Why Don’t More People Know About Monkey Leaf?
City Lynx visits Monkey Leaf, Streatham
Every now and then you walk into a restaurant and immediately think: why don't more people know about this place?
That was exactly my reaction when I visited Monkey Leaf in Streatham today.
Sitting on Streatham High Road at Leigham Hall Parade, Monkey Leaf isn't big, flashy or trying to compete with the huge restaurants of central London. In fact, it's probably only about the size of your average living room.
And that's part of what makes it so good.
Small restaurant. Big personality.
Monkey Leaf is tiny. The restaurant itself says it has just 16 tables, but somehow it doesn't feel cramped or uncomfortable. Instead, it feels cosy, vibrant and full of character.
There's greenery everywhere, splashes of colour and plenty to look at. It feels personal rather than corporate — the sort of independent restaurant where you get the impression somebody has actually thought about how they want the place to feel.
There's an energy about it that you simply don't get from a chain.
And judging by its reputation, we aren't the only ones who've noticed. Monkey Leaf currently has a 4.8/5 rating from more than 570 Google reviews, while Tripadvisor lists it at 4.9/5.
Which brings us back to the question...
Why don't more people know about this place?
A little bit of Ukraine in Streatham
Something else that immediately stood out during our visit was Monkey Leaf's visible support for Ukraine.
It's part of the personality of the restaurant and something we noticed while looking around. In a small independent venue like this, those personal touches tell you a little bit about the people behind the business.
It doesn't feel manufactured for social media. It feels genuine.
Then there's the food...
Of course, a restaurant can have all the character in the world, but ultimately it has to deliver when the plates arrive.
Monkey Leaf specialises in brunch and lunch with a modern European influence. The restaurant is family-run, with Povilas in the kitchen and Denas looking after guests, according to Monkey Leaf's own story.
Brunch is a major part of what they do, alongside lunch dishes, coffee and drinks. Vegetarian and vegan choices are available too, and the restaurant says it can accommodate various dietary requirements.
But what we particularly liked was the atmosphere surrounding it all.
This isn't somewhere you feel the need to eat quickly and leave. It's somewhere to sit, have a coffee, order some food and enjoy being there.
This is exactly why City Lynx exists
Monkey Leaf is precisely the sort of place we want to uncover with City Lynx.
London restaurant guides can become dominated by Mayfair, Soho, Covent Garden and the latest celebrity opening.
But some of the most interesting places aren't necessarily in central London.
Sometimes they're hiding on your local high street.
Monkey Leaf doesn't have hundreds of tables, a celebrity chef's name above the door or a multimillion-pound interior.
It's a tiny independent restaurant in Streatham.
And we loved that about it.
City Lynx verdict: Monkey Leaf is small enough to feel like you've stumbled into someone's very stylish living room, yet vibrant enough to have a personality all of its own. Cosy, independent and full of character, it's exactly the kind of neighbourhood restaurant that deserves more attention.
Our biggest question after visiting?
Why don't more people know about Monkey Leaf?
📍 Monkey Leaf, Unit 9 Leigham Hall Parade, Streatham High Road, London SW16 1DR
City Lynx visited Monkey Leaf independently. Menus, opening hours and availability can change, so check directly with the restaurant before travelling.