London The South Bank

Although the views of the Thames often outdo the quality of the food, the South Bank is perfect for a small snack or a riverside picnic. Eateries on the wharf are generally either chains, or pricey, or both; consider buying food elsewhere and eating on one of the waterside benches. Should you venture inland, there are a couple restaurants that are both delicious and reasonably priced, though you’ll want to have a place in mind—this area does not reward wanderers. If you insist on spontaneity, Bermondsey Street, Tabard Street, and Borough High Street have a handful of solid options. Meanwhile, those who prefer to assemble their own meals can turn to the Borough Market, where stalls lay out fresh and often organic gourmet cheeses, breads, fruits, and cured meats. (Off Borough High St. www.boroughmarket.org.uk. London Bridge. Open Th 11am-5pm, F noon-6pm, Sa 9am-4pm, some stalls open daily; best on 3rd Sa of every month.)

Bermondsey Kitchen, 194 Bermondsey St. (☎020 7407 5719; www.bermondseykitchen.co.uk), London Bridge. On up-and-coming Bermondsey St., this lively restaurant offers a classy but casual dining experience, with heavy wooden tables and nice leather couches. A fresh, largely organic menu changes daily and features such delights as crab pâté with toast and gherkins or wild boar and apple sausages with thyme au jus. Also offers a small selection of tapas (£2-3.50). Appetizers £5.50-7. Entrees £9.50-14. Happy hour M-Sa 5-7pm; mixed drinks £5. Open M-F noon-3pm and 6:30-10:30pm, Sa 9:30am-3:30pm and 6:30am-10:30pm
Cubana, 48 Lower Marsh (☎020 7928 8778; www.cubana.co.uk), Waterloo. Parrots and dancing Cuban women, a Cuban flag, and lots of Che set the tone at this fun and lively restaurant-bar. Cuban tapas and mains like the camarones criollos (creole-style king prawns; £10) take 2nd place to the popular frozen mixed drinks (from £6, 2-pint jug £14). At lunch (M-F noon-3pm), get 2 tapas for £8, a 2-course meal for £7, and 3 courses for £9. Happy hour M-Sa 5-6:30pm; 2 mixed drinks for £6. W-Sa live salsa and Latin music. Cover F-Sa after 11pm £5. Open M-Tu noon-midnight, W-Th noon-1am, F noon-3am, Sa 5pm-3am. Reservations recommended

Cafes And Specialty Shops

The Island Cafe, 1 Flat Iron Sq. (☎ 020 7407 2224; www.cafetakeaway.co.uk), Southwark. At the junction of Union St. and Southwark Bridge Rd. This small diner-style hut and neighborhood hangout is famous ...more