The Eye is one of the highlights of the London skyline, and is worth seeing even if you can’t manage to get tickets. Here are a few restaurants nearby, just in case you get hungry.
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The Top 10 Places to Eat Near The London Eye
Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar
Photo courtesy of Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar
€€€ – €€€€ | Open Early | Buffet-style Breakfast
A good hearty breakfast is an indispensable part of any successful day spent walking the streets of London. Located inside the County Hall hotel on Westminster Bridge road, Gillray’s Steakhouse opens early and offers diners a picturesque view of Big Ben while they enjoy their breakfast.
Served buffet-style, Gillray’s offers what you would expect of a continental breakfast, but executed with the highest level of attention and detail. They also have some great a la carte options, like the vegan scotch eggs, made with fresh hard-boiled eggs coated in bread crumbs. Whether you’re looking for a big breakfast, or just something tasty while you enjoy the spectacular view, Gillray’s makes sure to put you on the right foot before starting your day.
And of course! It’s a wonderful place to return to for an impeccably served steakhouse dinner.
Another great place if you’re looking for a view. This riverside spot boasts a breathtaking view of the Thames to go along with its delectable modern European offerings. With the natural light pouring through the windows, we’d definitely recommend Skylon for an upscale lunch that captures the soul of London.
Begin with your pick off the tasting menu. It’s all great, but we’d recommend the seared foie gras or the Scottish Angus Cross beef fillet. They’re just the thing before moving on to the main course. The menu is always changing, but if you can get a taste of their roasted code with black trompette mushrooms, or the beetroot gnocchi, you won’t be disappointed.
Tower of London Story Telling Tour with Thames River Cruise
The Tower of London is one of the cities top attractions but you’ll see much more on this experience. It includes a Thames River Cruise, London Tower Bridge, and even the Beefeaters Quarters & Crown Jewels. All admissions and transportation is included with an English speaking guide.
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London Walking Tour with Westminster Abbey and Changing of the Guard
This is the perfect tour for someone who wants to visit Westminster Abbey. An English-speaking guide will bring you through the abbey skipping the line to get in. You’ll also see the changing of the guard, Buckingham Palace, and more with admissions and transport included.
Okay, let’s cool it with the fancy stuff. It can be hard finding good, down-to-earth BBQ in Europe, so if you’re anything like me, this place is a godsend. Located in a recommissioned shipping container on by the South Bank, this no-frills spot is great to pick-up and go, or to sit down and enjoy the view of the Thames.
Their menu changes seasonally, but we would recommend their sample menu for the full experience of what these guys have to offer. Running you about £49, it includes items like Togarashi 5 spice duck breast, a 45 dry aged sirloin, and cod tacos. Bring friends and come hungry!
Lively but low-key, Wahaca is one of the best restaurants near the London Eye for Mexican food served at reasonable prices. From their trendy, modern décor to the live music to the riverside views, Wahaca checks all the boxes for a fun nighttime spot.
First of all, order some cocktails. Can’t go wrong with a classic margarita, but the Strawberry & Basil Daiquri is great as well. You’ll want to pair this with a plate of Mexico City nachos to share. They come piled high with salsa, guacamole and beans. Along with their slow-cooked pork tacos, and black bean & three cheeses quesadillas, you’ll leave this place happy!
Combining classic and contemporary with an elegant finish, Brasserie Joël is one of our favorite French restaurants near the London Eye. The glass-lined, red and black dining room embodies Joël’s spirit of refinement with a splash of spontaneity (and even a bit of fun!)
For starters, we recommend ordering the Terrine of Oak Smoked Ham with Wild Mushroom, along with the Heirloom Tomatoes and Grilled Asparagus. Entrée-wise, Joël keeps things simple: a Traditional Ratatouille or Beef Bourguignon are our recommendations. Along with one of their fantastically curated wines, and you’ll be set for a romantic London evening.
Striking a balance between high-end and affordable, English and Italian, classic and contemporary, La Cucina Di Mamma has something for everyone. It is one of our favorite restaurants near the London Eye. The interior is both sleek and playful, featuring Art Deco paintings beside décor that could have come straight out of Warhol’s Factory.
The menu here offers a wide variety of dishes that should be familiar to any connoisseur of Italian or English cuisine. Yet the preparation is exquisite, and offerings like the Honey Glazed Baked Goat Cheese and Roasted lamb with mash are perfect to bring your London day to an elegant conclusion.
When it comes to Chinese restaurants near the London Eye, Bao Fa Garden is certainly a standout. With its dark, inviting atmosphere and sweet smells of ginger, peppers, garlic and chili, Bao Fa does brings a complete package to its dining experience.
The Beijing duck is a particular standout from Bao Fa’s tastefully crafted menu. It is sourced from a particular breed of white duck, smoked over hardwood to a bright red complexion and served with chili sauce. It’s a knockout. We would also recommend the prawns!
Tower of London Story Telling Tour with Thames River Cruise
The Tower of London is one of the cities top attractions but you’ll see much more on this experience. It includes a Thames River Cruise, London Tower Bridge, and even the Beefeaters Quarters & Crown Jewels. All admissions and transportation is included with an English speaking guide.
(91)
See Prices
Top Selling Tour
London Walking Tour with Westminster Abbey and Changing of the Guard
This is the perfect tour for someone who wants to visit Westminster Abbey. An English-speaking guide will bring you through the abbey skipping the line to get in. You’ll also see the changing of the guard, Buckingham Palace, and more with admissions and transport included.
If the London dining scene comes across as a bit stuffy, we offer you Vaulty Towers. It’s a South Bank tavern full of bright lights, loud music and a whole lot of fun. Head here on Fridays, even, and you’ll get to enjoy the in-house DJ’s Johnny & Patsy spin records till closing time.
And for a bar, the food’s pretty great! Mains like Butternut Squash Risotto and Slow Cooked Pork Belly go perfectly with a tall glass of beer and a few friends to share them with. And with their wide variety of cocktails hovering £8, there’s something for everyone at a price anyone can afford.
The perfect spot for quick bite of homestyle Indian food that is shockingly underpriced, Zabardast on York Road is a real hidden gem restaurant near the London Eye. With its cozy, cafe-style interior, it’s not as flashy as many of its neighbors. Yet what it lacks in flash it certainly makes up for in taste.
The specialty here are the flatbread wraps, which can be stuffed with your choice of chicken tikka, kebab, haloumi and much more. A large is only £7.50, so you’re not likely to find a better deal anywhere nearby. If you’re looking for a quiet place to stop and refuel with delicious food, it doesn’t get quite better than this.
Rounding out our list, we’ve got something special for you. Located right outside the Royal Festival Hall on Belvedere Road, this small dessert shop may not look too impressive from afar. Yet their handcrafted desserts are some of the best in the area, and look just as great as they taste.
You can’t go wrong with Chocofruit. From the chocolate covered Strawberry & Banana Fruit Skewers to the Belgian Waffles piled high with ice-cream and nuts, it’s a great place to go for a midday treat. Take a seat on a bench and enjoy the view of the Thames, and you’ll be set. You’ll definitely want to throw a few pictures on Instagram to capture the moment!
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