A friendly, no-fuss local restaurant serving enticing Nepalese cuisine with a smile.

The Venue
Although it’s a little awkward to get to by train (halfway between Parsons Green tube and Wandsworth Town overland), this stretch of Wandsworth Bridge Road has some decent eateries that spoil the locals and attract destination diners. One of the best options for cheap and cheerful cuisine here is The Greedy Buddha. It delivers great-tasting Nepalese dishes in an intimate, casual setting for reasonable prices, whether you're eating in or taking away. Their contemporary décor, a chilled-out bar area downstairs and the aroma of curry spices in the air make it an ideal, welcoming eatery for any occasion – from relaxed romantic meals for two to small group parties. Lunch out on the mini terrace is also a treat on sunny days.

The Atmosphere
The main restaurant room is quite small and narrow, yet with chairs and tables fitting snugly against the walls and gentle amber lighting, it all makes for a relaxed, cosy ambience. You’ll find laid-back, chatty diners and accommodating waitstaff offering the exceedingly friendly service that befits a decent local restaurant. The downstairs bar is a bit more sleek with a gallery space exhibiting photographs for sale and a stage hosting live jazz and blues every Thursday.

The Food
Fresh ingredients, generous portions and enticing flavours make up the dishes on this detailed menu. Dishes seem to verge towards more Indian-style fare rather than authentic Nepalese, but everything is unfailingly good. To start, papadums are feather light, crunchy and irresistible with the sweet mango chuntey and raita that come alongside. Garlic king prawns (£6) are cooked in the shell and arrive juicy, pungent and finger-licking delicious. Starters are all priced around £5-£6 which is slightly expensive for the serving size however it evens out when you consider that your main will be around £8.

There is a lot of choice on the main menu – from curries to biriyani, tikka and tandoori, and some very tasty vegetable side dishes (Aloo Gobi, Sag Paneer, and sautéed okra). Nepalese fish curry (£9) is fresh and piquant, with succulent pieces of fish cooked in spring onions, pepper and green chilli, while the panner tikka is rich with the flavours of the marinated Nepalese cheese in a savoury tomato and onion sauce.

Other standout mains include the rose-scented lamb (diced lamb cooked in the clay oven, flavoured with spices and rose water) at £8.25 and the Pumpkin and Sag (tender pumpkin and fresh spinach in a mildly spicy sauce) at £8. There is an excellent selection of rice and unique breads to have on the side including keema naan (leavened bread filled with mincemeat) and Paratha, a soft and fluffy thinly layered, wholewheat dough bread. You’ll be mopping up the sauces and feeling fully sated when your feast comes to an end.

The Drink
The drinks menu here is impressive, not least because of the list of ten freshly squeezed juices from £3.15 in refreshing concoctions like mango and orange, and apple, beetroot and celery. The inimitable curry companion is obviously a beer and you have five popular brews from £3.10, including Cobra, Tiger and an imported Nepalese beer, Nepal Ice. There is a smallish, easy-drinking wine list (from a reasonable £3.90/£12.50) and an extensive array of cocktails starting from a very admirable £5.15. There are some enticing, contemporary options like Lychee and elderflower Collins (£7) and a Watermelon and basil martini (£7.50). For a lovely digestif, there are also lassis and some very special teas, including a stomach-settling flowering green tea.

The Last Word
Quality ingredients, simple yet tasty food and an endearing personality – the Greedy Buddha has all the hallmarks of a cracking local eatery.

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