With restrictions eased and smaller and independent businesses eager for support after months of lockdown, we've compiled a list of the best restaurants in Croydon.
It's based on the ratings found on the Tripadvisor website, which rank Croydon restaurants based on the number of positive reviews left by Tripadvisor users.
And so, without further ado...
1. Ponte Nuovo
Topping our list is the simply spectacular Ponte Nuovo, at 86-88 High Street in the heart of the town.
Of a total of 965 reviews on the Tripadvisor site, a staggering 706 reviewers rated this Italian haven as "Excellent", with a further 165 calling it "Very Good".
"Good quality food in spotless and comfortable surroundings. Attentive staff. Nice atmosphere. Excellent for any occasion," one reviewer wrote. What more could a diner ask for?
2. Basil & Grape
It's Italy again out on top (seemingly a theme for Summer 2021) with the second-placed Basil & Grape at 46 George Street.
Almost the entire 221 reviews left on Tripadvisor dubbed the restaurant either "Excellent" or "Very Good", and the comments were similarly glowing. The word "amazing" popped up again and again among those leaving written reviews, as did praise for the staff, the pizzas and the cocktails.
3. Thanh's Bistro
Breaking the Italian hold on the podium comes this diamond-in-the-rough Vietnamese bistro at 56 Lower Addiscombe Road that boasts " a small but extremely tasty" and authentic menu according to reviewers.
With 148 of 199 reviews considering Thanh's "Excellent", who are we to argue? Oh, and it's Bring Your Own Booze. Stunning.
4. Karachi Cuisine
Just missing out on a Bronze medal (if this were the Olympics, which it isn't) is the mouthwatering Karachi Cuisine on 1113-5 London Road in Norbury.
Dubbed "Excellent" by no less than 448 reviewers, this place is simply put the best (Tripadvisor) reviewed Indian subcontinent food you'll find in Croydon.
Great value (with prices looking a little less steep than some of the other highly rated restaurants on our list) is combined with a "wonderful, truly wonderful" experience and food, according to one of many glowing reviews.
5. McDermott's
The only traditional fish and chippy to make our list, on Featherbed Lane, is in at no. 5, with what multiple commenters described as the "best" fish and chips they have ever tasted.
No surprise then that many mention the busyness of the plaice (sorry) too, with the excellent food on offer being perhaps one of the borough's worst-kept secrets.
6. Little Bay Restaurant
Winner of a Tripadvisor Traveller's Choice Award 2021, this mixed European restaurant on 32 Selsdon Road in South Croydon simply features some of the most stunning decor we've ever seen. The cosy booths, the mezzanines, it's possibly one of the best date night spots in town.
952 out of 1,104 reviewers dubbed Little Bay either "Excellent" or "Good", and it's hard to argue with those numbers. So we won't try.
7. Bagatti's
The third Italian restaurant on our list placed at 56-58 South End, this also holds a Travellers Choice Award 2021 for the review website.
And with such handsome looking mains and deserts on offer, with "generous portions" an added bonus, it's really not hard to see why.
8. The Med Kitchen
The central Mediterranean might get more hype, but the Eastern Med is increasingly where it's at these days. At least that's according to the 161 reviewers who declared this "enchanting" Turkish restaurant "Excellent".
Situated at 39 Limpsfield Road, this is also ranked as the best-reviewed restaurant in Sanderstead according to Tripadvisor. Great vegetarian options and "amazing" serving sizes are huge plus points according to reviews.
9. Nineteen at Farleigh
At Old Farleigh Road in Warlingham, this elegant eatery on the edge of the Croydon Downs has surely the best surrounding views of any establishment on our list.
Described as a "hidden gem" outside of bustling central Croydon, reviewers named the great atmosphere and afternoon tea options among their favourites.
10. The Store, Croydon
Pipping the beloved, 11th placed Box Park to a spot on our list is this classy establishment at 73 South End that left one reviewer surprised to find themselves still in Croydon at all after walking inside.
146 reviewers on Tripadvisor dubbed The Store "Excellent" and its beautifully presented, diverse menu is not to be missed.
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