Best restaurants in Balham

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.