Buona Sera

It would be wrong to "rave" about this place and I think the reviews below are often a bit excessive. I do love Bueno Sera, but not because it is "the best Italian ever" as some describe it, but rather because it is simple, honest and good value. The dishes are mainly Italian classics, served with limited fuss and a friendly manner. The cost is not sky high which is refreshing in London and the dishes reflect this. I live within 7 minutes walk and we are blessed with many fine Italians around here and as a result have many to compare it to. Therefore, I would describe it as the perfect place for a quick no-fuss mid-week pizza and peroni, a place to catch up informally with local friends who have a busy day lined up the next day. This contrasts with other types of Italian, indeed some on the same street, which would be more worthy of "special night" status, say for a Saturday night. I would not classify Bueno Sera in this category, but it is truly excellent nonetheless.
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hattonjc
9 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, January 27, 2012

Our second time of visiting this wonderful restaurant. Buona Sera's great advantage (for us anyway) is that we can pop in there on our way back, by train, to Winchester. Apart from Ciullo's in Balham (which is nearly as good) this restaurant serves (probably) the most authentic Italian food we have come across in this country. We are both learning the speak Italian and the staff patiently wait whilst we try it our on them. Most times we do get it right but they will always push us along the right track if we get stuck.

We ate their last Saturday evening and we each had 2 superb courses followed by very good coffee and grappa. This must be one of the few Italian restaurants in London that have a selection of Grappas on the menu; it also helps that they do not charge the earth for them.

We will certainly go there again as there are a lot more Grappas for me to try and there are loads more menu items to try.
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Bill Convery
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, November 28, 2011

great food and service. I was particularly amazed by the art on display. Nice conservatory section. Very interesting place.
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Lewis
9 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Very very slow poor service.... Placed at the back of the restaurant and ignored for 40 mins- very poor. Won't be coming back here in a hurry.
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Lucy
0 Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Friday, July 01, 2011

I went to Buona Sera in Clapham with a friend for dinner on Saturday 18/06. I have to say it was really enjoyable. It has a typical Italian trattoria atmosphere with very friendly and helpful staff. FOOD WAS JUST WONDERFUL! Highly recomendable!! I am going back ther tonight!!
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Aldria
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Monday, June 20, 2011

I've been eating at this fantastic restaurant on and off for the past five years and it has never failed to impress me. Despite buzzing with other diners service is always prompt, the food is always delicious and comes at a very reasonable price.

Food wise this place is a cut above it's rivals with an ever evolving menu of regional dishes designed to tempt lovers of Italian cuisine who want something other than an endless procession of pizzas (which incidentally they do very well). On my last visit I opted for the Malloreddus, or Sardinian gnocchi which were cooked in a salsicce, tomato and artichoke sauce with a good slug of chili thrown in for good measure. An outstanding dish that I've never seen elsewhere that was both delicious and satisfying. Perfect Sunday lunch fare and noticeably better than a number of supposedly more upmarket rivals.
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Chris Forte
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Needing a venue in Clapham that would welcome small children and accommodate a table of 20 last Sunday I searched the various eating sites and found Bueno Sera. Perfect, it certainly hit all the right buttons, friendly staff, good food, prompt service and a very reasonable bill of less than £20 per head for 2 courses and wine. They even knocked up an impromptu birthday cake for my girlfriend's mother's 80th and the staff sang delightfully. We shall be back.
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Natty Bumpo - View all reviews by this user
9 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 10
Monday, January 10, 2011

Food good. Lively atmosphere. Amazing mexican paintings on the wall....
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8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Thursday, October 28, 2010

Our in laws had come down to visit us but more particularly their beloved grandson so we availed ourselves of their offer to babysit and had a night out. As it turned out our friend Peta who had introduced me to my lovely wife was having some farewell drinks at "The Establishment" on Battersea Rise that night. So we set out on clear summer's night knowing our little boy was being well looked after for some much needed R&R. We hadn't planned to eat as we had had a very nice family lunch at "Maximini" earlier on. However once we got to the bar and had a few drinks we thought it best to grab something. The thought of dealing with a 7 week old baby wilst trying to shed a hangover was not grabbing us. We stayed at "The Establishment" for a couple of hours and then headed off with the recommendation of trying a couple of places on Northcote Rd

Clapham was really jumping on this Saturday night everywhere was packed and people were having a lot of fun. "Bueno Sera" was particularly busy but it looked very enticing with it's patio setting, open windows and simple but stylish all white decor. We decided to pop in and try for a table. In my experience you can normally get a table for two most places if you are prepared for a short wait. As it turned out we only waited 10 minutes before being shown to a lovely table inside but by the open window. The restaurant may have been busy but we were seved pretty promptly. I ordered the speciality mushroom, sausage and cheese risotto of the day whilst my wife went for some penne. We were still quite full from lunch so we skipped starters and sides.

We ordered a couple of glasses of red wine and really started to relax. Buona Sera is one of these great places that makes you think you are abroad on holiday. The food arrived and was very nice. I really enjoyed my risotto which despite it's ingredients was not heavy or stodgy. My wife's penne was particularly good, really tasty. The restaurant was still bustling away and they were still taking in bookings at 10PM. We got chatting to our waiter who said it started quietening down by midnight but it had been full on busy there all day. We skipped dessert as we thought it would be best to relieve the dutifull grandparents. However the very kind waiter brought us a glass of Limoncello each to celebrate our first night out since the becoming parents. A very nice touch.

The bill came to under £40 which was fantastic value. I can see why this place is so popular with the Clapham crowd. As I've said before it can be a real challenge finding somewhere that does good italian food at reasonable prices. Buona Sera really fits the bill. Good food, professional service and a friendly atmosphere. I am very keen to pop back for a proper meal. To cap the evening off we got a cab straight after leaving the restaurant, result!
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david ginsberg - View all reviews by this user
9 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, June 15, 2010

If you visit this place you have to try the Calzone pizza, not just the best in London but the best even compared to Italy; my food rating is for that. It's great value for money and the service is usually good but don't expect posh decor, tablecloths and linen napkins, it's more basic than that.
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8 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, April 27, 2010