London’s best bars and restaurants with killer Thames views

1 Forza Wines

Forza Wines opens up a second venue right on South Bank at the Brutalist feat the National Theatre. Similar to its south London older sibling in Peckham, this wine bar will pour natural wines and dish up Italian-ish small plates from its new 170-cover bar that comes with a terrace overlooking the Thames. Opens September 7.

Address: Upper Ground, South Bank, SE1 9PX

Website: nationaltheatre.org.uk

2 La Gamba

With rockstar position overlooking the Thames, this new Spanish tapas restaurant is bound to be a hit in the warmer months. That said, the large terrace seating section comes heated so you can still enjoy the view now. Inside, the dining room comes with a casual chic flair and a rattan touch. It’s by the team behind Applebee’s Fish in Borough Market so expect a menu full of modern Spanish small plates that comes with plenty of seafood dishes.

Address: Royal Festival Hall, Queen’s Walk, South Bank SE1 8XX

Website: lagambalondon.com

3 The Shard

So, you want to have a drink or a meal with a view of the Thames. Lucky for you, The Shard is sprinkled with swanky spots serving up food, cocktails and killer views of the river. Aqua Shard, Hutong, Oblix, Sky Lounge, TĪNG all offer sublime dining and sky high views of the city and the Thames. So does GŎNG – which claims to be the highest hotel bar in Europe. You’re spoilt for choice here, really.

Address: 32 London Bridge Street SE1 9SG

Website: the-shard.com

4 Tate Modern Bar & Kitchen

One of two places to eat at the museum the bar and kitchen on the sixth floor serves up a view of the city and the Thames from the terrace. It also serves up modern British cuisine for lunch, dinner and snacks, with dishes and drink specials based on current exhibitions as well.

Address: Bankside, SE1 9TG

Website: tate.org.uk

5 Pont De La Tour Terrace

Stalwart French restaurant, Le Pont de la Tour, has a river facing terrace that is a treat in any season. With one of the best views of London Bridge there is, feast on cocktails, wines and classic French dishes while you overlook the Thames. 

Address: 36D Shad Thames,Tower Bridge SE1 2YE

Website: lepontdelatour.co.uk

6 OXO Tower Restaurant, South Bank

At the top of the OXO Tower is a fantastic 200ft Thames-side terrace serving cocktails and bar snacks – it’s a great spot for a cocktail and a bite while overlooking the Thames and the iconic London skyline. Summertime means sassy collaborations and quaffable cocktails, while everything from a cup of coffee to six course tasting menus with wine pairings are on offer all year round.

Address: Barge House Street, South Bank SE1 9PH

Website: oxotowerrestaurant.com

7 The Ivy, Tower Bridge

The Ivy Tower Bridge is a Parisian-style all-day dining restaurant with an alfresco terrace that seats 50 and directly overlooks the Thames and Tower Bridge. The modern British menu is all-encompassing including breakfast, elevenses, lunch, afternoon tea, weekend brunch, light snacks, cocktails and dinner. Should the weather turn, you can retreat indoors and still enjoy the same lovely views through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Address: One Tower Bridge SE1 2AA

Website: theivytowerbridge.com

8 12th Knot at Sea Containers London, South Bank

This rooftop bar and terrace comes with impressive views over the city and St Paul’s. It’s summer terrace often has partnerships and takeovers that put seasonal spins on cocktails and drinks. Also look out for DJs in the evenings and live music sessions too. The kitchen serves up bar snacks to go with the extensive drinks menu. 

Address: Sea Containers London, 20 Upper Ground SE1 9PD

Website: seacontainerslondon.com

9 Southbank Centre Roof Garden

Most South Bank amblers don’t even know it’s there, but The Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden, designed by the Eden Project and maintained by Grounded EcoTherapy gardeners, is an excellent find. With plenty of leafy greenery including a wildflower meadow, mini allotments, alongside riverside views and a cafe-bar, it’s one a great spot in the sun.

Address: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road SE1 8XX

Website: southbankcentre.co.uk

10 Mezemiso at Crowne Plaza London – Albert Embankment

Perched on the 15th floor of the Crowne Plaza London – Albert Embankment and blessed with panoramic views over the River Thames and the Houses of Parliament, Mezemiso brings together Japanese and Lebanese cuisine. Mezemiso’s Cigar and Shisha Terrace occupies one of the most desirable spots in the restaurant. With an extensive cigar and shisha menu to match the unparalleled Westminster view, the 20-seat outdoor terrace is a great spot to try Mezemiso’s signature cocktails.

Address: 10-11 Albert Embankment SE1 7TP

Website: crowneplazalondonalbertembankment.co.uk

11 Tavolino Bar & Kitchen

The terrace of Tavolino, a neighbourhood Italian restaurant and bar, offers a smashing view of the majestic Tower Bridge. It also offers a sweeping view of the Thames including HMS Belfast, which could be an option if you want to escape the bustle along the bank. The upstairs dining area also offers the same spectacular vista.

Address: 2 More London Riverside, SE1 2DB

Website: tavolino.co.uk