London Bridge is one of the most iconic areas in London. From world-class fine dining to cozy hidden gems, the best restaurants London Bridge has to offer provide exceptional culinary experiences. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, there are countless options to explore, each promising a memorable meal. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the most remarkable restaurants in the area and share tips on how to choose the best ones for your needs.
Best 7 Restaurants London Bridge
1. Restaurant Story
Located on Tooley Street, Restaurant Story is a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers a truly unique dining experience. This innovative restaurant, led by chef Tom Sellers, focuses on storytelling through its dishes. The 11-course tasting menu is ever-changing, inspired by the seasons and designed to evoke emotional responses. The experience is as much about creativity as it is about food.
Menu and Services
The menu is a beautiful blend of modern British cuisine, with dishes like the famous beef-dripping candle, where a candle made of beef fat is melted to dip bread into, creating a delightful sensory experience. The tasting menu is priced around £150 per person, and a vegetarian option is available for the same price. The dishes are visually stunning and served with an emphasis on the narrative behind each course.
Opening and Closing Times
Restaurant Story is open from Tuesday to Saturday, with dinner service starting from 6:30 PM until 9:30 PM. Reservations are highly recommended due to its limited seating capacity and immense popularity.
2. Aqua Shard
Perched on the 31st floor of The Shard, Aqua Shard offers an exceptional dining experience combined with breathtaking views of the London skyline. Known for its contemporary British cuisine, the restaurant offers dishes crafted with local ingredients, paired with an extensive wine list.
Menu and Services
The menu features a mix of traditional British flavors with a modern twist. Signature dishes include the roast lamb with minted pea puree and the beetroot-cured salmon. For those looking for a lighter option, the afternoon tea experience is a must-try. The prices at Aqua Shard start from £70 per person for a main course, with a range of tasting menus available for £100+ per person. The restaurant is also famous for its impressive cocktail list, which is perfect for enjoying while overlooking the iconic London landmarks.
Opening and Closing Times
Aqua Shard is open every day from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM for lunch and from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM for dinner. It’s a fantastic choice for both lunch and dinner, as the views are incredible at any time of day.
3. Flour & Grape
For a more casual but equally exceptional dining experience, Flour & Grape on Bermondsey Street specializes in handmade pasta. The warm, cozy atmosphere makes it perfect for a casual meal, whether you’re catching up with friends or looking for a quick yet delicious bite.
Menu and Services
Flour & Grape offers a variety of pastas made from scratch daily, with a menu that changes with the seasons. Dishes like truffle taglierini, pappardelle with slow-braised beef ragu, and cacio e pepe are crowd favorites. The pasta is the highlight of the menu, but they also offer a selection of freshly baked breads and indulgent sides, like truffle mac and cheese. Prices for pasta dishes range from £12 to £20 per person, making it an affordable yet high-quality option.
Opening and Closing Times
Flour & Grape is open from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. They offer both lunch and dinner services, but it’s particularly popular for dinner when the atmosphere is more relaxed and intimate.
4. Kolae
If you’re craving authentic Thai food, Kolae in Borough Market should be on your list. This intimate eatery brings the vibrant flavors of Southern Thailand to London, offering a range of dishes prepared over an open flame. Kolae is known for its use of fresh, high-quality ingredients, giving diners a taste of Thai street food with a refined twist.
Menu and Services
The menu features a range of exciting and flavorful options, including the grilled mussel skewers, fried prawn heads, and crab curry. One of the standout features of Kolae is its commitment to showcasing the rich, diverse flavors of Thai cuisine, particularly from the southern region. The prices at Kolae are affordable, with main courses ranging from £10 to £25.
Opening and Closing Times
Kolae is open from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM every day, making it a perfect option for both lunch and dinner. The vibrant and bustling setting of Borough Market adds an exciting energy to the dining experience.
5. Bar Douro
For those who enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere, Bar Douro in Flat Iron Square offers a taste of Portugal in the heart of London Bridge. Specializing in Portuguese tapas-style dishes, Bar Douro is perfect for sharing small plates with friends or enjoying a laid-back meal.
Menu and Services
The restaurant offers an extensive selection of Portuguese wines, paired with dishes like octopus salad, piri-piri chicken, and bacalhau (salt cod). The tapas-style menu makes it ideal for those who want to try a variety of flavors, and the service is friendly and attentive. The menu prices are moderate, with dishes ranging from £8 to £15 each. Their wine list is also extensive, with glasses of Portuguese wine starting from £5.
Opening and Closing Times
Bar Douro is open from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM Monday through Saturday. It’s an ideal spot for a casual meal or a drink after work.
6. The Coal Shed
Located in One Tower Bridge, The Coal Shed is a meat lover’s paradise. Known for its charcoal-grilled steaks and sustainably sourced seafood, this stylish restaurant offers a perfect combination of flavors and excellent service.
Menu and Services
The menu features a variety of steaks, including options like the rib-eye, filet mignon, and sirloin, all cooked to perfection over open flames. They also offer fresh fish dishes such as sea bass and grilled prawns. Sides like truffle mac and cheese and creamed spinach perfectly complement the main courses. The prices at The Coal Shed are on the higher end, with steaks starting from £25 and mains averaging around £40 per person.
Opening and Closing Times
The Coal Shed is open every day for lunch and dinner. They serve lunch from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM and dinner from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM. With a stylish, relaxed atmosphere, it’s perfect for both business lunches and special dinner outings.
7. Hawksmoor Borough
One of the most famous steakhouses in London, Hawksmoor Borough delivers high-quality meat dishes in a stylish, relaxed setting. This restaurant is a favorite for steak lovers, offering some of the best cuts in London.
Menu and Services
Hawksmoor is known for its exceptionally cooked steaks, including a range of British grass-fed beef cuts. Signature dishes include bone-in rib-eye and chateaubriand, paired with sides like truffle butter and fat chips. Their cocktail list is equally impressive, offering creative concoctions to complement your meal. Prices for steaks start at £30, and a meal for two can easily reach around £80.
Opening and Closing Times
Hawksmoor Borough serves lunch from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM and dinner from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM, Monday through Saturday. It’s an excellent choice for a late dinner or a weekend brunch.
How to Choose the Best Restaurants London Bridge
Selecting the best restaurants in London Bridge can be overwhelming given the sheer number of options. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice:
1. Consider Your Preferences
Do you prefer a fine dining experience, or are you in the mood for something casual? Whether it’s a sophisticated dinner with a view or a laid-back meal with friends, identifying your preferences is the first step.
2. Review the Menu
Different restaurants cater to different tastes, so it’s important to check the menus online. For example, if you’re a fan of Italian food, Flour & Grape might be perfect, while seafood lovers might gravitate toward The Coal Shed.
3. Set a Budget
London Bridge offers dining options ranging from affordable to extravagant. Decide on a budget before you start exploring the options, so you don’t get overwhelmed by the choices. Many restaurants, like Bar Douro, offer excellent food at a moderate price, while others, like Aqua Shard, are better suited for special occasions.
4. Check the Opening Hours
If you’re planning to visit a specific restaurant, be sure to check its opening and closing times. Some restaurants may have earlier closing hours, while others may have extended hours for late-night dining.
Benefits of Choosing the Best Restaurants London Bridge
1. Exceptional Food Quality
The best restaurants in London Bridge consistently offer high-quality ingredients and exceptional culinary techniques. Whether it’s a Michelin-starred experience or a local gem, quality is key.
2. Memorable Dining Experience
Dining at these top-tier restaurants offers more than just a meal. The atmosphere, service, and innovative menus combine to provide a memorable experience.
3. Convenient Location
London Bridge is easily accessible via public transport, making it a convenient location for both locals and tourists to enjoy world-class dining.
4. Unique Ambiance
Many of the best restaurants in London Bridge, like Aqua Shard, offer unique dining experiences, such as stunning views or artistic presentations, making them perfect for celebrations.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for fine dining with a view at Aqua Shard or a casual meal at Flour & Grape, the best restaurants London Bridge has to offer cater to every taste and occasion. With exceptional service, unique menus, and a vibrant atmosphere, dining in this area promises to be a memorable experience. No matter your preference, you’ll find something to love among the vast options in this culinary hotspot.
By following this guide, you’re sure to find the perfect restaurant that suits your needs and ensures a fantastic meal in one of London’s most dynamic neighborhoods.
FAQs: Best Restaurants London Bridge
1. What are the best fine dining restaurants near London Bridge?
Some of the best fine dining restaurants near London Bridge include Restaurant Story, a Michelin-starred gem offering a unique tasting menu, and Aqua Shard, which combines exceptional British cuisine with breathtaking views from the 31st floor of The Shard. Both offer high-end dining experiences with innovative menus and top-notch service.
2. Where can I find affordable yet high-quality restaurants near London Bridge?
If you’re looking for affordable dining options, Flour & Grape is an excellent choice. Known for its handmade pasta and friendly atmosphere, it offers delicious meals at reasonable prices. Another great option is Bar Douro, which serves Portuguese tapas and wines at a moderate price range, making it an excellent choice for a casual yet flavorful meal.
3. What time do the best restaurants near London Bridge open?
The best restaurants near London Bridge typically open for lunch at 12:00 PM, with dinner service starting from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM or later. For specific opening and closing times, it’s always a good idea to check with the restaurant directly, as hours may vary.
4. Which restaurant near London Bridge has the best view of the city?
Aqua Shard offers one of the best views of London from the 31st floor of The Shard. Guests can enjoy contemporary British cuisine while taking in panoramic views of the city, including landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Thames River, and Tower Bridge.
5. What type of cuisine can I expect at restaurants near London Bridge?
Restaurants near London Bridge offer a wide range of cuisines. For a true British experience, try Restaurant Story or Hawksmoor Borough for exceptional steaks. If you’re in the mood for Italian, Flour & Grape serves exquisite handmade pasta. For something unique, Kolae offers Southern Thai street food, and Bar Douro serves authentic Portuguese dishes.
