Best Restaurants in Waterloo London: Where to Eat Near the Station & Southbank

Sep 18, 2025

Table for two at 'O Ver St James’s, a stylish Italian spot featured in our guide to the best restaurants in Waterloo London.

Waterloo is more than just a station stop. It’s the gateway to the Southbank, a short stroll to the Old Vic, and home to one of London’s busiest food scenes. With commuters, theatre-goers, and riverfront wanderers all passing through, the area has something for every appetite.

In this guide, you’ll find the best restaurants in Waterloo London, from quick bites before your train to riverside dinners with skyline views. Hungry? Let’s dive in.

Where to Eat in Waterloo: At a Glance

Looking for the best restaurants in Waterloo? Here are the quick wins before you dive into the full guide:

Quick lunch near Waterloo Station:

Wahaca Waterloo – Beef Gringa Tacos £8.50, larger plates like Grilled Achiote Seabass £17.95.

Honest Burgers Waterloo – Waterloo Local Burger with shoestring fries £15.30.

Auberge Bar & Restaurant – Tagliatelle Auberge £16.95, Beef Burger £17.95.

Southbank riverside dining:

Skylon – Pre-theatre/set menu from £39 (2 courses), modern European mains around £25–35.

Sea Containers – Signature Skull Island Tiger Prawns £19.50, mains around £30–40.

Stylish Italian nearby:

‘O Ver St James’s – Burrata Caprese £14.50, Polpettina Napoletana £17.00, sea-water pizzas from £13.50.

Best Restaurants Near Waterloo Station

Catching a train near the concourse and need to know where to eat near Waterloo Station? This section covers reliable sit-downs and quick lunches within a few minutes’ walk. Expect speedy service, walk-in friendly tables, and crowd-pleasers that suit commuters and day-trippers alike.

Busy concourse at London Waterloo Station with commuters under departure boards, a key hub for visitors searching for restaurants in Waterloo London and South Bank dining.

Wahaca Waterloo

Bright, buzzy, and built for sharing. The tacos are a quick win (like the Beef Gringa at £8.50), or you can go bigger with the achiote seabass (£17.95). Expect bold flavours, veggie-friendly options, and service quick enough for pre-train timing.

Honest Burgers Waterloo

The cult burger brand does location specials, and this branch has its own “Waterloo” twist: Waterloo cheese, béarnaise butter, and bacon gravy, all stacked in a bun with their rosemary chips included (£15.30). Consistently one of the area’s best-value sit-down meals.

Auberge Bar & Restaurant

A French brasserie opposite the station, useful if you want a slightly longer stop. Burgers and pasta hover around £16–18, and there’s a handy pre-theatre or lunch deal (£16.95 including a drink). Casual, comfortable, and family-friendly. The food here is a notch above the usual commuter grub.

Southbank & Riverside Dining

If you want riverside restaurants on the South Bank, you’re five minutes from Thames views, pre-theatre dinner, and special-occasion spots. These picks balance scenery with modern menus, so you can book ahead for sunset or stroll in after the Royal Festival Hall and National Theatre.

Spaghetti alla puttanesca with olives and cherry tomatoes at 'O Ver St James’s, Southbank, which features in our guide to the best restaurants in Waterloo London.

Skylon

Inside the Royal Festival Hall, with floor-to-ceiling glass looking over the Thames. Expect modern European cooking and a set menu starting at £39 for two courses. Think dishes like grilled fish, seasonal veg, and desserts worth lingering over. Ideal for pre- or post-show dinners when you want the view to match the food.

Sea Containers

Part of the Mondrian hotel, this riverside restaurant leans American-British in style. Highlights include seabass ceviche tacos (£16) and Atlantic cod (£28), with steaks pushing higher. The dining room has big, social energy, and in summer, the terrace is a prime Southbank spot.

Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar

In the old County Hall building, this is a classic London steakhouse. Cuts range from rump (£37) up to fillet (£48), but there’s also a very solid fish and chips (£32) or steak burger (£29) if you’re not going all in. Good for business dinners, celebrations, or anyone who wants a hearty meal with the river right outside.

Stylish Italian in Southbank: ‘O Ver St James’s

'O Ver’s St James’s restaurant brings Neapolitan heritage into central London, just a short hop from Waterloo. The secret is their sea-water dough, which makes pizzas lighter and easier to digest while still holding bold toppings.

Street view of 'O Ver St James’s Italian restaurant in central London, featured in our guide to the best restaurants in Waterloo London.

Start with the Burrata Caprese (£15.50), share the Polpettina Napoletana (£17.00), and don’t miss the pizzas (from £13.50). Our seawater dough is a signature that’s won ‘O Ver a loyal following. The setting is smart enough for a night out in St James’s, yet relaxed enough for a casual meal.

Explore the full ‘O Ver St James’s food menu and see why our sea-water dough has become a London signature.

Local Favourites & Hidden Gems

Locals swear by these dining spots for character and value. Treat these as discovery picks: places with buzz, history, or a great patio. Dip in if you like exploring beyond the obvious shortlists.

The Fire Station

A Victorian fire station turned bar-restaurant, with pizzas, burgers, and cocktails in a lively space right opposite the station.

Maries Café

A tiny Lower Marsh institution mixing café breakfasts with homely, budget-friendly Thai dishes, loved by locals for its value.

Cubana

Colourful Cuban food, live music nights, and mojitos flowing. It’s more about the atmosphere than precision dining, but it’s a Southbank staple.

The Green Room

Eco-conscious restaurant with a big garden terrace behind the National Theatre. Popular for pre-show drinks and casual dinners.

FAQ:

What are the best restaurants in Waterloo London?

Some of the best restaurants in Waterloo include Wahaca for quick Mexican plates, Honest Burgers for its local special, and Auberge for brasserie-style classics. On the South Bank, Skylon, Sea Containers, and Gillray’s Steakhouse combine strong menus with Thames views. For Italian, O ver St James’s is the standout nearby.

Where can I eat near Waterloo Station?

Just outside the station you’ll find reliable sit-downs like Wahaca, Honest Burgers, and Auberge Bar & Restaurant. All are walk-in friendly and ideal for a quick meal before catching a train.

Are there budget-friendly restaurants in Waterloo?

Yes. Maries Café is a local institution for cheap and cheerful Thai food, while Cubana offers affordable Cuban plates with a lively atmosphere. Both are popular budget-friendly restaurants in Waterloo that won’t stretch your wallet.

What are the best family-friendly restaurants in Waterloo?

Honest Burgers is a solid family-friendly restaurant near Waterloo Station, thanks to simple menus and kids’ options. Auberge also works well for families, with a relaxed brasserie setting and broad menu.

Which restaurants near Waterloo have river views?

For Thames views, head to the South Bank. Skylon inside the Royal Festival Hall has floor-to-ceiling windows, Sea Containers overlooks the river with a terrace, and Gillray’s Steakhouse offers views across to Westminster.

Conclusion

From quick tacos at Wahaca to steaks with river views at Gillray’s, Waterloo packs a lot of choice into a compact area. The Southbank gives you skyline dining, the arches and side streets offer character, and just a short hop west, ‘O Ver St James’s stands out as the stylish Italian option.

With our sea-water pizza dough, seasonal plates, and central location, ‘O Ver St James’s is the perfect place to round off your evening in London. Book a table at ‘O Ver St James’s and make your next night in central London one to remember.