The best restaurants on the South Bank in 2026 are Padella for cheap, superb fresh pasta at Borough Market, José for tapas on Bermondsey Street, Hutong and Aqua Shard for dinner with a view high up The Shard, The Anchor & Hope for gastropub cooking near Waterloo, and Roast for British food above Borough Market.
The South Bank runs from Waterloo past the Southbank Centre, Tate Modern and Borough Market to London Bridge and Bermondsey. The best food clusters around Borough Market and Bermondsey Street, while The Shard and the Oxo Tower offer the views. Many restaurants near the Southbank Centre and the National Theatre serve early menus for theatre and concert-goers.
London's favourite fresh pasta, handmade daily at low prices.
Padella makes its pasta by hand every day and serves short, perfect plates, such as its famous pici cacio e pepe, at prices far below what you would expect for food this good.
The queue is part of the experience; it moves faster than it looks.
Good to know: Go at opening time or mid-afternoon for the shortest queue.
6 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TQ
José Pizarro's original tapas bar, tiny, standing-room and always buzzing.
José on Bermondsey Street is a small tapas bar inspired by those of Barcelona and Andalucía, with sherry, jamón, croquetas and daily specials chalked on the board.
It takes no reservations, so arrive early and be ready to perch.
Good to know: No reservations; go before 6pm on weekdays.
104 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3UB
Northern Chinese cooking with a spectacular view from level 33 of The Shard.
Hutong serves northern Chinese dishes, including Peking duck and Sichuan specialities, in a dramatic dining room on level 33 of The Shard, with views across the City and the river.
It suits a special occasion where the view matters as much as the food.
Good to know: Book a window table for sunset.
Level 33, The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9RY
British dining and a soaring bar on level 31 of The Shard.
Aqua Shard serves contemporary British food and weekend brunch in a three-storey atrium on level 31 of The Shard, with views over the Thames and the City.
Its bar is a good option for a drink with the view without a full meal.
Good to know: Weekend brunch is the most affordable way to enjoy the view.
Level 31, The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9RY
Grills and a lounge bar with live music on level 32 of The Shard.
Oblix on level 32 of The Shard serves grills and sharing dishes, with a lounge bar that often has live music in the evening.
It is a good choice for a date night with a view.
Good to know: Ask for a table on the side facing the City for the best skyline.
Level 32, The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9RY
Proper British cooking in the glass Floral Hall above Borough Market.
Roast occupies the glass Floral Hall above Borough Market, serving British food built around the market's produce, from full breakfasts to roasts and seasonal game.
It is a good pick for a British breakfast or a Sunday roast with a view of the market.
Good to know: Book breakfast before exploring the market.
The Floral Hall, Stoney Street, London SE1 1TL
A pioneering gastropub on The Cut with robust, seasonal cooking.
The Anchor & Hope on The Cut, near the Old Vic and Young Vic theatres, is one of London's best-loved gastropubs, serving hearty, seasonal European cooking from a daily menu.
Bookings are limited, so many tables are first come, first served.
Good to know: Arrive early for a table, and put your name down at the bar.
36 The Cut, London SE1 8LP
Spanish tapas from the importer that brought great Spanish food to Borough Market.
Brindisa started as a Spanish food importer at Borough Market and now runs tapas bars, including this one on Southwark Street by the market, serving jamón, croquetas, grilled meats and Spanish wines.
It is a lively stop after shopping in the market.
Good to know: Its Borough Market shop sells the same jamón and cheese to take home.
18–20 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TJ
A riverside restaurant and brasserie with a terrace over the Thames.
The OXO Tower Restaurant and Brasserie sit on the eighth floor of the landmark OXO Tower Wharf, with a long terrace looking across the river to St Paul's and the City.
It suits a celebration or a summer evening on the terrace.
Good to know: Ask for a terrace table in summer.
Oxo Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, London SE1 9PH
Padella for fresh pasta (expect a queue), Roast in the Floral Hall for British food, and Brindisa for tapas. The market's own stalls are great for lunch. See our food markets guide.
Hutong on level 33 and Aqua Shard on level 31 both have floor-to-ceiling windows over London; Oblix on level 32 is another option. Book a window table and go at sunset.
Padella's Borough Market branch is famous for its walk-in queue. Check its website for the current system, which has included virtual queueing.
The Anchor & Hope on The Cut is a short walk away, and the Southbank Centre's own restaurants and the Oxo Tower are nearby.
Yes. José and the other Pizarro restaurants, plus wine bars and cafés, make Bermondsey Street one of London's best short streets for eating.