London’s best riverside restaurants 

No riverside dining guide is complete without reference to Rick Stein’s well loved restaurant in Barnes. Located on the banks of the Thames in the London Borough of Richmond, the restaurant delivers a sanctuary from fast-paced London life with fantastic views and a nod to Stein’s Cornish heritage. The menu celebrates the finest fish and seafood from Cornwall,  alongside sensational locally sourced ingredients. Why not start your weekend with a relaxing breakfast on the river? Each Saturday and Sunday morning the team serve up breakfast classics like smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, avocado toast, and more unusual numbers like kedgeree. The river setting is also the ideal location to sample Stein’s great value set menu (three courses for £27.95), which includes the likes of salmon fishcakes with a lemon caper dressing, tomato, aubergine and tamarind stew, and a delightfully comforting clam chowder served with bacon and sourdough bread. Yum!

Okay, so Darwin Brasserie isn’t technically riverside (in fact, it’s located several stories up), but it does provide one of the finest views of the Thames in London. Specialising in the ‘best of British’, you can expect typical – but unfailingly delicious – brasserie fare, like aged rib-eye steaks, braised lamb shank, and caesar salad. Adults will enjoy a bespoke cocktail or two, as they gaze down at the beautiful water beneath them, and kids will go mad for the tasty desserts. From apple and blackberry crumble to New York cheesecake, choices are extensive. For a seriously up-market meal with stunning views of the river, look no further!

Tavolino is a neighbourhood Italian restaurant and bar on the river at London Bridge. Serving simple, high quality dishes, the team only use the best produce from across Italy and the UK. With glorious panoramic views, an aperitivo bar, and super friendly waiting staff to boot  — we can’t think of anywhere we’d rather while away an evening or afternoon. The menu is rooted in Italian classics like Cacio e Pepe, Chicken Milanese, and Panzanella salad. There are also a number of well executed pizzas on offer (we like the Gorgonzola Riserva, which comes topped with prosciutto, artichokes and walnuts). For dessert, there’s rippled soft serve cherry and pistachio ice cream, basil panna cotta, and Pistachio budino — a decadent Italian baked custard. Both the indoor and outdoor seating provide fantastic views of the water, and the atmosphere is sophisticated but relaxed. A must-visit for all pizza and pasta lovers.

The biggest venue to date, Daisy Green’s Paddington outpost – Bondi Green – is located on the vibrant footpath of Regents Canal. Opposite Paddington station, this flagship restaurant features an impressive (and award-winning) 18 metre bar, a wood-fired oven, and of course, stunning views of the water. Guests are invited to try the popular brunch dishes (hello Peach Melba French Toast!), innovative small plates (like popcorn prawns and torched stracciatella), alongside tasty pizzas, fresh fish, and various meat dishes. Phew! There’s always a buzz in this cheery eatery, and the service is top-notch.

Cafe Cecilia is a stylish, contemporary hangout spot, specialising in simple but great tasting breakfasts, lunches and baked goods. The interiors are paired back and slightly industrial-feeling, and the large sweeping windows provide excellent views of the Regents Canal. The food is seasonal and carefully sourced, showcasing the best of British produce. Breakfast highlights include the blueberries and goat’s curd on toast and the wonderfully moreish egg and cheese sandwich. If you’re there later in the day, treat yourself to the onglet (served with homemade chips and a creamy peppercorn sauce), or the mussels, which are accompanied with ‘nduja and wholegrain polenta. Save room for dessert, and savour a taste of the deep-fried bread and butter pudding (yes, really!) as you gaze out onto the canal. 

Sam’s Riverside is famous for its beautiful selection of fresh seafood and for hosting the ultimate oyster Happy Hour. Here you can enjoy Jersey Rock Oysters at just £1 each or the acclaimed Carlingford Lough Oysters for £1.50. Situated a stone’s throw from Hammersmith Bridge, we love the views here as much as the food. If you don’t want the famous oysters, then try the Shetland Mussels, Nduja, Spring Onion and Samphire starter – it’s divine. Then for your mains, we cannot recommend the Lobster and Crab Roll enough. Served with chips, it’s perfect for a filling lunch or an evening meal. Sam’s Riverside is one of West London’s most acclaimed restaurants, hosting a multitude of wonderful dishes amidst a luxury riverside setting. Not one to miss.