Naifs takes its name from an old French word for ‘naive’, which is apparently the spirit they’re keen to encapsulate within the restaurant.
Which may seem naive of them.
But the fact is that they’re all about providing simple, seasonal, veg-forward food, that – whilst hinting at something high-end – remains creative and fun. According to the show runners, ex-Vanilla Black chef Tom Heale and his partner Anne Stokes, Naifs is about doing things your own way, rather than buckling to tradition. Hear hear.
You’ll find it in Peckham, where they’ve taken over the old corner space Aside used to live-in, about a ten minute walk from Queens Road. Design-wise it’s stayed pretty similar: a sort of Japano-Scandi-esque mix of light woods, and hanging plants. However, the concept sees something very different.
The dishes at Naifs change regularly, and are served as a mezze-style set menu of small plates – things like smokey celeriac with chestnuts & limequat; or aubergine fritters with honey and Spenwood cheese – for £30pp. With four dishes, and a hunk of sourdough from Camberwell’s cult TOAD bakery, you’re unlikely to be left hungry – but there are also snacks and desserts you can tack on (the chocolate mousse with yuzu curd seems like a sensible choice).
And they’re certainly not naive when it comes to the drinks menu, which is really something. You’ll find an impressive selection of offbeat choices on offer – quirky cocktails like the soy-washed whisky sour topped with red wine; an unusual array of ciders (including Little Pomona, a combo of sour cherries & pet nat); and of course a list of mostly natural and biodynamic wines.
Did someone say five a day?
NOTE: Naifs is open 6-11pm, Thursday – Saturday. For more information, or to book, visit their website HERE.
Naifs | 56 Goldsmith Rd, Peckham, SE15 5TN
Shunning meat? Check out our guide to London’s best vegan restaurants