The Best Restaurants in Balham

We’re starting things off with a quirky, modern brunch spot. Minimalist interiors, bar stools, perfect for casual catch-ups but serving seriously good food.

We’ll admit it — we’re absolute sheep and following the hype right now, so of course we had to kick things off with an iced matcha. Silky smooth, none of that powdery nonsense. They’ve also got a range of fresh smoothies that we’ve already bookmarked for next time. The menu is nothing like the plain Jane breakfasts we see everywhere else. Yes, they’ve got all the favourites — fry-ups, eggs, sourdough — but they make them so much more exciting and just that little bit bougier.

We went for the Young Betty: perfectly poached eggs on sourdough, topped with a burnt butter hollandaise. Not your typical hollandaise — this had an incredible nutty decadence that made every bite addictive. On the side, we grabbed the lemongrass and garlic broccoli for a touch of freshness (and to balance out what was coming next…).

Because let’s be real — no brunch outing is complete without a “breakfast dessert.” We can never commit to going fully sweet, so we always split one after our savoury plates. But the Nutzilla French toast here made us seriously question that logic. Homemade eggy, buttery brioche piled high with cream, candied pecans, strawberries, and absolutely drowned in Nutella. Heavenly. Honestly, we wished we’d each ordered our own. Sure, we needed to scrub our teeth immediately after, but zero regrets.

Have to try: Nutzilla french toast
Perfect for: Brunch with friends
Approx price for 2: £45–£55 (sweet and savoury options, and drinks)

Gurkha’s is a homely Nepalese restaurant right on Balham High Road. It’s a local favourite, and after visiting, it’s so easy to see why. The whole vibe here is fuss-free and authentic — just pure, flavour-packed food with warm, friendly service.

We’ll admit, the menu can feel a little overwhelming at first (mainly because we’re not exactly Nepalese food experts). But honestly, trust that whatever gets ordered will be delicious. One dish we knew couldn’t disappoint were the vegetable momos. Any dumpling lover will devour these in seconds. Soft, seasoned vegetables wrapped up in delicate dough, with a texture so perfect it was a struggle to stop at one plate.

For mains, we followed the chef’s recommendations and went for the Munillo Machha. A beautifully cooked salmon fillet in a creamy, nutty coconut sauce with just a hint of saffron, giving it that aromatic, indulgent edge. On the veggie side, we couldn’t get enough of the Gurkha Aloo. These were fluffy potatoes spiced with turmeric and cumin, crispy on the outside but soft and comforting on the inside. Paired with their freshly made Nepali bread (think naan, but with its own character), it was the ultimate comfort feast.

Have to try: Vegetable momos
Perfect for: Spicy cuisine lovers
Approx price for 2: £40–£50 (with sides)

Taro is a super casual, lowkey Japanese spot with an open kitchen — so be warned, you’ll find yourself death-staring the chef the second you place your order. Not because the wait is long (it’s actually super quick), but because the aromas flying out of that kitchen are impossible to ignore. Foodie problems, right?

The menu is both a blessing and a curse. Literally everything one would ever crave from a Japanese joint is on here: gyozas, sushi, ramen, noodles, curries, salads… For the indecisive among us, it’s a seriously stressful few minutes deciding what to go for. We started with the garlic chicken, crispy deep-fried bites coated in the most addictive sweet garlic soy sauce. 

For mains, we had to go for the ramen — it’s rare to find an authentic bowl in London, and this one really delivered. The Tonkotsu ramen was rich, milky, and ridiculously decadent. The roast pork was melt-in-the-mouth tender, and they didn’t hold back on toppings. Think beansprouts, seaweed, spring onion, red ginger, and of course, that perfectly soft boiled egg perched on top. Pure comfort in a bowl.

Have to try: Garlic soy fried chicken
Perfect for: Authentic Japanese cuisine
Approx price for 2: £35–£45 (starters and mains)

With a name like Chez Bruce, we were expecting full-on, over-the-top French brasserie vibes. We’re talking chandeliers, gold trim, and servers in tuxes. But actually? It was perfectly normal. Elegant, yes, but not extravagant, and that balance really works. Don’t get us wrong, sometimes the glitz and glamour is nice, but honestly, a touch of refinement in a more relaxed setting (while still getting fine dining quality) just hits differently.

The menu mirrors this vibe completely. There’s the perfect mix of posh, hard-to-pronounce dishes for the refined palates, alongside comforting classics that even the pickiest eater would happily demolish. For starters, we loved the spiced fish samosa with tandoori cuttlefish, pickled apple, and a yoghurt-mint dip. Not exactly what we expected cuisine-wise, but who’s ever mad about getting Indian-inspired flavours at a French spot? Zero complaints.

For mains, we couldn’t resist the Chateaubriand (a tenderloin cut of beef) served with thick hand-cut chips. A proper classic, but done with unreal quality. 

We ended on a sweet note with the pear and almond tart. Light, nutty, paired with clotted cream, and the perfect palate cleanser after such a hearty main.

Have to try: Spiced fish samosa
Perfect for: Special occasions
Approx price for 2: £140–£160 (including drinks)

Bucci is the perfect family-friendly spot in Balham, with an Italian menu guaranteed to please the little ones (and the grown-ups too). If the sun’s out, definitely grab a table outside to soak up those buzzy Balham vibes with an Aperol Spritz in hand. We try to emulate that full Italian experience whenever possible — and trust us, Bucci makes it easy.

As mentioned, Aperol is practically a requirement here, but if it’s more of a dinner vibe then their wine list is super impressive. And let’s be honest, nothing beats a big comforting bowl of pasta with a glass of wine. To start, we had the ultimate classic: calamari fritti. Perfectly crispy (and stayed that way the whole time, though not for long since we inhaled them), paired with a tangy tartare sauce that had us scraping the plate.

We then faced the eternal pizza vs. pasta dilemma… but we’re smart, so we got both. Officially, we ordered the Pacchero Funghi e Salsiccia — wild mushrooms in a creamy ricotta sauce with Italian sausage for that subtle kick. But we also grabbed the garlic and rosemary pizza starter as a side. Work smart, not hard, right?

Have to try: Garlic and rosemary pizza
Perfect for: Family meal out
Approx price for 2: £70–£80 (including drinks)

Burning Rose is an authentic Thai joint tucked away on Chestnut Grove. Honestly, the aromas hit us the second we walked in. As if we weren’t already starving, this just made the hunger unbearable. Menus down, food ordered asap.

The menu isn’t huge, which is actually a blessing because it meant less time umming and ahhing and more time eating. We kicked things off with the crispy spring rolls stuffed with soft, seasoned veg, paired (of course) with sweet Thai chilli sauce. With a glass of white wine on the side, this held us over… for about five minutes. Luckily, mains arrived quickly.

We went for the obvious choice: Pad Thai. Basic? Maybe. Delicious? Absolutely. No overcomplication here, just a perfectly balanced, wok-tossed plate of noodles done right. On the side, we also tried the smoked okra with chillies and fish sauce — an absolute must-order. Smoky, spicy, salty, addictive. Thank us later.

For a saucier option, the chicken and herb curry is where it’s at. The chicken is melt-in-the-mouth tender and the sauce is just packed with flavour. Paired with their fragrant jasmine rice, it’s the definition of comfort food.

Have to try: Smoked okra and spring rolls
Perfect for: Thai cuisine
Approx price for 2: £40–£60

The Apple Blue is a seriously cute and wholesome spot. They do supper here too, but that’s more for the refined, fancy crowd. Us? We’re all about the hearty, scrumptious brunch options.

We’re absolute croissant fiends, so imagine the sheer joy when we spotted “breakfast stuffed croissant” on the menu. Finally, no more having to order a croissant on the side for later — this beauty gives everything in one bite: buttery pastry, soft folded eggs, garlic mushrooms, harissa, American cheese, and a pop of freshness from pickled cucumbers. Insider tip: order a side of avo, stuff it in, and thank us later. Heaven.

And for the sweet-and-savoury lovers? Get ready. Their buttermilk pancakes come topped with crispy fried chicken strips, but the real game-changer is the sriracha maple syrup. Absolute decadence. It’s the kind of dish that made us think ah, this is why everything’s bigger in America. We’d happily have this every single day if diabetes wasn’t a thing.

Have to try: Breakfast croissant
Perfect for: Brunch with friends
Approx price for 2: £35–£45

Betto is just absolute vibes — and that’s honestly the only way to describe it. Hard to miss with its bright yellow exteriors, the same vibrant energy engulfed us the second we stepped inside. Colourful, buzzy, loud in the best way — exactly what one expects from a tapas and cocktail spot.

Naturally, we had to join in on the vibe right away, so cocktails were ordered immediately (and many more followed). Our top pick? The Butterfly Effect — gin, lychee liqueur, and sweet-and-sour mix. Basically candy in a glass. Extra bonus: happy hour runs weekdays from 4–7, so yes, we made the most of it.

Food-wise, it was like we were constantly being fed — in other words, heaven. It’s tapas-style, so expect to nibble on a bit of everything and love every second of it. First up: the cheesy bread with sundried tomato. Essential if the cocktails are kicking in — doughy, cheesy, fresh, exactly what is needed. We also couldn’t get enough of the calamari, prawns, and especially the salmon rolls stuffed with cream cheese and avocado. Breakfast-for-dinner energy and we’re not mad. And of course, no tapas spread is complete without spicy, crispy patatas bravas. 

Have to try: Croquetas de pastrami with aioli
Perfect for: Fun with friends
Approx price for 2: £45–£60 (with cocktails)

Balham Social is an aesthetic dream, so get those Instagram stories ready. Honestly, no judgment here — why else would the interiors be this gorgeous? Living in the moment? Absolutely not. This is purely to show off and make everyone else jealous online. Baby pinks, sage greens, florals hanging from the ceiling — truly enchanting.

It’s an Indian restaurant, so expect all the classics plus a few innovative twists. We kicked things off with the 1990s Chilli Chicken — fried chicken bites tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce. Perfectly paired with their TikiTiki cocktail (mango, rum, cinnamon, Malibu) for serious tropical holiday vibes.

For mains, we went for a classic butter chicken, which we could spice up to our preference. For something a little different but equally satisfying, try the house chicken curry. It’s spicier, less creamy, but bursting with homely, authentic flavour. Of course, we mopped it all up with the ultimate carb combo: garlic naan and pulao rice.

Dessert was the hardest decision. Six options, all sounded incredible. Sensibly, we picked two: the Gajar Ka Halwa (warm, milky carrot cake bliss) and the Mango Rice Pudding, an insane fruity delight. Next time, though, we’re going for that hot chocolate brownie — perfect winter vibes. 

Have to try: 1990’s fried chilli chicken
Perfect for: Special occasions
Approx price for 2: £50–£65

The Exhibit is a modern, open space — almost giving bougie office vibes, but in the best way. They constantly host events like quiz nights, drag shows, open mic, stand-up comedy — completely different from the typical sit-down restaurant, and we love it.

Happy hour runs every day from 4–7, so of course we couldn’t resist. Not that a cocktail or three wouldn’t have been ordered anyway — this place just begs for fun, fruity drinks. Our personal favourite was the spicy mango margarita, the perfect pairing with the teriyaki chicken skewers: coconutty, saucy, and topped with crispy onions.

Their brunch options are insane (hello, bottomless brunch), but we went for mains later in the afternoon. Hands down, the standout is the buttermilk fried chicken burger — classic, yet perfected. Tender chicken wrapped in a crispy, flavoursome coating, elevated by tamarind lime mayo. They’re also famous for their sourdough pizzas, which looked unreal. Bonus: half-price pizzas on Thursdays, so we’ll definitely be back.

Have to try: Quiz nights and stand up comedy
Perfect for: Fun with friends
Approx price for 2: £45–£60 (with drinks)