When all else has failed and your London-love is in danger of leaving forever then a trip to the Southbank is needed. From The Globe theatre to the London Eye, there's something charming about this side of London. To top it off, there's some cracking Southbank restaurants, all serving fresh, delicious food and often with some of the best views of The Thames. Read on for our list of the best restaurants nearby.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Last updated on 14th February 2025
This Southbank restaurant is a stone's throw from the Tate Modern and River Thames and is perfect for a lunch pitstop or sophisticated dinner. The breezy eatery is in the landmark Blue Fin Building and has an open kitchen to watch your modern European cuisine being prepared.
Sat right on the Thames, Founders Arms is a scenic spot for dinner on the Southbank. The restaurant specialises in homely comfort food, with dishes such as beer-battered fish and chips and steak and ale pies adorning the menu. Watch the world float by on the Thames from the terrace come summer or snuggle up inside in the cooler months.
Located inside the Royal Festival Hall, this unique Southbank restaurant offers some of the most beautiful views in the city, not to mention a delicious menu of quality eats from brunch through dinner, alongside killer cocktails and an impressive wine list.
Located in the heart of London's busiest business districts, this Spanish-inspired restaurant bar sits between London Bridge station and City Hall. Expect sharing plates, an extensive selection of wine and relaxed settings.
Belushis London Bridge is not just a restaurant close to Southbank, it is also a party place and great spot to catch the sport with seven large screens and DJs playing late into the night. The menu is American styled and full of dishes such as nachos and burgers.
From delicious pizza and pasta to calamari and other Italian dishes, Azurro is a great venue to check out in Southbank. When the weather warms, their outdoor terrace is brilliant for sun-drenched dinners and fab lunch specials.
Situated in the stylish Bankside Hotel just off of Southbank, Art Yard Bar and Kitchen is a brilliant all-day dining spot. You'll find cool and colourful artwork lining the walls, with a gold-tinted bar serving up all kinds of delicious cocktails, coffee and more. As for the menu? Tuck into international plates ranging from Cornish crab to tomato tart tatin and rib eye steak, as well as an array of tasty brunch dishes.
Just a stone's throw from Southbank, you'll find Pizza Pilgrims fronting award-winning Neapolitan slices and plenty of pints. Perfect for refuelling after a stroll along the Thames, toppings on these bad boys include pepperoni and spicy honey, truffle, and aubergine parm.
Located inside the National Theatre, you won't find a much more conveniently located dining spot than Lasdun, a contemporary British brasserie that was created by the team behind iconic East London pub The Marksman.
There's both a stylish main restaurant and an intimate private room here, flaunting a minimal, stylish design. As for the menu, expect the likes of smoked haddock fishcakes, pot roast ham or chicken and leek pie.
When it comes down to Southbank eateries, Auberge is at the top of our list thanks to its delicious French food. Whether you're in the mood for deep-fried camembert, moules thailandaise, steak frites or boeuf bourguignon, this fabulous restaurant has it all. And make sure not to check out the rooftop bar offering pretty glimpses of The Shard, along with private drinking or dining spaces and a modern bar.
Slap bang opposite the Southbank Centre, this great dim sum restaurant and late night bar is one of the best restaurants on the south bank.
If you're on the hunt for a place that's as a treat for the eyes as it is for the tastebuds, it has to be Sticky Mango. This South Bank restaurant is renowned for its botanical interiors and unique sculptures, as well as its mouthwatering menu of Thai delights.
A collaboration between The National Theatre and Coin Street Community Builders, The Green Room is a stunning glass-fronted restaurant, adorned with props from some of the city's most iconic plays. Enjoy gourmet burgers, slow-roasted ribs and veggie delights, all within seconds of the river.
