From Rick Stein’s Thames-side restaurant to London Shell Co.’s water vessel, there’s something magical about dining by the waterside. Although us Londoners can’t enjoy the sound of waves crashing into the shore, we can get our waterside experience with a visit to one of London’s restaurants by the Thames.
To help you out, we’ve rounded up the best riverside restaurants in London…
Rick Stein – Barnes
You might commonly associate him with Cornwall but Rick Stein can also be found serving up his fishy fare by the Thames in Barnes.
Sat overlooking the river, the restaurant serves up fresh fish and seafood from Cornwall. Menu highlights include the Dover sole, Indonesian seafood curry and lobster Thermidor.
TIDEWAY YARD, 125 MORTLAKE HIGH STREET, BARNES, SW14 8SN
Darcie & May Green
As colourful as they come, Darcie & May Green is the canalside venture from brunch specialists Daisy Green. Located in Sheldon Square, this multi-coloured boat is covered in bespoke artwork by British pop artist, Sir Peter Blake.
With seats inside and aboard the top deck, they serve up some of the best Aussie brunch staples in the city, from their award-winning banana bread sandwich with honey mascarpone cream, fresh berries and flaked almonds to The Bondi, a mix of back bacon, poached eggs, chilli and fennel sausage, mushrooms, avo and house chilli pesto on cold fermented activities charcoal sourdough.
SHELDON SQUARE, PADDINGTON CENTRAL, W2 6DS
Sea Containers Restaurant
Famously sitting beside the river is Sea Containers, the iconic hotel that’s complete with design classics, a world-famous bar and views that stretch out over the river and beyond.
The restaurant’s menu is centered around the idea of sharing, celebrating seasonality and ingredient-led cooking. Plus their brunch offering is one you shouldn’t miss!
20 Upper Ground, South Bank, SE1 9PD
The Bingham Hotel
Another Richmond favourite, The Bingham Hotel is simply divine. Even if you aren’t staying the night, the Steven Edwards Restaurant is well worth checking out, whether you’re after brunch with live music or dinner with riverside views.
Or, grab a drink and visit the terrace, the space that offers postcard-views over the sleepy river.
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61-63 Petersham Road, Richmond Upon Thames, Surrey, TW10 6UT
London Shell Co.
With two floating boats in Paddington, London Shell Co. specialises in fresh fish. Their vessel, The Grand Duchess, is filled with airy, light interiors and has a menu that nods to British classics. They use the freshest fish available, with their catch-of-the-day ingredients coming from Kernowsashimi and Wild Harbour. Their menu is filled with the likes of cured mackerel with pickled cucumber and herb mayo; ray wing with courgette, slow roast tomatoes and artichoke; Cornish sea bass with borlotti beans, bacon, spinach and salsa verde; and of course, a classic fish and chips served with lashings of tartare sauce.
Or cruise along the canal at The Prince Regent. Regularly changing, their menu is filled with dishes such as mackerel samosa; spider crab risotto; Cornish cod with Jerusalem artichoke, kale and hazelnut; and Brillat-Savarin cheesecake, apple and raisin.
THE GRAND DUCHESS & THE PRINCE REGENT: SHELDON SQUARE, PADDINGTON CENTRAL, W2 6PY
The Petersham Restaurant
Escape the hustle and bustle of city living and nip over to Richmond to experience the capital in a new light. The Petersham Restaurant is where you’ll find us sipping wine, dining on seasonal-led dishes and soaking up the Thames side views.
Head chef Jean-Didier and his team can be found serving up modern British fare, including Sunday lunch and afternoon.
The Petersham Hotel, Nightingale Lane, Richmond, TW10 6UZ
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The River Restaurant by Gordon Ramsay
Take your weekday dining up a notch with The River Restaurant by Gordon Ramsay. Perfect for special occasions, the restaurant is located inside the Savoy and boasts panoramic views over the Thames.
You’ll find the team serving up the best shellfish and seafood from across the UK, from fresh oysters and ceviches to spiced tandoori monkfish curry and grilled Cornish lobster.
Savoy Hotel, Strand, WC2R 0EU
Le Pont de la Tour
Terrace dining at its finest, Le Pont de la Tour is one of D&D’s brainchilds, renowned for serving up French fare.
And you can’t fault the views – unrivalled views right in front of the Tower Bridge, the Thames and other iconic landmarks.
36d Shad Thames, Butlers Wharf, Borough, SE1 2YE
Gaucho Tower Bridge
Riverside views? Check. Delicious cocktails? Check. Succulent steak? Triple check. Head over to Gaucho’s Tower Bridge location to experience London’s best Argentinian offering.
Grab a selection of empanadas; seared diver scallops; and tuna tiradito with coconut milk dressing, lime and plantain crisp, before ordering your steak of choice.
Ideal for chewing down on an incredible steak with a glass of red wine.
2 More London Riverside, SE1 2AP
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Tavolino
From the same group as Coppa Club comes Tavolino, the riverside Italian that’s quickly become known for its signature cocktails, authentic cuisine and Thames-side views.
Tuck into the likes of honeyed garlic focaccia with extra virgin olive oil; roasted fennel caponata with vegan pesto; mussels, pancetta and lemon bigoli; and zucchini fritti. Save room for dessert – we love the affogato-pistachio soft serve.
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2 More London Riverside, SE1 2AP
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Proud Embankment
For something a little different, look to Proud Embankment, the home of London’s best cabaret nights.
Book in for their mid-week cabaret all stars night and look forward to a three- or five-course menu alongside lively entertainment, or mix up your usual weekend plans with Embankment’s drag brunch hosted by Alfie Ordinary.
Expect great cocktails, delicious food and endless fun.
8 Victoria Embankment, London WC2R 2AB
No 29 Power Station West
Battersea Power Station has become a thriving space in recent years thanks to its regeneration, and where better to soak up some sunny rays than at one of its riverside restaurants.
We love No 29 Power Station West for its neighbourhood feel, fun interiors and light lunches.
29 Circus West, Battersea Power Station, Battersea, SW8 4NN
Coppa Club
When we think of a London igloo, we always immediately think of Coppa Club, and where better to sip cocktails inside an igloo than at their Tower Bridge venue.
Overlooking the Thames, their terrace is a sun trap so expect to want to order cocktail after cocktail. This year’s igloo theme is yet to be announced but we’re expecting a whole lot of florals coming our way…
3 Three Quays Walk, Lower Thames Street, EC3R 6AH
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The River Cafe
Dating back to 1987, The River Cafe is still Londoners favourite spot for drinks and dinner with a view.
Head over to West London and enjoy dishes such as mozzarella di bufala with lemon and mint, broad beans, black olives and Tarasco cicoria; tagliatelle con le Ortiche with butter and parmesan; and Coda di Rospo ai ferri with chargrilled Cornish monkfish with anchovy and rosemary sauce, agretti and broad bean sott’olio.
Thames Wharf, Rainville Rd, Hammersmith, W6 9HA
The Relais Henley
The Clipper Restaurant, located within The Relais Henley, lends itself to small groups and intimate dining. Expect stunning views over Henley-on-Thames, paired with a menu highlighting the best of locally-grown produce.
The menu, created by Mosimann’s of London, introduces flavoursome ‘cuisine naturelle’. Menu highlights include seared cannon of lamb with lamb sweetbread, crispy potatoes and wild garlic; mixed wild mushroom and tagliatelle pasta with champagne sauce and parmesan shavings; and Mosimann’s fish cakes with sautéed spinach and parsley sauce.
Hart Street, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2AR
Hithe + Seek
Wine lovers, Hithe + Seek is the wine bar and restaurant you’ll want to explore next. Home to breathtaking views over the Thames, expect a wine list made up of 80 references, carefully selected from old and new grapes and regions known for their wine.
The menu is centred around wine pairing, so grab a bite to eat while sipping on your favourite bottle.
60 Upper Thames Street, EC4V 3AD