Where To Eat & Drink In Balham
Freak Scene
For Asian-Inspired Dishes
After garnering rave reviews at its Fulham outpost last year, Freak Scene recently landed in Balham. Run by Aussie Scott Hallsworth (ex-Nobu head chef), the restaurant has a pan-Asian menu featuring dishes from the sushi and sashimi bar, as well as larger sharing plates like wood-fired miso poussin with a spicy lemon garlic sauce, braised beef short ribs, crispy seabass sliders with tamarind hot sauce, and Singapore chilli crab wonton 'bombs'. There’s a strong sake list, plus a selection of zingy late-night cocktails to carry on the party.
1 Ramsden Road, SW12 8QZ
Henny's Wine Bar
For A Glass Or Two
Tooting Broadway Market’s Henny’s Wine Bar moved to a permanent site in Balham last year. With perhaps the best décor on this list, it specialises in Beaujolais wines and the team want to introduce a new generation of drinkers to organic and biodynamic bottles. The bar has a weekly changing menu with a small wine list, so there’s always something new to try. There’s also a good selection of craft beers on tap, as well as a classic negroni sbagliato made with Campari, vermouth and prosecco. Henny's has also teamed up with Yard Sale Pizza so you can order wood-fired pizzas with slow-cooked tomato sauce and mozzarella straight to your table. Keep an eye out for tastings, life-drawing workshops and art classes.
195C Balham High Road, SW12 9BE
Visit HennysWine.com
Milk
For Brunch
You’ve probably seen this chic café doing the rounds on social media thanks to its aesthetically pleasing brunch dishes and huge hot cross buns. It has expanded its site, adding cool, colourful interiors, so you can now sit on benches outside or dine in the main café to tuck into dishes like baked eggs with honey and miso cream, sweetcorn fritters with halloumi and avocado, and banana bread spread thickly with tahini, among other classic brunch option. Everything is served alongside coffees, juices, smoothies and pastries from the counter.
18-20 Bedford Hill, SW12 9RG
Visit Milk.London
Oy Bar
For Oysters
This newcomer is all about fresh oysters and seafood platters. Perfect for date nights or evenings out with the girls, Oy Bar does simplicity well. Three oysters and a glass of fizz are £12, while larger dishes on the menu include mussels mariniere and harissa salmon fillet. If you’re just stopping by for a quick drink, order the baked camembert, charcuterie platters or garlic snails to share with a glass of wine – there’s a great list of sparkling, orange and organic bottles. Later in the year the team will open a second site in Wimbledon.
7 Chestnut Grove, SW12 8JA
Visit Oybar.co.uk
Jefferson’s Ice Cream
For Sweet Treats
Offering a range of artisanal ice-creams, sorbets, and sundaes, family owned Jefferson’s is all about high-quality ingredients and imaginative flavours. At its outposts in Brixton and Balham, flavours change regularly with the seasons, and the ice-cream is made fresh each morning with organic milk. Current flavours include vanilla honeycomb, mint choc chip, strawberry compote, and cold-press coffee, as well as lemon, mango and chocolate sorbets.
191B Balham High Road, SW12 9BE
Visit JeffersonsIceCream.com
Chez Bruce
For Fine Dining
Chez Bruce is located on the former site of Marco Pierre White's restaurant, Harveys, and has retained its Michelin star since 1999. Headed up by chefs Matt Christmas and Bruce Poole, it offers hearty portions of modern European dishes made from only the best seasonal ingredients. Dishes are reasonably priced, while the wine list features rare bottles you won’t find elsewhere.
2 Bellevue Road, SW17 7EG
Visit ChezBruce.co.uk
Utter Waffle
For Next-Level Waffles
Maple syrup isn’t the only thing that tastes great on a waffle, as proved by this neighbourhood restaurant. The team started out driving their food truck around London, before eventually opening a permanent site on Hildreth Street. Here, diners can choose from sweet and savoury waffles, as well as breakfast cocktails and indulgent desserts. From sweet waffles like ‘Banoffee Pie’ to savoury options like ‘Fried Chicken & Mozzarella’, there’s something for everyone.
9 Hildreth Street, SW12 9RQ
Visit UtterWaffle.co.uk
Zia Lucia
For Great Pizza
Leading the charge in London’s pizza renaissance, Zia Lucia has become renowned for its 48-hour slow-fermented doughs: choose between traditional, wholemeal, gluten free and black vegetable charcoal. Our favourite options include the ‘Spicy Burrata’ with mozzarella, fresh burrata and spianata spicy salami; and the ‘Verdurissima’ with tomato sauce, mozzarella, roasted peppers and roasted aubergine. The Balham outpost also has a Burrata Bar, showcasing creamy cheeses sourced from Puglia.
7 Chestnut Grove, SW12 8JA
Visit ZiaLucia.com
1910 Cantina
For Mexican Dishes
1910 Cantina brings the vibrant flavours of Mexico to southwest London. This lively restaurant offers a menu packed with traditional dishes, from street-style tacos and enchiladas to rich moles and fresh ceviche – all best enjoyed alongside spicy margaritas and other agave-based cocktails. With its colourful décor and fun atmosphere, it’s a great option to visit before a night out. The team also host regular mezcal and tequila tasting masterclasses.
1910 Cantina, 3 Ramsden Road, SW12 8QX
Visit 1910Cantina.com
The Devonshire
For Pub Classics
Whether it’s showing the football, putting on comedy nights or hosting its weekly pub quiz, there’s always something fun happening at The Devonshire, arguably the nicest pub in the neighbourhood. It has all the makings of a great boozer: friendly staff, local beers, cosy interiors and a decent menu of British classics. The ‘Burger Shack’ fires up the grill from Thursdays to Saturdays, while Sundays are reserved for roast dinners served with all the trimmings.
39 Balham High Road, SW12 9AN
Little House Balham
For Evening Drinks
This Soho House outpost is a favourite among locals. With its 1940s-inspired interiors and cosy areas for settling down with cocktails, long summer days are best spent on the terrace, while cooler evenings call for dinner and drinks in the main dining room. There’s also an impressive artwork collection, showcasing south London talent, including a horseshoe-shaped bar with a ceiling mural by local artist Miranda Forrester.
16A Hildreth Street, SW12 9RQ
Visit LittleHouseBalham.com
Taro
For Authentic Japanese
Taro brings a slice of Tokyo to Balham with its authentic Japanese cuisine. This family run restaurant has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, without any pretentiousness or fuss. The extensive menu offers a variety of classic dishes, from sashimi and bento boxes to hearty bowls of ramen. Highlights include the chicken katsu bento served with rice, edamame and salad; salmon teriyaki; seafood yakisoba; and prawn tempura and udon noodle soup.
213 Balham High Road, SW17 7BQ
Visit TaroRestaurants.uk
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