As Europe settles into reopening its borders, foodies and travellers alike are in dire need of the best things to do in Vienna and beyond. So we're taking you on a tour of Brixton Market's best restaurants, one of Europe's coolest spots for the ultimate food pit stop.
For many years, Brixton was not a place you would head to for eggs Benny and some of London's best restaurants, beleaguered as it was with high crime rates and the pervading association with the riots of the 1980s.
Today, the south London district is a playground for its millennial residents, and Brixton Village and Market Row are undoubtedly the jewels in its crown. The covered market – formerly a produce pit stop with roots that go back more than 150 years – has completed a character arc as lofty as the railway arches it sits beneath, transforming into a hotbed for the best restaurants in Brixton, many of which have gone on to sprout sister locations around the city.
Located in two markets on either side of Atlantic Road, Brixton Village and Market Row are home to more than 100 cafés, restaurants, bars and clothing stores, as well as fishmongers and greengrocers.
Though the inevitable cry of gentrification continues to ring through its lanes, the market has never allowed big-name chains to set up shop under its arches, creating a truly British melting pot of cultures and cuisines alongside the Caribbean community that lies at its heart. Whether you’re in the mood for crepes, cakes, champagne and cheese or dumplings, tacos and thali, there’s a spot for you to fill your belly in Brixton.
Seating is snug in these pint-sized joints, so bring a fan and get ready to snuggle up on enclosed seating outside. The market stays open late almost every night and often hosts live-music acts in its laneways – meaning that even in cooler weather, it’s the best seat in the house.
Plan your trip: 5 of the best restaurants in London's Brixton Market
Honest Burger
It all started here in 2011 for the 30-location, British burger chain. Special guest burgers are known to pop up on the menu, but you can’t go wrong with the signature, served with onion relish and their famous rosemary fries.
Fish, Wings and Tings
Sample some of the best Caribbean cuisine in the area at this Brixton institution. From oxtail stew to jerk chicken and mutton roti, everything is prepared fresh daily and deserves a toast with a bottle from Brixton Brewery.
Salon
Joe Woodhouse
This itty bitty Brixton snack bar has some of London's best low intervention wines that come with pretty un-London low price tags. Nestled in the heart of Brixton Village, in the market's old hairdressers, sharing plates are guided by the seasons at this inventive hot spot.
Kricket, Brixton
This modern Indian restaurant returned to its Brixton roots with a handful of its trademark Mumbai-inspired classics – and a whole lot of experimental new dishes. Dinner's served directly under the railway arches, meaning your meal comes with a side of train rumblings as well as bhel puri. It also acts as a test kitchen for more eclectic modern Indian creations from chef Will Bowlby.
Pop Brixton
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This electric street-food market made out of former shipping containers knows a thing or two about the power of good food. Pop Brixton is also a community hub that’s helping to transform the neighbourhood with its investment into small, independent businesses and local vendors. There's always something going on here and its often where a lot of pop-up (get it) restaurants get their start.
Hungry for more? Read the entire Culinary Issue online for free here
