When it comes to the various culinary scenes of London, Clapham is up there with the best. If you dig a little deeper beyond the nightlife-focused high street, you will find a slew of independent and quirky restaurants set within this picturesque leafy pocket of south-west London.
In recent years, there has been a real upsurge in the number of high-quality restaurants in Clapham. From hearty burger joints to authentic pizza places, fine-dining affairs and global menus – Clapham’s restaurants really do offer it all. We have curated a list of the best restaurants in Clapham in 2023 to make your choice of where to eat that bit easier.
Make sure to also check out the best restaurants in Brixton and the best restaurants in Torquay.
The Best Clapham Restaurants 2023
Belle Vue – The Best Pub Restaurant in Clapham
The Belle Vue seamlessly blends traditional pub values with contemporary twists to create one of the best restaurants in Clapham. A cool Clapham pub/restaurant is a favourite in town not only for its chilled vibes, cosy interiors and welcoming staff but also for its top-notch menu and mouth-watering classic pub dishes. As one of the best Clapham restaurants, this pub always has a lively atmosphere thanks to its intimate size and live music on Friday nights.
The food menu at Belle Vue comprises a range of scrumptious plates, including a number of vegan and vegetarian options. Start with halloumi chips with coconut raita; BBQ Buffalo chicken wings; crunchy jackfruit wings with aioli or crispy salt & pepper squid with chilli mayo. For the main course, why not try the Korean chicken burger, the Cumberland sausage and mash, smoked mac n cheese, salt-baked celeriac Katsu curry or the pan-fried chicken supreme? If you’re visiting at lunchtime, then you could even tuck into one of their sourdough sandwiches, with a choice of cheddar and apple chutney with balsamic onions; Chicken, bacon and tomato with mayo and little gem; Plant based meatballs topped with arrabbiata sauce and vegan cheese and Fish finger, with little gem and tartare sauce. Customers passionate about their beer are also catered for at this trendy Clapham restaurant, with a fully-stocked bar that boasts an impressive selection of acclaimed local and international beers. So, if you’re searching the array of Clapham restaurants for one that provides a relaxed atmosphere along with delicious comfort food, then look no further than the Belle Vue.
Joe Public – The Best Pizza Restaurant in Clapham
Joe Public is one of the best pizza restaurants in Clapham, serving up by-the-slice US-style pizzas with toppings that are strictly Italian-stateside. Located in a former public loo, this Clapham restaurant offers a unique stool-only space to enjoy a huge 20-inch pizza with friends or family. For the interior, Joe Public maintains a quirky style with just two counters to sit at and menus scrawled on the white-tiled walls.
This no-frills pizza restaurant in Clapham provides a Stateside-inspired menu, with toppings including chilli-flecked pepperoni; fennel-spiced sausage; mushrooms with crispy shallots, truffle oil and parmesan; bacon and caramelised onions; and chicken and chorizo halloumi. If it’s too early for pizza (it’s never to early for pizza), then you can grab a coffee and a bacon sarnie every morning. So, grab a stool and perch at the counter inside or take a seat at one of the wooden tables outside or get a takeaway box and head out onto the grass for a pizza picnic in the sun. If you’re looking for one of the best Clapham restaurants for some doughy delights, then you have hit the jackpot with Joe Public.
Boqueria – The Best Tapas Restaurant in Clapham
Namrd after Barcelona’s famous food market, Boqueria is one of the best restaurants in Clapham, combining traditional and contemporary tapas and serving it in stylish surroundings. The interior of this Clapham restaurant is laid-back but sleek, with aluminium stools lined up along the spotlit bar, photos of market scenes on the walls and flamenco tunes flowing through the sound system. This is the perfect restaurant in Clapham to transport you back to that holiday in Spain, with punchy Spanish flavours and fabulous wine.
Browse the extensive menu to find authentic Spanish delights like Patatas Bravas, Chorizo a la sidra, Huevos rotos and Tortilla Espanola. These dishes are perfect for someone who likes to stick to the traditional. However, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous then why not opt for the suckling pig with sweet potato crisps, apple sauce and lime sorbet; the tuna tatar with avocado and sesame; the octopus with paprika on a bed of potatoes; the Oxtail risotto; or the crispy aubergine with spiced honey. Whatever you fancy, this tapas restaurant in Clapham has something to suit all palettes. So, without hesitating, get down to this trendy tapas joint and get the true Spanish experience.
Haché – The Best Burger Restaurant in Clapham
Haché is a sleek burger restaurant in Clapham with great food and a wonderfully bubbly team. A firm TripAdvisor favourite, this cool Clapham restaurant is a must-visit for any gourmet burger aficianado. Serving up delightful food that has been made from the freshest ingredients in a relaxed and sophisticate setting, it is unsurprising that Haché is one the best restaurants in Clapham.
The menu at this Clapham restaurant comprises a list of delicious burgers that cater to all tastes, diets and lifestyles, along with a selection of luxurious boozy milkshakes that make for a truly indulgent dining experience. If you’re a meat-eater then choose from juicy options like the Steak Truffle with truffle aioli, caramelised onions, Gruyere cheese and truffle shavings; the Chicken Malibu with melted mature cheddar cheese, smoked bacon, avocado, mustard mayo, baby gem, beef tomato and red onion; or the Steak Canadien with mature cheddar cheese, maple bacon jam, smoked bacon, mustard mayo, tomato, red onion and rocket. If meat isn’t your thing, then don’t worry – there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. Choose from options like the Secret Garden with panko crusted portobello mushroom, spicy peanut sauce, crisp cavolo nero, avocado and sesame seeds; and the Hot Cauliflower Cheese Burger with crispy cauliflower tossed in hot cayenne sauce, melted cheese sauce, mustard mayo, tomato, onion, rocket and pickled guindilla chilli pepper; and the. If you don’t fancy a burger, this Clapham restaurant also offers a range of refreshing salads and a number of delicious brunch options.
Kibou – The Best Japanese Restaurant in Clapham
Are you looking for a contemporary Japanese restaurant in Clapham? If so, then look no further than Kibou, a gorgeous Clapham restaurant that serves everything from sushi to ramen and authentic hot plates. Located at the end of the well-known Northcote Road, this Japanese restaurant is a real treat on the eyes both inside and out. A beautiful blossom tree adorns the outside of the venue while low-hanging lights and Asian-inspired wall art decorates the inside.
The food menu at Kibou is extensive, featuring a crowd pleasing array of authentic Japanese dishes that have been developed by the award-winning behind Cheltenham’s favourite Japanese eatery, KibouSushi. Dig into their Japanese soul food, with dishes of steaming ramen, made with pork, chicken or vegan broth; fragrant and warming Katsu curry; refreshing poke bowls with the choice of soy and honey salmon sashimi, teriyaki chicken or crispy tofu; or increasingly popular doburi – Japanese rice bowls topped with grilled teriyaki eel, braised pork belly or confit teriyaki-glazed duck leg. Alongside these, you’ll find a selection of bao buns, including marinated duck, chicken kara-age, softshell crab tempura or seasonal mushroom tempura; gyoza filled with pork or prawn; as well as a selection of handmade to order sushi and sashimi, including their signature volcano roll (salmon, avocado and tobiko futomaki, tempura fried and all served with Kibou house sauce. So, if you’re searching for a restaurant in Clapham that serves an inventive selection of Japanese cuisine in a hip environment, then Kibou is the place for you.
No 32 The Old Town – The Best Casual Dining Restaurant in Clapham
No 32 The Old Town is an all-day restaurant in Clapham that brings bags of style and a whole lot of deliciousness. This casual Clapham restaurant knocks up delicious, healthy meals in stylish surrounds, with a mottled grey interior, a cosy fire-place filled dining room and an airy rooftop terrace. Drawing inspiration from the local area in creating their sleek yet laid-back setting, No 32 The Old Town is one of the best restaurants in Clapham and welcomes guests any time of day.
This hip Clapham restaurant serves up breakfast, brunch and Sunday roasts alongside craft beers, great wines and carefully created cocktails. If you’re there for breakfast, take your pick from staples like house-made bircher with coconut yoghurt, roast plum, apricot, apple and passionfruit; avocado, feta, lime and chilli on sourdough toast; or caramelised banana and ricotta pancakes with butterscotch sauce and coconut yoghurt. Or, perhaps you’re looking for something a little more filling to get you through the day. If so, why not opt for the house breakfast with dry cured streaky bacon, pork and sage sausages, slow roast tomatoes, field mushrooms, brick oven sourdough toast and poached or scrambled eggs (vegan version also available). If you’re visiting for lunch or with friends, you can select from the extensive selection of small and sharing plates, including delights like fennel spiced crispy squid, roast butternut squash and spinach falafels, free range chicken croquettes and grilled smokey wonky aubergine. If you’re not one for sharing then you might prefer to opt for one of their larger plates – choose from dishes like grilled sea bass and chips, roast chicken, tarragon and leek pie, steamed mussels and wild mushroom Papardelle pasta. Make sure you leave room for desert, with treats on offer including white chocolate, lime and coconut cheesecake, roast plum and apple crumble and dark chocolate mousse. One thing is for sure, you won’t go hungry if you visit this magnificent Clapham restaurant.
Mama Lan – The Best Chinese Restaurant in Clapham
This Clapham restaurant has been inspired by the Beijing stall run by owner Ning Ma’s grandparents, serving up hearty northern-Chinese street food that is as popular with visitors as it is locals. Ning Ma’s childhood was spent rolling noodles and filling dumplings at her mother’s market stall in Beijing, so you can be sure you’re getting a truly authentic Chinese experience when visiting Mama Lan. After a period of running a restaurant from her living room, she eventually moved into her first brick-and-mortar restaurant in Clapham.
Offering everything from Bao buns, pot-sticker dumplings, salads, rice plates and noodle bowls, Mama Lan is one of the best restaurants in Clapham for an extensive offering of delicious Chinese street food. Choose from the selection of warming noodle soups, including chicken, wonton, beef and tofu; or select from their stir fry options, like sweet chilli chicken, chilli prawn and miso tofu, packed full with colourful veggies; or opt for some sumptuous Mama wings with sriracha, chilli oil, miso or sweet sesame dressings. Whatever, you fancy, Mama Lan will serve it within a casual and friendly setting. As long as you don’t mind fairly cramped seating and a slight queue, this Clapham restaurant really hits the spot when it comes for Chinese comfort food.
Trinity – The Best Michelin-Starred Restaurant in Clapham
As the only Michelin star restaurant in Clapham, Trinity has had residents excited since it first opened in 2006. In charge is chef Adam Byatt, whose inventive, seasonally-inspired and French-influenced dishes have attracted numerous accolades. Located in the heart of Clapham Old Town, this award-winning restaurant provides a truly memorable gastronomic experience. The space offers guests a casual dining environment while serving food that is anything but casual.
The menus at this Michelin star restaurant in Clapham are small but incredibly mighty, packing a punch with dishes that are both unique and delicious. If you’re visiting for lunch or dinner, enjoy beef tartare with pickled mushrooms and Oscietra caviar or scallop ceviche with hazelnuts and horseradish to start. Next, indulge in lobster bisque with poached native blue lobster and fennel or Cornish cod with clams, sherry and saffron. Moving onto your third course, choose from options like crisp pork jowl with red prawn and black garlic or Dover sole baked in cep butter and cep duxelle. Finally, finished off your four-course lunch with a selection of seasonal artisan cheeses or a salted caramel custard tart. No meal at this Clapham restaurant is complete without a good glass of wine to accompany it. Thankfully, the team at Trinity restaurant have invested a lot of time and effort into their cellar, having great relationships with all of their suppliers. So, if you’re looking for food that is of a certain pedigree served in a space that you can relax in, then is one of the best restaurants in Clapham.
Minnow – The Best Instagrammable Restaurant in Clapham
Minnow is a sweet neighbourhood restaurant with charm and creativity. Freshly opened, right by Clapham Common, this cosy restaurant is an instant charmer thanks to its pastel green exterior, Parisian-style cafe tables and the arch of roses hanging over its doorway. The instagrammable decor continues as you step indoors, with a classic black and white tiled floor, wooden tables and grey banquettes. Owner, Chris Frichot was raised at the Michelin-starred Knockinaam Lodge Hotel in Scotland, so hospitality in bred within him. He opened Minnow alongside wife Saba Tsegaye.
The menu at this Clapham restaurant is affordable and pared-down, largely focusing on a handful of delicious dishes and specialising in brunch. Open all day from breakfast through to dinner, this restaurant serves up modern European dishes, along with great breakfast items and roast dinners. If you’re visiting for brunch, choose from delights like porridge and mixed berries, poached eggs on chargrilled sourdough, bacon or sausage sandwich, or French toast with maple syrup, whipped cream and mixed berries. For lunch, opt for the quinoa superfood salad, the gnocchi with butternut squash puree and goats cheese, the seared tuna with pak choi and ginger dressing or the grilled duck with port sauce and roasted leek. If you’re visiting in the evening, then you can choose from dishes like braised ox cheek with pickled onion, chargrilled hispi cabbage with puy lentils and salsa rossa or cod with sweet potato puree and crispy kale. Minnow is the best restaurant in Clapham for idyllic decor, divine food and trendy vibes.
Mien Tay – The Best Vietnamese Restaurant in Clapham
Mien Tay is one of the best restaurants in Clapham for authentic Vietnamese food. Located just a short walk from Clapham Junction, Mien Tay initially strikes you as a typical Vietnamese restaurant, with a frontage that isn’t the most inviting. Look past the exterior, however, and find delicious home-style cooking that has been serving hungry Londoners for 6 years. Only using the highest quality and freshest ingredients, this Clapham restaurant doesn’t skimp when it comes to their food.
With quite a long menu, featuring a whole variety of dishes, this Clapham restaurant offers both traditional Vietnamese and some not-so-typical Vietnamese options. On the menu you will find fragrant pho and spring and summer rolls, alongside busy stir fries full of lemongrass and ginger, fish dishes and punchy rice bowls. Choose from classic dishes like chargrilled chicken sate, sweet and sour pork spare ribs, king prawns with butter and garlic, and salt, pepper and garlic squid. Alternatively, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, why not try the fried frogs legs with butter, the Mien Tay eel with garlic and chilli, the chargrilled quail with honey, garlic and spices, or the stir-fried green mussels. This unassuming Vietnamese restaurant in Clapham is truly addictive so be prepared to start visiting on a weekly basis. You won’t find a better Vietnamese restaurant in Clapham than this one.
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