Best Contemporary European Restaurants in Balham

In a word, spectacular. What a wonderful find last evening. Little, cozy, neighborhood gem with a warm welcoming staff. A perfectly made martini and fantastic menu. Not like everything else. The duck was perfect, the ink tortelloni in a lobster emulsion were both divine. I’ll be back.

Fantastic dining experience. Irish hospitality at its best and amazing food

Another excellent lunch at Cornus. I was tempted by the excellent value set lunch menu at £55 for 3 courses but succumbed to the full 7 course tasting menu at £165, which included of course the usual selection of canapés, delicious sourdough bread and focaccia, and petit fours. Top quality ingredients, highly skilled cooking and beautiful presentation. Highlights included red mullet with a salsa verde; cod with girolles, squid and crispy potatoes; roast pigeon with a chestnut purée. Service was excellent throughout from the whole team, with particular thanks to the incomparable sommelier Melania and joint owner David. The wine list is extensive and keenly priced by London standards but BYO is extremely popular and with corkage at lunch of £20 an absolute bargain. The total bill for this solo diner was £235, including a glass of champagne, corkage and service charge. I think that is tremendous value for money. Overall at least 17/20 and one of the best restaurants in London for classic cooking with lots of technique and top quality ingredients. The only problem is that now I’m torn between long-established sister restaurant Medlar and newcomer Cornus for a neighbourhood lunch. Ah well, life is tough.

We really enjoyed the experience. Good food, great service and staff, lovely ambiance.

The Northall provides excellent food and wine in a lovely environment. The service is first class. We were there for Sunday lunch and greatly enjoyed ourselves. We shall certainly return.