 Breadcrumbs

 [Home](/) &gt; [Where To Eat &amp; Drink In Balham](/markdownify/node/2996)  



   ![Where To Eat & Drink In Balham ](https://media.slman.com/46aEQOSY4gX2HFqs8FEwD_jXWtE=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F07%2Fsl-man-170724-balham-area-guide-mobile-hero.jpg?itok=V9d3BR8q)

  

 

 



 

  Image: HENNY'S WINE BAR/BENNIE CURNOW 

 

 

 

 [Culture](/culture) 

 



 /  17 July 2024  

#  Where To Eat &amp; Drink In Balham  


 Balham locals will tell you there’s never been a better time to visit. From Asian-inspired restaurants to a great ice-cream shop, bars and eateries are opening all over SW12. These are the places at the top of our list…  
 

 



 

  Image: HENNY'S WINE BAR/BENNIE CURNOW 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 [ ![Milk](https://media.slman.com/pkx6QPRmngMjvEAN-6Zng8TmVhg=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F07%2Fsl-guide-to-balham-milk1.png?itok=VcWtHIoG)

 

 ](https://www.milk.london/) 

Milk  


 

MARIELL LIND HANSEN

 

 

 

 

 

## Freak Scene 

### For Asian-Inspired Dishes 

  

 

After garnering rave reviews at its Fulham outpost last year, Freak Scene recently landed in Balham. Run by Aussie Scott Hallsworth (ex-Nobu head chef), the restaurant has a pan-Asian menu featuring dishes from the sushi and sashimi bar, as well as larger sharing plates like wood-fired miso poussin with a spicy lemon garlic sauce, braised beef short ribs, crispy seabass sliders with tamarind hot sauce, and Singapore chilli crab wonton 'bombs'. There’s a strong sake list, plus a selection of zingy late-night cocktails to carry on the party.

*1 Ramsden Road, SW12 8QZ*

Visit [FreakSceneRestaurants.com](https://www.freakscenerestaurants.com/)

 

## Henny's Wine Bar 

### For A Glass Or Two 

  

 

Tooting Broadway Market’s Henny’s Wine Bar moved to a permanent site in Balham last year. With perhaps the best décor on this list, it specialises in Beaujolais wines and the team want to introduce a new generation of drinkers to organic and biodynamic bottles. The bar has a weekly changing menu with a small wine list, so there’s always something new to try. There’s also a good selection of craft beers on tap, as well as a classic negroni sbagliato made with Campari, vermouth and prosecco. Henny's has also teamed up with Yard Sale Pizza so you can order wood-fired pizzas with slow-cooked tomato sauce and mozzarella straight to your table. Keep an eye out for tastings, life-drawing workshops and art classes.

*195C Balham High Road, SW12 9BE*

Visit [HennysWine.com](https://www.hennyswine.com/)

 

## Milk 

### For Brunch 

  

 

You’ve probably seen this chic café doing the rounds on social media thanks to its aesthetically pleasing brunch dishes and huge hot cross buns. It has expanded its site, adding cool, colourful interiors, so you can now sit on benches outside or dine in the main café to tuck into dishes like baked eggs with honey and miso cream, sweetcorn fritters with halloumi and avocado, and banana bread spread thickly with tahini, among other classic brunch option. Everything is served alongside coffees, juices, smoothies and pastries from the counter.

*18-20 Bedford Hill, SW12 9RG*

Visit [Milk.London](https://www.milk.london/)

 

 

 

 [ ![Henny's Wine Bar](https://media.slman.com/0dTiCZAVdDx3JtlmLWS-EA5uiU8=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F07%2Fsl-balham-area-guide-hennys-wine-bar-2.png?itok=ELb6H4j-)

 

 ](https://www.hennyswine.com/) 

Henny's Wine Bar  


 

BENNIE CURNOW

 

 

 

 

 

 

## Oy Bar 

### For Oysters 

  

 

This newcomer is all about fresh oysters and seafood platters. Perfect for date nights or evenings out with the girls, Oy Bar does simplicity well. Three oysters and a glass of fizz are £12, while larger dishes on the menu include mussels mariniere and harissa salmon fillet. If you’re just stopping by for a quick drink, order the baked camembert, charcuterie platters or garlic snails to share with a glass of wine – there’s a great list of sparkling, orange and organic bottles. Later in the year the team will open a second site in Wimbledon.

*7 Chestnut Grove, SW12 8JA*

Visit [Oybar.co.uk](https://www.oybar.co.uk/)

 

## Jefferson’s Ice Cream 

### For Sweet Treats 

  

 

Offering a range of artisanal ice-creams, sorbets, and sundaes, family owned Jefferson’s is all about high-quality ingredients and imaginative flavours. At its outposts in Brixton and Balham, flavours change regularly with the seasons, and the ice-cream is made fresh each morning with organic milk. Current flavours include vanilla honeycomb, mint choc chip, strawberry compote, and cold-press coffee, as well as lemon, mango and chocolate sorbets.

*191B Balham High Road, SW12 9BE*

Visit [JeffersonsIceCream.com](https://www.jeffersonsicecream.com/)

 

## Chez Bruce 

### For Fine Dining 

  

 

Chez Bruce is located on the former site of Marco Pierre White's restaurant, Harveys, and has retained its Michelin star since 1999. Headed up by chefs Matt Christmas and Bruce Poole, it offers hearty portions of modern European dishes made from only the best seasonal ingredients. Dishes are reasonably priced, while the wine list features rare bottles you won’t find elsewhere.

*2 Bellevue Road, SW17 7EG*

Visit [ChezBruce.co.uk](https://chezbruce.co.uk/)

 

 

 

 



  [ ![Oy Bar](https://media.slman.com/Tl-TrCRf4ly2iws7ryPyVQDQRfA=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F07%2Fsl-guide-to-balham-oy-bar.png?itok=tnRBO3_Q)

 

 ](https://www.oybar.co.uk/) 

Oy Bar  


 

  

 

  [ ![Henny's Wine Bar](https://media.slman.com/G3o2HX3SnTrTXFUxO2jrKKVqWZ8=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F07%2Fsl-guide-to-balham-hennys.png?itok=Hv9Z3Kmy)

 

 ](https://www.hennyswine.com/) 

Henny's Wine Bar  


 

BENNIE CURNOW

 

  

 

 



 

 

 

## Utter Waffle 

### For Next-Level Waffles 

  

 

Maple syrup isn’t the only thing that tastes great on a waffle, as proved by this neighbourhood restaurant. The team started out driving their food truck around London, before eventually opening a permanent site on Hildreth Street. Here, diners can choose from sweet and savoury waffles, as well as breakfast cocktails and indulgent desserts. From sweet waffles like ‘Banoffee Pie’ to savoury options like ‘Fried Chicken &amp; Mozzarella’, there’s something for everyone.

*9 Hildreth Street, SW12 9RQ*

Visit [UtterWaffle.co.uk](https://utterwaffle.co.uk/)

 

## Zia Lucia 

### For Great Pizza 

  

 

Leading the charge in London’s pizza renaissance, Zia Lucia has become renowned for its 48-hour slow-fermented doughs: choose between traditional, wholemeal, gluten free and black vegetable charcoal. Our favourite options include the ‘Spicy Burrata’ with mozzarella, fresh burrata and spianata spicy salami; and the ‘Verdurissima’ with tomato sauce, mozzarella, roasted peppers and roasted aubergine. The Balham outpost also has a Burrata Bar, showcasing creamy cheeses sourced from Puglia.

*7 Chestnut Grove, SW12 8JA*

Visit [ZiaLucia.com](https://zialucia.com/)

 

## 1910 Cantina 

### For Mexican Dishes 

  

 

1910 Cantina brings the vibrant flavours of Mexico to southwest London. This lively restaurant offers a menu packed with traditional dishes, from street-style tacos and enchiladas to rich moles and fresh ceviche – all best enjoyed alongside spicy margaritas and other agave-based cocktails. With its colourful décor and fun atmosphere, it’s a great option to visit before a night out. The team also host regular mezcal and tequila tasting masterclasses.

*7 Hildreth Street, SW12 9RQ*

Visit [1910Cantina.com](https://1910cantina.com/)

 

 

 

 [ ![Jefferson’s Ice Cream](https://media.slman.com/izMwriKB0bPikX3q1V0W18eHgxc=/1920x0/smart/filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F07%2Fsl-guide-to-balham-jeffersons.png?itok=HNGnLwqW)

 

 ](https://www.jeffersonsicecream.com/) 

Jefferson’s Ice Cream  


 

 

 

 

 

 

 [ ![1910 Cantina](https://media.slman.com/GoOzQcLlzdH-4vj-NC94UpAMDBE=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F07%2Fsl-guide-to-balham-1910-cantina.png?itok=IHQGm69B)

 

 ](https://1910cantina.com/) 

1910 Cantina  


 

 

 

 

 

## The Devonshire 

### For Pub Classics 

  

 

Whether it’s showing the football, putting on comedy nights or hosting its weekly pub quiz, there’s always something fun happening at The Devonshire, arguably the nicest pub in the neighbourhood. It has all the makings of a great boozer: friendly staff, local beers, cosy interiors and a decent menu of British classics. The ‘Burger Shack’ fires up the grill from Thursdays to Saturdays, while Sundays are reserved for roast dinners served with all the trimmings.

*39 Balham High Road, SW12 9AN*

Visit [TheDevonshireBalham.co.uk](https://www.devonshirebalham.co.uk/)

 

## Little House Balham 

### For Evening Drinks 

  

 

This Soho House outpost is a favourite among locals. With its 1940s-inspired interiors and cosy areas for settling down with cocktails, long summer days are best spent on the terrace, while cooler evenings call for dinner and drinks in the main dining room. There’s also an impressive artwork collection, showcasing south London talent, including a horseshoe-shaped bar with a ceiling mural by local artist Miranda Forrester.

*16A Hildreth Street, SW12 9RQ*

Visit [LittleHouseBalham.com](https://www.sohohouse.com/houses/little-house-balham)

 

## Taro 

### For Authentic Japanese 

  

 

Taro brings a slice of Tokyo to Balham with its authentic Japanese cuisine. This family run restaurant has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, without any pretentiousness or fuss. The extensive menu offers a variety of classic dishes, from sashimi and bento boxes to hearty bowls of ramen. Highlights include the chicken katsu bento served with rice, edamame and salad; salmon teriyaki; seafood yakisoba; and prawn tempura and udon noodle soup.

*213 Balham High Road, SW17 7BQ*

Visit [TaroRestaurants.uk](https://tarorestaurants.uk/locations/balham/)

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at <info@slman.com>.