From the team behind Bucci, another Balham favourite, La Doc is an authentic Italian wine bar, restaurant and deli. Named after DOC wine, La Doc aims to provide an insight into true Italian cuisine with a heavy focus on offering artisan imported bottles from all regions. Take a seat outside at the wooden barrel tables to enjoy an aperitivo and a nibble, or settle for an evening in its cosy dining room and enjoy a feast of traditional Italian cooking.
Start your meal with familiar dishes like tomato bruschetta, polpette in tomato sauce, or gamberoni all'aglio, or opt for a sharing charcuterie board of Italian meats, conserves and cheeses. For the main event, there's plenty of choice. If you fancy some homemade pasta, try the popular spaghetti alla carbonara served with crispy guanciale, egg yolk and pecorino, authentic Bolognese, or oven baked lasagna. There are also meat and fish dishes like veal escalope in breadcrumbs served with risotto, sirloin steak with rocket and a pepper or mushroom sauce, and oven roasted sea bream in a white wine sauce with tomatoes and black olives, so there's something suit everyone's tastes. Finish with a slice of ricotta and pistachio cheesecake, panettone and butter pudding, or if you’re a bit too full, try the affogato.
On the drinks side of things, enjoy classic cocktails like a Negroni or Martini, innovative tipples like a Limoncello Spritz, and popular Italian beers. As expected, the wine list is extensive, offering a choice of Italian wines from full bodied reds to light and citrusy whites, as well as sparkling wine, dessert wine and more. If you have a particular affinity with Italian labels, why not consider joining the wine club from La Doc, where you can buy bottles at trade price, enjoy a rewards scheme and get exclusive access to tasting events.