The best places to eat lunch in South Bank and Waterloo

Sitting inside the Royal Festival Hall, Skylon keeps things classic with a menu of modern European dishes that might feature seared cod loin, crab and prawn linguine, or lemon and thyme-glazed chicken, although the menu is subject to change. The mid-century design nods to the Festival of Britain era, while the floor-to-ceiling windows serve up some of the best Thames views around.

Set inside the sleek Sea Containers building on the South Bank, this all-day restaurant mixes modern style with wide-open river views. The menu changes with the seasons, featuring everything from oysters and pasta to a solid cheeseburger, while weekends draw a crowd for bottomless brunch. Cocktails are well-made, the wine list travels the globe, and the atmosphere stays easygoing, making it a dependable choice for a casual lunch by the Thames.

Tucked inside the National Theatre, Lasdun comes from the team behind Hackney's Marksman and brings their polished take on British cooking to the South Bank. The menu shifts but often features rich, seasonal dishes like guinea fowl and Tamworth pork collar, plus an oyster bar for good measure. The brutalist setting gives it a distinctive edge, while the service and cooking feel a little fancy. It's a great pick for a long lunch before or after a show.

A short stroll from both the Young and Old Vic, The Anchor & Hope is a proper Waterloo pub that still feels like one, even with a dining room separated by a heavy curtain. It's cosy, a bit chaotic and full of charm, with a menu that changes but might include venison kofte with little gem lettuce or rabbit with chips and béarnaise. The food is pub grub stuff, and the atmosphere's lively enough to make lunch feel like more of an occasion.

What began as a Spitalfields pop-up is now a permanent South Bank spot overlooking the river at Gabriel's Wharf. Limin' channels Sham Mahabir's Trinidadian roots through a menu that changes but often includes freetas (split pea fritters with spinach) and Trini puri filled with cumin-spiced potato. Homemade chutneys and pepper sauces bring the heat, and the atmosphere is relaxed, colourful and easygoing.

Just behind the Royal Festival Hall, the Southbank Centre Food Market pulls in crowds with its mix of street food, guest traders and fresh produce stalls. The lineup changes regularly but always covers a wide range, from spicy curries to loaded burgers and plant-based plates. There's coffee, cocktails, wine and desserts too, making it an easy stop for lunch in the open air. It runs from Friday to Sunday and on bank holidays, so time your visit right.

Housed in a Southwark railway arch, Bala Baya by chef Eran Tibi's Tel brings Aviv-inspired cooking to Waterloo. The menu changes, but it usually includes shareable dishes such as kebab dumplings, beef brisket, Moroccan doughnuts, and tea-smoked aubergine. By day, it's a laid-back bakery and pitta kiosk, and by night, it turns into a full-on restaurant with music and plenty of energy.

Hidden near London Bridge, Champor-Champor is a colourful, incense-filled spot serving Thai and Malaysian-inspired dishes in a cosy, candlelit setting. The menu changes, but it might feature beef rendang, king prawn green curry, or a mash-up like red snapper with sambal and squid-ink linguine. The decor is a mish-mash of batik fabrics and carved wood, creating a warm, romantic atmosphere, especially if you nab the mezzanine table for two.

A short walk from London Bridge, The Coal Shed specialises in flame-grilled steaks and sustainably sourced fish cooked over charcoal. The menu shifts, but often includes standout small plates, such as short-rib croquettes with gochujang mayo, alongside the main event cuts. Inside, it's all dark wood, smoky mirrors and a mellow jazz soundtrack that keeps things relaxed. 

Sitting inside County Hall on the South Bank, Gillray's Steakhouse & Bar is an excellent choice for lunch near Waterloo. The dining room feels traditional with wood panelling and a view that takes in the Thames, Big Ben, and the London Eye. Steaks are the main draw, sourced from British farms and cooked to order, but there's also a seasonal set menu and a few lighter dishes if you're not in the mood for something heavy. The adjoining gin bar makes it an easy spot to stretch lunch into the afternoon.

Caravan, just by the South Bank, serves up all-day dining in a bright, modern space with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Mornings start with brunch favourites and house-roasted coffee, while the later menu brings sourdough pizzas, grain bowls, and bigger sharing plates. There's also a solid cocktail list if you're staying past lunch. The best part? The filter coffee is bottomless, ideal for anyone powering through the workday or catching up with friends over a caffeine refill (or three).

Perched above the Thames, Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar & Brasserie is a South Bank spot that delivers big London views with every plate. The brasserie keeps things casual with an international menu, while the main restaurant steps it up with refined dishes and polished service. If you want to take things outdoors, the terrace is a solid choice for a sunny lunch. Drinks are well-handled too, with the bar turning out cocktails that match the setting without feeling over the top.

Sitting beside Shakespeare's Globe, Swan is a multi-level British restaurant with front-row views of the Thames. The menu covers classics like a Neal's Yard cheese board and Scottish game and pistachio terrine, while the bar mixes cocktails perfect for watching the boats drift by. At weekends, there's a separate brunch lineup featuring roast sirloin, a full English and eggs royale, ideal for a relaxed South Bank lunch with a side of scenery.

Forza Wine's South Bank outpost sits high above the Thames, serving what they call “Italian-ish” food alongside a simple list of cocktails and wines. The menu changes frequently, but you might find dishes such as lamb shoulder with salsa verde, pumpkin with pearl barley, or clams with courgettes and sherry. The vibe is laid-back, with big windows and gorgeous skyline views.