The Best Restaurants in Waterloo
Aside from the street-food market behind the Royal Festival Hall, Waterloo isn’t really known as a foodie hotspot. But don’t overlook the area. The Cut is a hotbed of gastropubs and cafés, and there are some fab Waterloo restaurants if you know just where to look.
1. Indulge in a pre-theatre meal at Cubana
Cafe, Restaurant, Bar, Cuban, American
2. Sit down for a Turkish spread at Tas The Cut
Restaurant, Turkish, Vegetarian
3. Enjoy riverside views at Skylon
Bar, Cocktail Bar, Restaurant, British
Flying the flag for fine dining around Waterloo is Skylon in the Southbank Centre. It overlooks the Thames and features huge windows, so book a lunchtime table and settle in for a long afternoon of wonderful British cooking from Kim Woodward. Oh, and the cocktails aren’t bad either.
5. Cook up your own feast at Union Street Café
Restaurant, Bar, Cafe, Italian, Vegetarian, Mediterranean
Gordon Ramsay does Italian in this charming little Waterloo restaurant filled with olive trees. It’s all about sharing dishes and hearty Mediterranean food at Union Street Café, which has both a casual area and a dining room for more formal occasions. It also runs masterclasses in pasta making and other Italian delights. There’s a huge menu of antipasti, cocktails, pastas, meat and fish, and it’s a great spot to take the parents.
6. Visit Anchor & Hope to get a taste of true pub grub
Gastropub, Restaurant, British, Vegetarian
One of Southwark’s best gastropubs is also on The Cut in Waterloo. The Anchor & Hope is a proper British boozer that’s been given a makeover and has a pretty decent menu. There’s a set ‘worker’s lunch’ menu during the week, as well as posh British pub food, with dishes like roast chopped mustard rabbit, chips and Béarnaise. Book if you want a Sunday lunch – it’s an incredibly popular spot.
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