Recent social media posts
28/05/2026
One order is usually never enough 😜 Crispy fried prawn baklava layered with delicate kataifi pastry, dipped in Persian lime syrup and finished with nori dust, pistachios, and rose. Sweet, citrusy, salty, floral.
Yalla, See you at Bala 👋
26/05/2026
Moroccan carrots with orange & shawarma glaze, herb tahini and pumpkin dukkah. One of our vegan dishes and part of a menu with plenty of vegan options.
We’re always happy to accommodate allergies and dietary preferences for our guests.
25/05/2026
There are dishes people order.
Then there are dishes people feel relieved to see still on the menu.
The Aubergine Mess has survived trends, menu changes and redesigns for almost a decade. Still messy. Still dressed in tahini, lychee and herbs. Still impossible to take off ☺️
23/05/2026
Bank holiday weekend, 30° in London and frozen drinks are working harder than the NHS 😜🍹
Come join us on the terrace for brunch, dinner or just drinks and nibbles
21/05/2026
If you’ve been waiting for proper London heat, this is your sign to spend it outside with us. Southwark in the sun ☀️ just hits differently.
Cold spritzes, shady terrace tables, loud conversations, small plates, and a fresh, summer menu built for this weather.
Terrace seats fill up fast when the city gets sunshine for more than two days… book ahead or come by for a walk-in. Keep hydrated 🫶
20/05/2026
Our Tunisian Tartare has been on the menu for a while now, and at this point, we’d probably get in trouble if we tried taking it off.
A little Tunisian soul in tartare form, inspired by the bold flavors of the Middle East - Beef fillet tartare, bulgur wheat, harissa, mustard mayo, and oregano.
Have you tried it yet??
18/05/2026
Extended brunch? Yes please 😃 🥂
Join us on Monday 25th May for vibrant dishes, signature cocktails, and easy long weekend energy. Gather your friends, settle in, and make the most of the extra day. ✨
We are looking forward to welcoming you x
07/05/2026
Almost 10 years ago our Fish & Fennel was featured in the when we first opened our doors. Since then, so much has changed but this dish has remained a staple without changing a bit. It is a winner and always will be 🏆
05/05/2026
What is your favourite dessert? Malabi is a Middle Eastern - panna cotta like dessert based on coconut cream. It is super rich & aromatic. Here in Bala we serve it with cherry compote, sesame brittle and black tahini.
Have you tried our Malabi before?
04/05/2026
Let’s talk about your favourite desserts. Ours is this incredibly satisfying Midnight Malabi. This panna cotta like, Middle Eastern dessert is coconut cream based. We serve it with a delicious cherry compote, black tahini & sesame brittle.
Have you had Malabi before?
04/05/2026
We’ve been told we make the best hummus in London.. Many times ☺️ Have you tried it?
This version topped with braised tomatoes and aubergine, harissa, preserved lemon, sumac, coriander and of course - our charred homemade pita. Spicy, sour and smooth.
26/04/2026
POV: your table orders just enough 😍
Slow Sunday brunch, just how it should be…
23/04/2026
Some desserts come and go. This one stayed…
Our babka, unmistakable, unforgettable, and a staple since day one. 🫶🏻
21/04/2026
Our Chef’s camera roll 📸
A little look at what’s been happening behind the scenes:
- Chef Mo & Chef Adam
- Our famous babka in the oven
- Prepping the mushroom wellingtons
- Kebab dumplings coming together
- Babka mid-creation
londonrestaurant
19/04/2026
The Aubergine Mess, our most ordered dish!
Charred aubergine (eggplant to some), with oregano, tahini, pomegranate molasses, lychee and soft herbs. It’s got a mix of smoky, sweet and sharp flavours that just work.
Fully vegan, light, and the perfect dish for the spring months at Bala Baya.
16/04/2026
In conversation with Chef
Throwback:
Back in 2016, these old railway arches in Southwark started a new chapter. What was once London’s industrial centre became one of its most exciting cultural hubs and with the Waterloo railway station lines running overhead, you can always feel the energy of the city.
I was drawn to the space for its raw character and history. The 9.5-metre arch is still fully intact, and it still gives that wow moment when you walk in.
We worked with Afroditi Krassa on the design bringing a modern Bauhaus approach into a Victorian railway setting, with a chandelier inspired by an upside-down palm tree.
Nearly 10 years on, we’re still proud to be in Southwark and to have held our place in the Michelin Guide.
timeou
14/04/2026
Chef Adam plating up our Beetroot Blanco.
This one’s a new addition to the spring menu, built around ingredients we love with at this time of year. The beetroot medley brings sweetness and a bit of depth, while the ajo blanco keeps things light and fresh without being too heavy.
We added horseradish and rocket cream to give it a bit of a kick and balance everything out, then pumpkin for some warmth and watercress for that clean, peppery finish.
12/04/2026
Did you know?
Bala Baya has had its own in-house bakery from day one.
When we first opened 9 years ago, Eran set out to build something personal and that started with the pita. It’s based on a recipe developed with his father (pictured ->), and it’s been a staple ever since. 🫓
09/04/2026
The sun’s still shining in London ☀️ and at Bala Baya, our bi-fold doors are wide open to soak it all in. Come through and let Nerijus take care of you with something special behind the bar!
05/04/2026
Good food starts with good people
Our team is always here to welcome you, from kitchen to table
31/03/2026
Spring has arrived and so has our favourite way to dine 🌿✨
With our bifold doors thrown open, the space fills with light, energy, and that unmistakable Bala Baya atmosphere.
From intimate dinners by the open kitchen to full-scale celebrations with friends, this is where every gathering feels special.
27/03/2026
Introducing the Beetroot Blanco, a bright, seasonal addition to our spring menu, full of flavour and colour. 🌷
26/03/2026
A twist on tradition. Perfectly baked
19/03/2026
Four-day brunch 📍
This bank holiday, make time for good food, great company, and a little extra fun.
From Friday 3rd - Monday 6th April, we’re serving a four-day brunch made for sharing: fresh, flavourful plates, all your favourites, and our signature cocktails to toast the long weekend.
Come with friends or family and enjoy a relaxed weekend with good food, drinks, and conversation.
Whether you’re popping in for a leisurely brunch or a proper long lunch, we’ll make sure your bank holiday is full of flavour and celebration.
To book: link in bio
Address
Old Union Yard Arches
London
SE1 0LR
To get to the Old Union Yard Arches in London, you can take the Jubilee line or Northern line on the London Underground and get off at Southwark station. From there, it's a 10-15 minute walk to the Old Union Yard Arches.
Alternatively, if you're driving, you can park at the nearby Union Car Park or Great Suffolk Street Car Park and walk to the Old Union Yard Arches. Please note that parking in this area can be limited and expensive.
Opening Hours
| Monday |
12pm - 3pm |
|
5pm - 11pm |
| Tuesday |
12pm - 3pm |
|
5pm - 11pm |
| Wednesday |
12pm - 3pm |
|
5pm - 11pm |
| Thursday |
12pm - 3pm |
|
5pm - 11pm |
| Friday |
12pm - 3pm |
|
5pm - 11pm |
| Saturday |
11am - 4pm |
|
5pm - 11pm |
| Sunday |
11am - 4pm |
|
5pm - 10pm |
Alerts
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What people say
Middle Eastern restaurants are known for their vibrant and flavorful cuisine, and Bala Baya in London's Old Union Yard Arches is no exception. This Middle Eastern restaurant brings the essence of Tel Aviv to Bankside with its vibrantly progressive cuisine that pays homage to Chef Eran Tibi's roots. The restaurant offers a hands-on, hands-in approach to family-style dining that focuses on the pure enjoyment of fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients.
One of the standout features of Bala Baya is its atmosphere. The restaurant pays tribute to Tel Aviv's youthful energy with a kaleidoscope space that has been carefully designed by multi-award-winning designer Afroditi Krassa. Inspired by Bauhaus architecture, the space allows diners to experience the sun-kissed youthfulness of Tel Aviv from the heart of London.
But it's not just about the atmosphere at Bala Baya - the food is equally impressive. Chef Eran Tibi draws ideas from traditional Israeli dishes while adding his own unique twist. Diners can enjoy a high-energy tribute to Tel-Avivians eating habits with dishes like roasted cauliflower with tahini and pomegranate or lamb shawarma with pickled onions and sumac yogurt.
Bala Baya also offers takeaway, click & collect, and delivery options through Deliveroo so you can enjoy their delicious Middle Eastern cuisine from the comfort of your own home. Overall, Bala Baya is a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic Middle Eastern dining experience in London.
