Best Authentic Restaurants in Balham

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Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

City of LondonDocklands & Canary WharfEast LondonNew MaldenNorth LondonNorth West London

Neighborhoods

AldgateAngelBalhamBankBanksideBarbican

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

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All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

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BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

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Wheelchair access

524 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Sai Authentic Punjabi Cuisine restaurant

1. Sai Authentic Punjabi Cuisine

4.4

Awesome(90)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Indian • Raynes Park

Sai serves authentic Punjabi cuisine with tandoor cooking a speciality. The spice range is broad, from minimal to high levels and vegetables forming the backbone of the menu. Wheat is the staple food of Punjabis; however, they do enjoy eating rice at festivals and other special occasions. When it comes to food, each region within Punjab has an entirely different preference, for example, people in Amritsar are particularly fond of stuffed parathas and milk products. The philosophy of life for many Punjabis is to eat, drink and make merry. They are lively people who are extremely fond of eating good food. In the preparation of Punjabi food, onion, ginger and garlic are used extensively to enhance the taste of the food.**NEW***SUNDAY BRUNCH 11am to 3pm, try Indian street food from different part of India with unlimited KADAK CHAI.****LUNCH****Now open for lunch Tuesday-Saturday 12-3pm. Special express lunch menu and THALI on Saturdays. Please see our website for menus and details.

2. Ciullõsteria

4.8

Exceptional(1261)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Balham

Booked 6 times today

The bustling café society vibe of London’s Balham High Road is the perfect setting for relaxed Italian restaurant Ciullõsteria. Friendly and laid back, the Ciullõsteria is inspired by the sun-infused food and chilled out nature of Southern Italy. The Calcagno family, owners of Ciullõsteria, has more than twenty years of experience in the Italian restaurant business, experience that is applied in every last aspect of the Osteria’s running – from the simple, comfortable and unpretentious design of the dining room to the always efficient yet unfailingly friendly service from staff who welcome guests as if they were old friends. But of course at Ciullõsteria it’s really the food that is the main focus. All traditional and completely authentic, Ciullõsteria provides home style Italian cookery ranging from hand made pasta to fresh, crisp twelve inch pizzas, all served with quality wines from the country’s best and most well known vineyards.

3. Tapajax - Balham

4.3

Awesome(33)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Spanish • Balham

Booked 11 times today

After working in the restaurant industry for over 10 years, we decided to go out on our own and have created Tapajax, a tapas bar and restaurant. Our number one goal is to provide an authentic Spanish dining experience with the best quality food possible. With our fantastic front of house team, we aim to create an atmosphere that people cherish and return to time and time again.Come dine with us and have a bit of craic.

4. Blue Fig - Balham

4.8

Exceptional(49)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Balham

Blue Fig, a Palestinian/middle eastern/British-Mediterranean restaurant serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner opens at 5-6 Balham Station Road, in the premises formerly occupied by Tongi. Owner, Samer and the team will be serving a range of dishes that will appeal to meat-eaters, fish-lovers and vegetarians alike, using the freshest, natural ingredients."

A photo of Bombay Bicycle Chef restaurant

5. Bombay Bicycle Chef

4.5

Awesome(69)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Indian • Clapham

Our Indian restaurant is proud to have chef KB Gurung at the helm of our kitchen. Chef Gurung brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, having trained with some of the most renowned chefs in India. He has a passion for creating authentic and flavourful dishes using the freshest ingredients and aromatic spices. From tender tandoori chicken to creamy korma, Chef Gurung has a dish for every taste. We invite you to come and experience the delicious cuisine prepared by our talented chef at our Indian restaurant.

6. Pho Balham

4.6

Exceptional(48)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Vietnamese • Balham

Booked 3 times today

Sat just around the corner from Balham rail and tube station, Pho is a healthy Vietnamese restaurant that specialise in pho noodle soup, the national dish of Vietnam. Aside from pho, you can also expect to find amazing sharing starters, healthy salads, hearty rice bowls and decadent curries. They have a range of freshly made juices and also Vietnamese beers and a large wine and cocktail list. Pho’s menu is 40% vegan and nearly entirely gluten-free too. They also have an accessible kids’ menu where children can get a meal and a drink for £5.50.

A photo of Taverna Trastevere restaurant

7. Taverna Trastevere

4.7

Exceptional(651)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• International • Clapham

Booked 22 times today

Taverna Trastevere is praised for its authentic Roman and Italian cuisine. The restaurant is commended for its high-quality ingredients and generous portions. Many reviews note that the food is 'as authentic as it gets', and that the menu boasts a wide selection of classic dishes. The atmosphere of the restaurant is also often mentioned, with reviewers feeling as though they are in Rome itself.

A photo of Bocconcino Mayfair restaurant

8. Bocconcino Mayfair

4.3

Awesome(3168)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Mayfair

Booked 43 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Mayfair, Bocconcino offers an authentic slice of Italy with a touch of London's contemporary flair. Our menu features a selection of over 300 wines, expertly curated cocktails, and authentic dishes that echo the diverse regions of Italy. From seasonal truffle delights and hand-crafted pasta to wood-oven pizza and daily fresh seafood, our chefs use only the finest ingredients to craft each dish.Our lively ambiance is enhanced with DJ nights, live music, and a bottomless brunch, offering a unique dining experience. Recognised by Conde Nast Traveller as one of the 'Best Italian Restaurants in London' and a nominee for 'Best Luxury Restaurant' and 'Best London Restaurant' at the 2023 British Restaurant Awards, Bocconcino sets the standard for Italian dining in the capital.Thriving in London, Bocconcino is a beacon of exquisite food and service in stylish Mayfair. For live music, a DJ setting, or unmatched Italian fare, Bocconcino is your prime destination.

9. Okan South Bank

4.5

Awesome(1151)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Waterloo

Booked 25 times today

10. Forty Dean Street

4.6

Exceptional(3955)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Soho

Booked 25 times today

Welcome to 40 Dean Street - your cosy, independent Italian haven nestled in the bustling heart of Soho. As a small, family-run restaurant, we pride ourselves on offering an unforgettable dining experience where passion meets palate.We offer Italian staples and set menu options served in a homely dining room.Known for warm service and authentic flavours, we’re a favourite for casual dinners, date nights and late-night dining. If you're looking for great Italian food in Soho, we're one of the best trattorias in the area.Please note: from 5pm, we welcome guests aged 18 and over to ensure a relaxed evening atmosphere. Families with younger diners are very welcome to join us during lunch or early dinner service.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

P
PaulVIP
London •35 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Consistently good, with excellent food and friendly service.
More info
CiullõsteriaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Balham
•
4.8
J
JoVIP
London •13 reviews
4.0
Dined on Apr 30, 2025
Went to the Blue Fig with friends for dinner the other evening. Had walked past several times but had never eaten there. The restaurant is nicely decorated and the service was very good. Our waitress could explain the dishes on the menu that we were not familiar with. But the food was the star, two of us had the seabass, which was perfectly cooked and came with an amazing avocado salad, our other friend had the chicken schnitzel which looked lovely. The presentation of the food was really appetising. We also ordered the Cajun fries as we were worried that seabass would need something extra, it didn't, but so glad we ordered them as they were amazing. We will definitely be back.
More info
Blue Fig - BalhamPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Balham
•
4.8
N
Nina
London •26 reviews
5.0
Dined on Apr 19, 2025
Always excellent. Good choice,friendly service The best local restaurant
More info
Bombay Bicycle ChefPrice: Moderate• Indian• Clapham
•
4.5
A
Alice
Greater Boston •15 reviews
5.0
Dined on Apr 18, 2025
Everything was so good, nice cocktails and great wine, such nice vibes too!
More info
Tapajax - BalhamPrice: Expensive• Spanish• Balham
•
4.3
OT
OpenTable Diner
Surrey •1 review
5.0
Dined on Jul 27, 2024
A great little restaurant - food was amazing, lovely ambience and friendly staff. Will definitely be back…
More info
Sai Authentic Punjabi CuisinePrice: Moderate• Indian• Raynes Park
•
4.4

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