7 Must-Try Restaurants in Bankside during Your London Trip

Bankside, a thriving London neighborhood nestled along the banks of the River Thames, is a culinary paradise that beckons food enthusiasts to explore its diverse gastronomic offerings. As you embark on your journey to discover the must-try restaurants in Bankside, you’ll be delighted by the vibrant array of flavors and experiences that await you.

From the delectable cuisine of award-winning chefs in elegant fine dining establishments to the mouthwatering fare of trendy eateries that celebrate the city’s cultural diversity, Bankside’s culinary landscape promises to tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your cravings.

Whether you’re seeking a leisurely brunch by the river, a romantic dinner amidst the warm glow of historic architecture, or a lively feast with friends in a contemporary setting, these must-try restaurants in Bankside offer a wealth of unforgettable dining experiences that capture the essence of this dynamic and enchanting London neighborhood.

Hawksmoor Borough

If you’re craving some quality meat, I truly recommend Hawksmoor Borough. Located just a five-minute walk from the London Bridge Underground Station, it’s very accessible and has a buzzing atmosphere. There are all sorts of delightful food, like roasted scallops and pork ribs for starters.

For mains, you can choose from a full range of steaks (the ribeye is a customer favorite), whole roasted seabream, or herb-fed chicken. Lastly (if you still have space), order the peanut butter shortbread or the sticky toffee sundae for dessert. 

There’s also a wide selection of drinks, with renewed steakhouse classics such as martinis and negronis, renowned wines, and a great selection of local beers. 

Pulia

One truly remarkable thing about London is its vibrant cosmopolitan nature. You can find any cuisine, from Ethiopian to classic Italian spots. 

One such is Pulia, a classy restaurant between the Clink Prison Museum and the Golden Hinde (two fantastic things to do in Bankside). Pulia serves delicious Apulian-style food, such as fresh pasta, Podolic beef, and pan-fried seafood. 

Don’t worry; they still serve Italian classics, such as melanzane, pizza, and lasagne. You can always quench your thirst with iconic Italian drinks, like prosecco, Aperol spritz, and Campari. 

Tas Pide

If you’re peckish after a day of exploring the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe, why not try something new at Tas Pide? They serve traditional Turkish mezze, such as hummus, baba ganoush, and borek. 

However, they also make mouthwatering wood-fired pides with traditional fillings like ground lamb and onions. You can also try some innovative options with fish, chicken, and seasonal veggies. 

That’s not all, as they have hearty red lentil soup, slow-cooked stews, burgers, and rice dishes. It’s a great budget-friendly option for all kinds of people, from vegetarians or meat lovers. 

Boro Bistro

Looking for a night full of fun in Bankside? Look no further than this French-inspired bistro. It has a delightful atmosphere with live music, a garden terrace, and French wine by the glass. 

Boro Bistro is near the Borough Market entrance next to London Bridge, so it’s sure to be busy (definitely book ahead). In terms of food offerings, there are various options, from cheese and meat boards to French classics, like rillettes, croque monsieur, and mussels in mouclade sauce. 

All their food is sourced locally from small producers, so it’s incredibly high quality. Also, they have terrific craft beers and ciders. 

Lobos Meat and Tapas

Feeling like a bit of Spanish flair on a night out? Come to Lobos Tapas for a truly magnificent time. It’s got all your traditional tapas dishes, such as patatas bravas, croquetas, tortilla, and pan con tomate. 

Its intimate vibe will elevate your night out, from the interior design to the friendly waitstaff. Still feeling hungry after a few small plates? Then tuck into some meat dishes, such as pan-fried Iberico pork to ribeye served with foie gras. 

To put the cherry on top, pair your meals with their fantastic variety of beverages. Take your pick from cava, Spanish beer, and inspired takes on classics, such as gin and tonic and sangria. 

El Pastor

Photo courtesy of Bex Walton via Flickr

Another great advantage of being in Bankside is the array of casual dining options. One such spot is this Mexican joint. It’s so good; you’ll find two more branches in Soho and King’s Cross. 

No, but really, El Pastor takes Mexican food seriously. Not too seriously that it’s snobby, but enough to make some of the best tacos in London. That’s right; it’s got lip-smacking options, from the iconic Al Pastor to Baja, prawn, and a mushroom one for vegetarians. 

They also have delicious tostadas and sharing plates with carnitas, short rib, and seabream. To go with it, you can have a range of margaritas, beers, and mezcals (all on a separate drinks menu). 

Borough Market (Literally All of It!)

Last but certainly not least, we have Borough Market, one of London’s best markets. It has over 100 stalls, so choosing what to eat can be quite hard. Don’t worry, as I’m here to help. 

You can fill a picnic basket with fresh produce from cheese stalls, wine merchants, and delicacy stores for some fun at one of London’s parks – Potters Fields Park is closest.

Or you can grab a bite to eat at one of these market’s stalls:

• BAO – For delicious Taiwanese food.
• Casa do Frango – Portuguese cuisine that’s way better than Nandos.
• Porteña – For hearty Argentinian empanadas.
• Mallow – For some of the most innovative plant-based food in London.

Need any more advice on where to eat in Bankside or the best restaurants in the area? Let me know in the comments!