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Chances are you’ve taken the Northern Line…well, north. But south of the river is changing quickly, and Tooting Broadway is definitely along for the ride. A few years ago, any self-respecting foodie wouldn’t travel below Peckham to get their fix, but things have changed. Although Tooting is known for its top-notch curry houses, lots of niche eateries have joined the ranking. Here’s our pick of the best restaurants in Tooting:

1. For Impeccable Coffee: Milk Teeth

The Lowdown: Even if you swear you’re not one of those people that takes a photo of their latte, Milk Teeth puts you to the test. Open a few years ago after the demand for Balham’s cult-coffee shop, Milk, skyrocketed, they feature locally sourced, sustainable ingredients and only the best of the best makes the cut. The perfectly poached Arlington eggs with caviar and cultured cream is a personal fave. This hole in the wall location is simplistic and is the opportune place to work on your laptop or enjoy a delicious brunch (be careful though, the weekends fill up fast).

Don’t Miss: The homemade cornbread with ‘nutzilla’ (pecan and miso nut butter).

Where: 110 Mitcham Road SW17 9NG

Photo Credit: Milk Teeth, Instagram 

2. For Taiwanese Buns: Daddy Bao

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The Lowdown: One of the best restaurants in Tooting, no doubt. Daddy Bao is Tooting’s latest addition to the dining scene. Just off of Tooting High Street, this Taiwanese restaurant creates a bustling yet relaxed atmosphere that matches its dishes perfectly. The classic pork, chicken, shrimp and mushroom buns are accompanied by (arguably) more delicious starters and delicate citrus cocktails (yuzu cosmo, anyone?). But the best part about Daddy Bao is the service. Despite their packed restaurant and the fact that you forgot to make a Friday night reservation, they always find room for you. After so many bun openings in and around Soho, this one is worth the journey south.

Don’t Miss: The deep-fried bao bun with white sesame ice cream for dessert.

Where: 113 Mitcham Road SW17 9PE

3. For Hummus That Raises Your Standards: Meza

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The Lowdown: Meza will make you wonder why you ever settled for Sainsbury’s own-brand. In this tapas-style Lebanese restaurant, hearty food reigns. While the decor is a little sparse, the food makes up for it tenfold. From chicken livers with pomegranate to thin flaky pastry brimming with spinach, pine nuts, and feta, every Mediterranean classic is made genuinely and oh-so deliciously.

Don’t Miss: The homemade hummus with roast lamb and walnuts.

Where: 19 Tooting High Street SW17 0SN

4. For Mouthwatering Burgers: Dip & Flip

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The Lowdown: Dip & Flip is a feast for one. Their patties aren’t slabs of minced mystery meat; no, their burgers are shredded steak with a hearty helping of American cheese, slaw, and all the condiments. The best part? You get to dip your burger in a thick gravy sauce. This is a late night ‘I’ve had a long week, I’m watching a movie and treating myself’ meal, or a ‘I went to the gym and I deserve this’ meal. You can get fries laden with cheese to sit alongside your burger but be careful, you might not have room after all that gravy. One of the best restaurants in Tooting, for sure.

Don’t Miss: Their Bailey’s and cheesecake milkshake. Yup. That’s a thing that exists, and it’s just as gloriously indulgent as it sounds.

Where: 115 Tooting High Street SW17 0SY

5. For a Meal That Fits Any Occasion: The Little Taperia

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The Lowdown: The Little Taperia is exactly what it claims to be: an adorable, unassuming Spanish tapas restaurant. They take the Spanish classics and put an English twist on them, like their Morcilla scotch eggs while the Padron peppers, patatas bravas and the grilled octopus are other notables. Its well-curated menu is accompanied by a hefty wine and cocktail list. They also offer mojitos made to perfection and pitchers of sangria that goes down like water (it’s like they’re trying to get you drunk on a Tuesday!). The vibe here is completely what you make of it; a classy date, a raucous after-work hangout, Mother’s Day brunch, or even a quick lunch in between errands.

Don’t Miss: The butterscotch martini.

Where: 143 Tooting High Street SW17 0RU

Photo Credit: The Little Taperia