Best Restaurants In Waterloo

• Why we recommend it: Hard to miss at the Waterloo end of Lower Marsh (look for the building painted in the Italian flag), Pizza Pilgrims is one of London's great pizza brands and this South Bank outpost is one of its most fun.

Thom and James Elliot started their Neapolitan pizza pilgrimage back in 2011 with a van and a dream, and their Waterloo restaurant is proof of how far that dream has come. The double-fermented dough is baked at 500°C to get that signature light, chewy and properly charred crust, and the toppings are as serious as the base that carries them. We'd go straight for the Salsiccia e Friarielli (Italian sausage, wild broccoli, smoked mozzarella and chilli) or, if you're feeling extra, the 8-cheese pizza finished with smoked chilli jam. Start with the mac and cheese balls and a negroni, finish with the Nutellamisu, a stuffed ring of dough packed with Nutella and ricotta that is, frankly, unfair. It's buzzy, affordable, and brilliant for groups; the alfresco terrace on Lower Marsh is one of the best outdoor tables in Waterloo when the weather plays ball.

• Why we recommend it: Few restaurants in Waterloo nail the balance of stunning setting and genuinely great food quite like Forza Wine, and that Thames terrace at golden hour is, frankly, one of London's best dining spots full stop.

Perched on the northwest terrace of the National Theatre with views stretching over the river to Waterloo Bridge, Forza Wine is the South Bank restaurant everyone's been talking about since it opened. The cult Peckham rooftop wine bar has found its most ambitious home here, and the result is a buzzing 160-cover space that runs from lunch through to midnight. The menu is "Italian-ish", seasonal small plates designed for sharing and ordering as you go. Start with the legendary cauliflower fritti with aioli, graze through mozzarella with figs and hazelnuts or pork cheek with pickled cucumbers, then finish with the Custardo (an affogato done the Forza way, don't even think about skipping it). The natural wine list is expertly curated but never intimidating, and cocktails like the cherry negroni and frozen peach margarita are exactly what you want on that terrace as the sun drops over the river. 

• Why we recommend it: From the team behind East London's critically acclaimed Marksman pub, Lasdun is the restaurant that finally gave the South Bank the serious, sit-down dining room it always deserved.

Named after Denys Lasdun,  the architect responsible for the magnificent Brutalist building it sits inside, this modern British brasserie on Level 1 of the National Theatre is something of a destination in its own right, whether or not you're seeing a show. Jon Rotheram and Tom Harris have applied the same seasonal, produce-led philosophy that made The Marksman a London institution, and the results speak for themselves. The menu reads like a love letter to British ingredients: Cornish crab on a saffron bun, whole Cornish pollack, smoked eel on pressed potato with cured ham and horseradish. And then there's the pie, a sharing chicken, leek and girolle number for two that's become one of the most talked-about dishes on the South Bank. The brown butter and honey custard tart for dessert is mandatory. Lasdun has a pre-theatre menu (two courses for £32, three for £38) and is, without doubt, the best restaurant near the National Theatre for a proper occasion.

• Why we recommend it: Honest uses British beef, makes everything from scratch, and even has a local burger named after the neighbourhood.

Honest Burgers is the area's go-to for a proper, no-nonsense feed that doesn't require a reservation or a remortgage. The Waterloo local burger is a collaboration with The Beefsteaks, British beef topped with Waterloo cheese, béarnaise butter, shoestring fries in the bun, and bacon gravy, and it's exactly the kind of pub-smart, region-proud cooking that makes this brand stand out in a crowded market. Every burger comes with rosemary salted chips, which is the right call, and the drinks list features an Honest G&T made with a gin distilled just for them by Psychopomp. It's casual, it's honest (obviously), and it's one of the best cheap eats in Waterloo if you want something more substantial than a slice of pizza. 

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.

Why we recommend it: A proper Waterloo gastropub with serious intentions, the Duke does the classics brilliantly, from a spit-roast chicken that's been marinaded to within an inch of its life to a Sunday roast worth staying in London for.

Just two minutes from Waterloo station on Baylis Road, The Duke of Sussex has been thoroughly and smartly refurbished, think plush seating, a doubled kitchen, and four private upstairs rooms looking out onto unexpectedly leafy treetops. But what makes it stand out among Waterloo restaurants is the kitchen's commitment to sourcing: the spit-roast chicken is brined, steamed and marinated before being finished over English charcoal, and the burger uses grass-fed heritage breed beef topped with Ogleshield cheese from the Montgomery family in Somerset. It's pub food, yes, but pub food taken seriously. The on-site bartenders even infuse a signature gin with seasonal flavours, which tells you everything you need to know about the attention to detail here. Sunday roast, a craft beer or three, and a seat in that large outdoor terrace: the perfect Waterloo afternoon.

• Why we recommend it: Waterloo's best restaurant with a view, and one of London's, full stop. Sitting on the third floor of the Royal Festival Hall with floor-to-ceiling windows across the Thames, Skylon is the obvious answer to "where do I take someone special in Waterloo?"

Named after the iconic structure built for the 1951 Festival of Britain, Skylon has been a South Bank landmark ever since,  and it earns that status not just on location, but on the food too. The modern British brasserie menu is seasonal and considered, with the kitchen doing particularly well with British seafood and classically grounded dishes that let the produce speak. The Grand Central Bar, with its striking black porcelain top and unbeatable river views, is worth a visit in its own right,  the Skylon Martini is the thing to order. There's a pre- and post-theatre menu that makes it one of the smartest choices for a smart occasion near Waterloo, and a Saturday bottomless brunch with live music if you want something a bit more celebratory. 

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.

• Why we recommend it: Tucked behind Gabriel's Wharf between Waterloo and Blackfriars, The Mulberry Bush is the kind of proper British riverside pub that reminds you why you live in London, especially on a sunny afternoon with a pint and something good from the kitchen.

One of the South Bank's most charming pubs, The Mulberry Bush has been a neighbourhood anchor for years — and it earns that loyalty on merit. Head chef Roger has been behind the stoves for over 25 years, turning out a regularly changing seasonal menu of British classics alongside the pub staples you actually want (think excellent fish and chips, a decent sausage and mash, and a Sunday roast that's worth planning a weekend around). Young's ales and seasonal guests are on tap throughout, and the drinks list is more considered than your average pub. 

• Why we recommend it: Tucked down a side street off the South Bank, Sticky Mango is Waterloo's most underrated restaurant — a three-floor, flower-draped Southeast Asian gem from an acclaimed chef that punches well above its postcode.

Chef-owner Peter Lloyd spent years travelling through Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia before channelling everything he learned into Sticky Mango, which opened on Stamford Street in 2016 and has been winning awards and loyal fans ever since (including a Best Fusion nod at the Golden Chopstick Awards). Spread across three beautifully decorated floors, each with its own distinct personality, from cascading blossoms to copper details, it's a dining room that feels a world away from the South Bank tourist trail outside. The sharing menu is built for exploration: start with the Malaysian chicken curry puffs with coriander yoghurt, move through soft shell crab steam buns and the black pepper prawns, then commit to either the Indonesian-style whole sea bass or the Singapore chilli lobster for the table. The nine-course tasting menu (£50) is one of the best-value feasts in the neighbourhood. Book ahead, the secret is very much out.

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.

• Why we recommend it: There's nowhere quite like Strings in Waterloo, or London, for that matter. A family-run Italian and Spanish restaurant inside the historic County Hall building, with live classical guitar performed every evening. It's the most romantic restaurant in Waterloo, and genuinely one-of-a-kind.

Founded in 2021 by husband-and-wife team Santy Masciaro and Elise Weber, Strings sits in the magnificent County Hall building on Belvedere Road,  right behind the London Eye, opposite Big Ben, and about as dramatic a setting as you can get on the South Bank. Santy is himself a classically trained guitarist, and from 7pm each evening the restaurant fills with live performances, works by Rodrigo, Albéniz, Granados, Verdi, Rossini, that genuinely transform a dinner into an experience. The menu balances Italian and Spanish, swapping between a more formal à la carte (starters, mains, desserts) and tapas rounds designed for sharing, with signatures like grilled octopus, pesto pasta, and tiramisu. The décor is warm and considered, Spanish floor tiles, Mediterranean touches, framed guitars on the walls, and the bar at the back makes a great spot for a pre-dinner cocktail or sangria.

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.

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. 

• Why we recommend it: Right opposite Waterloo station and serving some of the best Neapolitan pizza in SE1, the slow-proved, wood-fired dough is the real deal, the build-your-own format is a genuinely fun way to eat.

Crust Bros has been winning fans on Waterloo Road since 2017, and the secret is in the base. The dough is proved for 48 to 72 hours then fired at 500°C in a wood-burning oven, resulting in that distinctive leopard-spotted crust that's light, chewy, and properly charred. The build-your-own format lets you go across 30-plus toppings, making it as customisable as it is satisfying. It's casual and buzzy, with a lively atmosphere that makes it a great option for groups as well as a quick pre-theatre feed, the dedicated pre-theatre menu is £20 per person, served Monday to Friday from 3–6pm, and includes an aperitivo and your choice of pizza. Gluten-free and vegan bases are genuinely good here, which is worth knowing. 

Why we recommend it: If you're looking for the best affordable steak restaurant in Waterloo, Flat Iron on The Cut is the answer.

Flat Iron is one of those Waterloo restaurants that doesn't need to shout about itself, the reputation does the work. The premise is simple: exceptional feather blade steak, sourced from Flat Iron's own cattle herd in North Yorkshire, served at a price that consistently baffles anyone who's eaten here. The Waterloo branch on The Cut sits opposite the Young Vic, halfway between Waterloo and Southwark stations, inside a room that earns its keep on atmosphere alone, green and white Victorian tiles, reclaimed oak floors, warm low lighting, and foliage-lined outdoor tables spilling onto the pedestrianised street. It feels like a proper chophouse, not a chain, which is exactly the point. The flat iron steak is the move, the beef dripping chips are non-negotiable, creamed spinach is a must, and the specials board is worth a look every time. 

• Why we recommend it: Directly opposite Waterloo station and serving proper French bistro food, moules frites, steak frites, boeuf bourguignon, duck confit, without the fuss or the price tag. It's the most conveniently located restaurant in Waterloo, and it delivers.

Right on the doorstep of Waterloo station on Sandell Street, Auberge has been a local fixture for years, and it's easy to see why. The ground floor has the feel of a Belgian beer hall, all dark wood, twisted iron fixtures and ten-plus craft beers on tap, while the candlelit restaurant upstairs is a notch more intimate. The menu is classic French with a modern edge: deep-fried camembert, moules marinière or moules thaïlandaises, steak frites with peppercorn sauce, boeuf bourguignon, and a fish pie that's become something of a regular order among the regulars. There's a rooftop bar with glimpses of The Shard for drinks before or after, and a pre-theatre lunch menu at £16.95 that makes it one of the best value set menus near Waterloo station. 

• Why we recommend it: The Bankside branch of the beloved coffee-roaster-turned-all-day-restaurant is one of the most reliable spots near Waterloo for everything from a morning flat white to a serious dinner with friends.

Housed in a converted Victorian metal box factory on Great Guildford Street, all exposed brick, steel-framed windows, and that effortlessly cool industrial aesthetic, Caravan Bankside has been a neighbourhood favourite since it opened its doors south of the river. The menu is what they call "well-travelled": globally inspired small plates and larger dishes that pull from across the world without feeling gimmicky. Jalapeño cornbread with chipotle butter is as good at 8am as it is at 8pm, the jamon and smoked san simon croquettes with saffron aioli are a standing order, and the burnt stem broccoli with spiced black bean salsa is the dish that converts even the most committed carnivore. It's a brilliant spot for groups (the space is generous and the menu accommodates everything from brunch to dinner to espresso martinis) and one of the better options near Waterloo for anyone who wants a proper meal without a formal occasion to hang it on. Worth noting: it's a stone's throw from Borough Market and the Tate Modern, making it the natural base for a South Bank afternoon.