Diwali 2024: Four south London restaurants to try this year

Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Light, takes place on October 31, and with it marks the return of some popular events at restaurants in south London.

We’ve rounded up some of the restaurants you can visit this year who will be hosting special celebrations, with everything from Bollywood dance to special Diwali tasting menus.

Here’s our top picks:

Enjoy a candle-lit meal with Bollywood performances at Babur

Where? Babur, 119 Brockley Rise, Lewisham, SE23 1JP

When? Wednesday, October 30

How much? £60 per person

Multi-award-winning Indian restaurant Babur in Forest Hill is set to host a Diwali celebration complete with a five-course tasting menu and Bollywood dance performances.

Babur in Forest Hill is set to host a Diwali celebration with a five-course tasting menu and Bollywood dance performances. (Image: Cru Comms) During the evening you’ll be able to try a range of specially created dishes including Aloo Tikki Chaat, Malai Kofta and Basmalai Milk Cake.

But if you can’t make it for the main event, the Diwali Tasting Menu will also run from October 29 up until November 3, if you fancy giving it a try for £49.95 a person.

Get dressed up for a decadent Nepalese Diwali celebration in Blackheath

Where? Everest Inn, 41 Montpelier Vale, Blackheath, SE3 0TJ

When? Monday, October 28 - Tuesday, October 29, from 6:30pm

How much? £95 per person

Returning for another year, The Everest Inn in Blackheath is set to host its popular annual Diwali celebration with performances, fine wines and plenty of Nepalese food to try.

Hosted over two nights from October 28 – October 29, this celebration will feature a three-course menu along with dance performances and fine wines, with people encouraged to dress to celebrate the festivities.

The celebrations at the Everest Inn will feature a three-course menu along with dance performances and fine wines. (Image: Sideways Media) The event will begin with a champagne and canapé reception with Nepalese tokens for both the men and women, including traditional Nepalese necklaces for the women and Nepali Topis for the men.

This will be followed by a candle-lit meal with dishes celebrating the regions of Nepal, including Masuro Batuk Chatt, Kingfish Pokora, and Mushroom and Aloo Bhujiya.

Join in the fun at Greenwich Peninsula’s Diwali festival

Where? Greenwich Peninsula, Peninsula Square, London, SE10 0SQ

When? Saturday, November 2, 12pm-9pm

How much? Lantern-making workshops and henna tattoos are £5 per ticket, all other events are free.

If you fancy making a day of it, head over to Greenwich’s Design District, just a short walk from North Greenwich station, where you can join in the celebrations with a line-up of family fun events, from lantern making and chai tasting to henna tattoos and dance performances.

Greenwich's Design District will have a line-up of family fun events, from lantern making and chai tasting to henna tattoos and dance performances. (Image: London Communications Agency) There will also be a huge selection of street food vendors and drinks at the Canteen Food Hall and Bar if you fancy something to eat, and the event will conclude with a lantern parade by the River Thames.

Eat a six-course meal made by a MasterChef semi-finalist in Battersea

Where? Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea, Battersea Power Station, 4 Arches Lane, SW11 8AB

When? Thursday, October 24, 6:30pm

How much? £120 per person

If you’re visiting Battersea this Diwali, Cinnamon Kitchen in Battersea will be hosting a Diwali celebration with a six-course menu created by MasterChef semi-finalist Nisha Parmar.

Cinnamon Kitchen in Battersea will be hosting a Diwali celebration with a six-course menu created by MasterChef semi-finalist Nisha Parmar. (Image: Roche Communications) The evening will begin with a welcome drink along with performances from traditional garba dancers, before guests can tuck into a six-course meal following the traditional path of Diwali celebrations from Namaste to fireworks.

Guests will try a range of dishes from paneer dumplings and potato pave chaat to butter chicken chops and lamb dum biriyani, before finishing with ras malai tres leche and popping candy.

A vegetarian option is also available.