18 Riverside Restaurants in London Worth Trying 

There is something special about dining by the water. Thanks to the several canals, rivers, lakes and of course the Thames in London, the city has a plethora of riverside restaurants to offer. Whether you are looking for a more formal setting or a casual bite to eat, there is something for everyone. Riverside restaurants provide a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle of the city. Or, if you’re tired of picnics and barbecues, why not head to one of the many riverside restaurants in London – It’s the perfect way to spend a sunny day. Discover the best riverside restaurants in London where the view is just as good as the good. Here are the best riverside restaurants in London

Related: Outdoor Restaurants in London : Al Fresco Dining 

 

1Emilia’s Crafted Pasta

Emilia’s Crafted Pasta

Set in St. Katharine Docks Emilia’s Crafted Pasta is hidden gem riverside restaurant in London. With a front terrace for al fresco dining overlooking the docks, this picturesque marina location offers a city getaway feel that might have you thinking you’ve travelled from Modena to the Italian Riviera.
It has a rustic, intimate ambience evoking the small trattorias on the side streets of Modena. This feeling comes from the handmade terracotta shaded floor tiles sourced from rural parts of Emilia-Romagna and the Carrara marble dining counters overlooking the open kitchen. The pasta is freshly made every morning and cooked with a respect for the tradition and techniques passed down the generations from the cooks who taught the craft.

 

 

More info: www.emiliaspasta.com

 

 

2Rick Stein Barnes

Rick Stein Barnes london

Tucked away in Richmond overlooking the Thames, Rick Stein’s first London restaurant offers a refreshing haven from the hustle of Central London. As one of the best riverside restaurants in London, Rick Stein Barnes serves up both exceptional dining and excellent views. Renowned for fresh British seafood, the restaurant’s menu showcases the finest fish from Cornwall. In addition, iconic Rick Stein seafood dishes also feature on the menu such as the lobster thermidor and Indonesian seafood curry. The restaurant also offers impressive seafood inspired breakfasts over the weekend with a myriad of salmon dishes and fish of the day creations amongst the breakfast classics.

 

More info: www.rickstein.com

 

3Sea Containers

sea containers

Inspired by transatlantic cruise ships of the roaring twenties, Sea Containers is an eclectic London destination. The hotel’s restaurant is award-winning and offers a relaxed dining experience on the edge of the River Thames.  Sea Containers takes in stunning river views with a backdrop of St Paul’s Cathedral.

In the summer months, head out to the terrace to soak up the true landscape of London’s South Bank. This all-day dining experience offers British cuisine with a modern twist and a menu designed to share. The selection of light bites, small plates and sharing dishes allows you to sample many of the delicious dishes Sea Containers has to offer without having to decide on just one. 

After riverside dining if you are looking to continue the day head upstairs to 12th Knot rooftop, with floor to ceiling windows this rooftop bar boasts incredible panoramic views of St Paul’s and the city beyond.

 

More info: www.seacontainerslondon.com

 

 

4The River Cafe

 

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Of all the riverside restaurants in London, The River Cafe is one of the most renowned. This remarkable Italian restaurant is an iconic dining venue in the city. As one of the riverside restaurants in London, this impressive Michelin-Starred restaurant obtained its star in 1998 and has retained it ever since. The daily menus are inspired by seasonal produce and ingredients infused with mouthwatering Italian flavour. The menu of hearty dishes is the ultimate comfort food which changes with the seasons. Enjoy the delicious cuisine within the riverside dining room or head out onto the terrace for al fresco dining when the weather is in favour. Before you leave, don’t miss out on The River Cafe’s famous Chocolate Nemesis, arguably the world’s best chocolate cake that has been served at the restaurant since 1989. 

 

More info: www.rivercafe.co.uk

 

 

5The Summerhouse Little Venice

the summerhouse little venice london

Perched on London’s Grand Union Canal in Little Venice, The Summerhouse is one of the city’s best hidden gems. This canal-side restaurant offers idyllic views of one of London’s most charming waterways. Open year-round, The Summerhouse is a stunning al fresco dining location during the warmer months whilst during the winter, cosy up with a blanket and hearty cuisine. As one of the best riverside restaurants in London, The Summerhouse is famous for its phenomenal seafood dishes with a menu bursting with exquisite fish and shellfish options. To sample the best The Summerhouse has to offer, try the catch of the day or the Summerhouse sharing selection, the most popular dishes on the menu.

 

More info: www.thesummerhouse.co

 

 

6Bread Street Kitchen on the River

the narrow

Overlooking the Thames in Limehouse is Bread Street Kitchen on the River (Previously knowsn as the The Narrow), owned by famous British Chef Gordan Ramsey, high quality is both expected and delivered. Dishes are simple yet sophisticated and bursting with flavour. Made from only the finest ingredients and freshest produce, there are few riverside restaurants in London that can compete with the phenomenal standards of Bread Street Kitchen on the River. At home within a beautiful Grade II listed building, the dining location is just as exquisite as the menu. Located just a few minutes from Canary Wharf and the o2, Bread Street Kitchen on the River offers panoramic river views including the peak of The Shard from the terrace.

 

More info: www.gordonramsayrestaurants.com

 

 

7Bingham Riverhouse

Designed for connection and socialisation, Bingham Riverhouse is a phenomenal hotel in Richmond home to one of the best riverside restaurants in London. This award-winning restaurant is headed by renowned Chef Steven Edwards, winner of MasterChef: The Professionals Series 6. Chef Edwards is one of the youngest ever winners of the competition and his culinary talents have only expanded over the last decade. The exceptional menu curated for Bingham Riverhouse is one of exploding taste, nostalgic flavour and creative twists. With picture-perfect views of the river in one of London’s most tranquil boroughs, Bingham Riverhouse is the ultimate place to dine. 

 

More info: www.binghamriverhouse.com

 

 

 

8Rotunda 

Rotunda london

Situated in London’s busy Kings Cross, Rotunda Bar and Restaurant is one of the hottest dining locations in Central London. Conveniently located just a few minutes walk from Kings Cross and St Pancras stations, Rotunda Bar and Restaurant offers a surprising sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of London life. Nestled on the edge of Regent’s Canal, the restaurant boasts a spectacular waterside setting with a large outdoor terrace perfect for al fresco dining. During the summer months, the terrace welcomes all the flavour of the grill whilst the year round menu is bursting with flavour and creativity. 

 

More info:www.rotundabarandrestaurant.co.uk

 

 

9Le Pont de la Tour

Le Pont de la Tour

With its luxury riverside location and avant-garde cuisine, Le Pont de la Tour is amongst the best riverside restaurants in London. The restaurant oozes European elegance with a Parisian chic design and menu of phenomenal French cuisine. The French menu has a unique and contemporary flair with a refreshing take on classic dishes. This spectacular restaurant almost transports you to the heart of France but looking out of the window will certainly remind you where you are. Perfectly positioned overlooking the River Thames, Le Pont de la Tour takes in the iconic London landscape with unrivalled views of Tower Bridge. 

 

More info: www.lepontdelatour.co.uk

 

 

10Tavolino

Tavolino

Tavolino

As one of London’s most vibrant restaurants, Tavolino is a highly celebrated bar and restaurant. Split across two floors, Tavolino consists of an al fresco terrace dedicated to Aperitivo with imaginative cocktails and an extensive wine list whilst the spectacular restaurant serves up incredible Italian cuisine. The menu is overflowing with exceptional dishes taking you on a journey through Italy’s gastronomic world. Whilst the dishes and culinary creations of Tavolino are unrivalled, it is the scenery of the restaurant that is the true stand out attraction. Sitting on the banks of the River Thames with views taking in Tower Bridge and the landscape of London’s skyline, there is no better location to enjoy exquisite dining and unobstructed views in London.

 

More info: www.tavolino.co.uk

 

 

11London Shell Co.

London Shell Co.

London Shell Co.

Hop aboard the London Shell Co to dine on the water. With 2 floating boats available in Paddington – The Grand Duchess vessel is on a permanent mooring and the Prince Regent departs her mooring at 7pm. Book your seats at the waterside counter of the Grand Duchess to wave her passengers off and wish them bon voyage. The Prince Regent is a a beautifully restored cruising wide beam barge, while, the The Grand Duchess, is filled with airy, light interiors. It also offers a large al freco dining option by the canal. This riverside restaurant in London specialises in sea food, using only the freshest fish available, with their catch-of-the-day ingredients coming from Kernowsashimi and Wild Harbour.

 

 

More info: www.londonshellco.com

 

 

12The River Restaurant by Gordon Ramsay

The River Restaurant by Gordon Ramsay 1

The River Restaurant by Gordon Ramsay, is located in the heart London’s most iconic – Savoy. Boating panoramic views of the River Thames, offering you a beautifully classic, yet stylish and relaxed all-day dining environment. Showcasing the very best shellfish and seafood the UK has to offer; from fresh oysters, ceviche and caviar served at the centre-piece raw bar, to an incredible à la carte menu including delicately spiced tandoori monkfish curry, grilled Cornish lobster and whole dayboat fish.

 

 

More info: www.thesavoylondon.com

 

 

13Gaucho Tower Bridge

Nestled between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, Gaucho’s riverside restaurant soars over two, magnificent glass-fronted floors where panoramic views of the historic London skyline and the Tower of London take centre stage.
In warm and uncomplicated interiors, this riverside steak restaurant is the perfect location to enjoy dusk to dawn dining, with menu showcasing Argentinian steaks and Latin American inspired food. The terrace, secluded cocktail bar all offer beautiful views across the River Thames.
 

More info: www.gauchorestaurants.com

 

 

14Coppa Club

Coppa Club

Dining inside an igloo is way more fun that regular dining, it is even better if it is by a riverside with the skyline of London in the background. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city to a secret Mediterranean hangout at Coppa by the Tower.
Wander through a tunnel of pink flowers onto a sun-kissed terrace where you can relax riverside to enjoy panoramic views of London. Find a spot for golden hour under the palm trees, sip on chilled Château Minuty rosé and graze on tasty small plates, or tuck yourself away in your very own private pod veiled in pretty pink bougainvillea.
 

More info: www.coppaclub.co.uk

 

 

15Hithe + Seek

Hithe + Seek

Hithe + seek is a wine destination overlooking the River Thames. Set in the heart of the City of London, thoughtfully created as an interactive and explorative experience. Offering a unique setting when the sun goes down and the city lights go up, sip on carefully selected wines complemented by food pairings. The eclectic wine list, made up of 80 references, is carefully split into two sections – Hithe featuring a selection of familiar favourites and Seek showcasing undiscovered gems hand- picked for those looking to expand their palate.
 

More info: www.hitheandseek.com

 

 

16The Cheese Barge

the cheese barge london

As the name suggests it is all about Cheese at The Cheese Barge. You will be dining on the water aboard a two storey, 96ft double decker vessel moored along Paddington’s Grand Union Canal. This boat has been transformed into a riverside restaurant where every table offers views out onto the water. The Main Dining Room plays host to a seasonal cheese-focused menu, from a whole half kilo Baked Baron to Slow Braised Beef Shin Spelt Risotto, with fresh Goats’ Curd.Expect cheese plates with innovative pairings and small producer wines.

 

 

More info: www.thecheesebar.com

 

 

17Kinaara at InterContinental London – The O2

The name Kinaara draws inspiration from the Hindi meaning of ‘on the shore of, or on the edge of a riverbank’ and offers diners the chance to savour and enjoy a plethora of rich and comforting flavours from across India and relax in the restaurant’s stylish gold and purple hues complemented by the most breathtaking views of the River Thames and London’s Canary Wharf.

At the helm of Kinaara’s kitchen is Head Chef Imamudin Khan. With an impressive background of work in some of India and London’s signature contemporary Indian restaurants including: the Radisson in New Delhi, Taj Hotel and The Cinnamon Soho Restaurant and Bar in London

 

More info: iclondon-theo2.com

 

 

 

18M Canary Wharf 

M Canary Wharf is the newst addition to the riverside dining scene in London. The culinary jewel in the crown of the 226m high, diamond shaped Newfoundland Quay tower. On the banks of both the River Thames and waterways of Canary Wharf, the 10,000 square foot gastro-playground is destined to become a new London icon.

Provençal-inspired restaurant has a focus on ethically-sourced ingredients selected for quality, seasonality, sustainability and zero waste. The menus are prepared using a range of cooking techniques inspired by the elements of Ice, Smoke, Wood and Coal. M Canary Warf is known for its unique and award-winning ‘Carbon Neutral’ Beef and Wagyu selection, some of which are aged in our Himalayan Salt Chambers.

 

More info: iclondon-theo2.com