South Bank Dining & Drinks Guide: Where to Eat Near the London Eye
- Tuesday November 3rd 2026
London’s South Bank is the perfect place to meet and eat. Wedged between the Thames and Waterloo Station, this riverside stretch is one of London’s most exciting food destinations for dining near the London Eye. Guests can grab a quick bite before boarding their flight, settle in for a relaxed dinner with the river backdrop, or graze their way through a street food market, all within a few minutes’ walk of County Hall and the Southbank promenade. Or you can even enjoy an indulgent afternoon tea on the London Eye itself. Read on and discover everything you need to know about dining in South Bank.
Top Dining Recommendations Near the London Eye
The best London restaurants near the London Eye span every budget and mood, from elegant riverside dining to bustling street food stalls, with a scattering of Michelin-mentioned spots along the way. Below is a list of where to head, depending on the experience you’re after.
Afternoon Tea on the London Eye
You can’t get much closer than dining on the actual London Eye! For guests looking to take in 360 views of the capital and enjoy a classic British afternoon tea: you can do both at once.
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Delicious afternoon tea: savour freshly prepared finger sandwiches, sweet treats, and freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and jam. All paired with a choice of fine teas and coffee.
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One hour in the sky: two full rotations of London Eye, with your afternoon tea served at the table in your pod.
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Dietary options: vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available.
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Elevated by champagne: add an optional glass of champagne to make the occasion even more special.
Book afternoon tea on the London Eye and enjoy dining and the London Eye experience together, all in one unforgettable hour!
Riverside Dining with a View
Book a table with a view and watch the Thames drift by as London’s landmarks light up around you:
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Locale Southbank: a cosy Italian restaurant tucked behind County Hall on Belvedere Road, well loved for handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and a warm, family-friendly welcome.
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Gillray's Steakhouse & Bar: a quintessentially British steakhouse inside the County Hall building, serving dry-aged steaks and over 100 gins alongside views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
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Skylon: a Southbank Centre landmark on the third floor of the Royal Festival Hall, pairing modern British cooking with floor-to-ceiling Thames views.
Quick Bites & Street Food Markets
There’s no shortage of on-the-go food near the London Eye that won’t break the bank or require a booking. Discover the many Southbank food places dotted along the river that dish up serious flavour without the price tag:
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Southbank Centre Food Market: a buzzing weekend market on Southbank Centre Square, running Friday to Sunday with dozens of street food traders serving everything from Korean BBQ to Ethiopian classics.
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Okan South Bank: a pocket-sized Japanese canteen inside County Hall, serving Osaka-style okonomiyaki and izakaya small plates just steps away from the London Eye.
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Honest Burgers Southbank: a firm favourite on the Southbank Centre’s riverside terrace, known for British beef smash burgers, rosemary-salted fries and a South Bank special topped with garlic pickle.
British Pubs & Pints Near Waterloo
For a proper pint and British pub grub, these are the places to eat around Waterloo Station:
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The Hole in the Wall: a traditional free house tucked inside a railway arch opposite Waterloo Station, pouring six cask ales and more than 25 beers in one of the South Bank’s most characterful old pubs.
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All Bar One Waterloo: a stylish bar just steps away from the London Eye and Waterloo Station, serving globally inspired sharing plates alongside cocktails and weekend brunches.
Practical Dining Tips for Your London Eye Visit
Timing Your Meal Around Your Ticket Time
Enjoying food around the London Eye is easy once you get your timings right. A London Eye flight lasts around 30 minutes, while the River Cruise takes roughly 40 minutes for its route along the Thames. For a sit-down meal beforehand, we’d recommend you allow at least 60–90 minutes ahead of your scheduled entry – this should account for security checks and boarding.
If you’re short on time, grab something quick from the Southbank Centre Food Market or a nearby café instead, and save the leisurely meal for after your visit.
Book London Eye TicketsPre-Booking & Peak Hour Strategies
Local dining near the London Eye follows London’s usual rhythm. Lunch service is busiest between 12:30pm and 2pm, while the pre-theatre dinner rush peaks between 5:30pm and 7pm. Book ahead for sit-down restaurants where possible, especially on weekends and Friday evenings, or make the most of quieter tables straight after a morning London Eye flight.
Afternoon Tea on the London Eye bookings are available from 12pm to 4pm each day. Book online in advance to secure your slot on your chosen day.
For more ways to fill the time before your ticket slot, see our guide to things to do near Waterloo Station.
Add a Thames River CruisePlan your trip today
Good food and great views go hand in hand. Make sure you plan your dining near the London Eye around your flight or Thames River Cruise for the best time.
Book Your London Eye TicketsFAQs
Yes. County Hall, the historic building beside the London Eye, is home to several restaurants including Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar, and Okan South Bank. You can eat at either of these places without straying far from the wheel, enjoying your food around London Eye views.
Outside food and drinks aren’t permitted onboard the London Eye, aside from bottled water. Guests booking a Champagne Experience or other VIP upgrade will have drinks included as part of their visit, and food and drink is included as part of Afternoon Tea on the London Eye.
It’s a good idea, and we’d recommend you do as sit-down restaurants near the London Eye are particularly busy during the weekends and the pre-theatre rush on Friday evenings. Street food stalls and casual spots are generally easier for walk-ins without a reservation.
South Bank has a wide choice of hotels within easy walking distance of the London Eye, from riverside stays with skyline views to independent boutique spots.
Explore our guide to hotels near the London Eye for the full picture.
