A London food guide to where to eat and local picks
Find the best restaurants in London around South Bank and Westminster. This London food guide points to casual spots with big flavour, short menus, and friendly service. Head out for Japanese bowls, bold Malaysian flatbreads, bright Italian plates, cosy Mediterranean tavern dining, or a lively Cuban evening. Each choice fits a mood: solo lunches, relaxed meals after sightseeing, date nights, or group dinners. We flag quick bites, places that welcome solo diners, and when to book at peak times. Use this guide to decide where to eat in London, start your day with a hearty lunch, or relax with a perfect cocktail. Expect practical tips and unique London dining experiences near central sights.
Kokura
Image / kokura.uk
Small specialist spot for comforting Japanese bowls, cosy canteen vibes by Waterloo.
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What to expect
Step inside for an unfussy, welcoming experience. The room feels cosy and slightly nostalgic, with canteen-style seating and an open counter. Orders are placed at the counter, then picked up when ready, keeping service brisk. The menu is intentionally concise, making choices easy, and includes plant-based options. Portions are generous, flavours are bold, and the pace suits solo diners and small groups alike. Peak mealtimes bring a lively buzz.
Plan your visit
Perfect for a no-fuss lunch or casual evening, handy for solo travellers and small groups. Head in outside peak hours for a quieter table, or arrive with time to spare if visiting after a theatre or gallery trip. Pick-up counter service keeps things efficient, so plan to order, relax, then collect when notified.
Roti King Waterloo
Image / Roti King
Small counter, big flavour: authentic Malaysian street eats a short walk from Waterloo.
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What to expect
Expect a lively, compact dining room where toasted spices fill the air and staff move with pace. The menu is concise and well practiced, centred on hand-pressed flatbreads and richly spiced sauces, with vegetarian options available. Portions are generous and service is brisk, so queues form at peak times but turnover is fast. Atmosphere is casual, colourful and upbeat, ideal for solo diners, friends or a relaxed post-sightseeing meal.
Plan your visit
Arrive ready to queue during busy periods, patience pays off as service moves quickly. Ideal for solo travellers and small groups who favour bold, unfussy flavours. Order, grab a seat and watch the open kitchen at work. Carry contactless payment for speed, and pair the house flatbreads with a spiced sauce to sample the kitchen’s strengths.
Art Yard Bar & Kitchen
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A lively Bankside spot for polished plates, crafted cocktails and warm, attentive service.
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What to expect
Expect an all-day neighbourhood favourite that shifts from relaxed morning coffee to an energetic evening bar. Cocktails are thoughtfully prepared, plates arrive with bold flavours and portions that satisfy, and staff are attentive and courteous. Occasional timing or temperature issues can occur, so ask for any elements to be served on the side if preferred. The interior feels contemporary and welcoming, making it suitable for casual lunches, after-work drinks and relaxed dinners.
Plan your visit
Book ahead for busier evenings and request seating preferences when making a reservation. Combine the visit with a stroll around nearby galleries for a full Bankside outing. For a lighter experience, ask for dressings or sauces on the side, and mention accessibility needs if relevant.
The Crown & Cushion
Image / Hampstead Village London
Cosy pub charm, lively bar buzz and unexpected Thai flavours, perfect for a relaxed stop.
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What to expect
Step into a cosy, characterful pub filled with warm lighting, wood panelling and nostalgic memorabilia. Expect a relaxed, sociable vibe where knowledgeable staff serve expertly poured pints, and food from the Thai kitchen upstairs can be enjoyed in the bar. The mix of locals and visitors makes for lively conversation, comfortable seating and a genuine neighbourhood feel.
Plan your visit
Drop by for a casual drink and a slice of local life, grab a bar seat for people watching, or sit with friends in a cosy booth. Order food from the upstairs kitchen and enjoy it in the pub, ask the staff for menu pointers, and allow a little extra time at peak moments when the atmosphere is at its liveliest.
Locale Southbank
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Italian comfort on South Bank, steps from the London Eye, friendly service and open-kitchen theatre.
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What to expect
A warm, unfussy Italian spot with consistent service and a relaxed atmosphere. Tables spill outside on sunny days, and an open kitchen lets guests watch dishes being prepared. Staff are attentive and familiar with dietary requests, making this a solid pick for families, couples, friends and solo diners. Portions are well plated, and the location keeps the energy lively without feeling rushed.
Plan your visit
Find Locale after a riverside stroll, the perfect pit stop between attractions. Head out early for outdoor seating on warm days, or choose a table by the open kitchen for theatre. Good for casual meet-ups, post-museum lunches or business catch-ups. Book ahead on busy weekends, or arrive mid-afternoon to avoid the peak rush.
Fifth Element - Mediterranean Tavern - Bar and Kitchen Waterloo
Image / S. Papadakis
Cosy Mediterranean tavern on the South Bank, perfect for relaxed nights and great cocktails.
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What to expect
Find a warm, intimate room with low lighting and comfortable tables, plus a compact bar that serves standout cocktails. Service is attentive and personable, making this a good pick for dates, post-theatre drinks and small gatherings. The menu is focused and well executed, the vibe is lively without being loud, and staff go the extra mile to make guests feel welcome.
Plan your visit
Head out from Waterloo or the South Bank for an easy walk to this tucked-away tavern. Ideal for a pre- or post-theatre stop, or a relaxed evening with friends. Book ahead for weekend nights and larger groups. For a quicker visit, choose bar seating and enjoy cocktails at the counter.
Cubana Restaurant Waterloo
Image / Cubana Waterloo
Bold Cuban flavours, colourful murals, cocktails and music in the heart of Waterloo.
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What to expect
Step inside for bright murals, upbeat music and a buzzy bar atmosphere. Staff are welcoming and service is efficient, so expect a smooth, sociable experience. Cocktails take centre stage, and the layout suits pairs and small groups, with bar seating for solo visitors. Noise levels rise after dark, creating a fun, party feel rather than a quiet dining room. Good for nights out, casual dates and group get-togethers.
Plan your visit
Head out from Waterloo station, it’s an easy walk from the river and theatres. Book ahead for weekend evenings or larger groups, or drop in earlier for a calmer table. Dress casually smart and pair the meal with a riverside walk or a show nearby to make an evening of it.