Café Viva

The perfect antidote to a long day of London anonymity, the staff at Café Viva will welcome you into this red fairy-lit cave with open arms like a long-lost, incredibly rich uncle. Which is exactly who you think they've mistaken you for when you are greeted with joy by Salem, the scarily jovial owner, ushered to one of the candle lit tables and heartily regaled with the story of how he came up with the recipe for each individual dish on the menu. He also thinks Balham is the craziest place he's ever lived – has he been to Archway? – quite possibly because all the regulars are constantly off their heads and acting deranged on account of one of his potent cocktails. Come during happy hour to take full advantage of the extensive menu.

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