Five of the most well-loved dining destinations in the charming little patch of south west London that is Balham…

Note: This article was updated in June 2020 following the sad closure of Lamberts, which closed in January 2020 after trading for 17 years

1 Arlo’s
The team behind newcomer Arlo’s is serious about steak, and what better way to spend a date night – or indeed a mate date – than with a prime piece of tender British bavette? It’s situated next to Balham Bowls Club – the perfect spot for a pre-drink under the fairy light-strewn ceiling.
1 Ramsden Road, Balham SW12 8QX; 020 3019 6590; arlos.co.uk

Arlo’s is serious about steak

2 Megan’s on the Hill
There’s no stopping Megan. The small, dog-friendly, neighbourhood restaurants in Chelsea, Parsons Green, Battersea and Clapham. The Bedford Hill spot is a roomy venue with gorgeously Instagrammable walls and cosy lounge chairs. Open all day for home-cooked food, organic coffee, juices, killer cocktails and weekend bottomless brunches.
41-43 Bedford Hill, Balham SW12 9EY; megans.co.uk

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3 Milk Cafe
Start the day the best way – with a lazy breakfast at Milk Cafe, which, judging by its popularity, is probably Balham’s premier brunch spot. The menu offers more than your usual bacon butty (although there’s a fine version available), and the restaurant is licensed – bonus.
18-20 Bedford Hill SW12 9RG; milklondonshop.uk

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4 Taro
Taro has restaurants on Brewer Street and Balham High Road, serving up delicious raw fish like sushi and sashimi, as well as bento boxes, steamy gyoza dumplings and hearty Japanese favourites like ramen, udon and katsu curry.
193 Balham High Road SW12 9BE; facebook.com/tarojapaneserestaurants

Taro Japanese restaurant in Balham

5 Zizou Tagine
For a great dinner with friends, pile into Moroccan restaurant Zizou Tagine and share plates and plates of mezze. Established over a decade ago, it has become one of the best Moroccan restaurants in London.
3 Fernlea Road, Balham SW12 9RT; 020 3674 3803; zizoutagine.com