Caminata is a popular yet relaxed family Italian restaurant in Balham, which also does takeaway pizzas.
It’s a relatively small venue but it’s not at all cramped, with lots of space to move around (which should be helpful for wheelchair users). It’s a cosy and simple but stylish environment with exposed duct work, rough stone walls, contemporary furnishings and local art on display and for sale. The restaurant also has an open kitchen in the corner of the room, where they make the pizzas and spin and toss the dough with great showmanship.
The food combines rustic pizzas with sophisticated pasta dishes and some quality specials. The starters in particular are beautifully presented and generously portioned. The Evening Standard describes Caminata as a “wonderful Italian restaurant beloved by the locals of London’s residential Balham area” with “authentic food in a cosy, atmospheric dining room.” It’s a good place for a simple but tasty meal in a laid back and friendly restaurant.
The restaurant is accessed via a built in ramp which takes you up to the door from street level. Inside there is enough space to move around and the staff really are very helpful and friendly to all customers. If you book a table in advance you can expect them to go out of their way to make sure you get the most suitable space for you. However, there is no disabled toilet and the toilets are down a flight of stairs at the back of the restaurant.
Caminata is an enjoyable, relaxed restaurant with good food but limited access. As a result we give them 1.5 BBS Ticks.
