If you're anywhere near the London Eye and your stomach starts rumbling, you don't have to wander far. The South Bank is packed with food spots, but the trick is knowing where to go to avoid tourist traps and actually enjoy your meal. Eating around London attractions doesn’t have to mean bad sandwiches or overpriced coffee—there are some proper gems here.
First things first, the area around the London Eye fills up with both Londoners and visitors, so you’ll want to plan ahead, especially on weekends or during the school holidays. The South Bank food scene has loads of variety, from quick bites you can munch while walking by the river, to sit-down restaurants with Thames views that wow even the most hard-to-please guests.
Let’s get straight into where to grab your next meal without wandering into a chain you could have found back home. Whether it’s flaky fish and chips, creative street food, or a hidden cafe locals actually come back to, you’ll find it steps from the iconic Ferris wheel. And yes, it’s totally doable to get good food even during busy hours—timing and a smart pick make all the difference in dodging the worst of the crowds.
- Quick Eats and Grab & Go
- Sit-Down Spots With a View
- Hidden Gems Locals Swear By
- Family-Friendly Options Near the Eye
- Pro Tips and Foodie Facts
Quick Eats and Grab & Go
Speed is key if you’ve only got an hour before the next tour or show, but you still want something better than sad crisps from a corner shop. The South Bank, right by the London Eye, is lined with places where you can get your food fast and still taste fresh London flavours.
Just a couple of minutes from the Eye, pop by Pret A Manger. It’s not fancy, but you can always rely on Pret for a hot toastie, fresh salads, or a chicken caesar wrap you can eat on the riverfront benches. Plus, they’re usually pretty quick, and you’ll find a location right by Jubilee Gardens.
Fancy a classic British bite? Poppies Fish & Chips has a takeaway kiosk setup at Southbank. Their chips are chunky, and if you’re after something portable, the battered cod in a cone hits the spot. Don’t sleep on the pickled eggs if you like quirky local snacks—real Londoner’s stuff.
For more international street food, the Southbank Centre Food Market buzzes most weekends and bank holidays. You’ll find Vietnamese banh mi, Ethiopian injera, and juicy burgers from Bleecker. Veggie or vegan? Check out The Frying Pan—the spicy halloumi burger is worth every penny. Portions are good, and you usually won’t wait more than ten minutes.
If you’re on a budget, pop into Greggs near Waterloo. Greggs sausage rolls are a firm UK favourite and cost under £2. Not fancy, but hits the spot, especially if it’s raining and you want something warm on the go.
| Quick Eats Spot | Distance from London Eye (walk) | Known for | Usual Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pret A Manger | 2 min | Salads, sandwiches, coffee | £3 - £7 |
| Poppies Fish & Chips | 5 min | Fish & chips, pickled eggs | £6 - £12 |
| Southbank Centre Food Market | 3 min | Street food variety | £5 - £12 |
| Greggs | 8 min | Sausage rolls, bakes | £1 - £4 |
Here’s a tip: avoid Southbank Centre Food Market between 1-2pm, as the office crowd swarms in for lunch. Get there a bit earlier if you want choice without queues. If you want to eat right by the river, grab takeaway and grab a bench near Jubilee Gardens or walk up to the Waterloo Bridge steps—great views and you won’t get jostled by big crowds.
Sit-Down Spots With a View
When you want more than just a snack by the river, picking a spot with a proper view pays off every time. This area around the London Eye has some of the best Thames-side restaurants in the city. These places aren’t just for tourists—they’re popular with Londoners too, especially for work lunches and special occasions.
Right next to the wheel, Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar inside the Marriott County Hall gives you floor-to-ceiling windows directly over the river. Their ribeye is a go-to, but the Sunday roast gets praise from regulars (book ahead for weekends, it fills up fast). If you prefer something lighter but still want a decent view, try the riverside Skylon in the Southbank Centre. Their set lunch menu is surprisingly good value for the location and the interiors are retro in a cool, non-cheesy way.
Not fussed about fancy? Giraffe on the Southbank does solid burgers, nachos, and a great children’s menu—plus it has outside seating for sunny days. Tired of classic British? Head a little further for OXO Tower Restaurant and Bar. Yes, it’s a bit more upmarket, but you’re paying for the legendary views, and they let you just order a drink if you’re not hungry. The cocktail list is solid, and the vibe is relaxed, especially early afternoon.
Getting a table with a river view can be tricky, especially after 6pm and weekends. Most places here accept bookings, and honestly, it’s worth planning ahead if you want the good seats. Walk-ins at off-peak times (like late lunch or early dinner) often get lucky, but don’t bank on it on sunny days or when there’s a festival nearby.
| Restaurant | Best For | Average Price (Main) | Booking Advised |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar | British classics, Sunday roast | £22–£40 | Yes |
| Skylon | Modern European, lunch deals | £15–£30 | Yes |
| Giraffe Southbank | Casual eats, families | £12–£18 | Not always |
| OXO Tower Restaurant & Bar | Special occasions, cocktails with a view | £25–£45 | Yes |
Don’t forget, the best river views aren’t always at street level—restaurants like OXO Tower need a quick lift ride, but it’s worth it for the view alone. If you’re just after a drink, snag a seat on Skylon’s terrace or at one of the outside tables dotted along Queen’s Walk. These spots give you front-row seats to all the people-watching and river buzz that makes the South Bank special.
Hidden Gems Locals Swear By
If you ask someone living in London where to eat after a spin on the Eye, you probably won’t hear about the usual spots. Locals love places that are a bit tucked away and serve food that actually tastes like the city. You won’t disappoint your tastebuds at Banh Bao Brothers, only a five-minute walk from the London Eye. This spot gets rave reviews for its Vietnamese bao buns and noodle bowls, and you’ll rarely find it overrun with tourists.
If solid British comfort food is more your vibe, head to The Thirsty Bear on Stamford Street. It’s a proper pub with a twist—they’ve got self-serve beer taps right at your table, so you can pour as much (or little) as you want. Their burgers and Sunday roasts are proper hearty, and prices won’t wreck your wallet. For a sweet treat, Neil’s Yard Dairy in nearby Covent Garden is a London cheese institution. Pop in for a sample or pick up something quirky—these guys have been selling award-winning British cheeses since 1979.
Another under-the-radar pick: Scoot down the riverside to Giraffe Southbank for all-day breakfasts and global mains. They’re family friendly, have speedy service, and the sticky toffee pudding is a must-try. And if you want a snack on the move, the Southbank Centre Food Market (weekends and some Fridays) has small stalls that locals actually queue for—don’t miss the Ethiopian vegan eats at Ethiopian Flavours or the fresh salt beef bagels at Nana Fanny’s.
Here’s a quick look at how much you might spend per person at these hidden gems:
| Restaurant | Type | Approx. Price per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Banh Bao Brothers | Asian Fusion | £10 – £18 |
| The Thirsty Bear | Pub/British | £12 – £22 |
| Neil’s Yard Dairy | Cheese Shop | £5 – £15 |
| Giraffe Southbank | Casual/Global | £10 – £20 |
| Southbank Centre Food Market | Street Food | £7 – £12 |
None need bookings except the pub on Friday nights. And if you fancy taking your food down by the river, you’ll have the best view in town for free. Keep your eyes peeled—these places might be a bit tucked away, but once you find them, you’ll want to come back.
Family-Friendly Options Near the Eye
Hungry with kids in tow near the London Eye? You don’t need to stress. There’s a bunch of solid spots nearby where you won’t get side-eyed for a bit of noise or a pram at the table. Families come from all over London and beyond, so these restaurants are used to handling little ones (and picky eaters).
For an easy win, head for Giraffe, just across from the Eye on the Southbank. It’s super relaxed, the staff actually smile at kids, and the menu’s as unfussy as it gets—think chicken katsu, burgers, and simple pasta. They’ve always got high chairs and colouring sheets ready to go. Another classic is Honest Burgers in Waterloo, about a five-minute stroll away. The burgers come out quick, chips are rosemary-salted (from personal experience—kids love them), and there’s usually space to park a buggy.
If your gang’s up for pizza, Pizza Express in County Hall is a lifesaver. The host here won’t blink if your kids want to build their own pizza, and there’s a clever kids’ menu with activities thrown in. For more adventurous families, try the food trucks dotted around the Southbank Centre Food Market on Fridays to Sundays. Loads of choices, so no one ends up sulking—rain or shine, you’ll find crepes, gourmet mac ‘n’ cheese, bao buns, and vegan treats. Plenty of space for a fidgety toddler to nosh and run about.
Thinking about allergies? Most high-street spots here are good with labeling, but always double-check, just in case. Most of these places get the post-matinee rush from local theatres, so if you want a quieter meal, show up early or have a late lunch. And yes, most places nearby have baby changing facilities—always ask if you can’t spot them right away.
Pro Tips and Foodie Facts
Eating out by the London Eye isn’t just about snapping a few photos with your food—there’s actually a lot going on here if you know where to look (and when to go). Most people notice the crowds before anything else. If you want to dodge the main rush, aim to eat before 12pm or after 2:30pm. Lunchtimes get hectic, especially during half term and weekends. Honestly, I’ve seen the queues for chips wrap almost all the way to Jubilee Gardens during Easter break.
Card payments are the norm, but it’s smart to have a couple of quid on you if you’re eyeing up ice cream or one of the pop-up food carts by the river—sometimes the card machines act up with crowds or bad weather. Also, while takeaway is big here, there aren’t tons of covered spots to sit outdoors if the weather turns, so check the sky before deciding to eat alfresco.
“On a sunny day, South Bank rivals any city for people-watching and street food,” says Time Out London. “But it pays to stray a little off the beaten path if you want to dodge the chains.”
Once you’re full, you can walk off your food with a stroll to Borough Market—about 20 minutes along the river, and an absolute must if you’re into fresh bites or fancy baked stuff. Also, locals love the quirky food trucks and stalls that pop up on weekends between Southbank Centre and the London Eye. They’re not always the same week to week, but I’ve had everything from Himalayan momo dumplings to jerk chicken that easily outshines high street eats.
Here’s a quick data snapshot for visitors (and for bragging rights when you catch up with friends):
| Food Type | Average Price per Meal (£) | Queue Times (Peak hours) |
|---|---|---|
| Street Food/Stalls | 8 – 12 | 10 – 15 min |
| Sit-down Restaurant | 18 – 25 | 15 – 30 min |
| Chain Fast Food | 6 – 10 | Up to 20 min |
If you’re a fan of offers, keep an eye out for lunchtime deals—places like Giraffe and Wahaca sometimes run weekday lunch menus that cut a few quid off the usual bill. And don’t be afraid to try something new: South Bank is one of London’s great testing grounds for up-and-coming food brands. If a queue looks long but moves quickly, it’s often a good sign the food is worth it and the staff are switched on. If you see loads of locals in office wear grabbing a bite, you’re probably in the right spot.
Heads up for allergy info: Most stalls and restaurants display allergens pretty clearly, but don’t hesitate to ask twice. The city’s pretty on it for gluten-free, vegan, and veggie options, so no one needs to miss out. Check out the Southbank Centre’s website before you go for up-to-date food events—sometimes there’s a festival or pop-up that’s only there for a day or two.
