Calling all art lovers and culinary connoisseurs. If you're looking to turn your Tate Modern visit into a full-on foodie experience, we've curated a vibrant gallery of venues just a short walk away from London's iconic museum - including Borough Market, South Bank and Blackfriars locations. From crafty cocktails to aesthetically pleasing plates, we're painting the town red (and maybe a few other colours) as we dive into the best restaurants and bars near Tate Modern to fuel your creative appetite.
Last edited by Izzah Kazi
Located smack dab on the river next to the Tate Modern & Millennium Bridge, Founders Arms boasts a spacious patio overlooking St. Paul's and the Thames. Their menu is bursting with fresh, seasonal British ingredients, while their shelves and fridges are stocked with phenomenal wines from around the world and a fantastic selection of local gins.
Vinoteca Borough Yards is an acclaimed wine bar located in a historic railway arch, offering killer views of the famous market and the atmospheric Southwark Cathedral. The wine list includes over 200 bottles dedicated to independent and sustainable producers, with 25+ wines served by the glass. Hungry? The food menu offers fresh and seasonal British plates with a European twist sourced from the market next door. We're talking delicacies like ricotta gnocchi, grilled marinated Scottish bavette steak, and lemon posset with pistachio shortbread.
The best places to eat near Tate Modern museum, you ask? Promising a fun night out on the south side of the Thames, Sama Bankside is a triple-threat underground space boasting a quirky bar, restaurant, and party pad complete with beer pong tables. Come down on Friday and Saturday nights to party with live DJs until the wee hours of the morning while sipping on signature cocktails like the Malibu and cranberry juice-infused Red Lady, egg white-topped Tequila Sama-Rise and minty Stormy Mojito. Feelin' peckish? Their European small plates are just as delicious as the drinks, with goodies like Caribbean chicken stone-baked pizza, crispy squid with lime and breaded halloumi sticks.
The Market Porter, also known as The Big Green Pub On The Corner, is a real hidden treasure in London Bridge. With twelve classic and award-winning ales on tap and freshly made British grub every day of the week, they're all about using local and seasonal British ingredients. Their menus change to feature the freshest seasonal treats, with delights like Bavette steak with peppercorn sauce and pan roasted sea bream fillet on offer.
Step away from the crowds and treat yourself to a taste of the Mediterranean. Salt Yard Borough spices up the hustle and bustle of the market with their fabulous Spanish and Italian tapas. Indulge in expertly crafted authentic small plates using top-notch seasonal ingredients, savour a fabulous selection of wines from the region, and sip on some of the finest cocktails in the area mixed up by uber-talented bartenders.
Located in the stylish Bankside Hotel very close to the gallery, Art Yard Bar and Kitchen is a trendy all-day bar and restaurant. Think elegant furnishings and colourful art lining the walls, with a great choice of cocktails and coffee to choose from. Pair these with tasty plates like beef tartare, butternut squash ravioli and pan-fried bream fillet, with a delicious selection of brunch dishes too.
Located right in the heart of London Bridge with views that peek into Borough Market, Arthur Hooper's is a laid-back bar and restaurant dishing out yummy Mediterranean small plates. The concise menu, with one half dedicated to just vegetables, offers a modern European experience with a splash of Italian flair.
Tucked away in Mercure London Bridge Hotel, The Lounge Bar is a swanky venue dishing out timeless cocktails alongside extra-special concoctions. It also serves up a tasty bar snack menu featuring treats like dim sum platters, mouthwatering truffle fries, and handmade Vietnamese rolls – the perfect bites to pair with your drinks.
Nestled within the iconic Blue Fin building on Southwark Street, The Refinery is located just a stone's throw from Tate Modern. Whether you're lounging inside on the slouchy leather sofas or soaking up the atmosphere on the covered terrace, each corner of the pretty venue is designed to impress. Indulge in a feast for the senses with their crafty cocktails, international wine selection, and perfectly poured draught beers or dive into a plethora of foodie delights – from crab and crayfish linguine to shrimp lollipops.
There's no place like the award-winning Big Belly Bar and Comedy Club – a hidden gem near the vibrant Thames Path. With fantastic cocktails, craft ales, and organic wines, it's the perfect spot for after-work drinks, catching up with friends, or enjoying live comedy every night. The expansive outdoor terrace sets the stage for enjoying a signature Big Belly Lager or grabbing a slice of pizza from the on-site food truck.
Looking for a cosy bar with a Spanish twist? Bar Daskal in Borough Yards has got you covered. This place is a real gem, boasting two floors of European culinary delights that will transport you straight to the heart of Madrid. With first-class Spanish drinks, seriously tasty tapas and snacks, and a rare exhibition of Vladimir Daskaloff's original artworks, it's the perfect place for a casual hangout with friends or a romantic date with your beau. Grab a glass of sherry and get ready to munch on delicious small plates like expertly sourced Spanish jamon, classic tortilla wedges with aioli and piquant gildas.
Fountain & Ink is a trendy British pub nestled in the bustling heart of South Bank. Just a stone's throw away from the National Theatre, The BFI Film Theatre, and the Southbank Centre, it's the perfect spot for post-culture drinks and a delightful dining experience. Offering a seasonal pub menu and an extensive selection of craft beers, it's the go-to destination for unwinding after a culture-packed day.
Bedales Of Borough Market is all about quality over name-dropping, with a vino lineup ranging from Lebanon's finest to classic French picks. Get ready to explore their ever-changing wine menu and pair a glass with a rotating selection of small plates, all made with ingredients sourced from Borough Market. It's a pretty little sanctuary perfect for people-watching while you unwind with a drink and sink into your chair.
BAO Borough is a culinary haven, offering a diverse range of dishes to satisfy every palate. From late-night noodle plates to grilled ox heart skewers, this Taiwanese-inspired joint has something for everyone. The restaurant, located in the heart of Stoney Street, boasts a massive space that includes a karaoke room, perfect for a fun night out. The diner-style setting, with mirrored walls and an open kitchen, adds to the lively atmosphere.
A slice of NYC in London, The Hoxton Hotel's Seabird is perched high up on the 14th floor, boasting stunning rooftop views, pops of greenery, and tables adorned with scallop-designed tiles. The kitchen dishes out Southern European flavours, offering the most extensive list of oysters in London, along with treats like sardines on toast and Morecombe Bay shrimps. As for drinks, get ready for biodynamic wines and cocktails that include classic whisky concoctions and exotic jungle birds.
With stunning views of the Thames and a chilled-out vibe, Swan At The Globe is the perfect spot for any occasion, whether you're craving a leisurely lunch or a slap-up Sunday roast. But it's not just about the views — this cosy joint takes pride in showcasing the best of British produce. From fresh seafood a la UK waters to prime cuts sourced from Cumbria, dishes include tasty plates like roast butternut squash and Cornish cod. Step inside their bright and modern dining room, where classic wooden tables and panoramic windows set the stage for a jolly good time.
The OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar And Brasserie stands tall as a South Bank icon, offering a splendid showcase of the finest British goods coupled with some of the most breathtaking views you'll ever feast your eyes on. Perched on the eighth floor of the OXO Tower building, guests can soak in unbeatable vistas of St Paul's Cathedral and the mesmerizing City of London skyline while indulging in refined seasonal British grub, a traditional Afternoon Tea, or flavorful cocktails.
Lyaness is an exclusive bar created by acclaimed mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana, situated in the iconic Sea Containers London hotel. It offers a comfortable and vibrant setting, adorned with striking electric blue decor and featuring a distinctive green marble bar. Come down to revel in stunning surroundings, panoramic views of the city's iconic skyline, and an impeccably crafted cocktail menu that is sure to impress.
