Best restaurants near London Eye

Explore top dining spots near the London Eye for a tasty treat.

Published: March 31, 2025
Best restaurants near London Eye

Ready to explore the culinary landscape around the London Eye? Whether you're in the mood for a luxurious meal, a hearty mid-range option, or a budget-friendly bite, we've curated the best spots just a hop, skip, and jump from this famous attraction. 

High-end 

Skylon 

Walking distance: 5 minutes  

Nearest tube: Waterloo  

Cuisine: Modern European  

Google rating: 4.3 

Skylon offers a modern European menu that’s a feast for the senses. Nestled in the Southbank Centre, it's just a quick stroll from London Eye. The place is known for its stunning views of the River Thames, but let's talk about what you're really here for: the food. Kick off your culinary journey with the Dorset crab, accompanied by a zesty apple and fennel salad that perfectly balances the richness of the crab. For the main course, we can’t get enough of the roasted duck breast, served with caramelized plums and savoy cabbage. 

Or try the Atlantic cod, cooked to perfection and accompanied by a luscious saffron risotto. Pair your meal with their signature cocktail, the "Sky High", a delightful blend of gin, elderflower, and mint, and you’ve got yourself an unforgettable dining experience. 

Dessert enthusiasts, the Valrhona chocolate fondant is a must-try. It arrives warm, oozing with rich chocolate and paired with homemade vanilla ice cream. It’s the ultimate indulgence to end your meal on a high note. 

Gillray's Steakhouse & Bar 

Walking distance: 10 minutes  

Nearest tube: Westminster  

Cuisine: British  

Google rating: 4.5 

For steak lovers, Gillray's is the place to be. Located in the luxurious Marriott County Hall, it's a short walk from the hustle and bustle of the London Eye. The star of the menu is undoubtedly the selection of British beef, sourced from the best farms in Yorkshire.  

Begin with the heavenly cauliflower soup, enriched with truffle oil for an extra touch of elegance. It’s creamy, comforting, and sets the stage for what’s to come. 

When it’s time for the main event, the 280g Aberdeen Angus ribeye is a showstopper. Perfectly aged and cooked to your liking, it’s succulent and full of flavour, whether paired with a classic béarnaise or a punchy peppercorn sauce. 

Vegetarians, fret not! The wild mushroom and spinach wellington is equally impressive, served with a luscious mushroom jus that elevates this classic to new heights. Pair your meal with finest English sparkling wine from Nyetimber for the complete Gillray's experience. 

OXO Tower Restaurant 

OXO Tower Restaurant 

Walking distance: 15 minutes  

Nearest tube: Blackfriars  

Cuisine: British  

Google rating: 4.4 

Perched above the London skyline, OXO Tower Restaurant offers a dining experience that’s as elevated as its location. While the stunning views are a major draw, the food steps up to the plate with equal flair.  

Start with the beef tartare, a delicate dish complemented by pickled radish and egg yolk, that perfectly preps your palate. The centrepiece of your meal is the OXO beef fillet. It’s a juicy marvel topped with caramelized onions and wild garlic. Seafood lovers will want to try the roasted turbot, served with crushed potatoes and seaweed butter for a taste of the sea right in the heart of the city. 

Don’t skip the wine list, which boasts a fabulous collection of wines from around the world, each selected to complement the exquisite menu. The wait staff can recommend the perfect pairing to elevate your meal. 

Aqua Shard 

Walking distance: 18 minutes  

Nearest tube: London Bridge  

Cuisine: Contemporary British  

Google rating: 4.2 

Aqua Shard redefines dining with its innovative menu and breathtaking views from the 31st floor. While the panoramic views of the city are dazzling, it's the food that truly shines.  

You’ll want to begin your feast with Scottish scallops, served with sweet corn puree and crispy pancetta. For the main course, the slow-cooked Lancashire lamb shoulder does not disappoint. Accompanied by mint sauce and seasonal vegetables, it’s a dish that echoes classic British flavours with a contemporary twist. The vegetarian option, a delicious, charred aubergine with romesco and quinoa, is just as satisfying. 

Their extensive cocktail menu deserves its own moment in the spotlight. End your meal with a rhubarb and custard tart, a modern take on a beloved British dessert. 

 

Mid-range 

Ping Pong Southbank 

Walking distance: 6 minutes  

Nearest tube: Waterloo  

Cuisine: Dim Sum  

Google rating: 4.3 

For a casual yet delightful dining experience, Ping Pong Southbank offers a treasure trove of dim sum delights just a short walk from London Eye. 

Start your culinary exploration with prawn and chive dumplings. These little pockets are filled with juicy prawns and fresh chives, providing a savoury bite-sized snack. If you're in the mood for more, try the sesame-seed prawn toast. Golden and crispy, they're paired delightfully with sweet chili sauce. 

But Ping Pong isn’t just about dim sum. Their crispy duck spring rolls, served with hoisin sauce, offer an appetizing entry into the heartier dishes. You’ll also want to taste their aromatic chicken salad, a refreshing mix of greens and herbs with tender chicken pieces. 

Giraffe 

Giraffe 

Walking distance: 9 minutes  

Nearest tube: Waterloo  

Cuisine: Global  

Google rating: 4.5 

Giraffe is all about diversity, with a menu that takes dining to new heights—literally—just a stone’s throw from London Eye. Their globally inspired dishes ensure you’ll find something for every palate.  

Start with their famous nachos, topped with melting cheese, guacamole, and jalapeños. The main event here could be the ‘Giraffe Burger’. Perfectly grilled beef, gooey cheddar, and signature burger sauce nestled between buttery brioche. For a lighter option, their teriyaki salmon bowl, with crunchy vegetables and a spicy miso dressing, is a top contender. 

Enjoy their wide range of fresh juices or opt for something stronger to sweeten the deal. 

The Archduke 

Walking distance: 4 minutes  

Nearest tube: Waterloo  

Cuisine: European  

Google rating: 4.4 

The Archduke combines dinner and atmosphere with live jazz happening as you dine. Located in the railway arches close to London Eye, it’s both unique and intimate.  

Start your meal with their classic prawn cocktail—all fresh flavours and a hint of spice. For the main course, the beef stroganoff, with its creamy mushroom sauce, is a hit. Alternatively, the grilled sea bream, with lemon and parsley, provides a simple yet delightful alternative for seafood lovers. 

Wrap up your meal with their indulgent cheesecake, featuring a smooth and velvety texture that melts in your mouth. 

Locale Southbank 

Walking distance: 7 minutes  

Nearest tube: Lambeth North  

Cuisine: Italian  

Google rating: 4.3 

Locale Southbank,  just a short walk from the London Eye, serves up authentic Italian cuisine.  

Begin with their bruschetta pomodoro, a fresh take on a classic starter, topped with ripe tomatoes and basil. The main courses are equally tempting. The house favourite is homemade tagliatelle with truffle and mushrooms, but pizza lovers are catered to too - the "Locale Special" topped with creamy burrata and spicy salami. 

Enjoy a glass of their fine Italian wine, expertly chosen to complement the meal. Or, if cocktails are more your style, the Aperol Spritz offers a delightful citrusy kick that's light and refreshing. 

 

Budget-friendly 

Honest Burgers South Bank 

Walking distance: 6 minutes  

Nearest tube: Waterloo  

Cuisine: Burgers  

Google rating: 4.6 

Looking for a satisfying meal that won’t break the bank? Honest Burgers South Bank is the place to go. Conveniently located near London Eye, this spot is known for serving up some of the finest burgers in town.  

Their signature Honest Burger is a must, featuring a juicy beef patty, fresh lettuce, and red onion, all nestled in a soft brioche bun. Vegetarian? The Plant Burger, with its tasty veggie patty and house sauce, ensures everyone can enjoy a hearty bite. Pair either with their signature rosemary fries and make the most of your visit.  

Enjoy pairing your meal with their refreshing homemade lemonade or opt for a local craft beer to enhance your burger experience. And grab their deliciously gooey brownie for dessert. 

The Thames Bakery 

The Thames Bakery 

Walking distance: 5 minutes  

Nearest tube: Waterloo  

Cuisine: Bakery/Café  

Google rating: 4.4 

A charming spot near London Eye, The Thames Bakery is your go-to for quick bites and delightful pastries. Whether you're in need of a light breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack, this place will not disappoint.  

Kick things off with their buttery croissants, freshly baked every day. For a heartier option, their selection of savoury pies stands out. The cheese and onion pasty is the perfect grab-and-go meal. If you have a sweet tooth, try their tempting chocolate eclairs. 

Coffee lovers will appreciate their expertly brewed selections, ideal for pairing with a pastry or two. 

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Bao Southbank 

Walking distance: 8 minutes  

Nearest tube: Southwark  

Cuisine: Taiwanese  

Google rating: 4.5 

For a unique and budget-friendly meal, Bao Southbank offers delicious Taiwanese bites that are big on flavour. Just a short walk from London Eye, it's a perfect pit stop for an exciting dining experience.  

Start with the classic bao buns filled with tender pork. Their fried chicken bao, with crunchy cabbage and spicy sauce, is another highlight. It’s crispy, fresh, and a definite crowd-pleaser. Don’t overlook the sides—the sweet potato fries, seasoned with seaweed powder, bring an exotic twist to a classic favourite. 

Wash it all down with a refreshing iced tea or opt for a bubble milk tea if you're feeling adventurous.  And finish your meal with their unique deep-fried bao, served with a side of creamy condensed milk. 

Borough Market Stalls 

Walking distance: 15 minutes  

Nearest tube: London Bridge  

Cuisine: Various  

Google rating: 4.7 

If you’re looking for variety and affordability, head to Borough Market. It's a 15-minute walk from the London Eye, but worth every step for the culinary adventure that awaits. With a vast array of vendors, you can sample the best of Britain and beyond. 

Start with a scotch egg from Scotchtails, offering a delightful mix of crispy coating and rich, savoury filling. Next, try Kappacasein’s raclette—oozing cheese served over potatoes and vegetables. 

For dessert, Bad Brownie’s stall will catch your eye. Their array of sweets are decadent, with options like salted caramel and peanut butter to satisfy your sweet tooth. And round off your visit with a freshly squeezed juice or a locally brewed ale.  

 

Make the most of your London trip with the city’s best hidden gems, and burn off some of those calories with our picks of the capital’s top walking tours! 

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This article was generated with the help of AI to provide accurate and up-to-date information. The Go City team has reviewed and curated the content to ensure it meets our quality standards for accuracy and relevance.

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Brick Lane street sign.
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East London Attractions

East London may well lay claim to being the city’s coolest quarter, thanks to its proliferation of urban art, bleeding-edge galleries, buzzy markets, global street food and hipper-than-thou cocktail bars and speakeasies. It’s also where you’ll find landmarks including the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Walthamstow Wetlands, and Whitechapel’s haunting, haunted lanes, which have retained the best of their Victorian character. Take a walk with us as we explore some of the finest attractions East London has to offer... Brick Lane The good news is that, in spite of the area’s ongoing gentrification attempts, Bangladeshi and Jewish influences continue to dominate along Brick Lane. You’d still be hard-pressed to find a better curry or bagel anywhere else in London, and that’s reason enough to visit this characterful kaleidoscope of cultures, in our humble opinion. But there’s so much more to see and do along these iconic cobbles. We’re talking flea markets that fairly heave with retro fashions and vintage vinyl; supermarkets brimming with exotic fruits and spices; tiny antique stores and bouji indie boutiques; plus some of the best street art this side of NYC. Heck, there’s even a bowling alley. Something, in other words, for just about everyone. ArcelorMittal Orbit Britain’s largest piece of public art, a looping, swirling behemoth designed by Turner-Prize winning artist Anish Kapoor and engineer Cecil Balmond, the ArcelorMittal Orbit is the centerpiece of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford. Ascend to the viewing platforms 260 feet up for views across Olympic tracks where records were set and broken at the 2012 games. And that’s not all: you can also see a great many more London landmarks from up here, including the Shard, Big Ben and the 02 Arena. Thrillseekers who fancy experiencing the quickest route back down to terra firma can take on the world’s longest and tallest slide, an epic 12-loop monster designed by German artist Carsten Höller that twists and turns its way down for 40 seconds of pure fun. Or terror, depending on your constitution. Dennis Severs’ House Tucked away on a quiet side street a stone’s throw from Spitalfields Market, Dennis Severs’ House is a mesmerizing throwback to a bygone era; the kind of out-of-time oddity you only really tend to find in East London. Step inside this Georgian townhouse, where Severs spent the last 20 years of his life painstakingly recreating the 18th-century lives of a fictional Huguenot family. Preserved since his death in 2000, the house is, in effect, a theater set that’s alive with period décor and furnishings hawked from market stalls, and is at perhaps its most evocative around Christmas, when rooms are decked out with festive candles, trees and decorations. The Guardian called it “a three-dimensional historical novel written in brick and candlelight” while Severs himself described it, rather more prosaically, as a "time machine". Columbia Road Flower Market Tucked between Shoreditch and Bethnal Green, Columbia Road is a pretty colorful place to visit at the best of times, all independent delis and bakeries, tiny art galleries and cool boutiques where rummaging for vintage clothes and retro records is practically a way of life. But it’s on Sundays that it really bursts into full technicolor life, thanks to a blooming marvelous flower market that runs the gamut from £1 bedding plants to ten-foot-tall banana trees, and just about every conceivable plant in between. Come for the colors, stay for the sweet scents and chilled Sunday morning vibes. Jack the Ripper Tour The characterful cobbled avenues and neat brick houses of Whitechapel, one of East London’s most visited attractions, exude Victorian charm. But they weren’t always this pleasing to the eye – or this safe. Jack the Ripper remains big business around these parts, his legend drawing thousands of amateur sleuths every year, all keen to unravel this infamous murder mystery. Take a walking tour with expert guides, who will transport you back to the East End of the late 19th Century, visiting dimly lit alleys and recounting bloodcurdling tales of the Ripper’s murders as well as seeking out some of the regular haunts of his victims, and the notorious murder sites. Chilling, thrilling stuff. ABBA Voyage And now for something a little more... light-hearted. ABBA Voyage is a musical extravaganza that takes place in the (purpose built, no less) ABBA Arena at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Using four avatars of the original members of the band as they appeared in their 1979 heyday – all velvet suits with flared trouser hems, floaty kaftans and brightly coloured glitter suits – the show takes fans on a musical journey, with a live band providing the enthusiastic backing to iconic hits including Voulez-Vous, The Winner Takes It All and, of course, Dancing Queen. Look out for the space-age neon ‘ABBAtron’ outfits. A strong look in any era. Walthamstow Wetlands Europe’s largest urban wetlands can be found a short walk from the Tottenham Hale Station on the Victoria line. This awesome 500+ acre site encompasses 10 reservoirs and a whole host of colorful bird and insect life. A busy program of talks, walks, tours and kids’ activities helps reveal some of the reserve’s most interesting visitors, among them breeding birds including gray herons, tufted ducks and little egrets, wintering waterfowl such as pochard and gadwall, and kingfishers and peregrines that swoop and dive for their supper. Depending on the season, you might also spot damselflies, dragonflies, butterflies, bats and amphibians. Whitechapel Gallery Tucked away on Whitechapel High Street, this wonderful gallery has been quietly wowing punters for over a century, thanks to its wide-ranging (and ever-changing) exhibitions of modern and contemporary masterpieces. The gallery even exhibited Picasso’s Guernica, one of the most powerful anti-war statements ever committed to canvas, back in 1938. Step inside for free art shows and installations that are all but guaranteed to expand your mind. Victoria Park Victoria Park (or Vicky Park as it’s known to locals) is perhaps East London’s best-loved green space, chock-full of walking trails, playgrounds, cafés and interesting monuments. Look out for the Grade II-listed drinking fountain designed by Henry Darbyshire and the famous Dogs of Alcibiades statues. Keep your eyes peeled and you might even spot some stone alcoves from the original London Bridge tucked away in the park’s northeast corner! There’s a cool food market with live music every Sunday and the V&A playground is a boon for all parents of energetic toddlers. Come back in summer for a whole host of live entertainment, including major music festivals such as All Points East. Save on Activities and Attractions in London Save on admission to Paris attractions with The London Pass. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Who's Buried in St Paul's Cathedral
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Who's Buried in St Paul's Cathedral

St Paul's Cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks in London. It's also one of the most visited, with countless people wandering its halls throughout the year. But St. Paul's also doubles as a crypt, where some of the bravest and brightest minds are laid to rest. But who's buried in St Paul's Cathedral? Find out below! Including: Aethelred the Unready Sir Christopher Wren Horatio Nelson Joseph Turner and more! Aethelred the Unready We'll start at the beginning because chronological order rules. So, hop in your time machine as we take a journey back to 1016 and attend the funeral of the late King Aethelred the Unready. As you can guess by his title, he wasn't the most beloved king. So, was it preparedness? Was he too young to take the throne? Well, no. See, Aethelred's title is actually a mistranslation. The original name more closely translates to "ill-advised". Historical documents from his reign detail questionable decisions that bordered on comedic. When Vikings came knocking at his door with blooded axes, Aethelred the Unready chose to try and pay them off rather than meet them with steel. But, when all your opponent really wants is a payday, giving them what they want is hardly a deterrent. In fact, they just want more - like a modern email scam. As such, many more Viking clans came a-knocking, quickly drying up the country's coffers. Regardless of his choices - and unwise advisors - Aethelred the Unready lies buried at St. Paul's Cathedral. And, while he might not top any lists of the who's who of those buried in St. Paul's Cathedral, he tops ours. Again, because of chronology. Image courtesy of Natata/Shutterstock Sir Christopher Wren You may have never heard of ol' Aethelred, but you've almost certainly heard of Sir Christopher Wren. An architectural tour de force, Wren is responsible for many of London's most iconic landmarks. The Royal Observatory in Greenwich, Kensington Palace, and yes, even St. Paul's Cathedral are just some of the many structures he designed in the wake of the Great Fire of London, which destroyed much of old London on a hot summer's day in 1666. So yes, the big man even designed the very building where he was laid to rest. But did you know that nearly wasn't the case? In fact, after his death, there were no plans to entomb him in St Paul's. However, thanks to a public outcry, plans changed. And, rather amusingly, Wren even joked that, when designing the building, he had the perfect place to put his tomb. And, when you go to see his final resting place, you'll find it in the exact same place he first pointed out. Now that's a story! Horatio Nelson Next, we take to the seas and toast this legend of an admiral without comparison. Horatio Nelson was a hero of the Napoleonic Wars, ensuring decisive victories against the French. Having fought in constant wars from his younger years through to his Admiralcy, Nelson's luck ran out during the famous Battle of Trafalgar, when a musket round pierced his shoulder, lung, and spine. While it may be a struggle to survive such wounds in the modern day, back in the 19th Century, it was a death sentence. But a man of such renown could not be buried at sea. There was only ever one place Nelson would be buried; St. Paul's Cathedral. But the journey from Trafalgar to London is long, and there weren't exactly freezers back then. So what did his crew do? They buried his body in a casket full of brandy, which just so happened to be Nelson's tipple of choice. The brandy helped preserve the admiral's body as it was safely transported to St Paul's. A boozy return for a deserving fellow. Joseph Turner Yep, St. Paul's Cathedral doesn't just welcome war heroes, kings, and giants of the architectural world. It welcomes painters too. Ladies and gentlemen, Joseph Turner. Turner was known for his breathtaking paintings capturing the essence of nature's beauty. Famous for this oceanic artwork, you'll likely recognise many of his paintings like The Shipwreck, Fisherman at Sea, and The Fighting Temeraire. Turner's work is almost immediately identifiable - no one paints quite like that. But legends suggest this isn't due solely to his skill. Supposedly, he made his own paints using unique elements such as herbs and spices, giving his paintings their unique look. Duke of Wellington Just when you thought we'd turned a corner, boom, another war hero appears! And yes, it's yet another military leader whose biggest triumphs occurred during the Napoleonic Wars. However, the difference between Horatio Nelson and the Duke of Wellington, aka Arthur Wellesley, is that while Nelson's victories took place on sea, the Duke of Wellington's victories happened on land. But, while his military prowess has been celebrated for centuries, the ol' Duke has a sense of humour too. At dinner one night, long before his death in 1852, Wellesley said that he didn't care where he was buried as long as they buried him in his boots. Maybe you had to be there? Either way, his wish came true, and he now rests beneath St. Paul's Cathedral, buried in his boots. Alexander Fleming And finally, last but certainly not least on our list is perhaps the most deserving. He may not be a king, an artist, or a "war hero" - though he did serve in a war - but his work has arguably saved more lives than anyone else. Not just on this list, but on the planet. You may not know his name, but you know his work. Ever taken an antibiotic? Well, you might not have if it wasn't for Alexander Fleming. The brilliant Scottish microbiologist was the first to discover that bacteria avoided certain fungi. Following testing, he realised why; said certain fungi kill them. This discovery snowballed into penicillin, the first antibiotic. And, to put it mildly, penicillin changed the world. No longer were infections a roll of the dice. Now, people would survive. If anyone deserves their resting place beneath the hallowed halls of St. Paul's Cathedral, it's Alexander Fleming. So, if you were wondering who's buried in St Paul's Cathedral, wonder no more. Of course, this is just a handful of the many luminaries who now call it "home", so go visit and see them all for yourself! Westminster Abbey is another popular burial place for famous faces of history so you could have your fill of historic graves in Westminster Abbey or St Pauls' Cathedral but with the London Pass, you can visit both and even skip the queue at St Paul's, as well as all of London's biggest attractions, for one low price!
Dom Bewley
The London Pass
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Alice Padfield
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The London Eye
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