Just to say that Spaghetti Bar is really good for a low key dinner or lunch - we've eaten there a couple of times now and think it's going to become a new favourite local for us. You can book it, you just need to pop in or call them: 020 8675 9889.

I'll also add a vote for Cullios which is always good and really friendly.

If you like burgers, Hache is very good. Haven't been to the duke of Devonshire for a couple of years, but that was always very good

Brinkley is always good (by Wandsworth common)

Yes, agreed about Gazette - not great anymore

Lambert's as lots of people have already highlighted. Plus, not quite Balham but May the Fifteenth in Abbeville is great. And slightly further Hood in Streatham Hill.

Some really great recommendations I can't wait to try in future. Despite all of these we were told of a Thai 'Krua'. The food was fresh and delicious, friendly service and great atmosphere! The bill came to £12 pp with more food than we could possibly eat and to top it all off it was BYOB £1 corkage pp!!!! They even offered to put our additional bottles in the fridge. Great find, would book ahead.

Lamberts is great as is Gazette

I like cattlegrid but it's more a hipster quick nosh style place rather than somewhere for "dinner"

Lamberts for a little more polished experience and gazette for a truly authentic French brasserie experience.

For a relaxed dinner, I really like Cullios. Lovely (family run, I think?) Italian place.
Just like someone else said, avoid Gazette, awful place with an equally awful service.
Have a lovely evening.

Without a doubt Cattlegrid...best ribs in the world and that's someone who's travelled extensively to the bbq parts of the US!

Have never experienced chewy meat there.

Without a doubt Cattlegrid...best ribs in the world and that's someone who's travelled extensively to the bbq parts of the US!

Have never experienced chewy meat there.

I second Arlo's. Great place - delicious steak, good service, light-hearted and buzzy but not too noisy (showing my age!).

Another good local is The French Café on Ritherdon Road. Good menu and service and a great, relaxed neighbourhood vibe.

Good to see these other local recommendations - a few to add to the list for 2017!

Taro the new japanese restaurant on Balham High Road (opposite Du Cane Court) is good and very reasonably priced.

Lamberts is great for something a bit more special/upmarket.

Indian Room (and its spin off Thali and Pickles) are both good and very tasty. Indian Room more traditional, Thali and Pickles more 'street food'

Another place where you always get great food is Pasha Mangal on Bedford Hill. From the outside it may look like a kebab shop but there's a seating area at the back (BYO) and the food is delicious and freshly cooked.

And Arlo's the new steak house is very also great.

Places I don't rate are:

Gazette - bland food, often served cold.
Cattlegrid - tables too close together and very chewy meat
chicken shop and Dirty Burger - good when first opened now shocking

Lamberts is fantastic for quite a treat-y meal with very good service that isn't overly formal. We've been going there for years and it never disappoints.
If the parents are up for Nepalese food, Gurkhas Diner is also lovely, and not as expensive.

Lamberts
Ciullosteria
Foxlow

I've heard good things about the new place called Goose Island near Bertie and Boo

My husband and I have the parents staying this weekend and would love to explore what Balham has to offer a little more. We tend to gravitate to Northcote Road for a fuss free dinner but would like to try somewhere new. Any recommendations in Balham? I have seen good things about Spagetti Bar but worry if we can't book the men may be 'hangry' (angry hungry)!

Open to all suggestions!