Your mind might not jump to fantastic food when you think of Battersea, but that’s exactly why there is so much to discover in this pocket of London. With the famous power station undergoing serious redevelopment, the neighbourhood food offerings can only get better.
Mother
Restaurant, Italian, $$$
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Danish import Mother was one of the first restaurants to open in the Battersea Power Station redevelopment. Known for turning out some of the best pizzas in Cophenhagen, Mother specialises in sourdough crust made with seawater (which apparently makes the dough even lighter) that is then topped with Italian and Danish produce. They don’t stop there, though—using the wood-fired oven to roast meat and fish, they also put on a diverse smattering of toppings.
Ben’s Canteen bills itself as a real neighbourhood hangout, and it definitely delivers. The atmosphere is relaxed yet convivial, and whether you drop in for a brunch of banana pancakes and a fried chicken benedict, or for a dinner of one of their big burgers, they certainly don’t let you leave hungry. There’s plenty to tempt you, even if you just pop in for a drink, from Aussie coffee to cocktails to a glass of wine–you can even buy bottles at a discounted price to carry on drinking at home.
BabaBoom proves that kebabs are more than a late-night drunk snack and can actually be a gourmet treat. Middle Eastern flavours meet quality British produce to create kebab combinations, such as saffron and orange chicken shish, goat belly adana with chermoula aubergine, or coal-fired cauliflower with sweet potato hummus, each served on either flatbread or fattoush salad. You can even get kebabs for brunch—the Good Morning Meat Kebab has lamb merguez sausage, date-glazed bacon, Za’atar tomato, eggs and harissa labneh, and it’s more than a match for the traditional fry-up.
Sister to Wandsworth’s Bellevue, Gazette brings the spirit of provincial France to Battersea. The menu changes weekly, but features a mix of French classics and seasonal plates, including terrines and charcuteries, as well as heartier dishes and lighter fare. Don’t miss the comprehensive French drinks list, with wine, ciders and continental beers.
Soif is a wine bar and bistro that celebrates beautiful wine and beautiful produce. The wine comes from artisan producers, many of which are available by the glass and are organic and biodynamic. In terms of food, there are the typical cheese and charcuterie platters, but the European small plates, including the Christian Parra boudin noir with peaches and marjoram, are certainly worth a look. The simple décor—wooden floors, wooden chairs, wooden stools—lets the food and drink really stand out.
This rustic Italian restaurant has served the people of Battersea for more than 20 years. Like all the best trattorias, they keep things simple without skimping on flavour. From octopus carpaccio to sausage rigatoni to veal chop with roast potatoes, the menu is packed with Italian classics and is executed very well, including the drinks list, which features traditional aperitifs and Italian wines.
Augustine Kitchen, named after owner Franck Raymond’s grandfather, is a French bistro that sets itself apart with its intimate atmosphere and focus on food from the Evian region, Franck’s home. Head here for escargot with garlic cream and parsley butter, duck magret with onion compote and cassis sauce, pork shank confit, and cheeses from Savoie.
