Bagatti’s
Ask any local what one of their go-to restaurants is and they’ll lead you to Bagatti’s. Often touted as one of the best restaurants in Croydon, this cult Italian joint serves up a selection of dishes from regions across Italy, such as spicy Neapolitan shellfish, hearty, gamey food from Parma, and simpler dishes from Tuscany. Diners can choose from homemade pastas, pizzas, creamy risottos and a range of small plates made to share. Tip: don’t leave without ordering the Tagliatelle Nere Bagatti – a seafood splendour of homemade black tagliatelle with crabmeat, squid, king prawns, a touch of chilli, tomato and rocket.
Chennai Dosa Croydon
Despite its no frills interior and menu, Chennai Dosa Croydon is often regarded as one of the best places to eat in Croydon and is the go-to destination for South Indian cuisine. The restaurant boasts a diverse menu of dosas, biryanis, and curries, each prepared with authentic flavours. The star of the show however, is its namesake masala dosa. A South-Indian delicacy, this savoury pancake has a crispy, golden exterior filled with masala-spiced potato and served with coconut chutney and sambar, a soupy vegetable-studded dhal. Finish your meal with a sweet note by indulging in a traditional Indian dessert like the Gulab Jamun or sip and savour a sweet rose milk lassi.
Popeyes
For a quick grab-and-go bite, nothing is better than the soul food-inspired Popeyes. One of the best cheap eats in London, Popeyes is bringing southern comfort to the masses, specialising in fried chicken done really, really well. Fans go wild for one of its iconic crispy fried chicken sandwiches such as the gut-busting Louisiana BBQ: a fried chicken breast smothered in smoked cheese, fresh pickles, BBQ sauce and served in a soft brioche bun. The sides are also not to be missed, save room for the Cajun gravy, mac and cheese and a trip to the south wouldn’t be complete without a helping of buttermilk biscuits.
The Store
One of our favourite Croydon restaurants, The Store is housed in a former Sainsbury's building dating back to 1900 (hence its name). It prides itself on sourcing fresh, local ingredients and putting a contemporary twist on classic British and European dishes. With the cozy feel of a pub but with restaurant-quality food, The Store is known locally as ‘the’ place to go for brunch – which is conveniently served all day long. For £35 per person, its bottomless brunch option serves up a choice of unlimited espresso martinis, plum or Aperol spritzes or passionfruit martini’s along with a dish of your choice. For a more wholesome affair, the Sunday roast is one of the best in Croydon, with a choice of beef, chicken or a butternut squash and spinach wellington alongside a heavy helping of all the trimmings. Wash it all down with a pint of one the carefully chosen craft beers.
Basil & Grape
For years Basil & Grape has been a firm favourite among locals seeking regional Italian fare. Serving up all the classics, find seven variations of topped crispy bruschetta, slurp-worthy tagliatelles and a creamy homemade tiramisu, but the star of the show has to be one of its wood-fired pinsa pizzas. With a crispy crust and melt-in-your-mouth toppings, choose from classic options such as the Margharita or opt for one of the more decadent choices such as the Treviso: which is topped with radicchio cream, mozzarella fiordilatte, goey gorgonzola, and a 30-month aged Parma ham, rocket and walnuts. Vegans rejoice, there are also veg-heavy toppings on offer with a choice of vegan cheese.
Yumn Brasserie
Serving up a little bit of everything, Yumn Brasserie has a refined menu that focuses on seasonal ingredients. To start, tuck into the likes of seared scallops with a creamy garlic butter, prawn tempura and a double baked cheese souffle with truffle, leaving room for one of the heavy hitting main dishes such as the slow-cooked beef cheek or the cashew and hummus risotto with chilli oil. Just make sure to book ahead: the elegant midnight-blue dining room - kitted out with hanging lights, gold adornments and colourful tile flooring – books up fast.
The best places to eat at BOXPARK Croydon:
As a commuters haven, it’s no surprise that Croydon invested in a bustling food and beverage market that was destined to draw in the crowds. With over 80 shipping containers filled with delicious street food stalls and artisan coffee places, BOXPARK Croydon has something for every mood and taste. However, if you’re someone who gets overwhelmed by choice easily, we've narrowed down the best stalls to head to, guaranteed to satisfy any hunger pang.
Coqfighter
Conceived in 2015 by Melbourne-born-and-raised Troy and brothers Deacon and Tristan, Coqfighter was born from their observation that fried chicken was everywhere in London but life-changing fried chicken was nowhere to be found. Fast forward seven years and Coqfighter can now be found at BOXPARK’s sister outpost in Shoreditch and their very own permanent sit-down restaurant in Soho. Despite the growth, Coqfighter is still doing what it does best – seriously good deep-fried fried chicken and beer. Try the spicy soy-glazed K-wings or buttermilk bites to start, before moving on to one of their monstrous stacked burgers. The original is a classic for a reason: a succulent, deep-fried thigh laden with crisp iceberg, pickled red onion and a sweet and peppery sambal mayo and hot sauce. Then there’s the towering Green Chilli Cheese that is topped with fiery pickled green chillies, glossy sheets of American-style cheese and smoky chipotle mayo. You’ll want to grab extra napkins.
Bao Bao Taiwanese Street Food
Small but mighty, Bao Bao is serving up authentic bao buns, hand-pulled noodle soups, dumplings and fried chicken that will instantly transport you to the streets of Taiwan. Their fluffy steamed bao buns have a texture that is lighter than clouds and come filled with everything from melty meat to crispy tofu, teriyaki mushrooms and prawns, while their noodle soups and fried chicken are hard to beat. To top it off, order the brilliantly invented bao S’more, a soft bao bun topped with a fire-roasted marshmallow and a layer of gooey melted chocolate.
Marjays Caribbean Pie’N’Mash
Marjays – an English Caribbean pie fusion self-proclaims itself to be ‘the best of both worlds’ and we couldn’t agree more. Taking the traditional English pie and filling it with authentic Caribbean flavours, Marjay’s pie and mash is nothing like your Grandma’s and we’re not complaining. Everything is made by hand – from the golden shortcrust pastry to the jerk chicken filling which is seasoned and marinated for 24 hours before being perfectly cooked to melt in your mouth. Other callouts must include the curry goat pie which is seasoned with ‘Marjays’ special secret recipe and veggies rejoice the chickpea option packs just a big a punch as its meat counterparts. If you’re hungry opt for the pie ‘n’ mash meal which comes with your choice of pie, a pot of homemade gravy and a knuckle-sized mashed potato serving or side of your choice.
The After School Cookie Club
Ask any Croydoner, and they will tell you that The After School Cookie Club – London’s first plant-based cookie bakery serving up freshly baked, gooey, hand-topped cookies and ice cream creations is their go-to for sweet treats. Though one of their iconic cookies is not to be missed, with everything from the classic chocolate chip to the more elaborate black forest gateau with sour cherries on offer, it’s the ice cream and cookie dough – made from creamy cashew caramello - that really seals the deal. Try the peanut butter and vanilla dough pot topped with cherry infused coconut cream, sugar-free raspberry compote, roasted peanuts, and a frozen peanut butter slab.
For easy access to the best foodie joints that Croydon has to offer, make sure to book a night at easyHotel Croydon. Nestled in the heart of Croydon’s town centre, it’s the perfect base to relax and recharge before your culinary tour. Make sure to round off your stay by checking out everything that Croydon has to offer with our guide to the top things to do in Croydon. Bon Appétit!
