Turo Turo is the exact kind of neighbourhood restaurant you want in your neighbourhood.
It’s small but not cramped, buzzy without being overbearing, and serves food that’s both comforting and exciting. You’ll find it right next to Tooting Broadway Market, and it’s the work of Rex De Guzman, a British-born chef with Filipino heritage who trained under Gordon Ramsay at Maze in Mayfair.
The name “Turo Turo” translates to “point point” in Tagalog, a nod to the casual eateries in the Philippines where you point to the dishes you want. The vibe here is slightly more polished, but the warm hospitality and punchy, street food-inspired menu stay true to its roots.
The centrepiece of the menu is the grill, which fires out Sizzling Pork Sisig, marinated Pork Liempo, crisp Chicken Inasal, and mushroom & tofu skewers The chicken wings are perfectly seasoned and housed in a satisfyingly crunchy shell, and the kare-kare is a (seasonal) rich oxtail dish drenched in peanut sauce. It’s hard to go very wrong, particularly if you ask for a recommendation.
The drinks menu leans into tropical vibes, with a rum/pineapple/lime-loaded Jungle Bird, alongside a small selection of beers and wines. And while the dessert list is short, the bright purple sweet potato ‘ube’ ice cream is more than worth saving room for.
Turo Turo genuinely feels like a family-run labor of love, and it’s a very nice addition to an already vibrant neighbourhood.
NOTE: Turo Turo is open now, Wednesday to Sunday. You can find out more, and book a table at the Turo Turo website.
Turo Turo | 102 Tooting High St, SW17 0RR
Want to meet the neighbours? Here are the best restaurants in South London…