Best places to eat in Greenwich

Experience a wine-lovers’ paradise at Ardoa by Vinothec Compass, one of the best north Greenwich restaurants. Ponder over the 400-plus wines available, many of which are served by the glass. But it’s not all about the wine at this Greenwich Peninsula hangout; the food offering is equally impressive with a casual fine-dining Spanish Basque menu.

Must-try dish: roasted rock octopus with avocado, grapefruit and oriental dressing.

Tuck into British comfort food, sophisticated international dishes or decadent weekend brunch at The Ivy Cafe in Blackheath. Overlooking the heath, the lavish space is clad with colourful artwork and bevelled mirrors on the walls, vintage touches and luxurious leather furnishings. In the summer months, enjoy cocktails or breakfast on the Parisian-style terrace, with views of the picturesque All Saints Church.

Must-try dish: fish fans should plump for the salmon and smoked haddock fish cake.

Find authentic French dishes at charming bistro and shop Champagne + Fromage, which is conveniently on the edge of Greenwich Market. Select from the 50 French soft and hard cheeses and around 20 champagnes on offer, or enjoy tartines, charcuterie boards and tempting desserts.

Must-try dish: afternoon tea, which includes macarons, cheeses, tea and champagne.

Discover a fusion of Japanese and Nordic fare at sleek eatery Sticks‘n’Sushi, just moments away from Cutty Sark and Greenwich Park. If you’re craving sushi in Greenwich, you’re in luck – pick from maki rolls, sushi platters and tataki specials. Or, enjoy some of the many sizzling yakitori sticks that are grilled to order.

Must-try dish: the yakitori sticks.

Grab a bite to eat from one of the many delicious street food stalls, cafes and restaurants at buzzing Greenwich Market, before settling down in its food court. The daily changing lineup covers everything from Brazilian churros to Ethiopian vegetarian fare. There's a fantastic choice of organic, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options too.

Must-try dish: enjoy a top brunch in Greenwich with fresh-out-of-the-oven pastries from Peyton and Byrne.

Enjoy a snack or drink during your boat ride to Greenwich from central London at one of the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers coffee bars. Start the day with cappuccinos and juices, unwind with wine and pale ales, and opt for champagne or prosecco for a special occasion or to simply toast a fabulous holiday! Snacks include sandwiches, crisps, ice cream and more.

Must-try dish: treat yourself to a yummy pastry.

Wander a few steps from Greenwich Park and you’ll discover this elegant pub with an attractive outdoor terrace. The Greenwich Tavern serves up traditional British pub grub, with burgers, fish and chips and sausage and mash on the menu. There’s also a children’s menu if you have little ones in tow. With a large selection of beer, real ale on tap and creative gin cocktails, it’s also a great spot for a post-walk drink.

Must-try dish: keep things traditional with beer-battered fish and chips.

Just a stone’s throw from the river and situated behind Sir Christopher Wren’s Old Royal Naval College, The Old Brewery in Greenwich has a brewing history dating back to the 18th century. Try seasonal British dishes at this Grade II-listed pub, alongside London-brewed craft beers and distilled spirits. If you’re visiting in summer, while away a balmy evening in the pub’s outdoor terrace. 

Must-try dish: one of the best Sunday roasts in Greenwich, with options including pork loin, lemon-thyme chicken and beef sirloin.

Set right on the river Thames and just a short walk from Cutty Sark, the Royal Observatory and the National Maritime Museum, this riverside pub’s view is its major selling point. Tuck into traditional pub classics at the water’s edge on the outdoor terrace of The Sail Loft Greenwich, or enjoy views of London’s cityscape from the first-floor dining room. 

Must-try dish: the seafood, including smoked trout and roast salmon.

Soak up the history of The Pilot, which is accessible by both boat and the IFS Cloud Cable Car near The O2 in north Greenwich. Dating back to 1800, this historic boozer has an impressive claim to fame as it featured in Blur’s music video Parklife. Expect a sumptuous mix of traditional pub classics and modern cuisine.

Must-try dish: munch on a wide selection of bar snacks, including bruschetta and chicken wings.

Frequently hyped as one of London’s best pie and mash restaurants, family-run Goddards at Greenwich was established in 1890 and serves up a wide range of handmade pies, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. Choose between the likes of steak and ale, chicken and mushroom, and lamb and rosemary, with mash plus liquor or gravy. Finish with fruit crumble or fruit pie with ice cream or custard.

Must-try dish: you could try jellied eels but look no further than the best pie and mash in Greenwich.

Slurp on warming noodle soups, tuck into fresh bun noodle salads or bite into a banh mi baguette, all for an affordable price at Pho Street. Handily located close to the National Maritime Museum and Cutty Sark, this restaurant serves up traditional Vietnamese dishes to family recipes, alongside a choice of bubble teas and coffees.

Must-try dish: the signature pho noodle soups, featuring noodles and herbs in a broth that has been brewed for eight hours – choose lobster for a special treat.

Dine among tropical plants at this cafe set within a greenhouse at art deco mansion, Eltham Palace. This bright and airy, plant-filled cafe is part of the venue’s visitor centre and is a good lunch spot for families, being right next to the children’s play area. Enjoy sandwiches and heartier meals, as well as tea and cake.

Must-try dish: if you’re feeling decadent, savour a freshly made chocolate brownie.

Open to Cutty Sark ticket holders only, the charming Cutty Sark Café is located directly beneath the copper hull of the world’s last surviving tea clipper. Take your pick from sandwiches, cakes, snacks and children’s dishes – the cafe also offers afternoon tea.

Must-try dish: make your visit even more memorable by plumping for afternoon tea with a glass of prosecco.

End your visit to the quirky Fan Museum at its picture-pretty The Orangery cafe, which is open to museum visitors only. The beautifully muralled room, overlooking a Japanese-style garden, offers a budget-friendly afternoon tea menu featuring tea or coffee, carrot cake, lemon drizzle cake or salted caramel brownie, and a scone with clotted cream and jam. It’s available on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Must-try dish: the afternoon tea, of course!