London is one of the world’s most renowned culinary cities, but when it comes to combining great food with beautiful scenic views of a city’s river, then the majority don’t come close to the UK capital. The iconic river Thames flows through the city’s bustling centre acting like a main artery, transporting visitors and locals alike between its many trendy and historical spots. From romantic date night destinations to sun-soaked casual hotspots, the best riverside restaurants in London await.
Read on and discover stellar restaurants along this famous river’s lengthy banks all year around, though they’re particularly special during the spring and summer months. Whether you’re looking for tapas in the city centre, trying out a traditional Italian aperitivo in Battersea or fancy a classic pub meal in Kew, there’s plenty to get excited about when it comes to the best riverside restaurants in London.
Book now and get a great spot just in time for the sunshine. Make your reservation on OpenTable now at one of the best riverside restaurants in London.
Dine out with scenic views of the river Thames, read on for the best riverside restaurants in London to book now
For one of the best riverside restaurants in London for brunch with a view – visit Skylon in Waterloo
Skylon is one of the capital’s premier restaurants for contemporary British cuisine and marvellous views of the river Thames. Skylon boasts breathtaking vistas through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows within a laid-back setting that is also divided by an impressive central bar known for its exceptional cocktails. On the menu you can enjoy tasty starters such as the Jerusalem artichoke soup or the ham hock terrine, with attractive main dishes that really hit the spot like the crab and prawn linguine or the roasted vegetable curry. The grill offers fine cuts of beef like the dry aged beef fillet and ribeye steaks. In addition, you can choose from various set menus for pre and post-theatre food, the spring menu, as well as Saxy brunch on Saturdays with a live DJ and saxophone player. Check out the attractive cocktail menu to really get your evening off to the perfect start!
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For one of the best riverside restaurants in London for seafood lovers – book a table at Scott’s Richmond in Richmond upon Thames
Scott’s Richmond is an esteemed restaurant originating from Mayfair, now exuding its charm along Richmond’s enchanting riverside. Indulge in exquisite seafood delicacies, complemented by a curated selection of fine wines and champagne. Head chef Tom Fraser presents a menu that seamlessly combines seafood classics inspired by the original Scott’s with specialties that pay homage to its new riverside setting. Try creative cocktails that are expertly crafted by talented mixologists, before delving into a menu that celebrates local seafood at its heart. Highlights include sea bream and prawn ceviche, salmon tartare and yellowtail sashimi. Try the delectable onion tarte tatin or moist and juicy robata grilled octopus to start, before moving onto delightful mains like blacked miso salmon, seared sea bass and fillet of trout with crab. Throw in a Sunday roast and a vegetarian menu and you’re onto a winner.
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For an afternoon tea overlooking the River Thames – visit Hithe + Seek in Bank
For modern cuisine with a twist, look no further than Hithe + Seek. This slick restaurant is a bar and kitchen nestled in the bustling heart of the city. Designed with meticulous attention to detail, it provides an immersive and adventurous journey, presenting a diverse selection of wines, cocktails, and small plates. On the menu, you’ve got plenty to feast your eyes on with a design for sharing and pairing in mind. Each dish comes with a recommendation, pairing the flavours perfectly with a signature wine. The duck breast terrine with Dukka, carrot and blackberry jus is paired with a pinot noir from Oregon, while the moussaka roll, goes perfectly with a Spanish albarino. An afternoon tea menu is served from 1 pm to 5 pm daily, boasting nori-baked salmon sandwiches and indulgent multi-layer honey cakes.
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For one of the best riverside restaurants in London for steak – try Butlers Wharf Chop House Restaurant in London Bridge
The esteemed British Chop House pays homage to an era when meat reigned supreme, servings were generous, and origin was paramount. The Butlers Wharf Chop House Restaurant specializes in substantial shared cuts, prepared over open charcoal grills, in Josper ovens, or on spit roasts, complemented by daily specials featuring the finest locally sourced ingredients. The expansive restaurant exudes the charm of a classic English boathouse, boasting oak-lined walls and cosy, sturdy seating. When the weather permits, the doors can open onto the riverside terrace, offering al fresco dining with unparalleled views of Tower Bridge. While you’re enjoying the view, tuck into the finest meaty offerings like the juicy pork saddleback loin with Bramley ketchup or the West Country Barnsley lamb with rosemary and mint jelly. The sharing for two options includes the impressive chateaubriand, Cumbrian porterhouse, and tomahawk steaks, enough to satisfy the biggest appetites.
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For an Italian aperitivo with Roman-style pizza – book at Fiume in Battersea
Fiume, named after the Italian word for river, is situated on the banks of the river Thames within Battersea Power Station’s Circus West Village. Offering gorgeous views of London’s famous river and boasting a spacious Mediterranean-style terrace, the restaurant provides an ideal setting for classic southern Italian cuisine and aperitivos. Drawing inspiration from the culinary traditions of southern Italy, Fiume serves up wholesome, flavourful dishes masterminded by Head chef Davide Mazzocchi and crafted from fresh ingredients. The menu includes tasty antipasti dishes like the lentil stew with slow cooked pork sausage and the burrata with roast butternut squash puree which must be tasted to be believed. Alternatively, you can’t go wrong with the mouth-watering fettuccini with lobster and chilli, or the grilled stone bass with celeriac and glazed carrots. This is also the perfect spot to discover pinsa, a classic Roman-style pizza, a lighter version of the contemporary pizza.
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For one of the best riverside restaurants in London helmed by a celebrity chef – visit Bread Street Kitchen and Bar in Limehouse, St Paul’s, Bank or Southwark
Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen and Bar has four prime locations in Limehouse, St Paul’s, Bank and Southwark, but the Limehouse spot shines the brightest, with its idyllic riverside location. Here you can marvel at the modern contemporary British menus, including a seasonal set menu, an a la carte menu, the Sunday menu and the Ramsay kid’s menu (with the little ones eating for free). The eclectic range of dishes here is impressive, from wagyu meatballs on sourdough toast to spicy tuna tartare to the iconic idiot sandwich with braised short rib, confit mushrooms and spiced tomato chutney. Seafood lovers can try the flaky roasted cod or the steamed sea bream. With an attractive desserts and drinks menu as well, it’s a great place to stick on your list this summer.
📍 Limehouse — Check availability
📍 St Paul’s — Check availability
📍 Bank — Check availability
📍 Southwark — Check availability
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For one of the best riverside restaurants in London for handmade pasta – book at Emilia’s Crafted Pasta in St Katharine Docks and Canary Wharf
For Italian restaurants in London, there’s not many that do it better than Emilia’s Crafted Pasta, with two riverside locations in St Katharine Docks and Canary Wharf. At Emilia’s you’ll enjoy pasta that’s been freshly made that day from simple maize flour, rice flour and chickpea flour. Enjoy fantastic views of the Thames, while selecting your favourite pasta from options like ravioli, bucatini, potato gnocchi and pappardelle, amongst others. Pastas are paired with a range of delectable sauces like radiatore pasta with freshly made tomato and basil sauce and buffalo mozzarella and pancetta carbonara made with beaten eggs over a bucatini pasta. Pair your dishes with a fine Italian wine, craft beer or zingy cocktails and you’re in for an unforgettable evening, complete with sumptuous river views. Away from the river, there are also great locations in Aldgate and Baker Street.
📍 St Katharine Docks — Check availability
📍 Canary Wharf — Check availability
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For one of the best riverside restaurants in London for Sunday roasts – check out City Barge in Kew
City Barge is a British pub that offers some of the finest views of the Thames alongside classic pub fare. A modern British menu is available, as well as an array of great beers, wines, and spirits at the bar. Here you can enjoy the suburban feel of the southwest region of the river Thames, sitting outside in the sunshine, watching rowing boats aplenty glide along the water. The Sunday menu offers all your roast favourites while the daily à la carte menu serves up seasonal starters such as a cured salmon, avocado and mango tartare, and baked camembert with roasted garlic and hot honey served on a sourdough toast. While main courses include pub favourites like a pie of the day and crispy fish and chips, as well as juicy Scottish flank steak and flaky pan-fried sea bass. With a focus on seasonal flavours, each dish is perfect for a summer’s day.
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For stunning cocktails by the river – book a table at The Lowback Bar in Canary Wharf
The Lowback Bar represents the Hawksmoor group’s most ambitious bar venture. The idea was to elevate every aspect of a Hawksmoor bar experience – from cocktails and cuisine to decor, music, and ambience. Luckily, it ticks all the boxes and more. The bar’s sleek interior is complemented by a dark green marble floor, polished timber ceiling, and plush velvet booths, perfect for an unforgettable, glamorous night out. Try out some extravagant cocktails, split sharing plates and dig into some of the finest steaks along the river. Attractive options for sharing include salt beef nuggets, soft Brixham scallops and steak tartare, while your steak options are extensive (like any Hawksmoor location), with rump, sirloin, fillet, ribeye, porterhouse, and chateaubriand classics stealing the show. Combining these with great company and fancy cocktails like a cantaloupe bellini, or a peaches and cream, amongst many others, is your ticket to an amazing evening.
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For one of the best riverside restaurants in London for Thai cuisine – check out Thai Square Putney Bridge in Putney
Thai Square Putney Bridge is another riverside gem that tantalises the tastebuds and mesmerises the eyes with fantastic suburban views of the river. A 2022 World Luxury Restaurant winner, Thai Square takes you on a journey through Thailand, from the banks of the Thames. From the sights to the flavours, it’s a real treat for the senses. Choose from the gold set menu, the lunch express menu, and the early bird menu. Get started on some tasty morsels like salt and pepper squid or Thai chicken and prawn dumplings and move on to classics like green curry, red curry and jungle curry with chicken, prawn and beef options. Satisfy your appetite with noodle and rice dishes such as pad Thai, or the drunken noodles, a spicy beef and chilli dish that’s said to help cure your hangover. Finally, pair your dishes with a fragrant wine, or an expertly made cocktail to round up your meal in the summer air.
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So, there you have it, some of the finest examples of the plethora of riverside eateries in London that standout and deliver every time. From delectable Italian cuisine to great pub grub, in areas in the west, centre and in the south-east, wherever you choose you’re onto a winner with OpenTable. These 10 best riverside restaurants in London promise a memorable time for that extra special view with the food to match. The coming spring and summer seasons promise to be elevated to the next level if you’re including these gems in your plans.
Book your table now at OpenTable to see the best riverside restaurants in London.
Check out more places to eat in London with these guides:
- The 10 best Asian restaurants in London to book right now
- 12 of the best dog-friendly restaurants in London
- The best Sunday roasts in London for a memorable lunch out
- 10 of the best steak restaurants in London to book right now
- The best child-friendly restaurants in London the whole family will love
