Fun fact: did you know that Clapham Junction station is, rather ironically, geographically located in Battersea? Or that Bond actor Roger Moore was born in Battersea in 1907? Or that Battersea forms part of the movie set for 101 Dalmatians, Spice Girls: The Movie and The Dark Knight?
Aside from its rich history and movie star status, Battersea is simply brimming with great coffees, delightful lunch spots and dinner locations that make a great argument for popping on the Northern Line. Plus, with the re-opening of the iconic Battersea Powerstation in 2022, the glut of great restaurants in the area has come thick and fast.
Lucky for you, the Foodism team have scouted out the best 20 spots to eat and drink in Battersea so that you don't have to do the leg work. You're so welcome.
Ready? Set? Go.
Where to eat in Battersea
El Pastor
Battersea Circus West Village, Unit 21-22, SW11 8EZ
El Pastor is the latest notch in Battersea Powerstation's belt of restaurants, the fourth incarnation of the beloved Mexican restaurant from the boys behind Barrafina. As the name might elude, you can expect to chow down on the titular el pastor pork taco alongside tostadas, quesadillas, margaritas, and mezcal. The vast 90-cover space with a 60-cover riverside terrace has plenty of space to pop in for an impromptu supper in SW11.
Bababoom
30 Battersea Rise, SW11 1EE
Bababoom
Bababoom
Fan of Maison Bab and their carefully crafted, baba ghanoush stuffed, pickle-touting flatbreads? Then you'll love BabaBoom, another Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant set on making kebabs more than the greasy grub you greedily inhale at the end of a BNO (big night out). Try the dukkah-dusted whitebait, pomegranate topped sweet potato hummus and saffron and orange chicken shish, complete with chermoula yoghurt, crispy onions and harissa sauce. Oh, and you'd be mad not to order a side of the crispy halloumi fries – because, well, halloumi fries.
Little Bird
1 Battersea Rise, SW11 1HG
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Step into Little Bird and we'd forgive you for thinking you'd stumbled into an Oliver Bonas-inspired jungle: there are hanging baskets filled with botanics of most shapes and sizes, rustic, boho-chic frames hanging on every wall and bamboo chandeliers. It's what you'd imagine the Victorian era would have looked like if Kelly Hoppen had been queen and London was more jungle than City. Alas, we digest: Little Bird is the perfect spot for a work lunch or to pop in at the weekend and enjoy their Asian-cum-Mediterranean cuisine. We weren't sure what that meant before we went, either… But think juicy grilled prawn tacos, springy pork gyozas and moist sesame-crusted black cod, washed down with one of their ten specialist cocktails. None take your fancy? Tell the bartender what you're after and he'll knock something up for you.
Tashas
Battersea Power Station, 3 Prospect Way, SW11 8BH
You'd think Battersea Power Station might have run out of sufficient space to continue adding such killer restaurants, but they just keep coming. One of the latest additions is Tashas, a hefty 150-cover restaurant and the first UK site to house a South African-inspired cafe concept. Founded by CEO Natasha Sideris in 2005 in Johannesburg, there are now 15 spots across South Africa and the UAE serving up simple, nourishing all-day dining. The menu, inspired by Sideris' travels, features crowd-pleasing plates like crispy cornflake pork schnitzel with potato salad; smoked salmon and green goddess; and spiced syrup-soaked brioche with homemade almond paste and apricot jam. With a chic atmosphere, a confident cocktail offering and soothing food, you'll leave Tashas well-fed for the shopping ahead.
Gazette
79 Sherwood Court, SW11 3UY
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Fancy enjoying a taste of France whilst overlooking the river Thames in the heart of Battersea? Gazette is one of the longest-standing – and most loved - cafes in SW10, serving hearty duck fillets, butter-drenched mussels and peppercorn sauce steaks with many a carafe of French red wine, of course. It's hard to find a half-decent (read: half-authentic) Parisian-style brasserie in London, with so many slipping British dishes onto the menu. But Gazette does Paris, and it does Paris well. Bon appetit.
Solis
First Floor, Battersea Power Station, SW11 8AL
Ana Gonçalves and her husband Zijun Meng, aka the minds behind TĀ TĀ Eatery and Tou are back with another conquest – Solis in Arcade Food Hall. Inspired by the flavours of Spain, Portugal, Uruguay and Argentina, it's the perfect spot for those looking for a satisfying steak dinner that won't break the bank. Be sure not to skip the torta de queso for pud – a silky cheesecake with a jammy berry compote.
JOIA
15th Floor, 1 Electric Boulevard, SW11 8BJ
The first thing that strikes you when you enter JOIA is the soft pink colour palette, as far as the eye can see. That is, until you clock the view. With sweeping vistas over the recently renovated Battersea Power Station to the river and Chelsea beyond, it's a pretty spectacular bird's eye view of an area of London that has undergone swift and thorough redevelopment. If anything will distract you from that bold colour scheme and impressive outlook, though, it's the food. Two-Michelin-starred Portuguese chef Henrique Sá Pessoa has designed a menu inspired by his roots and the Iberian peninsula, so expect big flavours and oodles seafood. Don't leave without taking a quick trip to the rooftop, poolside bar, it's the perfect place for a pre or post-dinner cocktail in the warmer months.
Flour to the People
573 Battersea Park Road, SW11 3BJ
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Like the sound of homemade jam, warm, freshly baked scones and crunchy, springy sourdough slathered in salty butter and tangy marmalade? Flour to the People are renowned in Battersea for —yep, you guessed it — their bread. And it's not just any bread: it's loving-made, light as a feather but with enough of a crust to gnaw on sourdough, baked daily in their Battersea Park Road bakery. Stop by in the morning to grab a loaf or to take advantage of their unlimited toast and toppings offer – it's just £6.95 for as much sourdough and sides, including eggs, mushrooms and more, as you can fit in. Don't leave without trying their decadent in-house hazelnut spread – it's more-ish, indulgent chaos. Spread generously.
Ploussard
97 St Johns Road, SW11 1QY
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If you're in the mood to cosplay as a chic Parisian Mademoiselle, head to Ploussard for seasonal French-inspired small plates washed down with glasses of low-intervention, biodynamic, and natural wine. The ever-changing menu is so enticing it's difficult not to order the whole hog. However, when it's time to pick out the cream of the crop, opt for the cuttlefish and jersey royal terrine, white asparagus with duck ham and rhubarb and tonka choux bun. You won't regret it.
Augustine Kitchen
63 Battersea Bridge Road, SW11 3AU
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Another French bistro begging for your attention and your bottom on a seat is Augustine, located on Battersea Bridge road. If you're after a spot for an intimate and cosy working lunch, or somewhere to while away the afternoon with an ice cold bottle of rose one Sunday afternoon, then you'll love Augustine. Franck Raymond had earned two Michelin stars as head chef at Le Marignac and worked for Marco Pierre White at the Oar Room before he launched Augustine Kitchen, his brainchild. And you can tell: there's a focus on only using the freshest French produce available: you're in for smoky charcuterie from Monsieur Colliard and the freshest of fish from Mouchet Anythy sur Leman, should you head. Plus, you'd be a fool not to round your lunch off with Raymond's cheese board, bursting with wheels of nutty Comte and sour Tamie. Divine.
BAO Noodle Shop
Hall A, Battersea Power Station, SW11 8DD
Queue-worthy Taiwanese-inspired fare is on the menu at BAO, including the iconic classic pork bao that will have you planning your return within a mouthful. Aside from bountiful buns, this iteration of BAO also slings out (you guessed it) noodles – so save space for the slow-cooked beef cheek noodles with spiced beef butter. Slurpable and satisfying.
No. 29 Power Station
29 Circus West, SW11 8NN
No. 29
No. 29
Battersea Power station has had a total revamp in recent years, and now houses several outstanding cafes, bars and restaurants, No. 29 being one of those. With stunning views of the river and across the Thames, No. 29 has a little bit of everything: delicious brunch, light lunch options and a lovely intimate dinner spot. Should you go for dinner, plates are designed to be shared, and Foodism favourites include the mouthwateringly crunchy polenta squid – a revelation – and the deep, dark roast pumpkin hummus. There are over 50 (yes, 50) wines to choose from, 30 cocktails and 15 beers, including locally crafted Beavertown blends. Date night, anyone?
Soif
27 Battersea Rise, SW11 1HG
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In the mood for light as a feather truffle pasta, decadent duck fillets and creamy, buttery mussels? Then you'll want to try Soif for your next evening meal out. The menu changes daily, but you're in for French-fusion cuisine using locally sourced ingredients and made with love. Soif's main selling point? There are hundreds of wines to choose from – they aren't the cheapest, but they do offer wine-fiends a very exciting selection. Where to eat and drink in Battersea, sorted.
Dishoom
Upper Ground Floor, 42 Electric Boulevard, SW11 8BJ
Ah, Dishoom, perhaps London's most dependable chain that's had us hooked on its legendary bacon naan rolls and fragrant black daal from day dot. Dishoom Battersea is the first outpost south of the river, serving up the same lip-smacking flavours of Bombay as its siblings. There's simply no better place to seek solace with a masala chai after a hellish stint in Zara.
The Latchmere
503 Battersea Park Road, SW11 3BW
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Good pub grub in Battersea is pretty hard to come by, despite the many gastropubs in the area and nearby Clapham. Having undergone a recent change of hands and being taken over by the Three Cheers pub company, The Latchmere now serves pretty good dishes at a reasonable price for SW11 – and don't be surprised if head chef Phil comes out to check how your meal is. Top picks include the roast with all the trimmings – veggies and vegans, the nut roast is also yummy, too – and the sea bream and chorizo. Pair with a pint and a match of football on the TV and you're in for the perfect Sunday.
Oddono's Gelati
69 Northcote Road, SW11 1NP
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Smooth, sweet, ice cold ice cream piled high on thin wafer cone is pretty hard to beat, especially if it's from Oddono's. They've been serving fresh Italian gelato in Battersea since 2004, and made the cut for Foodism's best ice creams in London article, naturally. Don't be surprised if you head down on a particularly hot summers day to find a queue snaking out the door – popular favourites include their peanut butter ice cream, and their tiramisu special. Snow good.
Where to drink in Battersea
Two Drops
Circus West Village, Battersea Power Station, SW11 8EZ
Harts Group (the brains behind London's beloved Quo Vadis, El Pastor and Parrillan) bring wine, beer and bread to the shores of Battersea in the recently opened Two Drops. To accompany the selection of beers, wine and cocktails are drool-worthy jurarégal cheese toasties stuffed with everything from shallots and marmite to salt beef, horseradish and pickled gherkin. Stomach lining secured.
Vagabond
Unit 12 Circus, Village West Circus Road, SW11 8EZ
Vagabond
Vagabond
You've likely heard of Vagabond wine bars – it's a date night favourite for many and pretty renowned as the most relaxed wine bar in London. Why so, you ask? Well, since they opened in Fulham in 2010, the Vagabond team have been working to make wine bars accessible and approachable for all. You've all been there – sat in a slightly-too-hot-room with a waiter rolling his eyes as you attempt to stall over the several (extortionately priced) bottles on the menu in front of you. Not at Vagabond, where the whole design is customer first. Pop in store, top up your wine 'credit card' and then start swiping. There are notes on every bottle and hundreds of wines to choose from, so you can try some of the budget wines, or go all out and opt for a taste of the more expensive. Ready, set, vino.
Humble Grape
2 Battersea Rise, SW11 1ED
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If you're a fan of small, independent businesses and like supporting local ventures, it's time you got down to one of the Humble Grapes branches. There are only five across London, and all offer an oasis of (wine-fuelled) calm in an otherwise busy city. Choose from over 400 artisan wines, imported from family wineries around the world, and enjoy a delicious selection of charcuterie and small plates to match. Cheers to that.
The Duke of Cambridge
228 Battersea Bridge Road, SW11 3AA
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On the hunt for a good old local pub to while away a Friday evening at or toast in the weekend at? Located on the doorstep of Battersea Park is the Duke of Cambridge, which has been warmly welcoming pub-goers since 1890. Enjoy a steak and ale pie, scotch egg or club sandwich and wash down with one of their many local and craft beers on offer.
