Chakalaka Restaurant, Putney, London

This location appears to be well and truly closed.

I went to the Wimbledon branch of this restaurant. I was really disappointed with the experience. It is situated in a grubby extension at the back of a run down pub! We went for the all you can eat ribs, they were dry and tough with odd unidentifiable fatty bits?? The barbecue seasoning was poor and the "special peri peri" seasoning was simply barbecue sauce with chilli powder in it. When we complained to the manager he was totally uninterested and refused to anything to rectify. I cant speak for the other branches but avoid the Wimbledon branch like the plague!

A very good restaurant. The food is well prepared. The staff are welcoming. Sometimes you do find that they are not as attentive as they could be. However staff that are over attentive can sometimes be a nuisance. The menu is usually different each time I go and there are always specials on offer. The atmosphere is good and portions are good.

Lovely atmosphere with great food and nice staff. a good night out.

i went to Chakalaka for my mate’s birthday and i was very impressed with their menu and portions.

The waiter was slightly odd in that he smiled constantly and was so polite that i was convinced he was here illegally or he was trying to distract me from catching him peeing in the potjie (curry pot).

that said, it was delicious. ooh and try the boerewors starter.

parking on the street

If looking for something diffrent this is place to go. every thing from the decor and to the cheerful atmosphere is refreshing. its like alittle bit of sunny south africa tucked away in putney. the food is great and your spoilt for choice as they serve wide variety of exoctic dishes some more familiar than others but rest assured that it will leave with an ever lasting taste of south africa.

I love the style of this restaurant, but was put off slightly for a few reasons. The first time I went, I made the mistake of not booking ahead but simply calling in about half 7, and although the restaurant was almost empty, was told point blank they were full, with no offer to reserve a table for later of call back (and we only wanted a table for 2!) A few weeks later, having booked in advance, we returned, and enjoyed choosing from the unfamiliar items on the menu and experiencing the romantic but different decor. The food was also good, but the portions were tiny - I had chicken “on a bed of risotto” and there were barely two mouthfuls of risotto. It was also very expensive - £60 for a starter, 2 mains and a bottle of wine to share.

I was introduced to this terrific restaurant by my ex from SA and it’s one of my favourites.

A friendly welcome every time and it always feels as though I ought to come here more often.

My own personal recommendations are the butternut soup and the exquisite lamb bobotie.

The milk tart and the peppermint crisp are mighty fine too.

I have been to this South African restaurant twice now the service is fantastic and the food delicious. If you are not into game meats there is still plenty on the menu to enjoy the meals are huge however be prepared to pay for it you are looking at around £17 a main. However if the finish there steak you do win a free t shirt !! and when you get the bill you get to have a shot of there local spirit which is delicious.

Lovely South African food served in style. The front of the restaurant is more busy and good for bigger groups. If you want a more romantic feel ask for tables at the back. The Kudu carpaccio starter is a must and a favourite of my South African partner. The service ranges from really good to a bit shaky but feel free to tell them and things do improve.