This month, join us as we take a virtual stroll around your local neighbourhood, dropping in on an enviable selection of cuisines from around the world – all located here in Clapham Junction.
From Latin flavours and Mediterranean mezes, to spice sensations and hearty soul food, The Junction is home to a world of flavours, courtesy of the many outstanding local eateries. If you’re dining out and looking for the perfect bite, use our handy restaurant guide and make Clapham Junction your destination!
BEST OF BRITISH
If home is where the heart is, let’s kick off with some hearty British burgers to feed the soul…
Patty & Bun, located on Northcote Road, believe in the quality of produce and select their ingredients from some of the top artisan suppliers across the country. They put their success down to dedication to the basics – the patty and the bun!
With free-range aged beef and homemade dough made to a bespoke recipe, all ingredients are lovingly produced to deliver juicy patties sandwiched between flavourful buns, finished with finger-licking toppings and delivered with a choice of loaded sides. Signature burgers include ‘The Smokey Robinson’ and the ‘Lambshank Redemption’, but it’s not all about melt-in-the-mouth meat – there are great plant-based options for meat-free diners too.
More Best of British: Meat Liquor | Sea Fare Fish Bar
FRENCH CLASSICS
For classic French cooking, try Soif (pronounced ‘swuf’) on Battersea Rise – a bustling neighbourhood bistro and wine shop, rolled into one.
Their thoughtfully compiled wine list perfectly complements a seasonal menu made with carefully selected, organic produce. Among the list of French classics and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, the rotisserie whole chicken (to share) is a speciality and one to be tried. Beautifully prepared food, a friendly team and vibrant atmosphere make this restaurant a local gem.
More French Classics: Ploussard
ITALIAN INSPIRED
When it comes to all things Italiano, you’re spoilt for choice in Clapham Junction. From big pizza pies and bellissimo pasta bowls to antipasti and authentic regional dishes, the list of restaurants is long. Here are just two to wet your appetito…
Osteria Antica Bologna has been a permanent fixture on Northcote Road for 30 years, standing firm as a neighbourhood favourite despite the arrival of alternative cuisines and chains.
The décor is rustic and the atmosphere bustling. And, with Chef Marzio Zacchi at the helm, diners can expect carefully selected seasonal produce and a choice of freshly prepared daily specials.
From the a la carte menu, expect classic antipasti plates like crispy Zucchini Fritte and Burchetta Pomodoro, followed by ‘Primi Piatti’ choices of freshly-made pastas and rich risottos. From the mains you’ll be treated to seasonal fish and meat specialities, transporting you to Bologna in taste, if not in person.
Image credit: Osteria Antica Bologna
If you’re a pizza purist, a visit to PizzaMetroPizza
on Battersea Rise is in order. After all, the founder - Master Pizza Chef Diego Palladino – was voted ‘Best Italian Pizza Chef’ at the Italian Pizza Doc World Championships in 2022/2023!
As another established local business, Diego has proudly welcomed three generations of families to his restaurant since opening in 1993.
Diners can expect traditional Neapolitan pizza served in a contemporary style. Freshly sourced ingredients and the care and attention paid to crafting the dough translate into thin, light and fresh pizzas.
Diego’s signature toppings include slow-cooked tomato Ragu Napoletano, homemade beef meatballs, mozzarella di bufala DOP, 24-month parmesan flakes, homemade basil pesto and ‘fior di latte di Napoli’. With a fill of fantastic flavours, there’s not much more to say other than buon appetito!
Image Credit: Chrysoulla Photography
More Italian-inspired: Botanica Hall | Buona Sera | Dan & Angel | Franco Manca | Made in Italy | Manifesto | Numero Uno | PizzaExpress | Taverna Trastevere
MEDITERRANEAN MEZE
As you explore Clapham Junction, you’ll discover the flavours of the Med, from Portugal to Greece and everywhere in between. On this particular journey, we’ll head to Spain and authentic tapas, courtesy of Tapajax on St John’s Hill.
Tapajax is the brainchild of founders, Jack and Danny Cullen who, after working in the restaurant industry for over 10 years, decided to go it alone and create an authentic Spanish experience for diners. Today, the restaurant prides itself on creating freshly made tapas, daily, complimented by a selection of Spanish (and other world) wines, plus a list of popular cocktails.
Signature tapas bites include homemade croquetas, traditional Spanish tortilla, garlic and chilli prawns and grilled chorizo served in a red wine sauce. And, if there’s room for more, sample their Basque cheesecake or almond cake for a sweet finish to a great evening out.
Image credit: Chrysoulla Photography
More Mediterranean Meze: Casa Manolo (Spanish) | Meli Art (Greek) | Al Gusto (Portuguese)
MENU MEXICANO
For a taste of Mexico’s vibrant culture and cuisine (with a subtle twist), head to Azteca Öme on Battersea Rise.
The twist? Well, this restaurant delivers a unique culinary experience where you’ll be treated to authentic Mexican flavours infused with delicate Japanese influences, creating a fusion of dishes from classic ceviche to sashimi tostadas, and spicy sharing plates where jalapeno meets miso marinades and a touch of nori. Hence the restaurant name ‘Öme’ which translates as ‘two’ in the ancient Aztec language.
Combined with great service, the unique décor and lively atmosphere (watch out for the live Mariachi band) Azteca Öme delivers a fantastic dining experience.
Image credit: Azteca Öme
PAN-ASIAN-PLATES
Imagine steaming bowls of ramen, crisp tempura, pillowy bao buns and sumptuous sushi – dishes inspired by the nostalgia of Tokyo’s bustling backstreet restaurants – and then imagine having all these authentic Japanese flavours on your doorstep. Thanks to KIBOU on Northcote Road, you do!
With every single dish made by hand, you’ll experience classic and contemporary flavours and artfully displayed sharing platters served against a backdrop of colourful Tokyo-life murals adorning the walls. Signature dishes include ‘Volcano’ sushi rolls – 10-piece futomaki, salmon, avocado & tobiko, dipped in tempura batter, fried and drizzled with special KIBOU sauces – and handmade gyoza filled with lightly spiced pork mince, steamed and pan-fried and served with homemade dipping sauce.
Along with a selection of Japanese whisky, sake, Japanese-brewed beers and signature Japanese-inspired cocktails, KIBOU delivers a real flavour of the East Asian island.
Image credit: Chrysoulla Photography
For extra spice, try the newly opened Tamila on Northcote Road where authentic Indian flavours hit your palate with their mouthwatering dosa, poori and tandoori dishes, plus a selection of spicy and tangy curries.
In a setting inspired by the tradition of Indian truck art, the same team behind the ‘Tamil Prince’ have crafted Tamila’s short but perfectly formed menu which spotlights south Indian street food, Tamil style. Signature dishes include chicken lollipops with sweet chilli chutney, mutton curry dosa, Channa masala and delicious flaky rotis.
When it comes to drinks, keep things spicy with a Gunpowder Margareta or, if things get a little hot, a Tamila larger may be in order. Alternatively, you can always cool things down with Tamila’s mango soft serve!
More Pan-Asian Plates: Akash (Indian) | Banana Tree (Fusion) | Hana (Korean) | Kaosarn (Thai) | Kokoro (Japanese) | Pho (Vietnamese) | Rosa’s (Thai) | Soi Thai | Sushi Shop (Japanese)
To discover more flavours from around the world and a full list of eateries in Clapham Junction, visit our dedicated business directory here…
