Our Regular Haunts: Favourite Local Restaurants in Tooting
When Melanie and I are faced with the classic question, “What do you fancy doing tonight?”, we often turn to our shortlist of tried-and-tested local spots. These restaurants have become our regular haunts for different reasons: sometimes it’s the food, other times it’s the atmosphere, or simply the fact that we’ve developed a friendship with the owner over the years. Not all of these are fine dining spots, but they each have a special place in our hearts.
As we revisit these favourites, we’ll share more in-depth experiences about each. Rather than formal reviews, consider these reflections on what we love about them. Some of these places have been a part of our lives for years, so we’ll probably mention those first. And by the way, this list isn’t ranked—each restaurant offers something unique.
Samrat Indian Restaurant
One restaurant that stands out above the rest in terms of loyalty is Samrat Indian Restaurant. Andy has been going there since the early 1980s, shortly after it opened. And would you believe it, this is where Melanie and I had our first date. Remarkably, Samrat has barely changed in all those years, even as it recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.
While Samrat is technically a Bangladeshi restaurant, it retains the feel of a traditional, old-school Indian restaurant with a menu to match. The food is always spot on, and their naan bread is nothing short of exceptional. If you’re looking for a bit of nostalgia with your curry, this is the place to go.
Sette Bello Pizzaria
The restaurant we’ve probably frequented the most as a family is Sette Bello, formerly run by our dear Italian friend Tony Iannuzzi. Since Tony’s retirement, the reins have been handed to Mentor, his former head waiter, who now owns the restaurant. Mentor, despite being Albanian, effortlessly creates the Italian dining experience, greeting you warmly in Italian as you walk in.
The menu at Sette Bello has stayed largely the same—classic Italian fare with homemade pizza dough and delicious pasta dishes. One of our favourites is their garlic bread with tomato sauce, a simple yet incredible dish. Think of it as a thin, herb-scented marinara pizza that arrives within minutes of ordering. We’ve yet to find another restaurant that does it better!
Rick’s Restaurant
Another top pick on our list is Rick’s Restaurant, owned and operated by the talented Rick Gibbs. Dining at Rick’s feels more like being invited to a friend’s house for dinner—Rick’s warm, welcoming personality makes every guest feel at home.
Rick’s style of cooking is British/European, with influences from his Spanish heritage and travels. The menu changes daily, always featuring the freshest ingredients from high-quality local suppliers. Melanie’s go-to dish is the rib-eye steak, while I can never pass up one of Rick’s expertly cooked fish dishes. The cosy, bistro-style atmosphere adds to the charm, making Rick’s one of Tooting’s hidden gems.
Radha Krishna Bhavan & Vijaya Krishna: Keralan Cuisine
Tooting is home to some excellent South Indian restaurants, particularly from the state of Kerala. Two of our favourites are Radha Krishna Bhavan and Vijaya Krishna. If you’ve never tried Keralan cuisine, you’re in for a treat. It’s distinct from the Bangladeshi food we’re used to, with unique dishes that are exclusive to southern India.
At Radha Krishna Bhavan, the welcome is always warm, and they’ve got a knack for making you feel like part of the family the moment you step inside. One dish we simply can’t resist is the masala dosa—a crispy, fermented rice pancake filled with spiced potato, served with sambar and chutneys. Even if you’re a devoted carnivore, I challenge you not to fall in love with this comforting dish!
Stay tuned as we continue to explore our regular haunts and share our experiences with you. We do have a few more up our sleeves, which we’ll be writing about soon. Whether you’re a Tooting local or just passing through, we hope this guide helps you discover the culinary delights our area has to offer.