The Honest Italian is the first restaurant in Balham to have a wood fire oven, using only kiln fired hardwood from sustainable British woodland. Making the whole experience at this restaurant truly authentic with an updated modern context.
It was a weekday evening at The Honest Italian based in Balham just a few minutes from the station. It is the first restaurant in Balham to have a wood fire oven, using only kiln fired hardwood from sustainable British woodland. This makes the food truly authentic, adding to the cozy feel of this modern restaurant.
They do not mess about with their menu, offering over eighteen different pizzas including a blackboard listing their latest specials which include salads and a couple of side dishes all at reasonable prices. They also offer children’s portions, accommodating all ages.
We began with fresh bread and olives served by the waiter who emphasised to us how we must try the bread! We understood why instantly with our first mouthful. It was warm and perfectly crisp which the olives complimented beautifully. We also had the vegetarian Anti Pasti Misto, which included a range of chargrilled vegetables, rocket and a selection of cheeses. I felt like I was eating truly authentic Italian food.
AntipastiA fully laden vegetarian pizza with everything on it
Pizza with prawns and blue cheese – Why not?
The first pizza was the vegetarian, served with artichoke hearts, olives, peppers, aubergines, onions and mushrooms. As an individual who does not eat dairy products, I ordered the pizza without cheese. The pizza was marvellous, bursting with a range of textures and flavours, wiping away all my worries about the pizza being dry without cheese. The dough was perfectly crisp and cooked for just the right amount of time so there is a gentle char on the bottom of the pizza.
The second one was The Honest Italian which we describe as the perfect pizza consisting of prawn, blue cheese, garlic and mozzarella. We are not usually a fan of blue cheese but this pizza was an exception. They are more than generous when it comes to pizza size and toppings and we were more than content with our meal.
The Honest Italian is a stylish and homely Italian restaurant suitable for everyone. Seats are limited so book in advance to be safe! They also deliver if you live nearby.
The Honest Italian
Station Parade, 13, Balham High Rd, London SW12 9AZ
I'm Sara from London, currently studying at Central Saint Martins. I have a passion for food and the arts and I make it my mission to discover new things in the wonderful and unique city of London. I enjoy food from all over the world and avoid eating dairy products and gluten, where possible. So if you're like me and need help finding places that will accommodate for people like us then check out my reviews!'
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