What restaurant to try for my birthday?

[youandiaredominoes]

My partner and I are going out for a birthday meal this weekend and we would like to try somewhere new in ED.

We really like Franklins and have had good meals at Le Chardon, Thai Cafe, Il Mitro but would like to know if there is anywhere else we should check out? We like pretty much any cuisine!

[Peckhamrye]

ToastEd is lovely, great modern cooking and a fantastic wine list. Peckham Bazaar on Consort Road have had rave reviews, specialising in Middle Eastern grilled food and great vegetables. Begging Bowl for Thai in Bellenden Road is very good, very authentic.

[Miacis]

How about trying the patch just opened in the old mandala site or if you like indian with a twist ganapati?

[youandiaredominoes]

Peckham Bazaar looks good - might take a punt on that. I've been to Begging Bowl when it first opened -was good. Also wondered about ToastED since the refurb - also further to trek.

[kittenheels]

If you'd venture to Honor Oak Park, Babur is a local gem. It's recently been named London's best Indian restaurant by Zagat.

[Bellenden Belle]

I think Peckham Bazaar is one of the best restaurants I've been to - in any area - in the past twelve months. It's extraordinarily good and incredibly reasonable too. Fay Maschler thought so too when she reviewed it a few weeks back.

I loved Toasted too - but not quite as much as PB.

Begging Bowl is great - but it doesn't really lend itself to a leisurely indulgent meal in my opinion - but good for a group wanting to do lots of sharing.

[bob]

How about Si Manger near the Hern Tavern .

Bob S

[Pickle]

I wasn't impressed by ToastED when I went recently with friends - on paper it sounds good and having read rave reviews I was excited, but we ordered basically the whole menu between 4 and none of it needed chewed. Odd. Some nice flavours, but all with the texture of baby food!

It's my birthday next week and we have decided to try the Patch.

Have a nice time, no matter where you go x

[TillieTrotter]

Agree with BB regarding Peckham Bazaar. The food was different/exciting and beautifully cooked. The house white is fab and the ambience was really good. It isn't the prettiest of restaurants but I'd so recommend it.

[youandiaredominoes]

Thanks kittenheels, Bellendenbelle, bob, Pickle and TillieTrotter - some great suggestions

Peckham Bazaar looks like it could be fun. If the weather isn't too bad, I think I'll go there!

[Jeremy]

Peckham Bazaar is great. ToastED and Begging Bowl also great local places we're lucky to have... (although the inability to book would put me off going to the BB for a special meal for two).

[MissDumpling]

Just out of interest, how have people managed to book a table at Peckham Bazaar? Email or phone? Tried both, numerous times, left messages etc, but never heard back... As a result, haven't tried again, but feel I'm missing out.

[NewWave]

I'd recommend The Patch-We ate there for sunday lunch a couple of weeks ago and it was superb.

Nice friendly service, great food, excellent wines by the glass and fairly priced.

The only negative comment I could make about the place was the bland music but if the conversation is flowing along with the wine you wouldn't even notice that.

[Siduhe]

MissDumpling Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Just out of interest, how have people managed to

> book a table at Peckham Bazaar? Email or phone?

> Tried both, numerous times, left messages etc, but

> never heard back... As a result, haven't tried

> again, but feel I'm missing out.

Recently? They've been shut for weather/ building issues I think I saw on Twitter. Opened again tonight. Twitter also worth a try if you use it.

[Growlybear]

The best meal I've had in ages was at Numidie at Crystal Palace. It's an Algerian/French bistro that serves very authentic north African food. It's quite a small restaurant, with a downstairs bar that has live music. The staff are very attentive and pleasant, and the food is wonderful.

[HelloDulwich!]

Highly recommend Ganapati on Bellenden Rd in Peckham, very close to East Dulwich.

We go there probably once a month for lunch or dinner. Food is amazing and lovely friendly staff.

It is South Indian but so far removed from a high street Indian restaurant. The menu is really varied and often changes. Super fresh ingredients and unusual dishes.

[youandiaredominoes]

Ganapati is great - used to live basically next door to it!

Well, in the end we went to a The Patch and had a superb meal. Had a drink in the bar area which is nice but it really steps up to the next level in the dining area. We had potted mackerel to share for a starter, then I had honey glazed duck, with lentils and cranberry. My partner had braised beef cheek and some fancy veg. Then cheese platter for desert! I thought the quality of the food was top class and the service was really good. It's about ?17 for a main but the quality was excellent and the portions were perfect size. Highly recommend it! Thanks for all your suggestions!