Borough Market's cobbled lanes deliver some of London's finest street food grazing, but sometimes you want to actually sit down. This ancient corner of SE1 — all railway arches, Victorian ironwork and the ever-present whiff of truffle and toasted spice, is ringed with brilliant restaurants for every mood and budget. From relaxed tapas bars and neighbourhood bistros to rooftop dining with panoramic Thames views, here's where to book a proper table near Borough Market.
For restaurants right by Borough Market, Salt Yard is slinging out delicious Mediterranean dishes through its tapas and wide range of wine, in a restaurant filled with pretty plants and hanging lights. This is the sixth venue from the award-winning Salt Yard Group, where you can get stuck into everything from pan-fried cod to grilled chorizo with smoked chickpea puree and grilled artichokes.
After working up an appetite exploring the city's sites, you may be wondering where to eat. And so? Head to The Last Talisman on Bermondsey Street. This Asian grill is home to a secret Russian doll-style cocktail bar and fronts a menu of classic Malaysian cuisine - expect crispy pork belly, salmon teriyaki and green chickpea curry.
Whether you've got a hankering for a steak burger or craving something a bit more... fancy, this Tooley Street charmer has it all. Expect an extensive wine list, candlelit tables and everything from ham hock terrine to smoked haddock fishcakes and vegetarian mezze boards over at The Mug House, alongside a Victorian-style venue filled with antiques and pewter tankards hanging from the bar.
Borough Market restaurants with vegetarian options aplenty? This bustling spot is located just a short walk from the market, serving authentic Middle Eastern cuisine from Beiruti falafel bites to Iraki-style aubergine and lamb kofte. There are some cracking cocktails on offer too, from a Turkish coffee martini to palomas - and don't miss out on the baklava for dessert.
Spend too much time drooling at market-fresh doughnuts or artisan cheese and you just might just miss this charming wine bar, first opened by John Davy in 1964 and still preserving it's original charm. Filled with enough vino to keep you watered for a lifetime, The Boot and Flogger also serves up seasonal dishes in intimate surroundings - from chargrilled sirloin steaks and Beyond Meat burgers to a fresh seafood linguini.
Looking for the best fish restaurant near Borough Market? Located just a five-minute stroll away, The Market Porter is a cosy and quaint British pub boasting bags of character and a focus on high quality seafood. From incredible roasts on the weekend to gourmet bar snacks and crowd-pleasing classics, the menu here offers something for everyone, whether you're into katsu chicken curry or beer-battered haddock and chips.
Borough Market is unparalleled for a grazing session, but when the crowds get overwhelming and you're desperate for a comfortable seat and table service, make a break for The Garrison. Located just a short stroll from the market stalls, this neighbourhood stalwart acts as a natural extension of the area's historic food culture, focusing heavily on ingredient provenance and seasonal integrity.
The kitchen treats market-fresh produce with the absolute respect it deserves. Start your sit-down meal with delicate Cornish scallops paired with curried cauliflower, raisins, and coconut, before moving on to a vibrant pea and broad bean risotto topped with crisp Wye Valley asparagus.
With seats overlooking Borough Market, Café François is a perfect spot for a bit of afternoon tea and people watching. Inside, its elegant yet industrial interiors channel the traditional French bistro via the modern delis of California.
When it's time to tuck in, Executive Chef Partner Matthew Ryle serves up a fusion of classic hors d'oeuvres, small plats and entrees, alongside epic grilled sandwiches and rotisserie chicken. The Sunday lunch is the real showstopper, giving you a choice of succulent cuts and a fully loaded list of trimmings.
Tucked just moments from London Bridge, Honest Burgers Borough is the go-to spot for burger lovers craving comfort food and laid-back vibes. With its rustic wooden interiors and relaxed atmosphere, this cosy restaurant is all about doing the classics right - juicy burgers, golden fries, and the kind of sides that demand double dipping.
Whether you're into beef, chicken, or veggie patties, every burger is crafted with care and served with signature toppings like homemade chilli, melting cheese, and house sauces. Add a craft beer, a cocktail, or a glass of wine from the tiled bar, and you've got the recipe for the perfect casual bite in the heart of London.
Open from morning 'til night and flaunting a pretty botanical entrance, Drake & Morgan venue The Refinery is making sure that you don't go hungry. The brunch choices have us drooling at the thought, showcasing things such as banana and pecan buttermilk pancakes, plus the main menu boasts the likes of flash-grilled steak, salmon fillets and tofu Goan curry.
When only a sizzling steak will cut it, head to Hawksmoor's Borough outpost. Boasting one of the swankiest private dining rooms around and Sunday roasts named as one of the best in the UK by Observer Food Monthly, this sophisticated spot is worth a visit. The beef here comes solely from British farmers, with animal welfare and quality at the forefront of what they do. And to accompany your meal? Sip fine wines and high-quality martinis.
Dine at Henri, Covent Garden's newest culinary gem, where acclaimed chef Jackson Boxer reinvents classic Parisian bistro dishes with a playful, modern twist. From a delicate carrot râpée with black olive and sesame to a sumptuous roast duck with blood orange and green olive, every plate is a celebration of flavour, craftsmanship, and Jackson's love for French cuisine.
The space, redesigned by Dorothée Meilichzon, balances Parisian charm with London sophistication. Whether it's breakfast on the terrace, a leisurely lunch, a pre-theatre meal, or dinner paired with cocktails and an expertly curated wine list, Henri offers a relaxed yet refined dining experience.
One of the best Italian restaurants near Borough Market, Pizza Pilgrims does a quirky take on the Neapolitan experience. Just head to its archway spot for some of London's most scrumptious slices (with lots of vegan options available) after a ramble around the stalls - think upgrades on a classic margherita or a whopping eight cheese pizza, with fruity and refreshing cocktails to match.
Making use of fresh ingredients from Borough Market food stalls, Arthur Hooper's is a Southwark gem that serves exciting small plates inspired by the flavours of Europe. Swing by after a busy day at the office and explore the menu of blue cheese linguini, onglet steak and more, while pairing it with an exquisite wine from the ample collection.
This winter, The Berkeley Rooftop transforms into Feast Off-Piste, an immersive alpine pop-up that combines indulgent winter flavours with magical cityscape vistas. You'll be welcomed with a glass of mulled wine before settling into custom-made gondolas, each offering a cosy perch to enjoy a sharing menu of Swiss raclette, truffle-topped tartiflette, milk chocolate fondue with edible candles, and gingerbread s'mores.
Sip Champagne or a winter cocktail from your gondola, and ring the Champagne bell for a refill, while taking in stunning views across Hyde Park, Belgravia, and Knightsbridge. From the pretty lift mural by Chiara Perano to the sparkling lights above the park, every detail is designed to transport you straight to an alpine winter wonderland.
With a focus on high-quality Iberico ham, this is one of the best Borough Market restaurants for lunch. Think Spanish tapas dishes made with locally sourced seasonal ingredients, such as chorizo and ribeye paired with foie gras. But if you're not carnivorous? Sauteed mushrooms come cooked in truffle oil and manchego is served with quince for a little kick over at Lobos Meat & Tapas.
Bedales is the Greek restaurant featured in Bridget Jones' Diary, and although it's changed a little since then it's certainly still one of the best restaurants in Borough Market. This unique spot was also once a potato storehouse, which has now been transformed into a trendy bar and bistro. Not only is it a marvellous wine shop, with a gorgeous terrace with views across the stalls, but it also rustles up scrumptious European small plates like patatas bravas, charcuterie and cheese for you to chomp on.
Berenjak Borough champions Iranian food, slinging out a range of delicious eats, from flaming tanoor to a doner rotisserie. This joint also adds a little theatrics to the evening, boasting an open kitchen, luxe stained glass windows, Persian carpets and more, with a gorgeous botanical feature wall that's perfect for pics. And if you head up to the first floor, you can enjoy a convivial group feast.
If you're on the hunt for Borough Market restaurants with halal options, you can try out any of the beef or chicken dishes at Bao on Stoney Street. It's a haven of the delicious Taiwanese bun that it's named after, rustling up unique East Asian eats in a cool, trendy space - ideal after a busy day exploring the area. And for dessert? Make sure to try the milk tea ice cream.
If you're in the mood for sumptuous steaks that have been aged for up to 28 days, check out Black and Blue Borough Market. This modern British-American spot is tucked under the railway, looking out over the bustling surroundings. You can even grab three courses for £28 here if you visit between 12 and 7pm, with dishes like baked field mushrooms, sausage and mash or plant-based burgers up for grabs.
Located just moments away from Borough Market and cooking up wood-charcoal fired eats, this hidden gem of a restaurant boasts the interiors of an authentic Portuguese tavern, complete with antique furniture and low-hanging plants. Piri piri chicken steals the show at this place, with a huge range of sides to complement the signature dish. What's more, they've got some gorgeous spaces available for private hire.
This spot boasts huge glass windows, perfect for looking down on London's oldest fruit and vegetable markets below. They use exclusively British producers to source their meals, from farmers in the Lake District to fresh veggies from Grovers of Borough Market. As the name suggests, Roast is a must for lovers of a classic British Sunday dinner, served with saddleback pork belly, Cumbrian chicken or a nut alternative. But if you swing by on a different day? You can expect the likes of roasted seabass or a beef Wellington, and you can even nab afternoon tea here too.
