10 of the best Wandsworth restaurants
10 of the best Wandsworth restaurants
Our top Wandsworth restaurants, from cosy pubs to Thameside bistros
Pictured top: Smoke & Salt
1
Chez Bruce
The jewel in the crown of Wandsworth restaurants, Chez Bruce has held on to its Michelin star for over 20 years. Dedicated commitment to that standard for so long is no mean feat, particularly when it has managed to retain a neighbourly, friendly feel shunning the airs and graces which sometimes accompany the Michelin accolade. The menu is based on classic French and Mediterranean cuisine and specialities include homemade charcuterie, slow-cooked braises and offal. Prices reflect the high quality ingredients and the skills in the kitchen.
2
Ô GOURMET
A hidden gem, Ô Gourmet is a small, cheerful and cosy Lebanese restaurant just by Wandsworth Bridge (south side). Simply decorated with colourful lanterns, the food is freshly prepared and generously portioned. The Arabic bread and mana’eesh (za’ater topped flatbreads) are baked in their pizza oven and arrive at the table steaming hot. It’s all very reasonably priced, and polite and friendly customers may even be offered a complimentary milk pudding dessert called “Mhalabiyyah”!
3
The Olive Garden Restaurant
A classic family friendly local Italian, Olive Garden has garnered a loyal clientele in Southfields. The menu is solidly Italian pizza, pasta, risotto with daily specials. It’s a casual place that produces consistently good food with efficient and attentive staff. A reliable go-to.
BEST RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS:
4
Broadway Market Tooting
Not strictly speaking a restaurant but if you want casual dining with a huge choice of cuisines mixed with a buzzing atmosphere, this is a must try. From jerk chicken to sushi via tacos and tapas, there is something for everyone here. A special mention for Tokova which is tucked into the back corner. The dishes there are inspired by the cooking of the Basque region of Spain and despite a tiny kitchen where you can watch it all happen, the food is elegant, refined and beautifully presented.
5
The Good Earth
The Good Earth has branches all over London and stands out for its consistently strong reputation in producing Chinese food of a superior quality. The Wandsworth branch has an opulent decor, designed by Albert Kwan, the man behind the Shanghai Tang stores. As such, it feels like a treat as soon as you walk in and the food lives up to that claim too, as do the prices – this is not a cheap Chinese restaurant. If you’re in the mood to truly indulge you can have fresh lobster for starters and clay pots filled with fillets of Dover sole, diver scallops or steak. Even as a special occasion restaurant, it’s always busy with many regular customers.
6
The Waterfront
Next to Wandsworth Bridge, this gastropub is a place to dine whilst enjoying sweeping views of the river. The menu is seasonal and has all the pub classics plus Sunday Roasts, brunch and a pleasantly wide-ranging kids menu. With its enviable views and consistent catering, this place is a perfect escape into a less busy Wandsworth.
7
The Little Taperia
Simple, delicious and innovative tapas with an impressive cocktail list. This is a friendly and lively restaurant with an uplifting contemporary decor and enough traditional Iberian touches to make the food feel very much at home. Tried and tested favourites like patatas bravas are perfectly done here as are more extravagant ones like black pudding scotch eggs.
8
Smoke & Salt
Fine dining, with an emphasis on seasonality and sustainably of ingredients, in a fun and energetic environment, Smoke & Salt is an exciting member of the South London restaurant scene. Instead of à la carte, dinner here consists of a seasonal sharing menu which is a selection of dishes that they feel best represents the season for the whole table to share. They offer bread, 3 snacks each, a fish course, a vegetable dish and a main and side, dessert and sweet table treats at the end at a fixed price per head. Their USP is the use of ancient techniques such as smoking, curing and preserving to get the best out of their ingredients- even the charcuterie is smoked in-house- with an optional wine pairing. Favoured by young professionals.
9
MEET Quarter
MEET Quarter is a quintessential European steakhouse with contemporary flair and committed service. Each steak is dry-aged for a minimum of 28 days and up to 90 days in a custom-made Himalayan salt room. Some of the yummy sides include triple cooked chips and buttered greens. They also have live music every weekend, adding to the restaurant’s lively ambiance.
10
The Alma
A traditional British Victorian pub & rooms, The Alma offers pub classics, butcher cuts, and Sunday roasts. The Alma also has a large spritz menu, perfect for the summer season. Check out their imaginative twist on an American burger with peanut butter and Monterey Jack. When you are full, you can stay in one of the pub’s 23 boutique bedrooms.
