Forty firefighters, eight fire engines, and an aerial ladder were dispatched to combat the early morning fire that ripped through the commercial property and spread to the properties above.
The London Fire Brigade was called shortly after 4 a.m. to the Italian restaurant Ciullõsteria on the High Road to find a well-developed fire.
The Calcagno family are the current owners of Ciullõsteria, have been for more than twenty years
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time, but an investigation has been launched.
Firefighters are battling the fire with two hose reels and a covering jet, while firefighters in breathing apparatus search for the affected property above.
A road closure has been implemented in both directions.
A spokesman for the London Fire Brigade said :
Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters were called to a fire on Balham High Road in Wandsworth.
Firefighters tackled a fire at a restaurant on the ground floor of a three-storey building, which has residential properties above.
A shisha bar at the rear of the property was completely destroyed by the fire. Local residents were evacuated due to the smoke, however, no injuries were reported.
The Brigade was called at 3.47am and the fire was under control by 6.10am . Fire crews from Tooting, Clapham, Battersea and other surrounding fire stations attended the scene.
The cause of the fire will be investigated by the Brigade.
More to follow
