From sunrise bites to evening feasts, Balham’s restaurants offer a diverse range of flavours and experiences. Nestled among Victorian homes, the atmosphere is a perfect blend of charm and contemporary flair, creating a dining mosaic that’s as unique as the area itself.
Feeling overwhelmed by choices? Fear not! we’re here to be your guide through the best that Balham has to offer. Get ready for a gastronomic journey that promises to tickle your taste buds and leave you craving for more!
Gurkhas Balham
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Location: 1, The Boulevard, Balham High Rd, London SW17 7BW, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8675 1188
Whether you’re diving into the depths of spices with the Ghurkhali Chicken or savouring the delights of vegetarian fare, this establishment is a haven for those seeking a dining experience beyond the ordinary.
Here, you can dive into the unexplored with the Rara Chicken, a creamy symphony of barbecued chicken immersed in a delicate tomato sauce. It’s a dish that captures the essence of Nepalese cuisine in every mouthful, leaving an indelible mark on your taste buds.
Bucci
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Location: 195 Balham High Rd, London SW12 9BE, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 7591 305254
Bucci has earned its stripes as a top contender for the best Italian restaurant in Balham, and it’s not hard to see why. This hidden gem has been a well-kept secret for those in the know, a place where the ambience is as charming as the dishes are delectable.
Their menu reads like a love letter to Italian cuisine, with saucy pasta dishes and creamy risottos that beckon you back to the charm of this quaint eatery time and time again. So, if you’re seeking a taste of Italy without the airfare, Bucci is your ticket.
1910
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Location: 3 Ramsden Rd, London SW12 8QX, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8675 6286
The name itself, 1910, is a nod to the year the Mexican Revolution kicked off, and with that comes a menu steeped in history and authenticity. It’s a journey through time, with each dish telling a flavourful tale of Mexican culinary heritage.
Now, let’s talk about the culinary stars of the show. The Baja Pescada, aka white fish tacos, are not just a dish – they’re a divine revelation. As for the chorizo quesadillas, consider them a closely guarded secret that you won’t want to share with anyone else at your table.
Taro
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Location: 193 Balham High Rd, London SW12 9BE, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8675 5187
Taro is a Japanese haven in Balham that not only deserves superlatives but redefines them. This gem proves that extraordinary things come in small packages, with its unassuming facade concealing a world of exceptional dishes that will elevate your dining experience to new heights.
Taro’s sushi and bento boxes are nothing short of a flavour explosion. Each bite is a testament to the artistry behind Japanese cuisine, and this hole-in-the-wall is a canvas for culinary perfection.
Sure, it might be on the pricier side, but every penny spent here is worth its weight in gastronomic gold. Imagine salmon adorned with avocado and tobiko—the kind of combination that makes you willingly part with your hard-earned cash.
Haché
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Location: 37 Bedford Hill, London SW12 9EY, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8772 9772
Looking for the ultimate bottomless brunch spot in London? Haché has your back. Craving the meaty pleasures of a top-tier burger? Look no further, this eatery is your culinary sanctuary.
Haché covers you in a blanket of indulgence, especially when it comes to their steak and caramelised onion truffle burger – prepare to swoon.
And let’s talk innovation – Haché isn’t afraid to think outside the bun. Their creative combinations elevate the humble burger to a gourmet delight. Blue cheese and caramelised onions? It’s a flavour fiesta. Halloumi and avocado? A match made in Burger Heaven.
Pho
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Location: 67-69 Bedford Hill, London SW12 9HA, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3058 1084
Whether you’re craving the crisp embrace of fresh summer rolls or seeking solace in the aromatic warmth of curry noodle soups, Pho ensures that every visit is a journey through the diverse and delectable landscape of Vietnamese flavours.
What’s more, the majority of their dishes boast accreditation from Coeliac UK as gluten-free!
Balham Social
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Location: 2, Station Parade, Balham High Rd, London SW12 9AZ, United Kingdom
Contact:+44 20 4529 8222
Picture this: pink flowers lining the ceiling, creating a whimsical atmosphere that sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. Balham Social is a visual and gastronomic treat where every corner is a potential Instagram-worthy shot.
Now, let’s talk about the stars of the show – the curries and cocktails. Our top picks? Brace your taste buds for the chickpea-based Chana Masala, a dish so delectable it can make even the most steadfast meat enthusiasts drool.
And if you’re a seafood lover, the Kadai Prawns are a revelation – juicy, tender, and perfectly balanced with a kick of spice that will leave your palate dancing.
Tagine
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Location: 3 Fernlea Rd, London SW12 9RT, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8037 7961
Tagine is a Moroccan-inspired gem that stands as a unique culinary delight in the heart of Balham. This is an enchanting space adorned with vibrant decor, making it the perfect choice for those seeking something a little bit different.
Now, let’s talk about the diverse array of dishes that grace the menu at Tagine. From shared starters that spark conversation to the aromatic allure of shishas, this is a place where your flavour profile is destined for expansion.
Once you’re here, make sure to try their lamb tagine. It’s a slow-cooked lamb shank with prunes, almonds, poached pear, and sesame seeds to crown the experience.
The Honest Italian
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Location: 13, Station Parade, 189 Balham High Rd, London SW12 9AZ, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8772 0636
This eatery is on a mission – bringing the true taste of Italy to Balham. The wood-fired oven, a hallmark of authenticity, ensures that every pizza is a delicious journey through the rustic flavours of Italian cuisine.
The atmosphere? It’s like stepping into an Italian nonna’s kitchen, where warmth and comfort embrace you with every visit.
But The Honest Italian is also committed to making a difference – by fueling their oven with sustainable, locally sourced wood. Because let’s be honest, any excuse to eat pizza is made even better when you know you’re doing your bit.
Burning Rose
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Location: 7 Chestnut Grove, London SW12 8JA, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8673 7480
Burning Rose is a Thai culinary haven nestled in the heart of Balham that effortlessly balances rustic charm with refined flavours. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect night out, look no further – this place has all the ingredients for a memorable dining experience.
Spotting Burning Rose won’t be a challenge, by the way: just follow the mesmerising glow of its neon red sign, an invitation to a dazzling display of Thai delights.
The Exhibit
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Location: 12 Balham Station Rd, London SW12 9SG, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8772 6556
The Exhibit isn’t content with just being a restaurant. It’s also a stage for a variety of specials and happenings.
From bottomless dinner days that tempt your taste buds to life-drawing sessions and brunch events that add an artistic flair to your dining experience, there’s always something exciting unfolding in this eclectic space.
But what about the food? Unfussy, excellent, and wholesome – those are the keywords here. Picture classic burgers that are a nod to culinary nostalgia and fresh lobster that elevates the dining experience.
Firefly Bar & Thai Kitchen
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Location: 3, Station Parade, Balham High Rd, London SW12 9AZ, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8673 9796
What makes Firefly truly shine is its commitment to authenticity without the hefty price tag. This place crafts an experience with a menu that’s not only delicious but also wallet-friendly.
For example, their chicken satay, traditional Thai fish cakes, and duck spring rolls are all priced around a delightful £6 each. It’s the kind of affordability that adds an extra dash of flavour to every bite.
And speaking of bites, Firefly takes Thai cuisine to a whole new level with slow-cooked curries featuring duck, lamb, and chicken. But that’s not all – prepare to be wowed by sharing platters that are culinary masterpieces designed to ravish everyone at the party.
Megan’s on the Hill
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Location: 41-43 Bedford Hill, London SW12 9EY, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3468 0216
In a culture that holds brunch in high esteem, Megan’s on the Hill emerges as a haven where the morning meal becomes a sacred ritual. This is a brunch destination that transforms your morning routine into a vibrant celebration.
Now, Megan’s magic isn’t confined to Balham alone, it’s a force spreading across London and Greater London. With additional locations in Wandsworth, Surbiton, Kingston, and Wimbledon, Megan’s on the Hill has become a beacon of brunch brilliance that draws in brunch enthusiasts.
Ciullosteria
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Location: 31 Balham High Rd, London SW12 9AL, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8675 3072
Let’s talk about the menu, where Ciullosteria shines with a selection that is not only delicious but also budget-friendly. Imagine indulging in some of the cheapest pizza in London, with a Margherita priced at a delightful £8.
And that’s just the beginning – countless pasta dishes and starters grace the menu, each crafted with care and a dedication to preserving the authenticity of Italian flavours.
So, if you’re in the mood for a taste of Italy that combines tradition, freshness, and affordability, Ciullosteria is the place to go.
The Cyclist
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Location: 194 Balham High Rd, London SW12 9BP, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8066 2070
First gear engaged! The vibe at The Cyclist is not your run-of-the-mill pub experience, it’s a premium journey through the world of gastronomy. With a location on Balham High Road, this spot has earned its fame, and rightly so.
British and Modern European cuisines collide in delicious harmony. With offerings like a double smash burger, grilled halloumi wraps, and shakshuka baked eggs, this spot has mastered the art of filling up hungry bellies.
