Clapham is fast becoming one of London’s go-to food neighbourhoods, and that’s in large part thanks to neighbourhood restaurants like Osteria Mbare. Traditionally in Italy, an osteria is a wine bar that serves small nibbles and simple food - in more recent years the term has expanded to include genuine restaurants that focus on good food and good wine simultaneously, and Osteria Mbare fits into the latter bracket.
You’ll find the restaurant just up the road from Clapham Common station, immediately recognisable thanks to a few al fresco tables outside, surrounded by pot plants. This outside space is always busy in the summer as a lovely spot for aperitivo, but there’s plenty more space inside. The building itself is impressive - exposed brick walls are counterpointed by plaster arches, high ceiling and patterned floor tiles. With seating on the ground floor mezzanine and lots more in the basement, Osteria Mbare is big inside with lots of room for large groups.
The menu has lots to offer as well - not just the expected Italian large and small plates and pasta, but also a tasting experience where you can go with the chef’s daily selection of small plates and pasta. Dishes range from home-baked focaccia, mushroom arancini and fried gnocchi, to seafood tagliolini, paccheri with porcini and winter truffle, and braised oxtail ravioli. The restaurant also offers a couple of large sharing dishes, including a whole branzino, and a whole rib-eye on the bone to share.
The authentic osteria experience wouldn’t be complete without drinks, and Osteria Mbare has that covered too, with a range of signature cocktails including Pomm Fizz (pomegranate gin, bergamot, maraschino cherry and prosecco) or the Etna Mule (charcoal-infused rum, chilli, lime juice and ginger beer). Or, you can stick to classic aperitivo mixes, wines, beers, spirits, or soft drinks.