Naifs

Remarkable Vegan Flavors in Cozy Ambiance

Naïfs in Peckham is the sort of place that reminds you why you fell in love with dining out in the first place. Tucked away on a quiet street, it exudes a familiarity and intimacy that grabs you the moment you step inside—a quintessential hidden gem in a city teeming with culinary pretenders. The kind staff guide you through their seasonal set menu with genuine enthusiasm and a certain yet polished charm that's contagious. As for the food, it's an homage to the unabashed glory of vegetables, prepared with such creativity that even the staunchest of carnivores might admit they don’t miss the meat.

Admittedly, the forte of Naïfs isn't about clashing gastronomies; the bohemian experiment here is in marrying uncomplicated flavours in a way that it feels like fine art. Yes, there are moments when the mains left more room for culinary narrative—with servings that lean towards the 'we're actually saving the planet's grain' trend—but what is there speaks volumes in delightful complexity. Hints of a novel lentil pâté demanded more bottomless sourdough—a cheeky indulgence deftly coaxed from the kitchen every so often. Yet every deficiency in portion was counterpoised bore fruit in the movement of creativity. That, along with the beautifully orchestrated lighting and perhaps the whimsical rotation of All Saints' “Pure Shores” in the loos, ensures that you leave with a soul satisfied, much more than just a stomach full. Naïfs offers an assurance that good vegetarian fare can, indeed, hold remarkable wonder within its modest panels. — Penelope Savory