London's waterways offer more than just scenic views – they're home to some of the city's most delightful dining spots. From the Thames to hidden canals, waterside restaurants combine fresh cuisine with calming ripples and stunning vistas.
These establishments represent the perfect marriage of location and gastronomy that makes London's dining scene so special.
This list of London’s waterside restaurants is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only, highlighting a selection of well-known venues along the city’s rivers and canals.
1. The River Café
Nestled along the Thames in Hammersmith, this legendary Italian restaurant has been a culinary landmark since 1987. Celebrated for its use of fresh, seasonal produce, the menu changes daily to reflect what’s in peak condition.
Wood-fired dishes and handmade pasta highlight the kitchen’s simple yet refined approach. A riverside terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows allow guests to enjoy the setting alongside the food.
2. Sam's Riverside
Situated in Hammersmith's Riverside Studios, this stylish brasserie offers sweeping Thames views through its wall of windows.
Owner Sam Harrison's seafood-focused menu showcases the best British produce, from fresh oysters to perfectly cooked fish dishes. The restaurant's art deco touches and riverside terrace create a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere for waterside dining.
3. Towpath Café
A hidden gem along Regent's Canal in Hackney, this seasonal café opens each year during the warmer months. It serves Mediterranean-style dishes at simple tables right by the water.
Cyclists, walkers, and locals stop in for fresh, unfussy plates while narrowboats pass, creating one of London’s most atmospheric canal-side dining spots.
4. Caravel
Floating on Regent's Canal near Hoxton, this converted barge offers one of London's most unique dining experiences.
Run by brothers Fin and Lorcan Spiteri, the intimate 40-seat restaurant serves modern European dishes with seasonal British ingredients. The gentle rocking motion and views through porthole windows create an enchanting atmosphere that feels worlds away from city life.
5. Pear Tree Café
Overlooking the boating lake in Battersea Park, this bright café offers panoramic water views from its floor-to-ceiling windows.
Founded by former Petersham Nurseries chefs, the seasonal menu features elevated café classics using quality ingredients. Morning mist rising off the lake creates a magical backdrop for breakfast, while evening diners enjoy sunset reflections dancing across the water.
6. Le Pont De La Tour
Overlooking the Thames by Tower Bridge, Le Pont de la Tour is a French restaurant known for its elegant riverside terrace and views of one of London’s most famous landmarks. The menu focuses on classic French cuisine with modern influences, complemented by an extensive wine list.
In 1997, it hosted a dinner with Tony Blair and Bill Clinton, cementing its place in London dining history.
7. The Water House Project
Located in Bethnal Green, The Water House Project is a modern British tasting-menu restaurant created by chef Gabriel Waterhouse. It began as a supper club in 2015 and moved to its current site in 2021.
The dining room overlooks Regent’s Canal and offers a seasonal menu that changes every three months. The experience combines fine-dining precision with a relaxed, communal atmosphere.
8. Canal
Situated by the Grand Union Canal in Westbourne Park, Canal is a modern European restaurant within the Mason & Fifth boutique hotel. The open kitchen serves seasonal, produce-led dishes in a contemporary setting.
Guests can enjoy dining both inside and on the spacious waterside terrace. Its location beside the canal creates a calm, scenic backdrop away from the bustle of the city.
