London's top chefs share their favourite local restaurants

‘Ciao Bella is everything you want from a neighbourhood restaurant. We always order the same thing: I have the lasagne, [my wife] Margot has the spaghetti alle vongole. You can sit outside and they leave the grappa on the table.’ Fergus Henderson, founder of St John 

◊ 86-90 Lamb’s Conduit St. m Russell Square.

‘My favourite local restaurant is Taco Queen. The food is inventive, tasty and fun! It’s brilliant value and is hugely popular with the locals. A vibrant addition to the Peckham scene.’ Jane Alty, chef-owner of The Begging Bowl 

◊ 191 Rye Lane. Peckham Rye Overground.

‘I’ve been going to 40 Maltby Street since they opened. Seasonal food, amazing natural wine, friendly service and knowledgeable in their offering. It’s hard not to keep going back!’ Erchen Chang, head chef at Bao and Xu

◊ 40 Maltby St. m Bermondsey.

‘I live near The Camberwell Arms, which I love. They have a solid beer selection and a regularly changing menu of delicious food. They do banging pies to share, have a strong Sunday roast game and make a mean lemon tart. It’s a perfect day-off-after-a-hard-week type of spot.’ Andy Oliver, co-chef and owner of Som Saa 

◊ 65 Camberwell Church St. Denmark Hill rail.

‘I love Brawn on Columbia Road in Bethnal Green. It’s simple, delicious food done really well. Since it opened in 2010 it hasn’t changed; it just felt ahead of its time. It’s somewhere I can always rely on to have great tasting food,  wine and amazing service.’ Neil Rankin, founder of Temper

◊ 49 Columbia Rd. Hoxton Overground.

‘I live in south London and love The Begging Bowl in Peckham. I really like hot, spicy Thai food, so a bowl of curry is a real favourite. It’s a nice way to unwind after a busy week. The food is always spot-on.’ Nieves Barragan, co-founder of Sabor

◊ 168 Bellenden Rd. Peckham Rye Overground.

‘Without a doubt my fave local spot is I Will Kill Again in Homerton. There’s a brilliant vegan selection including banging specials. I’m there all the time for their vegan croissants and amazingly strong coffee.’ Meriel Armitage, founder of Club Mexicana 

◊ Arch 216, 27a Ponsford St. Homerton Overground.