Spinach

Spinach is a neighbourhood fixture in South East London, born on Lordship Lane in 2015 and still guided, day to day, by its founder, Melissa. What began in East Dulwich has grown to two local restaurants, each shaped by a simple promise: to bring happiness to every part of the experience. Expect interesting flavours that feel good, gracious service, and a warm space designed for lingering rather than rushing.

From all-day brunch to evening gatherings, the menu champions seasonal, local produce and a lightness of touch. Eggs anyway arrive on sourdough; sweetcorn fritters meet crushed avocado, tzatziki and tomato salsa. Open-faced ideas run from fig and goats cheese with rocket, pine nuts and balsamic to a Ras El Hanout chicken wrap bright with tzatziki, spinach, red onion, pomegranate and sumac. Midday brings a choose-your-own mixed salad or soup of the day, while dinner leans to sharing alongside rump steak with chimichurri and salmon fishcakes with remoulade.

The setting is vibrant and unpretentious, a lively hub for casual catch-ups, impromptu meet-ups and family suppers. Spinach keeps it fresh, come for the flavour, linger for the glow.