Home to Britain's busiest railway station with approximately 100 million entries and exits a year, Waterloo is a both a hub for tourists visiting the city, and the locals of Borough, London bridge and nearby areas looking to make the most of the area by the Thames. But we're not here to talk about the commute. From dining spots with surreal views of the river to gorgeous bistro bars and Southbank favourites, check out our recommendations for the best restaurants in Waterloo, whether it's an affordable lunch or a great dinner you're after, we've got you sorted.
Last edited by Kiera Chapman
Last updated on 1st November 2024
BrewDog Waterloo is a firm choice for hearty fare in the city. When you're not throwing yourself down the slide, be sure to sink your teeth into signature plates, from buffalo loaded fries to a pork and brie burger with a sun-dried tomato sauce. This massive bar (one of the biggest in London) also has 60 taps of craft beer, a cocktail bar hidden inside a red phone booth, duckpin bowling, a coffee bar, an ice cream van, and even a podcast studio.
Skylon Bar and Restaurant serves brasserie-style fare in an elegant environment. This trendy joint features floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of the River Thames, a chic 1950s-inspired design, and a revamped menu of classic British comfort food. The cuisine is simple yet meticulously prepared, using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Enjoy dishes like sweet Devonshire crab on toasted bread with brown crab mayonnaise, a comforting bowl of velvety white coco bean soup served with toast and topped with chopped mushrooms or smoked salmon tartare with confit lemon sauce and oscietra caviar.
For a taste of Italy on the Southbank, Azzurro delivers with every bite. From savoury pasta dishes to fresh pizzas, this charming spot pairs its classic menu with a stylish terrace for open-air dining, making it a go-to for Italian food lovers.
Devour a stunning menu featuring creamy carbonara and ooey gooey arancini balls to start. And to drink? Classic cocktails like pink gin spritzes and peach belinis await.
Top restaurants in Waterloo, you ask? Whether you need to warm up after a walk by the river, fancy a pre-cinema bite or want to discuss a Tate Modern exhibition over a cocktail, BFI Southbank has got you covered. Their stunning (and massive) terrace offers unrivalled views overlooking Southbank while the airy balcony bar sets the scene for a picture-perfect meal with stunning Thames-side views. Pop over to chomp on a range of bites, from pizza and small plates to beetroot risotto and cod fishcakes.
Searching for Thai restaurants in Waterloo? Found in South Bank, Sticky Mango is a beautiful Thai restaurant boasting cascading pink blossoms, botanical wallpaper and traditional ornaments. Offering diners a modern take on Southeast Asian street food crafted by chef Peter Lloyd, this joint embraces a sharing dining concept. The stunning three-level space welcomes guests with warm lighting and beats of contemporary music. Head on over to chomp on fragrant curries and succulent fish dishes, as well as an extensive range of tasty small plates such as black pepper prawns and char-grilled 28-day aged rib eye with nam jim jaew sauce.
Themed around a fun Greek mythology twist, Circe's Rooftop Bar is a buzzy joint that boasts three pretty terrace areas that can comfortably accommodate up to 550 diners. Their menu aims for a Mediterranean flair, serving freshly made delicacies like serrano croquettes with manchego and romesco sauce, as well as smashed cucumbers with apricot harissa. For drinks, you can sip on a cheeky G&T or one of their famous frozen cocktails while you soak in the London skyline.
Whether you're strolling along the river, heading to the theatre or jumping on a late train, The Green Room is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat in stunning surroundings. Designed by Benjamin Barfield Marks, the breathtaking timber-framed pavilion, adorned with theatrical props, serves as the indoor dining area. With a glass frontage, huge outdoor terrace and crowd-pleasing menu offering modern brasserie fare like roasted pumpkin risotto, slow-roasted baby-back ribs and a chocolate and caramel-baked Alaska with a meringue coating, it's sure to impress.
An equal walk from The London Eye and Waterloo station, Ping Pong is a must for those dining in the area after a pretty experience. From delicious Chinese dim sum to ceilings littered in flora, head here for date nights and a fun lunch combined. The menu merges classics like har gau and bao buns with exciting specials such as juicy black prawn dumplings and crunchy truffle-infused spring rolls that change regularly. Just mark your choices on the paper menus and the food comes out fresh and hot, one plate at a time. P.S. Their Lazy Sunday bottomless dim sum offer is a steal of a deal, serving unlimited dumpling delights for just £29.95 a pop.
If you're on the hunt for casual restaurants, GBK in Waterloo is a brilliant shout. The stylish haunt promises classic comfort food, from mouthwatering blue cheese and Korean BBQ burgers to halloumi fries, chicken tenders, and satay chicken salads. Don't forget to slurp on the milkshakes - they're a real treat. Choose from flavours like strawberry, Oreo or Madagascan vanilla. And hey, they've got beer and wine, too, if you're feeling fancy.
Looking for the best restaurants near Waterloo Station in Southbank? Boasting moules frites, steak sandwiches, halloumi burgers and much more, Auberge is a fabulous French bistro and bar. It offers a unique dining experience for travellers seeking more than just a quick bite. The venue also has gorgeous cocktails and a scenic rooftop bar - fabulous for amazing London views. Head over to munch on French staples like steak frites, moules mariniere and fish pie.
While Waterloo isn't short of cosy pubs with great grub, The Duke of Sussex is a notch above the rest. With rustic interiors and a sprawling outdoor area, plus a fantastic menu of delicious dishes, beers and wines, you can see why. Their cuisine embodies the rustic essence of traditional British pubs, taking inspiration from historic alehouses and taverns' open-fire cooking methods. Their signature spit roast chicken is a must-try, as it undergoes a meticulous process of brining, steaming, and marinating before being roasted on an English charcoal spit to seal its moisture and flavour.
Located in the heart of Southwark Street near the Bankside area, The Refinery is an industrial-style restaurant that has a whole lotta' heart. With a seasonal menu that focuses on using fresh ingredients, the options are full of delights such as Goan curry, buttermilk chicken burgers and duck flatbread. The platter selections are great for those wishing to share with friends while the mains are just as mouthwatering and incredibly varied. What's more, their outdoor terrace is one of the prettiest in town, offering beautiful riverside vistas perfect to revel in with an Aperol spritz in hand.
If you're looking for Italian restaurants in Waterloo, Pizza Pilgrims have you covered. Whipping up award-winning Neapolitan pizza and serving it with plenty of beer, they're sure to offer you and your mates a crowd-pleasing meal out with pies like The 8 Cheese, salsiccia e friarielli and Pizz' & Love on offer. For afters? Make sure to nibble on the deliciously gooey sharing Nutellamisu.
Cool restaurants in Waterloo Station, anyone? Few things excite quite like a big juicy burger, and not many places know how to do them as well as Honest Burgers. Just shy of Southwark station, you'll find patty classics (including vegan burgers), rosemary chips and a casual atmosphere. Don't forget to try the Waterloo special with beef, Waterloo cheese, béarnaise butter, shoestring fries, bacon gravy, rocket, and pickled shallots. Not your vibe? There are plenty of other delicacies on offer, like the Tribute, Chilli, and Honest burgers.
Mulberry Bush is a charming pub on the South Bank, boasting elegant yet vibrant interiors. Tucked away behind Gabriel's Wharf, this boozer offers a relaxed atmosphere just moments away from the river. Renowned for its traditional British roast lunches served on Sundays, complete with fluffy Yorkshire puddings, crispy roast potatoes, and generous lashings of gravy, it's a local favourite for delicious grub. Fancy something a bit more casual? Chow down on hearty pies, elevated sausage and mash, plus plenty of yummy burgers.
Spanish and Italian restaurant Strings is the whole package; offering everything from live guitar sets every evening to slick Mediterranean-inspired interiors featuring chic wooden wall panels and hanging lights, a huge selection of cocktails as well as swoon-worthy plates, it would be near impossible to turn down an opportunity to visit. Tapas choices include fried calamari with aioli, patatas bravas and garlic bruschetta. Wash it down with glasses of sangria and Aperol spritzes, naturally.
With a great range of fresh toppings, and some deliciously chewy crusts, Waterloo's Crust Bros is a must-visit for all pizza fans looking to design their own doughy adventures. This laid-back Italian spot known for its wood-fired Neapolitan pizza blends traditional techniques with modern twists. Their personalised pies allow diners to choose from over 30 ingredients, customising everything from dough to sauce. Not in a creative mood? Choose from their pre-designed offerings like Meat Sweatz, Straight Outta Hell, and Cheesus Walks. Vegan options, you ask? They've got you covered with goodies like the Vegan Margherita, Hot One, and Harlem Truffle.
In a revamped Metal Box factory near the Thames, Caravan Bankside offers adventurous, globally inspired breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails, and weekend brunch. Renowned for their worldly and seasonal dinner menu, their delicious offerings take cues from around the globe and serve treats like anchovy-topped sourdough pizza, Coconut red curry, and Dingley dell pork schnitzel.
In Horto is a romantic London Bridge restaurant boasting a rustic Mediterranean feel, where the aroma of roasted meat and veggies from the open fire adds to the experience. It's the perfect spot to gather with friends and enjoy dishes like Onglet steak with charred baby broccoli and aioli, braised lamb with harissa vegetables, and whole lemon sole with sea vegetables and prawns.
