London’s Best Riverside Restaurants
From Rick Stein’s Thames-side restaurant to London Shell Co.’s water vessels, there’s something magical about dining by the waterside. Although we Londoners can’t enjoy seaside locations with the sound of waves crashing into the shore, we can get our water experience with a visit to a riverside restaurant. If you love a waterside view, scroll on for our edit of the best riverside restaurants in London.
Gaucho Richmond
Set on the peaceful banks of the Thames, Gaucho Richmond combines one of the city’s best riverside settings with its signature Argentine steak offering. The terrace looks out across Richmond Bridge and Petersham Meadows, while inside, a glass-fronted dining room keeps the views in focus year-round. It’s particularly popular for long weekend lunches and celebratory dinners.
Where: The Towpath, Riverside, Richmond TW10 6UJ
Website: www.gauchorestaurants.com
The Ivy Tower Bridge
Few riverside spots rival the setting at The Ivy Tower Bridge. With uninterrupted views of Tower Bridge from its terrace, this is one of the most polished places to dine by the Thames. Expect the brand’s signature all-day menu — from brunch classics to elegant evening plates — alongside cocktails that are best enjoyed as the sun sets over the river. It’s a go-to for occasions, date nights and visitors looking for a front-row seat to one of London’s most iconic backdrops.
Where: One Tower Bridge, Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2AA
Website: www.ivycollection.com
Scott’s Richmond
For a more glamorous riverside experience, Scott’s Richmond brings Mayfair-level polish to the Thames. The terrace is one of the most sought-after in the area, perfect for oysters, Champagne and long, leisurely lunches, while inside, the elegant dining room maintains the restaurant’s signature refined feel.
Where: 4 Whittaker Avenue, London TW9 1EH
Website: www.scotts-richmond.com
Le Pont de la Tour
A long-standing favourite on the Thames, Le Pont de la Tour delivers classic French dining with one of London’s most dramatic views — right in the shadow of Tower Bridge. The expansive terrace is a standout, while inside, the restaurant continues to serve refined French dishes, from Sunday roasts to crêpes Suzette, alongside an extensive wine list.
Where: 36D Shad Thames, London, SE1 2YE
Website: www.lepontdelatour.co.uk
Butlers Wharf Chop House & Tavern
For a more robust, British take on riverside dining, Butlers Wharf Chop House & Tavern focuses on quality produce and serious cuts of meat. With views over Tower Bridge and the Thames, the setting is as strong as the menu, which champions ethically sourced steaks and seasonal dishes. It’s a modern take on the classic chop house, with a sustainability-focused edge.
Where: 36e Shad Thames, London, SE1 2YE
Website: www.chophouse-restaurant.co.uk
Canal
From the group behind Crispin and Bistro Fredie, this Notting Hill spot sits, obviously, on the waterside. Canal is industrial-chic and low-light, perfect for a romantic date or special occasion, serving up a range of striking Brit-European plates. Think Mangalitza sausage, sea bream crudo, chalk stream trout and even a cheeseburger intended to be shared. Don’t miss the olive oil Negroni, also.
Notting Hill’s coolest kids have a new spot to fawn over with Canal, who’s menu is equal parts delicious and playful
where: 11b Woodfield Rd, London W9 2BA
website: www.canal-restaurant.com
Brasserie Constance
As the weather warms, the riverside balcony at Brasserie Constance becomes one of the city’s more romantic spots to dine. Led by Michelin-starred chef Adam Byatt, the restaurant focuses on seasonal modern British cooking, with dishes that feel thoughtful without being overworked. It’s a quieter, more refined alternative to some of the busier Thames-side venues.
Where: Level 1, Fulham Pier, Stevenage Rd, London SW6 6HH
Website: www.brasserieconstance.com
Sam’s Riverside
Right by Hammersmith Bridge, Sam’s Riverside offers a west-facing terrace that catches some of the best evening light in London. It’s a place that can be as simple as oysters and a glass of fizz, or a full three-course meal featuring dishes like tuna tataki, roasted lamb rump and seasonal desserts. Relaxed but polished, it’s a neighbourhood favourite that punches above its weight.
where: 1 crisp rd, london, w6 9dn
Website: www.samsriverside.co.uk
Peggy Jean
As colourful as they come, Peggy Jean is the canalside venture from brunch specialist Daisy Green. Located in Richmond, this colourful boat, a restored former Jesus College Oxford barge, combines its historic charm with Aussie beach vibes.
With seats inside and aboard the top deck, they serve up some of the best Aussie brunch staples in the city, from sweetcorn fritters with smashed avo, poached eggs, red pepper, habanero and almond sauce, feta and corn ribs to fancy bacon rolls with crispy onions, poaches eggs, hollandaise, chilli, and paratha roti.
where: Bridge Boat House, Riverside, Richmond TW9 1TH
website: WWW.DAISYGREENFOOD.COM
When the warm weather rolls in, you can’t beat being by the water – Peggy Jean is a great spot for an alfresco brunch, or drinks as the sun starts to set.
Natasha, Digital Editor
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.
where: 60 Upper Thames Street, london, EC4V 3AD
website: www.hitheandseek.com
The Lighterman
Set across three floors on the edge of Regent’s Canal, The Lighterman offers a more tranquil take on waterside dining. The wraparound terraces overlook the canal’s slower pace, making it a natural destination for long lunches, casual dinners or all-day drinking in the sun. The menu leans crowd-pleasing and seasonal, but it’s the relaxed, waterside atmosphere that keeps people lingering well into the evening.
where: 3 Granary Square N1C 4BH
website: www.thelighterman.co.uk
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 Gordon’s famous salmon wellington.
where: Savoy Hotel, Strand, london, WC2R 0EU
website: www.gordonramsayrestaurants.com
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.
You’ll find us sipping wine, dining on seasonal-led dishes and soaking up the Thames-side views
where: The Petersham Hotel, Nightingale Lane, Richmond, TW10 6UZ
website: www.petershamhotel.co.uk
Sea Containers Restaurant
Perched along the South Bank, Sea Containers Restaurant pairs panoramic Thames views with a lively, design-led dining room. The menu leans modern European, with a particular strength in seafood and seasonal plates, while the terrace is ideal for sunset drinks. It’s one of those rare spots that works equally well for brunch, dinner or cocktails by the water.
where: 20 Upper Ground, South Bank, SE1 9PD
website: www.seacontainerslondon.com
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 fried whole Roman Mammmole artichokes; whole Slip Sole wood-roasted with black olives and marjoram, and slow-cooked Florence fennel; and Pear & Almond Tart.
There’s arguably no restaurant more iconic than The River Cafe.
Mallory, Food & Lifestyle Writer/Creator
where: Thames Wharf, Rainville Rd, London, W6 9HA
website: www.rivercafe.co.uk
Coppa Club
On the stretch of Thames between Putney and Fulham, Coppa Club Putney delivers a laid-back, all-day riverside hangout. The terrace is the main draw, with uninterrupted water views and the option to book one of the signature igloos for a more private setting. From morning coffee to evening cocktails, it’s a flexible spot that works just as well for a casual catch-up as it does for a longer, more leisurely meal.
where: 3 Three Quays Walk, Lower Thames Street, London, EC3R 6AH
website: www.coppaclub.co.uk
