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Best restaurants in Balham

Looking for the best places to eat in Balham? We’ve done the hard work so you don’t have to, and compiled a handy list of the best spots to eat in SW12. Granted, it’s a more mature crowd than Clapham with fewer opportunities for a wild night out – but with a cinema, annual comedy festival, and Tooting Bec Lido, it’s certainly not short of attractions. Add into the mix a fine collection of brunch spots and cafes to the list of the best restaurants in Balham and you’ll find plenty of ways to spend a weekend.

Updated on 12 November 2024

For years, Balham was regarded as just a bridge connecting the green trinity made up of Clapham, Wandsworth and Tooting Common. It was even harshly labelled once as 'the ugliest and most abominable of London’s unpleasing suburbs,' by Swallows and Amazons author Arthur Ransome who stayed there briefly.

Yet slowly but surely Balham has become (dare we say it) actually quite a desirable area! Acquiring its own identity when surrounded by arguably the in-demand districts south of the Thames has been no easy feat, but with the allure of slightly lower housing costs and excellent transport links coupled with a growing catalogue of restaurants in Balham, the area has gained a reputation as a family-friendly spot with a welcoming community feel.

Generally speaking, the best restaurants in Balham are generally low-key, offering unpretentious but good-quality food at affordable prices. The sort of places you walk in with low expectations and leave feeling smug having uncovered a hidden gem. Fear not, we are not afraid to shout about all the best restaurants Balham has to offer. So have a browse through our list of Balham’s best restaurants and get out and explore this upcoming area of southwest London before everyone else does!

Freak Scene Sushi and Grill Balham

Freak Scene Sushi and Grill Balham

1 Ramsden Road, Balham, London, SW12 8QX

Apart from the trendy interiors and violet lighting, there’s little freaky about the menu here. The focus is on sushi, the robata grill and wood oven, and the menu has proven itself a hit.

£30 - £49
Japanese
The Regent Balham

The Regent Balham

21 Chestnut Grove Balham, Streatham, London, SW12 8JE

This is a proper pub-lover’s pub. Drop in to meet up with friends on the terrace, around one of the large reclaimed tables, or snuggle up on a cosy banquette for a roast. 

 

Under £30
British
Gurkha

Gurkha's Diner

1 The Boulevard, Balham High Road, On Corner of Elmfield road, Balham, London, SW17 7BW

Diners prepared to try new flavours are well-rewarded at this Nepalese restaurant: a light, unassuming little place set apart from the main thoroughfare offering authentic fare with exemplary service both inside and on the terrace.

Under £30
Nepalese
Caminata

Caminata

96 Bedford Hill, Balham, London, SW12 9HR

It’s unsurprising that this neighbourhood Italian is a real hit with the locals. Friendly staff serve up quality but affordable pizza and pasta dishes as well as a selection of wholesome Mediterranean classics. Booking advisable.

£30 - £49
Pizza
Italian
Franco Manca Balham

Franco Manca Balham

53 Bedford Hill, Balham, London, SW12 9EZ

How could we possibly miss this iconic spot off the list? Balham’s version of the popular London sourdough pizzeria chain is a real hotspot, with charming interiors and the option to eat outside in warmer months.

Under £30
Pizza
Italian
Viet Corner

Viet Corner

8 Bedford Hill, Balham, London, SW12 9RG

You might know this one as a great takeaway choice, but dining in here is well worth it. With friendly service and great pho, this is a no nonsense restaurant to revisit again and again.

Under £30
Vietnamese
Milk

Milk

20 Bedford Hill, Balham, London, SW12 9RG

A resounding hit with Balhamites, this hip café has expanded beyond its tiny corner site and doubled its capacity – though you’re still likely to queue at weekends (no bookings), especially for its infamous brunch offering.

Under £30
La Doc

La Doc

205 Balham High Road, Balham, London, SW17 7BW

Another Balham favourite from the team behind Bucci, La Doc offers authentic and family-style Italian food. With something to suit everyone’s tastes, this one is a popular haunt for date nights, birthdays, lunches, and group dining.

£30 - £49
Pizza
Vegetarian
Vegan
Steak
Italian
Fish
Wine Bars
The Grove Balham

The Grove Balham

39 Oldridge Road, Balham, London, SW12 8PN

A hidden gem tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Balham High Street, this community focused, dog friendly pub is one of Balham’s best kept secrets. Expect ‘Best of British’ dishes in a stunning Victorian setting.

£30 - £49
Gastropub
Blue Fig

Blue Fig

5-6 Balham Station Road, Balham, London, SW12 9SG

A welcoming and modern pan-Mediterranean restaurant, Blue Fig draws inspiration from founder Samer’s upbringing in Jerusalem, serving comforting foods in warm interiors decked out with florals. Think aubergine mousakha, lamb kofta, and chicken shawarma.

£30 - £49
Mediterranean
British
Fusion
Megan

Megan's on the Hill

41-43 Bedford Hill, Balham, London, SW12 9EY

Outside, this group of relaxed cafés looks like a run-of-the-mill yummy-mummy’s hotspot, but to those in the know, it’s actually got some substance to it. It's certainly a popular brunch spot, but the rest of the menu also impresses.

£30 - £49
Modern European
Ciullõsteria

Ciullõsteria

31 Balham High Road, Clapham, London, SW12 9AL

Serving a traditional menu of Italian cuisine inspired by Italy's Amalfi coast, this homey, family-run restaurant has been serving pasta and pizza-crazed Londoners for over 20 years. Inspired by southern Italy, it's still a hit. 

£30 - £49
Italian
Tagine

Tagine

1 & 3 Fernlea Road, London, SW12 9RT

Behind the heavy wooden doors this little unassuming restaurant is serving up authentic Moroccan cuisine with a smile and there’s a lot more to the menu than just humble tagines! Expect generous portions at reasonable prices.

Under £30
Moroccan
The Exhibit

The Exhibit

12 Balham Station Road, Balham, London, SW12 9SG

A long-time favourite in the area, The Exhibit is renowned for its bottomless fizz at brunch, friendly staff, and a 20-seat cinema. At the weekend DJs play until 2am, and expect a full terrace during summer.

Under £30
Pubs
Vegan
Burgers
Bars
Afternoon tea
Wine Bars
Smoke Daddies

Smoke Daddies

14 Hildreth Street, Balham, London, SW12 9RQ

Known for wagyu burgers, 14-hour oak and hickory smoked brisket, and juicy beef short rib, Smoke Daddies has come up with a unique recipe - combining African spices and flavours with American smoking techniques.

Under £30
Barbecue
Balham Social

Balham Social

2 Station Parade, Balham, London, SW12 9AZ

A relaxed cafe by day and an atmospheric restaurant and bar by night, Balham Social has built a reputation for inventive Indian cuisine. It’s a pretty little restaurant too, with colourful interiors, and equally exciting food

£30 - £49
Indian

Keen to explore more of South London? Check out our guide to the best restaurants in Clapham which includes a variety of restaurants from age-old affordable spots to fine dining and celebration destinations.

Alternatively, If you’re keen to expand your search even further, take a look at the best restaurants Brixton has to offer. Many now well-known restaurants began life in Brixton, whether as small neighbourhood restaurants or pop-up events, so you might find the next big thing while perusing our list!

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