No matter where you are in London, chances are you've got a towering, jagged skyscraper in your eyeline. Despite opening less than a decade ago, The Shard is one of this city's most famous landmarks. That's not its only claim to fame; the glass structure shares space with some excellent foodie spots. From cute little pubs and world-renowned pasta restaurants through to pizza parlours and all-day breakfast joints, we've rounded up the best Shard restaurants and bars nearby.
For British dining in a quintessential London boozer, Bunch of Grapes on St Thomas Street is an excellent place to start. The charming spot is the antithesis of The Shard, with cosy nooks and crannies, wooden floorboards and a traditional bar. Head in for a pint of real ale or one of their roast beef sarnies.
Head over to Borough Market to discover Arabica, a lively mezze restaurant that serves up the best of Levantine cuisine. Expect a lively atmosphere here, in an 80-seater restaurant filled with exposed brickwork and vintage furniture.
Their delicious menu is great for sharing (or not, we won't judge), featuring plates like halloumi with black honey, sea bream crudo and lamb kofte. Plus, the cocktails are excellent too.
Located in St Thomas' Church in London Bridge is Amazing Grace, and yes, it does indeed live up to its namesake. The stunning venue showcases different types of cuisine from Vietnamese fried tofu to pulled beef brisket bao buns and sweetcorn ribs. And to drink? Check out their variety of cocktails and craft beer, all while enjoying one of their legendary live music performances or DJ sets. Topping it all off? incredible audio-visual displays and 3D light projections.
Right in the middle of the Tower Bridge hubbub, El Vino is bringing Mediterranean spice to this part of London. The bar has made a name for its fine wines (the clue is in the title), along with some seriously tasty tapas plates; sherry-soaked chorizo sausages we're looking at you.
The Market Porter in Southwark is a historic pub made up of rustic wooden floors and traditional decor, making for a cosy place to eat and drink. Just a short walk from the Shard, this a fantastic place for after-work drinking sessions and chomping on classic pub grub after a long day.
Searching for fun places for your next romantic date night? Barrafina Borough is a trendy spot near London Bridge, complete with nibbles and cocktails. Enjoy sipping on a negroni before tucking into chorizo, almonds and marinated olives.
From the rickety wooden tables through to the framed old maps and prints, The Boot and Flogger on Redcross Way is a taste of Old England. The cute pub is perfect for a low-key pint or - if you're peckish - check out their traditional grub.
On the other side of London Bridge Station to The Shard, Pizza Pilgrims have created a wacky world of doughy goodness. Oddities include a pizza planet inspired by Toy Story and a street food market-style space - though it's the crusts you should care about, with mouth-watering toppings such as double pepperoni and spicy honey.
For sleek cocktail bars with sophisticated decor, The Lounge Bar is situated just moments away from The Shard. Expect a wide range of gin cocktails on their menu, as well as cracking snacks - think calamari and truffle fries.
Looking for places to drink near The Shard? The second site for Electric Shuffle can be found nestled in the arches of London Bridge, offering punters a unique space for after work drinks and a little healthy competition, with regular weekend brunches for letting your hair down.
Located just minutes from London Bridge, Santo Remedio is a great place for food and drinks near the Shard. Once you've taken in the views, head down to ground level for a feast that includes margaritas, tacos, tostadas and much more.
The brainchild of Executive Chef Partner Matthew Ryle, Café François transports you to the traditional bistro without straying too far from the City.
Within its warm, exposed brick and industrial-style interiors, it serves up a mix of the classically French and the quintessentially British. Think afternoon tea sharing menus paired with small plates and continental hors d'oeuvres.
It's the Sunday lunch that really grabs the headlines, covering a choice of meats from prime rib to rotisserie chicken, served up with a packed plate of roast potatoes, all the greens and delicious Yorkshire pudding.
When it comes to places to eat near The Shard, Vinegar Yard should be on your list. Not only will you find vendors like Nanny Bills, Baba G's and Sugo, but also a rooftop bar, pop-up shopsand a weekly flea market.
You can't get a much better view of The Shard than you can at London Bridge Rooftop, situated right next to the iconic landmark. This elevated space features lots of outdoor seating, with some covered areas too, with long wooden tables to relax on.
From live DJs to interactive darts, there's plenty of entertainment on the cards here. As for refreshments, there's cocktails, burgers, chicken tenders and even bottomless brunches on Saturdays.
Overlooking Borough Market, Arthur Hooper's is a fantastic restaurant to check out by The Shard. Utilising the fresh produce of their neighbours, the kitchen team have created a menu of innovative European small plates that are perfectly paired with an ample wine list.
Situated near The Shard, Salt Yard in Borough Market is a fabulous shout when it comes to delicious dinners with friends. Share a bunch of tapas and choose from a wide range of wine. We recommend trying the oyster with green chilli and courgette flower.
Boasting Spanish tapas such as olives, pickled white anchovies and Padron peppers, Pizarro is a fantastic restaurant near London Bridge and The Shard. Enjoy munching on these small plates while pairing your meal with a glass of lip-smackin' wine.
After a fun day exploring the sites of Central London, recharge with a bite to eat at BAO Borough. This cool hangout on Stoney Street champions the flavours of Taiwan, slinging out buns, grills and more, with tasty drinks to match.
Berenjak Borough is the London Bridge restaurant that's slinging out delicious Iranian fare in a beaut setting. The interiors are made up of winding ivy, Persian rugs and exposed brick walls, while the menu features mangal and doner delights.
Some of the best Lebanese meals can be found in the brightly coloured Comptoir Libanais on Tooley Street. Inspired by the founder's childhood in the Middle East, the restaurant is a riot of film nostalgia and sharing cocktails.
