Banstead Restaurant Guide

This indie steakhouse on the Clapham-Brixton border “does that one thing very well, then adds a big helping of friendly service”. A former Top Steakhouse winner in the Harden’s London Restaurant Awards, it is a local favourite for Sunday roasts.

Our mission: make delicious pizza, served with care, in beautiful spaces.In the beginning we were just Matteo and Salvatore, two brothers from Calabria. We moved to Bologna to study economics, and – like all penniless students – ate a lot of...

“The personal touch is invaluable” at Giuseppe & Pamela Turi’s “thriving” and “very confident” Italian stalwart, which “has gone from strength to strength since moving from Putney to Pimlico in 2015, and is always full” (often of long-term customers, who “happily make the trek” into the centre of town). “If Italian wine is your thing, this is the place to go”: Giuseppe’s all-Italian list is a “masterpiece in its own right” and even if “a ton of money is sometimes required, the vintages are not expensive for what they are”. To match it: “refined cooking, with classics, specials, and seasonal variations, reflecting the team’s heritage”. It’s a “grown-up” and “very confident experience, without bowing to fashion” – “the Turis be found at the restaurant every day, and there is always a smile to welcome you”. BREAKING NEWS – In August 2023, the Turis announced their retirement, thus rendering the above entry otiose. A month later, just before we went to press, experienced restaurateur, Dominic Ford, and Liberty Wines owner, David Gleave, were announced as the new patrons. Much of the team remains in place, as does the cellar. But – as our read feedback clearly demonstrates – this whole enterprise has always been a supremely personal one and the Turis will be a hard act to follow. We’ve maintained its rating (but taking service down a notch, reflecting the very personal style of the founders).

“For a very civilised meal”, Taylor Bonnyman’s “refined” and “romantic” venue – in a Chelsea townhouse, hidden way near Peter Jones – has become a huge hit: out of the PR limelight, but in the Top 40 most-mentioned restaurants in our annual diners’ poll and “well worthy of its Michelin star” thanks to its “immaculate but unobtrusive” service and Marguerite Keogh’s “superb and assured cooking”: “wonderfully light, creative, beautiful and flavoursome food” from “their own kitchen garden in Sussex” (which the most ardent fans feel is “at a level above their tyre-company rating”). Its ratings slipped a little this year amidst cost of living concerns (and a number of reporters noting that “it’s a pity that they only do a tasting menu”). As a result, its style can appear more “hushed” and “formal” and “very expensive” (“we find it just too costly to visit anymore, although we love this place as one of the most amazing providers of interesting and totally divine food”). That’s still a minority view, though – for most diners it’s just “just a brilliant experience”. Top Tip – “stellar wine selection”.

Dark and candle-lit, this “unchanging French” old charmer in Pimlico has “lots of tiny tables squeezed into its intimate nooks”; and yet again comes highly recommended for a steamy date in our annual diners’ poll. The very Gallic service “can be a bit hit ’n’ miss (it helps if they know you)” but typically “makes you feel so cosseted and looked after”. “There aren’t so many restaurants left in Paris serving such traditional bistro fare” (Tarte à l’Oignon, Beef Bourguignon, Crème Brûlée…), all served in “very generous portions” and “with a sensibly priced wine list”. Top Tip – “great terrace for al fresco dining” in summer.

“Still as popular with its regular clientele as ever” – this “civilised old-favourite” near Sloane Square “doesn’t change much”, to the relief of its massive, silver-haired following (“you could do away with the menu, as all the customers know exactly what they will order before they arrive. It’ll be the same as they’ve been ordering for the last 25 years!”). The traditional, “comfort-Italian” food is “reliable”, but it’s the “extremely courteous service and wonderful greeting” that really carries the day. Top Menu Tip – “best calves’ liver in London”.

In the thin area near Oval tube, this neighbourhood bistro is worth remembering. A sibling to Knife in Clapham, its “old-fashioned modern British cooking” puts a similar emphasis on steak and other grills, but there’s a good selection of dishes and – albeit on limited feedback – it wins praise for “excellent all-round value”.

There’s “always something new and original to tempt you” at this understated and “very good value” contemporary Indian on Fulham High Street near Putney Bridge. Chef-owner Shilpa Dandekar (who trained with both India’s Taj Group and Raymond Blanc) “proves you can give a nod to tradition while being a little more modern, and not have to pay Mayfair prices to get it”. Husband Faheem Vanoo ensures the front of house “always provides courteous service”. Top Menu Tip – “the best black dhal”.

Tapas Inspired by Spain and Lebanon What does Dar mean? It’s Lebanese for “lounge” and Spanish for the verb “to give”. And that’s a perfect combination with Spanish and Lebanese-inspired tapas as well as fine wines in a relaxed and convivial ambience. This new restaurant is un...

The Bunga Bunga restaurant on the ground floor comprises our gondola bar and authentic Italian pizzeria. Enjoy our well renowned Bunga Bunga stone-baked pizza which we consider the best in London, accompanied with a unique cocktail and wine list covering all regions of Italy.

“Long live Chez Bruce!”. It has “a neighbourhood feel”, but Bruce Poole’s “jewel in south west London’s crown” by Wandsworth Common is one of the capital’s most revered restaurants and – for the 18th year running – is voted Londoner’s No. 1 favourite in our annual diners’ poll. Key to its appeal is the delivery of “top quality, but without the pretensions of some places”. Chef Matt Christmas has worked with Bruce for over 10 years, and the kitchen produces modern British dishes that are “very memorable”, but “without being fussy or fad-ish, nor horrendously overpriced”. “Doing simple food this well is the ultimate in difficulty, there is just nowhere to hide!” “Professional and friendly service continues to excel”, “seemingly effortlessly delivering a superb feeling of conviviality” and enlivening a space that’s “classy and understated”, but not intrinsically that special. “Bruce himself frequently still wanders around the dining room greeting and chatting informally to diners” and the whole operation practically “never puts a foot wrong”. That all this can be enjoyed “without breaking the bank” seals the “absolute pleasure of eating there”.

Park Tavern is an independent gastropub located in the heart of Southfields, in South West London.All the dining areas and the beautiful back beer garden have been recently refurbished offering a sense of convivial atmosphere to its diners. The interior blen...

“You could be in the West End” at this “exceptional local restaurant” by Parsons Green, “serving contemporary Japanese cuisine” – “the ambience is glamorous and cool, the service friendly and efficient, and the food excellent, fresh and tasty”. It also has an “elegant and classic cocktail bar”.

‘Fresh, Tasty, Healthy’ is the mantra at this November 2022 newcomer on the site of Ma Goa (RIP), which aims for a “modern” variant of Indian cuisine. The first UK outpost of a family-owned group with restaurants in India itself – its “above average” standards make it a worthy successor to its long-established predecessor.

“Love this pub”, hailed by fans (often parents) for providing “one of the best Sunday lunches” in this part of southwest London, just outside Richmond Park in East Sheen. Over the years, TV chef Paul Merrett has transformed the rambling Victorian tavern into a boutique hotel with a large garden and spacious conservatory for dining.

At Spice Village, we claim that every meal has a story. Interestingly, Spice Village itself has a fascinating story.The story of Spice Village is a story of taste, passion, and excellence exhibited by Nasir & Suleman, two immigrant brothers who journeyed to Lo...

Ace Aussie chef, Scott Hallsworth has revived his raved-about Freak Scene pan-Asian restaurant once again – this time off Parsons Green in Fulham in spring 2023. Based on a small number of initial ratings, his amped-up fusion fare (sushi plus wackier creations such as miso-yaki foie gras croissant with star anise jus) is in fine form.

To its many fans, this “small place” off the gastronomic track in Honor Oak Park “remains the best Indian in South London”, and its “engaging staff” delivering “very different food with panache and skill”, “after almost 40 years”. “Unless you’re local, it’s not entirely easy to get to, but it’s well worthy of a journey.”

“A local treasure” – Eric & Sarah Guignard’s long-established “little gem” in “a tree-lined road 10 minutes walk from Surbiton station” (“handy if you wish to enjoy their brilliant wine list”) remains a shining and much commented-on beacon in the ’burbs. “Eric and his team consistently create high-class modern French cuisine while Sarah and her front-of-house team provide very professional, very genuine service – dining here is first-class”. Even those who note “the somewhat unpromising shape of the room” say it “continues to provide an excellent experience year after year” and one that’s “very good value”. Top Tip – “they also have a great little pastry counter next door”.