Bala Baya

Had dinner with colleagues here, we had the festive menu which was absolutely delicious! especially the spiced pumpkin hummus and Picanha & redcurrant. The service was excellent too, will certainly come back again!

Exceptionally good! The place is really nice too, a lot of space between tables. Not cheap, though: we spent ~94/person (~3 tapas/each + pita, a bottle of wine, dessert and coffee or dessert drink)

Absolutely brilliant food - a taste sensation. Lots of natural light and green plants create a fresh atmosphere. Cocktails were well made, not too syrupy or diluted. Blown away with the food. As a vegetarian I was truly spoilt with choices. What we thought would be a simple carrot side was a spectacular layered and textured dish, colourful carrots cooked to perfection with crispy tofu and a lush sauce. Hot potato was cordion layered potatoes in a rich but not heavy sauce. Black forest is my favourite and dessert didn't disappoint. Light chocolate sponge drizzled in chocolate and deep cherry sauce. Service matched the quality of food. Cannot wait to return and try other dishes and brunch menu.

Very good restaurant with seats inside (on two levels) and outside. Friendly and professional staff, thank you! Israeli dishes and wines.

Delicious food, innovative arrangement of familiar middle eastern ingredients. Service was helpful- not pushy, but if they had one of my cousin’s chocolate baklava cakes for dessert we would have ordered it!

Really nice atmosphere in the restaurant. higher than average prices but the food was is so worth it. Aman provided perfect service, really attentive.

Wow! Everything we ordered was delicious! Cocktail, ceviche, hummus, grilled salad, pretzels, dessert. Want to come back and try all the other dishes.

Best Mediterranean food I’ve had in a very long time, if ever. We arrived at 3:00pm, an awkward in between time for kitchens and the host kindly allowed us to sneak in an order even though the kitchen was near closing. The quality of the food and cocktails were impeccable. We ordered the basil and mint sour, the aubergine mess, the hummus with short rib, and the lamb kebab. Beautiful flavours and it will be a definite return trip and recommendation to friends and family in London.

Go here if you like Middle Eastern food. Really good food and a great vibe. We went for the vegan tasting menu at £45pp. Plenty of variety, lots of food and everything was very tasty. Loved the bagel stick, cauliflower and skewers but in truth everything was amazing and full of flavour. We were served a vegetarian option with goats cheese by accident but I spotted it before consuming it. The vegan dessert was not for us but grateful they had given some consideration to it beyond fruit. I’d highly recommend this restaurant to vegans and vegetarians. There are not many places that cater for mixed groups of people with differing dietary requirements to this extent. This was beyond the usual Lebanese / Middle Eastern fare with broader influences from North Africa. It is on the pricey side but worth it. £160 for 2 people for the vegan set menu, olives and a bottle of white wine. The service was excellent. The waiter took his time to answer all our questions and didn’t rush our leisurely vegan feast. He also packed the leftovers avoiding food waste.

The Flavours was really good despite both my Prawn and Cauliflower dishes yogurt sauces looks similar but completely different. I like the complex and complimentary flavours for the Prawns. Only the prawn head was bit darker indicates freshness but thank god they taste amazing. I order the Mix Salad but came the cauliflower but no regards 😋😋😋

The food here is very creative, colorful, and delicious. It’s amazing how they combine all the flavors to make them so good. Bread is baked in house. Excellent service. Really great experience.

Incredible food and service. Highly recommend the prawn ceviche and aubergine. Very quick service and friendly staff. Highly recommend.

An Israeli gem near Southwark, perfect for sharing plates packed with flavour - great for meat lovers, vegetarians, and dip enthusiasts! Here’s what we tried: ⭐️ Kebab Dumplings: Hearty and meaty, these dumplings hit the spot - so satisfying. ⭐️ Prawn Baklava: The highlight of the night! Sweet, savoury, and totally unique. It’s a bit on the pricier side, but worth trying at least once. ⭐️ Aubergine Mess: An incredible dip for pita, with the perfect balance of smoky aubergine and a hint of sweetness from lychee. ⭐️ Roasted Butternut Squash Hummus: Rich, creamy, and full of flavour - a must-order. This is definitely a spot to visit as a group to try a variety of dishes. There’s something for everyone, especially having vegetarian friends. 🙌

Wonderful dinner at Bala Baya! Not only was the place beautifully decorated and modern, the food was insane! I’m a big mediterranean food fan and this was definitely on my top 3 of London! Definitely on the pricier side, but would recommend for a date night! We got their hummus topped with meat, and aubergine dip! Both were sensational! We also got their chicken and roasted cauliflower! Everything was a 10/10! Perfect pairings and interesting flavors.

The seabass was amazing! It's big though so definitely one to share. We'll be back to have this dish again.

The most delicious food, prawns & homemade flatbread & everything aubergine are incredible! Fun complimentary shots for celebrations, delicious cocktails, beautiful restaurant interiors & outdoor seating, friendly service at just the right level of attentiveness

Amazing food! Super tasty with lots of options and good quality!

Really impressed by the food and its a good vibe! Make sure you order aubergine mess and the ceviche!

A Hidden Gem in Southwark – Bala Baya is a Must-Visit Bala Baya is hands down one of the most exciting Israeli restaurants in London. Every visit feels like a warm, personal experience largely thanks to Chef Eran, who is not only incredibly talented but also genuinely friendly. It’s rare to see a chef step out of the kitchen to chat with guests, but Eran makes a point of doing so, and it adds a personal, welcoming touch that sets this place apart. The menu of small plates is a true celebration of bold Middle Eastern flavours. The dishes are designed for sharing, but you’ll want to keep a few to yourself especially the cauliflower and the prawn baklava, both of which are absolute standouts. The creativity, texture, and balance of flavour in those dishes alone are worth the trip. The cocktail list is another highlight – inventive, well-crafted, and a perfect complement to the food. Whether you're looking for something refreshing or a bit more adventurous, there's always something on the menu that surprises and delights. The setting is stylish and relaxed, with a vibrant atmosphere that makes it ideal for both date nights and dinners with friends. Bala Baya consistently delivers on flavour, service, and experience. Highly recommended! A true gem in the heart of London.

Our server Tzitka was amazing! Very attentive! The food was delicious and reasonably priced with good portion sizes for the sharing plates. Great options for people with all types of dietary requirements. The Mocktail list was extensive too. Will definitely be coming back.

Bala Baya is a truly special dining experience and a place that immediately leaves an impression, even before the first bite is taken. Located beneath a railway bridge, the restaurant makes brilliant use of its unique setting. The ceiling is formed by a large stone arch that supports the bridge above, built from simple bricks that give the space a raw, industrial character. This could easily feel cold, but Bala Baya balances it perfectly with warm décor, atmospheric lighting, and an abundance of greenery that softens the space and makes it feel welcoming and vibrant. One of the most striking features is the elevated terrace-like area above ground level, which adds depth to the interior and creates the feeling of dining in a hidden urban oasis. The lighting is carefully designed, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere, ideal for both relaxed dinners and special occasions. The food is nothing short of spectacular. Even before tasting, the dishes are a feast for the eyes. Everything is served as sharing plates, encouraging a communal and social dining experience. Each dish is full of flavor, beautifully seasoned, and thoughtfully prepared. The balance of spices is excellent, and every bite feels exciting and satisfying. Bala Baya is a restaurant that delivers on atmosphere, presentation, and taste. It is highly recommended, and without a doubt, we will return here on our next visit to London.

We visited last Tuesday with a friend and had an absolutely wonderful experience. The food was amazing — beautifully prepared and full of flavour. Our waitress was outstanding: friendly, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable. She recommended a fantastic selection of dishes and introduced us to their delicious homemade cocktail infusions, which were a real highlight. We had originally booked terrace seating, but when a table became available inside, she kindly offered to move us to the main restaurant, which made the evening even more enjoyable. Service and food were truly 10 out of 10. We’ll definitely be coming back again!

Been on several occasions, including once during Covid restrictions. The team are always friendly and helpful, a welcoming environment set over two floors in the arches. Food is outstanding, big flavour small plates with a changing seasonal menu. A tad pricey, however considering the area it’s somewhat to be expected. Quality and innovation get top marks, as well as a range of tasty cocktails. The cocktails push the overall price up of course but they’re very tempting 😁

Delicious potato gratin was unusual flavours. Beef tartare, had to buy the naan for the dish to be eaten. Was fine. Dumpling pastry was mushy and not crispy. Very underwhelming. Atmosphere was good but overly priced with little care on the execution of its dishes.

We like Levant food so this is really up our street. The menu is different and we found 4 dishes to share. All were on the modest size but enough to get a flavour. A personal favourite was the lamb.

This is an interesting restaurant in Southwark. It is Israeli, but serves mediteranneen food. The set up and interior decor are very unique, with a cozy terrasse along a small lane. The food is ok. Aubergine mess was a tasty dish, as well as the Brisket Doughnut. But the price is a bit high, for medium sized portions.

Came here for lunch with a coworker. We got the chickpea hummus with pita 🫓. It was very tasty. Would add a little lemon to zest it up perfect as is. My coworker got the cauliflower steak crumble, which he loved. Packs a punch in a small dish. I had the Laffa Couture (grilled chicken) dish which was lovely. I would eat it again. If I could add extra pomegranate juice onto the dish...I would.

Had a great evening here with friends. We ordered hummus, pita, nuts, bagel, cabbage, cauliflower, prawns, chicken, fish ceviche, as well as two desserts. The small and medium dishes were all great. The desserts weren’t really to our taste. It was a bit noisy and hot upstairs so we asked to be moved outside. Beware it if rains. Staff were all friendly and ready to look after you.

I came to Bala Baya with the London Cuisine Club and we had a pleasant experience. We sat outside under the awning and enjoyed the lively, welcoming atmosphere. The service was excellent. Our waitress was attentive, cleared plates promptly, and brought out new dishes as they were ready. It is very much a sharing-style restaurant. The food was well-prepared and enjoyable.

Food was good, tasted fresh and definitely recommend the Lamb Shakshuka. The construction next door was unbearable noise and it was on a Saturday afternoon so unsure why that was.

Decent spot for brunch - the mini mess was yummy, and the hummus, the feta, the pita and the tomato and chilli dip were fine. The burnt babka was okay, we were expecting it to have more flavour (though it’s baked well). Servers were friendly though service was a bit slow and they seemed to be needing reminders. It is a bit pricy as we didn’t have any mains and still paid £40+. All in all, it was a decent experience but nothing stand-out for me personally and thus, expensive for what it was.

Food was delicious, especially the sauces. Many vegan options clearly labeled. Service was a bit slow, the dishes would take quite a long time to arrive. But worth it and it’s great to be able to pay with Yums from TheFork!

The team is always friendly and helpful, creating a welcoming environment spread over two floors in the arches. I have visited on multiple occasions. The food is exceptional, featuring small plates packed with bold flavors and a seasonal menu that changes regularly. While the prices are a bit high, this is somewhat expected given the location. Top marks go to the quality and innovation of the dishes, along with a selection of delicious cocktails. Of course, the cocktails increase the overall cost, but they are very tempting.

The food was good not great. The food choices were limited and the dessert were mediocre. Ther service was good but the tables were too close to each other ( I could hardly listen to my partner).

3.5/4 - came as a high recommendation from a friend but overall disappointing for price : quality ratio. Nice courteous service and lovely location, pretty gorgeous. Split 4 dishes for lunch and was a good portion for two. 👍🏻 The aubergine mess was the best dish and had nice nuance to the flavours albeit sitting in a puddle of oil. 👎🏻 the baklava prawns were small and close to £30. Not a strong baklava taste, thought it would be more of a take on prawn toast, but are just grilled and battered prawns with some pistachio and sweetness (honey potentially). Quite disappointing given each prawn was £10 for a few morsels. The quality is not quite up to pay to expect fine dining prices for me. 👎🏻 The kebab dumplings were dry and hard, meat was not flavorful at all. Not juicy at all, clumpy even. 3 parcels for £23, and less flavourful than an Asian takeout place. Kind of tastes like nothing. The cauliflower was alright, tasted very same-y with the same labneh drowning every dish we ordered, which thankfully added a bit of moisture to the kebab dumplings. A la carte menu pricing is quite strange overall, brunch looks like it could be more promising but I'm not inclined to prioritize this restaurant again.

Food is good, portions tiny and prices well above average. Even the pitas are half the size of the pita breads you normally get in restaurants. Service was the worst, it was 3 of us: two received their food and the 3rd waited over an hour for theirs. We had finished and our friend was still waiting. Finally the food arrived (the waiter apologised and didn’t charge us for it) and after 10 minutes we were told we had to leave the table. Overall i can’t say it was awful, but it wasn’t a nice experience either. What is really awful is that some of the tables are literally across the toilets and there is no door to separate the two areas. I was sat at my table and LITERALLY saw men come out of the stalls while adjusting their jewels. One guy went into the stall peed and ding close the door, and no one told him anything. My view was sinks and dirty toilets.

Service was good. The place is kinda hidden but not too hard to find. I had all the meat options and the fish options. Fish was decent. The beef doughnuts, shrimps,tartare, lamb and one of the beef dishes was really good. So was the drinks. There were a few dishes I didn't like which made the place OK for me. You might like the place more than me.

When I walked in, it took a long time before anyone greeted me. I was watching the man behind the bar use Nescafe instant coffee to spoon into the portafilter in the espresso machine (photo below). Considering a flat white costs £4.50, this is disgraceful. I ordered a small cortado as I didn't want to pay £4.50 for an instant coffee based flat white, and was told that they would have to check with the bar if they have one. What???? Obviously they don't train staff enough to know what coffees are on the menu. You have to pay £1 for alt milk. Given that I have issues with lactose, this is also pretty disgraceful. Then when the bill came, they had charged me £4 for the small cortado which should have been £2.50. Then when we were trying to pay, the staff members seemed to be deliberately avoiding our eyes. Oh and then the best bit. They add on a 12.5% service charge (what service?) automatically. And then they try to make you tip again in the card machine. I won't be back, which is a shame as the food was decent.

The portions are tiny for the price. I ordered the brunch short rib doughnut, priced at £19 on the menu - it very small, starter size at best (I was charged £21 for it on the bill, which I unfortunately didn’t realise until after I’d paid or I’d have queried it). We also ordered cauliflower steak crumble - nice but £13 also steep. My partner ordered the salmon shawarma dish which featured an overcooked poached egg. The atmosphere and decor were nice, the food flavours were pretty good, but overall the price to portion ratio is so disproportionate that I left annoyed and hungry, despite spending £65 between 2 people (almost all of which was the three food dishes mentioned - we only ordered one non-alcoholic drink between us and otherwise drank water). Overall, I cannot recommend this restaurant

The restaurant has a nice concept, but unfortunately our experience didn’t quite meet expectations. Although the space was largely empty, we were asked not to sit at a larger table, which felt a little inflexible. The food was nicely presented, however the portions were quite small for the price point. There was also an additional charge for bread, which we hadn’t expected, and clearer communication around this would have been appreciated. Overall, the atmosphere didn’t feel particularly warm or welcoming, and the experience felt more transactional than enjoyable. With some improvements in flexibility and value for money, this could be a much better experience.