Dining
The 6 Best Restaurants near Waterloo
South of the river, Waterloo feeds theatre-goers, commuters and the odd stray tourist in roughly that order of urgency.
In short: our top picks are Skylon, The Anchor & Hope and La Barca. 6 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
Waterloo is a station first and a neighbourhood second, so most people eating here are either racing a train or racing a curtain up at the Old Vic or Young Vic. Lower Marsh does most of the heavy lifting, a scrappy strip of independent kitchens that turn plates round fast without feeling like a service station. The riverside end near Royal Festival Hall is where you go if you actually have an evening to spend rather than twenty minutes to fill, and Skylon’s view earns its markup. Anyone booking round a show time should build in the walk, since the South Bank spreads out further than it looks on a map.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Skylon | Royal Festival Hall | ££££ |
| The Anchor & Hope | The Cut | £££ |
| La Barca | Lower Marsh | £££ |
| Roti King Waterloo | Lower Marsh | ££ |
| Pizza Pilgrims Waterloo | Lower Marsh | ££ |
| Tunisian Street Kitchen | Lower Marsh | ££ |
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Editor’s choice
Skylon
Why we pick itFive minutes along the riverside walk from Waterloo, floor-to-ceiling windows put the whole bend of the Thames behind your table.
modern British, river views
-
The Anchor & Hope
Why we pick itSix minutes from Waterloo past the Old Vic, no dinner bookings taken, so regulars turn up early and drink at the bar until a table frees up.
Mediterranean gastropub
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La Barca
Why we pick itTrading on Lower Marsh since 1976, seven minutes from Waterloo, the fake terracotta roof and model ship over the door have not changed in decades.
old-school Italian
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Roti King Waterloo
Why we pick itA five-minute walk down Lower Marsh from Waterloo, fresh roti gets pulled and slapped in the open kitchen while you wait for a stool.
Malaysian roti canai
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Pizza Pilgrims Waterloo
Why we pick itFour minutes on foot from Waterloo, good for a fast plate before an Old Vic or Young Vic curtain.
Neapolitan pizza
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Tunisian Street Kitchen
Why we pick itSix minutes from Waterloo on the market end of Lower Marsh, the kofte and saffron rice come fast enough for a commuter's lunch break.
made-to-order Tunisian
Before you book
Waterloo station (National Rail, Northern and Jubilee lines) has a South Bank exit that puts you straight onto York Road for Skylon and the riverside, while the Lower Marsh cluster is reached via the Mepham Street or Sandell Street side. The Anchor & Hope and most Lower Marsh spots are walk-in only, or at most take lunch bookings, so arrive before 7pm if you want a table without a wait. If you are catching a show at the Old Vic or Young Vic, eat before 6.30pm rather than after.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Skylon is our editor's choice: Five minutes along the riverside walk from Waterloo, floor-to-ceiling windows put the whole bend of the Thames behind your table. Skylon, The Anchor & Hope and La Barca lead the guide, with 6 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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