Andina Panaderia
This is London’s first Peruvian bakery, and it’s apparently also the first outside Peru. If it’s anything to go by, the rest of the world has been missing out big time. There’s an all-day menu that’s part #dirtynoms, part #yogabod — toasties and hot pork chicharrón rolls, cacao protein smoothies — but it’s the baked goods that are the real stars, masterminded by owner Martin Morales (of Ceviche and Andina fame). Some of the offerings — brioche-style chancay loaves, alfajor shortbreads sandwiched together with dulce de leche — are fully traditional, while others, like the physalis financiers and the annatto sourdough, are thoughtful fusions. The only disappointment? There are no marmalade sandwiches — cue a hard stare from west London’s most famous Peruvian resident. —Emma Hughes
155 Westbourne Grove, W11 2RS
Graveney & Meadow
The joy of a pub is that it’s often an old building that is able to take on the new trends, because it’s been going for decades (or even centuries.) Pubs are often for the community, so they adapt. Graveney & Mewdow is just that — a little ramshackle, a touch hipster, spacious and unassuming. Tooting locals talk of its brunch, and it stretches the term a little... but pulls it off, because it’s simple and delicious. Try the spicy chicken and waffle, or go classic with mushrooms on sourdough, white wine and Parmesan cream, and poached eggs. Great coffee and a simple, but good wine list. This weekend, go for the showing of the royal wedding; stay for the glorious, large, sunny terrace. —Anna Sulan Masing
40 Mitcham Road, SW17 9NA
Lara’s Restaurant
A west London cavalcade of delis, greengrocers and middling chains is an unlikely location for a very fine ocakbasi, but such trends are made to be bucked. A right turn and the shortest stroll from Turnham Green station, Lara’s unassuming storefront belies a serious operation. It is a neighbourhood stalwart and therefore a place where the standards are carried off with aplomb: silken hummus, charred, pillowy pita, crisp salads with zesty dressings that are articulate rather than overwhelming. Sit down for a meal upstairs, or make like a local and carry away a sizeable wrap, laden with charcoal-kissed meat, moreish tahini and shameless excess. —James Hansen
Bedford Park Corner, 3/4 Turnham Green Terrace, W4 1LS
Loven Presents
When a wood-fired Neapolitan pizza started being served in an arts space off Broad Lane on an industrial estate reminiscent of the early days of the Williamsburg scene in Brooklyn, NYC, there was a sense that Tottenham was changing for the better. It even has a speakeasy-esque entrance, with access gained by pressing the buzzer of a heavy metal door (after dodging the bins lined up close-by) and heading up the stairs.
A custom-made Neapolitan pizza oven dominates the room, with co-owners Kate Allison and pizzaiolo Fabrizio Interdonato (previous gigs at Princi and L’Antica Pizzeria in Hampstead) running the show — the pizzas being slung out are excellent, whether it’s the margherita D.O.P. for the purists; yellow tomato and ‘nduja; or sausage and burrata with ricotta and black olives. —Zeren Wilson
2 Norman Road, N15 4ND
Mangal Pide ve Lahmacun Salonu
The sparsely named, sparsely decorated ‘Mangal’ sits as a point of quiet restrained excellence amid all the shouty mayhem on this bit of Stoke Newington Road.
‘Pide & Lamacun Salonu’ is written under the name, offering a clue to first-timers of what’s in store. The steady flow of regulars, and considerable wear-and-tear on the oven betrays just how long it’s been an institution for the local Turkish community in particular.
The thing to come for is the lahmacun. A thin base with a back-of-a-spoon coating of tomatoey lamb sauce, topped with feta and parsley. Eaten with the lemony crunchy salad that comes with it is as good a lunch as you can get. Until recently, customers were getting away with paying just £1.50 for one. It now charges £2, which is just fine. —Soheb Panja
27 Stoke Newington Road, N16 8BJ