Restaurant Review: Humble Grape Battersea

Humble History

We recently visited Humble Grape in a quiet corner of Battersea, London. They offer chilled-out dining with a focus on great wine and simple, well-executed food. The wine bar and restaurant is part of the Humble Grape family, a growing group of independent wine bars and retailers that started with South African-born James Dawson’s love for wine. Dawson’s journey into the wine world began with importing wines directly from small, family-owned vineyards, offering customers something different from the mainstream.

Forward to today, and Humble Grape Battersea embodies the ethos of his enterprise – celebrating independent winemakers while serving food that pairs well with the wine list.

To start

My buddy and I visited on a weekday evening, and despite the calm vibe, the restaurant had a steady flow of customers. The décor is modern and warm, the service welcoming without being overbearing, and suited our evening – an early evening catch-up chat. 

We started with the Carrot and Butter Bean Dip (VE), served with a side of sourdough. At £7, it was a great opener for the meal. The dip had a balance of earthiness from the carrot and a creamy consistency, thanks to the butter beans. The sourdough was fresh, adding a perfect crunch that complemented the smoothness of the dip. For a vegan option, it was satisfying and well-executed.

The Cauliflower Leaf Bhaji (VE) followed. The bhaji was crisp, golden, and light. It was served with a herb dressing that lifted the flavour of the cauliflower. Often, bhajis can feel heavy, but this one avoided that, offering a more refined take on a dish that’s typically associated with street food. This dish worked well as a plant-based choice.

Moving on, the Ham Hock Terrine with pickled seasonal vegetables stood out as one of the highlights of the meal. The terrine was meaty, rich, and perfectly complemented by the tartness of the pickled vegetables. The vegetables add a necessary contrast, cutting through the richness of the ham hock. The portion size was generous for a starter, and the balance of textures and flavours made this a satisfying plate.

The Blistered Padron Peppers (VE) with whipped tahini was another standout. Peppers can sometimes veer into the overly bitter territory, but here they were cooked just right – blistered on the outside but soft inside. The whipped tahini was a clever addition, offering a smooth, nutty complement to the peppers’ natural sweetness. This dish, priced at £8.25, was simple but effective. If you’re looking for a dish that’s light yet flavour-packed, this is the one to order.

The mains

For the mains, I opted for the Flat Iron Steak (220g). At first glance, the portion looked modest, but the meat was perfectly cooked to medium-rare, as requested. Flat iron steak can be tough when not cooked well, but Humble Grape got it just right, with the right amount of char and tenderness.

My mate went for the Mushroom Melanzane (VE). This vegan main was hearty, served in a rich tomato ragu that had a depth of flavour, likely simmered for hours. The mushrooms were the star here, absorbing the ragu’s richness while retaining their texture. For a vegan dish, this was comfort food at its finest – warm, filling, and well-balanced. Humble Grape proves that plant-based dishes can offer just as much satisfaction as their meat counterparts.

Wine specialties 

Throughout the meal, we sampled a few wines from their extensive list. As expected, the wine selection was exceptional, with a focus on lesser-known, boutique wineries. The staff were knowledgeable, offering helpful recommendations without being pushy. Dawson’s passion for wine was evident in the carefully curated list, which spans various regions and styles. It’s clear that wine remains at the heart of the Humble Grape experience. The restaurant also has a wine shop in-bar, where you can pop in and buy one of their range of wines or take home wine after your meal.

To conclude

Overall, the evening was an enjoyable one. Humble Grape Battersea offers a casual, yet well-thought-out dining experience. The food, while simple, is prepared with care, and the wine list is impressive. Prices are reasonable, especially considering the quality of the produce and the thoughtful execution.

For anyone seeking a relaxed meal with excellent wine in Battersea, Humble Grape is a must-visit. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking for good food in a welcoming setting, this spot delivers on both fronts.

Check out their venues here.