaurant that absolutely nails the food, with fresh seafood, homemade pasta and tender meats on offer.
The venue is warm and elegant with genuine Italian homely vibes. An old-school restaurant with a fabulous reputation and a charming outdoor seating area for warm days and nights.
A Torre
££
A Torre is a family-owned Portuguese restaurant in a cosy and welcoming environment, with a classy menu packed with fresh ingredients and authentic flavours.
You’ll find perfectly cooked seafood dishes like Bife De Atum Grelhado Com Molho (grilled tuna steak), grilled meats like Costeletas De Borrego (grilled lamb cutlets) and loads of delicious starters.
It’s a warm and welcoming venue, completely unpretentious, with reasonable prices on top-quality food. Yet another independently owned contender for the best restaurants in Crystal Palace.
Mediterranea
££
Crystal Palace wows us with its superb family-owned restaurants, many of which have remained in the area for several years, which we love to see.
For top-quality authentic Italian food, Mediterranea is a real gem, and yet another incredible family-owned restaurant in the area. It combines a wonderful Italian deli counter – or Sardinian, to be more specific – with a simple but smart restaurant.
If you’re dropping by for lunch, try the amazing subs and sandwiches, or sit down and tuck into gorgeous pizzas and calzones.
Not a fan of pizza? No worries – you’ll find pasta and plenty of other options on the menu.
Urban Orient
££
Discover the authentic flavours of Vietnamese cuisine at Urban Orient. This casual eatery 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, they have a BYOB policy too, which is great for saving a bit of cash. It’s super-casual, and the service is impeccable, and having been there for over 10 years, this restaurant has established an excellent reputation.
The Brown & Green
££
The dog-friendly cafe Brown & Green is a cafe-restaurant that focuses on breakfast and lunch.
Their breakfasts are incredible courtesy of full English (normal and veggie), fantastic butties, scrambled eggs, beans and more. Perfect for kickstarting your day, nursing a hangover, or just getting out of the house for fresh air, coffee and proper food.
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.
Numidie Bar and Bistro
££
Places to eat in Crystal Palace aren’t just numerous, but they’re also diverse. This time, we’re heading to North Africa for a beautiful blend of Moroccan and Algerian cuisine at Numidie.
True to the area’s culinary heritage, the food is spicy and robust, with 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. Undoubtedly one of the best Crystal Palace restaurants.
Yak & Yeti
££
Yak & Yeti brings the flavours of Nepal and India to Crystal Palace. This restaurant offers a diverse range of dishes from both regions for a culinary exploration of the Himalayas.
Among Indian restaurants in Crystal Palace, Yak & Yeti might just have the best reputation, with its selection of 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 you’re pretty much guaranteed to be pondering over several different dishes.
In addition to some inventive and lesser-known dishes, you’ll find classics like hariyali chicken and tikka masala. To top it off, prices are very reasonable, and the service is excellent.
Lorenzo Italian
££
It doesn’t get much more authentic than this. Lorenzo feels like an Italian home with its warm and cosy interior, and the unpretentious food features pizza, pasta and classic mains like gnocchi and various pollo (chicken) dishes.
This restaurant has 3 floors, with a main restaurant and upstairs and downstairs dining rooms. It gets really busy on the weekend and has an enviable reputation. Undoubtedly one of the best places to eat in Crystal Palace.
Established in 1985, Lorenzo is another feather in the cap of Crystal Palace’s energetic restaurant scene and one of the most popular Crystal Palace triangle restaurants.
Mi Cocina Es Tuya
££
Mi Cocina Es Tuya is a family-run Venezuelan restaurant offering excellent empanadas, arepas (corn bread), cachapas (pancakes), and many other authentic South American dishes.
If you’ve tried other forms of South American cuisine, then you’ve probably got some idea of what awaits you. If not, be ready to be converted. It’s meaty, it’s tasty, it’s hearty, and it will fill you up effortlessly.
And how diverse is Crystal Palace’s restaurant scene? With representation from Europe, Africa, the Americas and Asia, it’s pretty impressive.
The Crystal Palace Market
££
A bustling restaurant, the Crystal Palace Market isn’t to be confused with the Crystal Palace Market, which is also worth a shout-out for its local food produce and artisanal goods.
This isn’t a market but a modern brasserie-style restaurant with a large, open interior with tiled floors and wooden tables.
The menu focuses on locally-sourced, seasonal produce, and sustainably-caught seafood, offering dishes like grilled fish, succulent steaks, and dynamic salads. The open kitchen allows diners to see their food being prepared, creating an interactive and engaging dining experience.
Other Places to Eat in Crystal Palace
Blackbird Bakery
££
For anyone with a sweet tooth, Blackbird Bakery is a must-visit destination. This artisan bakery offers an array of delicious pastries, cakes, and bread, all baked fresh daily.
But it’s not just a bakery – they also serve savoury dishes, like quiches and sandwiches, making the bakery an ideal spot for breakfast or lunch.
Enjoy a leisurely coffee break while sampling some of their delectable treats. So careful, one might lead to another, and another…
The Sparrowhawk Pub & Dining
££
The Sparrowhawk is a cosy and welcoming gastro-pub serving a menu of delicious British fare, pizzas and burgers galore. The massive menu is reasonably priced and has something for everyone – perfect for families and larger groups.
Their epic “crafternoon tea” combines inventive cakes and savoury bites (not your typical afternoon tea food) with unlimited craft beer or prosecco. The bottomless brunch is also a local favourite, and check out their special events for themed social nights.
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
££
Nestled 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.
A large outdoor dining area and courtyard only add to the appeal of this fantastic pub on warm days and nights.
Practical Tips for Exploring The Best Crystal Palace Restaurants
- Hunting for the best restaurant Crystal Palace? You probably don’t need to go further than the triangle, which is home to numerous restaurants and cafes.
- The best places to eat Crystal Palace involve a mixture of independent restaurants and small chains – great if you love supporting small and local businesses.
- If you’re with a big group and wondering where to eat, Crystal Palace’s pubs like the Sparrowhawk have got your back.
- Crystal Palace is accessible via Crystal Palace tube station on the Overground.
