Best restaurants in South Bank

Philadelphia-inspired Passyunk Avenue doles up cheesesteaks and big diner classics at a serious pace, all washed down with classic American beers. Settle in when there’s some big games in the US for the best atmosphere - Passyunk Avenue shows plenty of NBA, NFL and more whenever it’s on.

Chic and classy Art Yard is the all-day restaurant at The Bankside Hotel. The dining room is big and spacious, and littered with contemporary art from pillar to post, whilst an accessible menu includes everything from a full English to chargrilled cuttlefish with black rice and chorizo.

As you stroll along the South Bank in the sunshine, a solid, ingredient-led tapas restaurant is just what you want and that’s exactly what you get with La Gamba. You can’t miss it right in front of Royal Festival Hall - and it’s the perfect spot for gorging on croquetas and platters of jamon.

Ostensibly a cocktail bar (and one of the best bars in London at that) Lyaness is also worth a visit for some excellent bar snacks, like seabass ceviche tacos, tater tots and and jerk mushroom buns. Don't miss out on the absolutely stellar cocktail list though. 

Forza Wine is one of Peckham’s most popular trendy hangouts, and the follow-up has firmly jumped into the mainstream stratosphere, taking up residence on the huge rooftop terrace at The National Theatre. Expect more of the same no-nonsense, seasonal Italian cooking, as well as easy-drinking mixes to enjoy as you gaze over the Thames.

After making a name for itself in Brixton Village, Okan has spread its wings as far as South Bank County Hall. This is more of a canteen-style eatery but serves the same excellent, easy-going Japanese fare, including udon noodle soups, Japanese cocktails and okonomiyaki to die for.

This obscure sushi bar is well hidden inside County Hall near Waterloo, but find it and you'll have stumbled upon a true hidden gem - brilliant sushi given the mid-range prices, and lovely home-cooked specials. They even have fresh oysters all the way from Japan.

Dining amidst the South Bank’s most famous cultural theatre hotspots makes the Swan one of the coolest pre-theatre options with their classic menu of Britain’s finest dishes, such as braised beef short rib, bursting with flavour.

Tucked away just behind Jubilee Gardens, the South Bank site of this dependable breakfast and brunch spot is an excellent place to grab a bite to eat. The easy-going menu trends towards classic brunch-style plates, but there are lots of good salads, flatbreads and main courses too. 

A beautiful cafe and restaurant in the heart of the Garden Museum in Lambeth, The Garden Cafe is home to some quintessential European cooking of the highest order. Hyper-seasonal and without unnecessary flourish, this remains one of London’s most underrated restaurants.

From vibrant Trinidadian food to some seriously good cocktails, Limin is a true slice of Caribbean life on the South Bank. The jerk chicken is legendary in these parts but in truth, there’s loads of excellent stuff on the menu. Or, just drop by for a few of owner Sham Mahabir’s Limin Rum Punches or SHAMgrias.

Smart contemporary styling meets classic French bistro cooking at this restaurant inside Park Plaza Westminster Bridge. Come here for all the indulgent, butter-fuelled Gallic cooking you can fit in your waistband, and don't leave without ordering the tournedos Rossini.

Designed as the more relaxing counterpart of this sky-high space, OXO Tower Brasserie & Bar offers breath-taking skyline views from its wrap-around terrace, inviting diners to escape the hubbub below. For a spot of relaxing, brasserie-style dining, OXO Tower ticks all our boxes.

London cuts a smart figure through Chino Latino's huge panoramic windows, which look out onto Westminster and the London Eye. Accessible pan-Asian cooking stretching from sushi to steamed dim sum and more, and Chino Latino has a flash of theatricality about it too, making it good if you're entertaining.  

Lasdun sits inside the National Theatre, although it’s no mere stop-off for hungry theatre-goers. The team behind Hoxton’s fabulous Marksman pub have made Lasdun into a faithful tribute to British food, serving oysters by the dozen, outstanding pies, as well as the signature brown butter honey custard tart.

Sitting pretty on the eighth floor of one of South Bank's most iconic buildings, OXO Tower Restaurant holds its own as a fine-dining destination, whether you're looking to enjoy afternoon tea or a delectable tasting menu. Impeccable service and seasonal menus are bound to impress, but be sure to snag a spot on the terrace for the complete experience.