Best Restaurants In Balham

Balham is one of the most sought-after locations for property in London, with the SW12 postcode holding status, and its local restaurants are just as praised. From easy-going brunch food at The Exhibit, perfect for a catch up with friends, to romantic sushi dining at Freak Scene complete with white tablecloths, we've walked around town to recommend everything from affordable restaurants and quirky dining, to the best restaurants in Balham.

Last edited by katie kirwan

Last updated on 18th February 2025



Exhibit

Taking Bookings

Happy Hour and 2 other offers

  • Address: 12 Balham Station Road, SW12 9SG.
  • Best for: Brunch and cocktails in the garden.

Wondering about fun places to eat? The Exhibit is coming at you with a beautiful terrace and cool, contemporary interiors. Head on down for banging brunches until 5pm, alongside bavette steaks, pasta alla vodka and asparagus cannelloni, complemented with a cocktail or two from their signature list. This stylish space is filled with neon signs, vibrant furnishings and pretty plants, with a regular lineup of quizzes, live music and more to enjoy. 

Betto Tapas & Cocktails

  • Address: 5 Fernlea Road, SW12 9RT.
  • Best for: Small plates and dinners with friends.

If you happen to be wandering the vibrant streets of Balham, then check out Betto Tapas & Cocktails, situated close to the station. This venue has a glorious range of Spanish-inspired eats, such as patatas bravas, Padron peppers and arancini, alongside bespoke drinks - such as the Naked Goddess, which blends vodka with strawberry puree and basil syrup. Fancy unlimited sips? Head to its bottomless brunch, promising free-flowing prosecco for £20 per person.

Megan's on the Hill (Balham)

Taking Bookings

Bottomless. and 3 other offers

  • Address: 41-43 Bedford Hill, SW12 9EY.
  • Best for: Posh kebabs and cocktails.

Looking for Balham restaurants open all day long? Serving food and drinks from 8:30am right through to 10pm, Megan's On The Hill is a vibrant destination where brunches, sharing platters and indulgent dinners. Their huge menu features everything from shish kebab skwers to burrata salads and crispy seabass orzo, to be enjoyed under the twinkly fairy lights and floral displays - with a gorgeous terrace to boot. Plus, anytime before 5pm on bank holidays and weekends, you can add bottomless prosecco to your meal for £25 per person. Oh yeah. 

 

Freak Scene Sushi And Robata

Taking Bookings

  • Address: 1 Ramsden Road, SW12 8QX
  • Best for: Sushi and romantic date nights.

Freak Scene Sushi & Robata isn't just dinner - it's a full-blown sensory adventure. Dreamed up by ex-Nobu maestro Scott Hallsworth and comedian Adam Hills, this Balham hotspot throws the rulebook out the window.

Think fiery pan-Asian small plates, sizzling robata bites, and sushi that'll have you rethinking everything you know about Japanese cuisine. One bite of the duck red curry doughnut buns or the wood-fired miso poussin and you'll see why foodies are flocking here. And if you fancy a cheeky deal? Their Tight Ass Tuesdays make midweek feasting a no-brainer.

The Bedford

Taking Bookings

  • Address: 77 Bedford Hill, SW12 9HD.
  • Best for: Sunday roasts and wine.

This iconic hotel, bar and restaurant dates back to 1931, undergoing a multi-million-pound refurbishment in 2018. The eye-catching interiors here include stylish red leather seats, ornate chandeliers and a golden bar, while the venue also boasts a club room that's hosted everyone from Ed Sheeran to Michael McIntyre in the past. The menu is equally impressive, offering up a vast range of dishes from chicken and nduja pizzas to veal schnitzel or battered mushrooms with coconut tzatziki. There are plenty of fantastic cocktails to choose from too - we recommend the pumpkin spice martini or a refreshing clementine margarita.

The Regent

Taking Bookings

Two For £15 Cocktails

  • Address: 21, Chestnut Grove, Balham, SW12 8JB.
  • Best for: A bit of everything including curries and burgers.

If you're on the hunt for Balham restaurants for lunch or dinner, The Regent is coming in hot with a fantastic all day menu, a laidback setting and a mega beer garden for when the sun shows its face. You'll find reclaimed oak tables, cosy leather booths and high ceilings here, with a cracking selection of classic cocktails or craft beer available from the bar. As for the food, their international offerings range from mushroom and leek arancini to beef brisket tagliatelle or Mediterranean sharing boards.

The Cyclist

Taking Bookings

Running The London Marathon?

  • Address: 194 Balham High Road, SW12 9BP.
  • Best for: Easy-going pub food.

One of the best restaurants near Balham station, The Cyclist is also no stranger to a slap-up meal. The welcoming eatery fronts a menu of classic grub with a gastro twist (think smash burgers topped with a secret sauce, pan-fried seabass and harissa cauliflower with tahini), alongside big brunches and huge Sunday roasts. This is a top choice for craft beer lovers as well, with a range of delicious pints available from behind the bar.