"Bala Baya doesn’t stand out from the crowd, but the Israeli spot is handy to know about in Southwark for fancy-ish meals that involve crispy shawarma-spiced Jerusalem artichoke. Tucked away down a pedestrianised street just off bustling Union Street, the downstairs dining room can feel a little cold. But when it’s sunny, sipping refreshing sodas outside, surrounded by dangling foliage, is the move. For a special dinner or date night, book upstairs. The seats on this elevated, airy mezzanine level are set beneath the exposed brick archway which makes it a dramatic setting for eating moreish beef brisket doughnuts and pillowy pita. The food looks as good as it tastes, with shavings of truffle here and fuchsia drizzles of pomegranate molasses there. Plus Bala Baya doesn't require a booking months in advance, so it's a good one to keep in your back pocket for occasions that demand pretty sharing plates. " - Sinéad Cranna
