Latest reviews for Restaurants in Clapham South, London, United Kingdom

Hop & Spice - Happy Days by Scoobs

Scoobs — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:22:13 +0000

Review by Scoobs

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8675 3121

Website: http://www.hopandspice.com/

I've just had my birthday at Hop & Spice, and I felt I had to comment on what an awesome place this is.

We were so well looked after. We had their set menu (Â£19 each) - which for 20 of us was perfect. They went to the trouble of printing my name on all the menus , and we were greeted with a glass of chilled champage each. You can see where this is going ...

The food started to arrive - mixed starters included their crispy lamb & potato cakes. If you have one thing at Hop & Spice - have these! A taste sensation. 6 amazing curries followed plus their house special - kottu rotti (shredded bread, egg, veg, chilli and lots of other lovely stuff - all in one bowl). Dessert included a delicious sticky chocolate brownie with thick cream & cinnamon.

To wash down this culinary delight. Well, it's not your B'day every day so we worked our way through the beer list. Very drinkable Sri Lankan brew (Lion) to start - the rest is a blur but included Innis & Gun (brewed in whiskey barrels), Old Speckled Hen, and Leffe Blonde. Where else in London can you do that over a delicious curry??

The Hop & Spice staff were fantastic, super efficient and polite - and they even sang me Happy Birthday when my cake came out. Thank you Hop & Spice - we'll be back!I've just had my birthday at Hop & Spice, and I felt I had to comment on what an awesome place this is.

We were so well looked after. We had their set menu (Â£19 each) - which for 20 of us was perfect. They went to the trouble of printing my name on all the menus , and we were greeted with a glass of chilled champage each. You can see where this is going ...

The food started to arrive - mixed starters included their crispy lamb & potato cakes. If you have one thing at Hop & Spice - have these! A taste sensation. 6 amazing curries followed plus their house special - kottu rotti (shredded bread, egg, veg, chilli and lots of other lovely stuff - all in one bowl). Dessert included a delicious sticky chocolate brownie with thick cream & cinnamon.

To wash down this culinary delight. Well, it's not your B'day every day so we worked our way through the beer list. Very drinkable Sri Lankan brew (Lion) to start - the rest is a blur but included Innis & Gun (brewed in whiskey barrels), Old Speckled Hen, and Leffe Blonde. Where else in London can you do that over a delicious curry??

The Hop & Spice staff were fantastic, super efficient and polite - and they even sang me Happy Birthday when my cake came out. Thank you Hop & Spice - we'll be back!

Dish Dash - Great place for food and drinks by GillWhite

GillWhite — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:31:17 +0000

Review by GillWhite

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7352 1130

Website: http://www.dish-dash.com

Tags: lively, good value, middle eastern

I've visited Dish Dash on a few occasions - but most recently went there with some friends who had come to visit us. We had a really great time - and was really something different for our friends who don't live in London.

We started off with some gorgeous cocktails and then got stuck into the food. It was lovely as usual - we chose lots of smaller dishes - which I think is a great way of eating. We also had a great (couple of) bottles of a great rose while eating - although I'm afraid I don't remember its name.

I would always recommend a trip to Dish Dash when you're in the area - as well as the food and drink - the service is always excellent and the atmosphere always fun.

I've visited Dish Dash on a few occasions - but most recently went there with some friends who had come to visit us. We had a really great time - and was really something different for our friends who don't live in London.

We started off with some gorgeous cocktails and then got stuck into the food. It was lovely as usual - we chose lots of smaller dishes - which I think is a great way of eating. We also had a great (couple of) bottles of a great rose while eating - although I'm afraid I don't remember its name.

I would always recommend a trip to Dish Dash when you're in the area - as well as the food and drink - the service is always excellent and the atmosphere always fun.

Marzano - Marzano-Dissapointing service everytime by Meera

Meera — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:12:15 +0000

Review by Meera

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7228 8860

Website: http://www.pizzamarzano.com

Tags: italian, romantic, terrace

This has got to be the restaurant with the worst service. They have never ceased to disappoint however the restaurant is a good size and has a nice atmosphere. Food is of a average standard but they do have some must trys like the Prawn starter and Pizzas. If you are happy to wait quite some time for your food and can forgive sloppy mistakes which are a regular occurance then you may be okay to try.This has got to be the restaurant with the worst service. They have never ceased to disappoint however the restaurant is a good size and has a nice atmosphere. Food is of a average standard but they do have some must trys like the Prawn starter and Pizzas. If you are happy to wait quite some time for your food and can forgive sloppy mistakes which are a regular occurance then you may be okay to try.

Lola Rojo - Irritatingly Poor by Tagnelap

Tagnelap — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 23:22:06 +0000

Review by Tagnelap

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7350 2262

Tags: spanish, lively, expensive

If you have never been to Spain and know nothing of Spanish cuisine and have slightly more money than taste, then this place is right up your strasse.
The food is pretentious - there isn't a market for El Bulli in Battersea.
They seem obsessed with putting bizarre sauces over dishes that don't need them. The portions are not generous for the price and the service is poor. In essence they simply fail to do the basics right - but charge as if they do.
Really poor.If you have never been to Spain and know nothing of Spanish cuisine and have slightly more money than taste, then this place is right up your strasse.
The food is pretentious - there isn't a market for El Bulli in Battersea.
They seem obsessed with putting bizarre sauces over dishes that don't need them. The portions are not generous for the price and the service is poor. In essence they simply fail to do the basics right - but charge as if they do.
Really poor.

Broome & Delancey - CLOSED - by chrisp

chrisp — Fri, 01 May 2009 12:25:17 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 0798 139 6180

Website: http://www.broomeanddelancey.com/

Tags: american, brasserie, feench

This restaurant is now closed!This restaurant is now closed!

Buona Sera - Fantastic by Tagnelap

Tagnelap — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:00:03 +0000

Review by Tagnelap

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7228 9925

Tags: italian, lively, cheap eat

This is not some sort of Italian mecca. It doesn't pretend to be.
It is more or less like Pizza Express BUT with great, fresh food and plenty of menu choice and excellent service and a really good (if a bit noisy) atmosphere.
It is nearly always full of people like us who walk there from where they live. Supper for two including plenty of booze - £60. Can't be bad.This is not some sort of Italian mecca. It doesn't pretend to be.
It is more or less like Pizza Express BUT with great, fresh food and plenty of menu choice and excellent service and a really good (if a bit noisy) atmosphere.
It is nearly always full of people like us who walk there from where they live. Supper for two including plenty of booze - £60. Can't be bad.

Osteria Antica Bologna - Shocker by Tagnelap

Tagnelap — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:52:33 +0000

Review by Tagnelap

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7978 4771

Website: http://www.osteria.co.uk

Tags: italian, lively, expensive

I am afraid to say that this place is so far beyond its sell by date it is almost unbelievable. 10 years ago, you would suffer the poor service because the food was good.
That can't be said today.
Poor food, the same dreadful service but now with even less atmosphere.
Avoid.I am afraid to say that this place is so far beyond its sell by date it is almost unbelievable. 10 years ago, you would suffer the poor service because the food was good.
That can't be said today.
Poor food, the same dreadful service but now with even less atmosphere.
Avoid.

Fine Burger Co - CLOSED - CLOSED by ONscotland

ONscotland — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 15:56:04 +0000

Review by ONscotland

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 8772 0266

Website: http://www.fineburger.co.uk

Tags: american, takeaway, vegetarian dishes

I visited here in January and had stomach ache after my lunch. The milkshakes were delicious, but they got my order wrong and I didn't like the substituted chicken salad and I think that's what made me ill.
It was also freezing.

It's all academic now - Fine Burger Company in Balham is now CLOSED.I visited here in January and had stomach ache after my lunch. The milkshakes were delicious, but they got my order wrong and I didn't like the substituted chicken salad and I think that's what made me ill.
It was also freezing.

It's all academic now - Fine Burger Company in Balham is now CLOSED.

Donna Margherita - The Best Italian Restaurant in London. by freesprite

freesprite — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 01:37:03 +0000

Review by freesprite

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7228 2660

Website: http://www.donna-margherita.com/index1.html

Tags: italian, good value, family & home feel

When we arrived at Donna Margherita we found straightway a great ambience, the service was fast ,and all the staff sympathetic and friendly with us .The food at Donna Margherita is
lovely and tasty at the sometime , and it's served in huge portions then the pizzas are fantastic with generous toppings and nice thin bases. It' is great value for money Would definitely go back againWhen we arrived at Donna Margherita we found straightway a great ambience, the service was fast ,and all the staff sympathetic and friendly with us .The food at Donna Margherita is
lovely and tasty at the sometime , and it's served in huge portions then the pizzas are fantastic with generous toppings and nice thin bases. It' is great value for money Would definitely go back again

The Paddyfield - great little find by Tashav

Tashav — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:23:54 +0000

Review by Tashav

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8772 1145

Tags: lively, vietnamese, thai

I've been here a few times the food is great and service is very friendly, often the owner has given me and whomever I'm with freebies. Also big plus is it's byo, wish there were more in london!

It does get very busy though so tends not to be the kind of place you would spend all night at unless maybe mid-week. Is a good place to go with friends or even on your own during the week if you don't fancy cooking after work!I've been here a few times the food is great and service is very friendly, often the owner has given me and whomever I'm with freebies. Also big plus is it's byo, wish there were more in london!

It does get very busy though so tends not to be the kind of place you would spend all night at unless maybe mid-week. Is a good place to go with friends or even on your own during the week if you don't fancy cooking after work!

Firezza - Nice by mazlaws

mazlaws — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 18:54:11 +0000

Review by mazlaws

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7223 5535

Website: http://www.firezza.co.uk

Tags: italian, pizzeria, takeaway

This normally reliable pizza establishment served me up a cockroach with my last pizza, I won't be using them again.This normally reliable pizza establishment served me up a cockroach with my last pizza, I won't be using them again.

Pizza Metro - Like home made by Krenkis

Krenkis — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 11:23:49 +0000

Review by Krenkis

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7228 3812

Tags: italian, family & home feel, lively

Went with workmates and one of them are italian who said its taste like in his home town!! Wery delicious!!Went with workmates and one of them are italian who said its taste like in his home town!! Wery delicious!!

Scoffers - Great neighbourhood restaurant by AntoniaL

AntoniaL — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 14:36:46 +0000

Review by AntoniaL

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7978 5542

Tags: relaxed, food, friendly

I love this little restaurant. It is just round the corner from me and I've lost count of the number of times I've eaten here.

It is hard to pinpoint exactly what it is that I love so much about this little place. It isn't necessarily the food, which is good but not spectacular. It is more a combination of the friendly service, cosy ambiance, buzzy atmosphere and the tree that sits in the middle of the restaurant.

Yes. You did hear me right. This restaurant is built around a reasonaly sizeable mature fig tree growing happily in the middle of the tables. According to my sister (who used to waitress there before it was 'Scoffers'), the tree used to be outside. When the owners wanted to expand by glassing over the outdoor space to double the size of the restaurant, they couldn't bear to tear the tree down, so they simply built the restaurant around it. Anyway, dining beneath the branches of this tree, bedecked with fairy lights is lovely and rather romantic. I always rather forget that I'm in Battersea and am transported somewhere a touch more exotic!

As for the food, the menu is very varied with lots of choice and an ever-changing specials board. Expect to find classic British dishes such as fish pie and slow-cooked lamb shanks alongside sizzling fajitas, soy-glazed salmon and Mediterranean dishes. Puddings are usually classic and comforting. The wine list is shortish but varied and reasonably priced. Better still, on Mondays you can bring your own bottles for Â£3 corkage (last time I checked). A bargain!

Scoffers might not be to everyone's taste. It is invariably packed, especially at weekends. The tables are mis-matched and sometimes a little wobbly. The food can be better some days than others. But I love it despite its foibles. For me it is the perfect neighbourhood restaurant - I've had romantic dates here, giggly girly suppers with friends, civilised dinners with my parents and celebratory birthday parties. It fits the bill every time!

I hear, on the grapevine, that they do a good line in breakfasts and brunches. Never sampled these myself. For me it is very much an evening place when the twinkling fairy lights that adorn the fig tree work their magic. Be sure to book a table in the back part of the restaurant, under the tree, as it often gets busy.I love this little restaurant. It is just round the corner from me and I've lost count of the number of times I've eaten here.

It is hard to pinpoint exactly what it is that I love so much about this little place. It isn't necessarily the food, which is good but not spectacular. It is more a combination of the friendly service, cosy ambiance, buzzy atmosphere and the tree that sits in the middle of the restaurant.

Yes. You did hear me right. This restaurant is built around a reasonaly sizeable mature fig tree growing happily in the middle of the tables. According to my sister (who used to waitress there before it was 'Scoffers'), the tree used to be outside. When the owners wanted to expand by glassing over the outdoor space to double the size of the restaurant, they couldn't bear to tear the tree down, so they simply built the restaurant around it. Anyway, dining beneath the branches of this tree, bedecked with fairy lights is lovely and rather romantic. I always rather forget that I'm in Battersea and am transported somewhere a touch more exotic!

As for the food, the menu is very varied with lots of choice and an ever-changing specials board. Expect to find classic British dishes such as fish pie and slow-cooked lamb shanks alongside sizzling fajitas, soy-glazed salmon and Mediterranean dishes. Puddings are usually classic and comforting. The wine list is shortish but varied and reasonably priced. Better still, on Mondays you can bring your own bottles for Â£3 corkage (last time I checked). A bargain!

Scoffers might not be to everyone's taste. It is invariably packed, especially at weekends. The tables are mis-matched and sometimes a little wobbly. The food can be better some days than others. But I love it despite its foibles. For me it is the perfect neighbourhood restaurant - I've had romantic dates here, giggly girly suppers with friends, civilised dinners with my parents and celebratory birthday parties. It fits the bill every time!

I hear, on the grapevine, that they do a good line in breakfasts and brunches. Never sampled these myself. For me it is very much an evening place when the twinkling fairy lights that adorn the fig tree work their magic. Be sure to book a table in the back part of the restaurant, under the tree, as it often gets busy.

Newtons Restaurant & Bar - Great Restaurant by Ancol

Ancol — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:22:46 +0000

Review by Ancol

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8673 0977

Website: http://www.newtonsrestaurants.co.uk

Tags: italian, lively, european

We love this local restaurant. Friendly, efficient service, greta atmosphere and a warming fire. The food choice ranges from steak to fresh fish to fantastic Thai green chicken curry. And the desserts are worth a visit on their own.... Plum and almond tart, yum! The wine list offers affordable choice too. No wonder we keep coming back. John R.We love this local restaurant. Friendly, efficient service, greta atmosphere and a warming fire. The food choice ranges from steak to fresh fish to fantastic Thai green chicken curry. And the desserts are worth a visit on their own.... Plum and almond tart, yum! The wine list offers affordable choice too. No wonder we keep coming back. John R.

Thai Garden Restaurant - Thai Garden = Thai Heaven by Foodies

Foodies — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 13:56:15 +0000

Review by Foodies

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7738 0380

Tags: thai, lively, takeaway

This is the best Thai in Clapham Junction. The staff are friendly & attentive. The food is clean, fragrant & fresh just they way Thai should be.
Very well priced. Great atmosphere. I would go back again and again.This is the best Thai in Clapham Junction. The staff are friendly & attentive. The food is clean, fragrant & fresh just they way Thai should be.
Very well priced. Great atmosphere. I would go back again and again.

Nanglo - CLOSED - by larakiara

larakiara — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:56:43 +0000

Review by larakiara

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 8673 4160

Tags: indian

Last time I visited this restaurant it took us two hours in total to eat a one course meal with poppadums. They were short of staff and hardly apologized for it. We were seated on a dirty table, which took ten minutes to be cleared. It took 30 minutes to get our drinks and after one hour and 30 minutes we received our main meal, which was bog standard at best. We literally had to ask to be served, rather than the 'waiters' waiting upon us. I know it may have only been a one-off but from this experience we will never visit again.

Last time I visited this restaurant it took us two hours in total to eat a one course meal with poppadums. They were short of staff and hardly apologized for it. We were seated on a dirty table, which took ten minutes to be cleared. It took 30 minutes to get our drinks and after one hour and 30 minutes we received our main meal, which was bog standard at best. We literally had to ask to be served, rather than the 'waiters' waiting upon us. I know it may have only been a one-off but from this experience we will never visit again.

Lavender Spice - by Squiddy

Squiddy — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 13:45:43 +0000

Review by Squiddy

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7207 3925

Tags: indian, breakfast, takeaway

Good value, uncomplicated typical British-Indian restaurant. Very good for takeaways. Excels in creamy curries, but watch out for the butter chicken, as it just a bit too creamy and sweet for my taste.Good value, uncomplicated typical British-Indian restaurant. Very good for takeaways. Excels in creamy curries, but watch out for the butter chicken, as it just a bit too creamy and sweet for my taste.

Banana Leaf Canteen - by Squiddy

Squiddy — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 13:42:41 +0000

Review by Squiddy

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7228 2828

Tags: crowded, good value, lively

Yes, it's crowded and you'll probably have to queue, but there's a reason for that. The food is excellent.

The restaurant is similar to Wagamama's and the nearby Pepper Tree with its shared tables and lively atmosphere, but the food is better than either. It a mixture of Thai, Malaysian and Indonesian with a contemporary twist. Everything I've eaten there has been delicious, and having lived in Malaysia for many years I am familiar with the milieu.

As another reviewer has said, it's not the place for an intimate romantic meal for two, but there's a convivial atmosphere and the food is very good for the money.

Service is pretty good too.Yes, it's crowded and you'll probably have to queue, but there's a reason for that. The food is excellent.

The restaurant is similar to Wagamama's and the nearby Pepper Tree with its shared tables and lively atmosphere, but the food is better than either. It a mixture of Thai, Malaysian and Indonesian with a contemporary twist. Everything I've eaten there has been delicious, and having lived in Malaysia for many years I am familiar with the milieu.

As another reviewer has said, it's not the place for an intimate romantic meal for two, but there's a convivial atmosphere and the food is very good for the money.

Service is pretty good too.

Pizza On The Green - Great authentic pizzas, always at 'half price!' by andyLDN

andyLDN — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:08:15 +0000

Review by andyLDN

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8673 3227

Tags: italian, lively, pizzeria

This is a pleasant local Italian restaurant popular with those living in Clapham South.

The restaurant serves the usual mix of pizza and pasta dishes as well as starters and deserts, which are made from scratch by Italian chefs. The main appeal of this restaurant is that main courses are always half the price that is printed in the menu. This means that you pay no more that Â£5 for a large pizza for one measuring about 30cm in diameter. This offer is on all the time at any time of the day.

The decor inside is of a basic cafe style, with a mismatch of different framed photos, the odd forgivable football scarf and televisions which show news / sporting events. There is also a terrace at the front where you can sit when the weather is fine, although it can get a bit noisy.

The restaurant is very popular and always busy, but despite this, I have always been seated pretty quickly and the service is brisk, but friendly.

Overall, its great if you're in the area.This is a pleasant local Italian restaurant popular with those living in Clapham South.

The restaurant serves the usual mix of pizza and pasta dishes as well as starters and deserts, which are made from scratch by Italian chefs. The main appeal of this restaurant is that main courses are always half the price that is printed in the menu. This means that you pay no more that Â£5 for a large pizza for one measuring about 30cm in diameter. This offer is on all the time at any time of the day.

The decor inside is of a basic cafe style, with a mismatch of different framed photos, the odd forgivable football scarf and televisions which show news / sporting events. There is also a terrace at the front where you can sit when the weather is fine, although it can get a bit noisy.

The restaurant is very popular and always busy, but despite this, I have always been seated pretty quickly and the service is brisk, but friendly.

Overall, its great if you're in the area.

Cinnamon Cay - Wild and wacky by chrisp

chrisp — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:14:57 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7801 0932

Website: http://www.cinnamoncay.co.uk

Tags: international, lively, terrace

I had crocodile croquettas on my last visit to Cinnamon Cay, which should indicate the kind of thing you can expect to find on their menu. A smart, decent local restaurant, Cinnamon Cay still manages to serve very middle-of-the-road food despite the international and exotic ingredients. Scallops were dull and overly salty, a tuna steak overcooked, and springbok a bit chewy, although maybe this is normal, I have no idea. Worth it for the novelty factor, perhaps, but you won't be left with a burning desire to return.

Crocodile, by the way, tastes like tuna.I had crocodile croquettas on my last visit to Cinnamon Cay, which should indicate the kind of thing you can expect to find on their menu. A smart, decent local restaurant, Cinnamon Cay still manages to serve very middle-of-the-road food despite the international and exotic ingredients. Scallops were dull and overly salty, a tuna steak overcooked, and springbok a bit chewy, although maybe this is normal, I have no idea. Worth it for the novelty factor, perhaps, but you won't be left with a burning desire to return.

Crocodile, by the way, tastes like tuna.