8 Awesome Restaurants You'll Wish Were Your Local

This summer, the hottest destination restaurants are tucked away in some surprisingly residential areas. Team Marie Claire open up their little black books...

Lahore Karahi, Tooting

‘It’s not the most inviting place: think strip lighting, cheap chairs and almost a kebab shop feel about it, but the food, oh, the food. In my opinion it's one of the best curry houses in London (I love the chicken jalfrezi). The staff are friendly, they welcome big groups and it's BYOB with no extra corkage charge.’

Suzannah Ramsdale, Digital Features Editor

Rum Kitchen, Notting Hill

‘This Caribbean restaurant does the best Jerk Chicken. All waiters dress up in Caribbean colours and the downstairs Rum Bar has over 100 Rums which create delicious cocktails. Used to be a secret - now it's so much more of a destination venue.'

Tanya Semikoz, Executive Fashion Editor

Wiveton Hall, Norfolk

‘This is my go-to place whenever I am back in Norfolk, really nice friendly crowd with an even friendlier owner, Desmond. Don’t be surprised if he comes and joins you at your table! The food is delicious, all feels super healthy but then they do amazing desserts too.’

Lucia Debieux, Junior Fashion Editor

Santo, Notting Hill

‘Santo on Portobello Road is the best Mexican and the scene of some dangerous Tequila Tuesdays! What else do you need?’

Siân Parry, Photography Director

Stop The World, Leigh-On-Sea

‘This gorgeous place just down the road from me serves the best pancakes I've had outside America, and the cakes are over-the-top enormous and completely incredible. They don’t take bookings so you pretty much have to turn up and try your luck - but they always manage to squeeze you in somehow!’

Eleanor Young, Group Deputy Digital Editor

The Hare, Langton Green

‘The food is amazing and there's always so much choice! A huge selection of ales, plus the staff are friendly and it's got a great buzz about it. Right on the cricket green - it's the epitome of a relaxed country pub with style and substance. It’s won loads of awards so it's popular but they always seem to find you a table.’

Jessica Lacey, Beauty Features Editor

Friends of Ham, Leeds

‘I always go to this bar and charcuterie, hidden away near Leeds train station. It has a really cool basement restaurant and they serve craft beers and wine. Great atmosphere and very hip décor.’

Nicole Holcroft-Emmess, Picture Desk Assistant

The Herne, Peckham

‘This is my favourite local pub - the food is lovely and it's really laid back with cool but not modern interior. There’s a good sized garden too.’

Caroline Garland, PA to Editor-In-Chief

Have you got any local restaurant or pub recommendations? We'd love to hear them. Let us know in the comment box below...