Waterloo restaurants, London
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Waterloo is an area that is packed with places to enjoy a bite to eat. It is a relaxed and upmarket area, ensuring that there are some interesting and tasty choices when it comes to getting something to satisfy your hunger. During the day the area is filled with people who work in the area - this means that there are a lot of affordable and convenient places to grab lunch. In the evening, the local theatres affect the style and atmosphere of the restaurants - many of them offer pre and post-theatre dinners, meaning that mealtimes can start early or finish late.
This page will give you some details on the places where you can grab a bite to eat in Waterloo. There is advice on what to look out for when hunting for somewhere good to dine. You will also find listings for some of Waterloo's top restaurants. Each listing gives you a link to a page with information so that you can find out the location, contact details, what to expect, and how to book each eatery. The restaurants have been categorised by what kind of food they serve: Indian, Gastropub, Brasserie, Latin, French and Seafood. This should make it easier for you to find what you are after.
Advice on eating out in Waterloo
Waterloo may not offer the international variety of areas such as Soho or East London. However, what it lacks in exoticism it makes up for in classically enjoyable and classy brasseries, gastro-pubs and fine dining experiences. It is a lovely place to head to for a long evening of fine wine, good quality seasonal food and pleasant surroundings.
A good area in Waterloo for eating out is the Southbank. This is the area that sits along the banks of the Thames. You can walk to it in less than five minutes from Waterloo station. It is the home of restaurants including Pizza Express, Las Iguanas (see below) and other national chains. For further information on where you can head for dinner around the Southbank, see the Official Southbank Centre Website Shops and Restaurants page.
If you are looking for something a bit more independent you can head down the side streets that surround Waterloo station. Streets such as The Cut and Lower Marsh are well known for being lined with interesting and independent restaurants where you can enjoy a long evening's dining. Perfect examples of these are places such as The Anchor and Hope, RSJ and The Camel and Artichoke (see below for more information).
If you are in the Waterloo area to see a show, it is worth seeking out the restaurants that cater to theatre diners. Many of them offer special two or three-course dinners for people who are eating before or after a show. If you find a restaurant that you like the look of, use the contact details below to get in touch with them or check their website - you can find out if they are offering any special theatre menus during your visit.
Indian restaurants
Waterloo is not the obvious place to head to for an Indian meal. However it is home to an Indian restaurant with a good reputation that sits directly opposite the Waterloo train station. Bangalore Express offers a modern setting in which to enjoy well-made and traditional Indian food. For details see our Guide to Bangalore Express in Waterloo.
Pizza/ Italian restaurants
If all else fails, in London you can feel sure that you are not too far from a Pizza Express restaurant. Despite being an ever-growing chain for many years now, they have managed to maintain a high quality and an individual style that has seen them remain popular. The Pizza Express in Waterloo is located on the Southbank, making it a suitable place to head to if you plan on getting cultural in one of the many galleries and museums that sit along the edge of the Thames. For more information, see our Guide to Pizza Express in Waterloo.
Gastropubs
The gastro-pub is a British phenomenon - it is the concept of a traditional English pub that serves high quality food (not just the clichéd pies and ham and eggs!). The south of London is an area to head to for good quality gastro-pubs. They offer the opportunity to try out well-made British fayre at a price that won't break the bank.
The Anchor and Hope is one of the original (and still one of the best) gastro-pubs in London. They offer lots of sharing dishes and are known for their dedication and interest in all kinds of meat. It is difficult to get a table here, so it is worth arriving early. For more information, see our Guide to The Anchor and Hope in Waterloo.
For something a bit more affordable and low key, you can try The Camel and Artichoke on Lower Marsh. This is less of a foodie destination, but it offers a relaxed and friendly environment where you can enjoy some filling grub and a pint of ale. For details, see our Guide to the Camel and Artichoke Pub in Waterloo.
Brasserie restaurants in Waterloo
In the Waterloo area you will find a helpful serving of brasseries - places where you can head for breakfast, lunch or dinner to enjoy a well-made meal in classic surroundings. The Waterloo Brasserie sits directly opposite Waterloo train station, making it the perfect place to head for some tasty food before or after catching a train. For more information, see our Guide to The Waterloo Brasserie in Waterloo.
For something with an even cooler edge, it is worth trying out The Archduke. This is a brasserie located underneath one of the railway arches on the way down to the Southbank. The restaurant's location means that it offers an interesting setting in which to enjoy a meal. They also offer live jazz every night of the week. For details, see our Guide to the Archduke Brasserie in Waterloo.
French restaurants
French restaurants are a good option if you are craving the opportunity to enjoy good quality food and a meal where you can while away the hours, supping on fine wines and chatting to your friends. If this is what you are after, Waterloo is not a bad place to head to. There are a few different restaurants in the area offer French food at affordable prices.
Auberge sits down a small street just opposite Waterloo train station. It offers a two storey dining space serving traditional French food at prices that won't break the bank. To find out more, see our Guide to Auberge restaurant in waterloo.
For somewhere slightly further from the beaten track, try out RSJ restaurant. It is popular amongst critics for oust simple décor, tasty food and impressive wine list. It is popular amongst theatre goers for its convenient opening hours and special theatre menus. For details, see our Guide to RSJ Restaurant.
Places to eat seafood
The Cut is one of the popular streets in Waterloo - home to lots of restaurants, plus the Old and Young Vic theatres. Livebait is one of the restaurants that has been there since the beginning - a seafood restaurant where the menu changes depending on what fresh fish has been found at the market. It is a stylish and unique space that attracts culture vultures and foodies from the surrounding area. For details, see our Guide to Livebait Restaurant in Waterloo.
It is worth noting that some of Waterloo's best dining opportunities also double as bars. In the Waterloo area you will find a host of bars that also have a restaurant. If you fancy some lively fun, with Latin food on the menu, try out Cubana Bar. If you are looking for a place that is conveniently close to the station and is good for groups, try out The Fire Station bar.
Waterloo is an area to head to if you are looking for a place to grab a bite to eat. Do some advance research to find the place that best suits you and book a table if you feel it will be necessary (you will find advice on this on the individual restaurant pages).