A family-run fine dining restaurant in Forest Hill is “delighted” after being named in a top 100 London restaurants list.

Babur in Forest Hill was one of seven restaurants in south east London to be named in SquareMeal’s Top 100 London Restaurants list for 2024.

The list is comprised based on “in house opinions” alongside the votes from real diners to make up a list of London’s best rated restaurants.

It features a broad range of restaurant types, from Japanese cuisine to Modern European, to bring together an “all-star cast” of the best places to eat in London.

The list comes after what was described as a “challenging few years” by SquareMeal, as the hospitality industry continues to face economic strains as a result of the effects of Covid and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Babur first opened to diners in Brockley Rise in 1985 and last year celebrated their 38th anniversary serving contemporary Indian cuisine.

The menu features south Asian dishes with both “traditional and modern takes”, with their most popular options including the Swordfish Tikka served with radish pickle and yellow chilli, as well as the Steamed Shoulder of Lamb served with beetroot rice

The restaurant serves a traditional A La Carte menu along with a four or five course tasting menu, Sunday buffet, and celebration menus for events such as Valentine’s Day.

Cocktail lovers can choose from a menu featuring a broad range of cocktails from classics to house specials, including their popular Currytini made with lime and curry leaves.

Sweet toothed diners can choose from a selection of contemporary Asian-inspired desserts, with highlights including a Mango Brulee – a contemporary take on the popular French dessert.

Over the last year the business has celebrated winning a number of awards at national and regional level including Best Restaurant for London Suburbs at the Asian Restaurant Awards 2023, Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year at the Asian Curry Awards 2023 and Best Restaurant at the Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards 2023.

Babur has also previously been named in The Michelin Guide London, as well as both The AA Restaurant Guide and The Good Food Guide by Waitrose in 2024.

In a review, SquareMeal described Babur as a “gem” and a “long-standing neighborhood favorite” serving cocktails and “exceptional food.

Owner Emdad Raham said he was “delighted” by the news and added that the success was a reflection of the restaurant's commitment to providing guests with an “exceptional” dining experience.

Babur owner Emdad Raham said: “We are delighted to have secured a place in the SquareMeal London Top 100 Restaurants list. Being recognized and appreciated by both SquareMeal readers and their team of restaurant critics is truly an honour and a reflection of our commitment to providing an exceptional dining experience to our guests.”