Waterloo! TheFork's show-stopping restaurants near the historic London landmark

Waterloo! The words famously sung by Abba were written for the historic battle, from which the famous London landmark took its name. With the West End musical attracting fans to the musical in their droves, there’s never been a better time to explore London’s Waterloo. If you’re seeing the popular show, or just looking for a destination for your London day-trip, let TheFork guide you with our best restaurants in London’s Waterloo.

Sticky Mango, Waterloo

For a tasty and tantalising culinary trip to South-East Asia by way of Waterloo, then check out delicious Vietnamese and pan-Asian cuisine at Sticky Mango. Their selection of small plates, sharing dishes and rich mains are available to enjoy today when you book on TheFork.

Their dishes take inspiration from the traditional cooking of the region. Think Octopus cha ca la vong, with Vermicelli noodles, dill and nuoc cham, Indonesian style Sea Bass grilled in banana leaf with pickled vegetables and lime, or Singapore chilli lobster.

Gillray's Steakhouse & Bar, Westminster Road

Locals of Waterloo trust Chef Jamie Welch to cook up the best steak and grill at Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar. Here, he and his team serve up succulent steak and prime cuts of the highest quality to lucky patrons.

Begin with classic fine-dining dishes like the Steak Tartare with Confit duck egg yolk and the Caramelised White Onion Soup with Smoked Cheddar Croutons. Move onto the main event with high-end meats like the T-Bone and Cote De Boeuf steaks served on the bone.

Bala Baya, Southwark

Israel is known for its vibrant cuisine that takes inspiration from the flavourful regional ingredients of the Levante. Bringing these delicious flavours to London’s Waterloo is Bala Baya, which celebrates Middle Eastern heritage through its great food.

Chef Eran Tibi’s menu features some show-stopping signature dishes. For example, the Moroccan Beef Brisket doughnut with bonfire tomato & chilli with an orange spiced jus brings together beautiful flavours, as does the Tunisian tartare and the Fire grilled cabbage, with bonfire peppers, rosary goats cheese and pumpkin granola.

Seabird, Waterloo

If your idea of a premium dining out experience entails the freshest seafood money can buy in opulent London rooftop surroundings, then book a table at Seabird on TheFork today. Their range of standout main dishes and small-plates is the perfect location for your Waterloo date night.

With a focus on incredible ocean catch, sample dishes like the Wood fired xo scallop duo with butter, chilli and lime, and the Octopus Brioche roll with aioli and pickled red onion. Try substantial, succulent fish like the Whole boneless Sea Bass with smoked honey butter and mojo verde, or a selection of luxury caviar and shellfish served on ice.

Florentine Trattoria, Waterloo

The spirit of Italian cuisine is to be found in plentiful supply at Florentine Trattoria, the Waterloo restaurant showcasing passionate cooking with flavour and flair. Book a reservation here on TheFork for the perfect date night or big family get together.

Begin with the Rosemary & sea salt focaccia with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze and the Bruschetta with slow roasted vine tomatoes, garlic and basil. Snack on Zucchini fritti, Deep fried mozzarella and Polenta sticks. Move onto Italian mains like Pollo alla Milanese and Branzino in padella made with Pan fried sea bass, cannellini beans, radicchio, char-grilled leeks and pine nuts, drizzled in lemon oil.

Fifth Element, Waterloo

Fifth Element is fittingly located on Waterloo’s Valentine Row, and it just so happens to be the perfect restaurant for your next romantic date night. Serving inventive International cuisine, you can book a table here on TheFork today.

An array of fresh pasta, hearty burgers and meats and fun, social nibble for sharing make up their expertly curated menu. From traditional grilled sausages with their special pink sauce, to plant-based burger with yellow cheese, wild rocket, tomato and onion - there are dishes to suit diners of all tastes.

Rosa’s Thai Cafe, Waterloo

If you enjoy exquisite South East Asian flavors, then explore the culinary wonders at Rosa's Thai Cafe in Waterloo. Renowned in London's foodie landscape, this beloved restaurant chain has garnered acclaim for its exceptional menu and flavourful dishes, and is now open for reservations on TheFork.

Among the shared dishes, are several signature hits. From the Chicken Satay Gai Satay, Skewers of succulent grilled chicken thigh, marinated in lemongrass and fragrant Thai spices with peanut dipping sauce, to Tom Yum Soup with Chicken - considered Thailand’s best-loved soup!

Chino Latino, Waterloo

Explore the fragrant and vibrant Peruvian cuisine at Chino Latino, a restaurant in Waterloo that is as packed with life and character as it is with flavour. You can experience Head Chef Ederson Bonasso’s masterful menu for yourself with friends, family or a date when you reserve a table on TheFork.

Dishes are unique and well worth trying for yourself, from the Duck salad with lime mustard and maple syrup, to the Wasabi prawns with avocado and sesame seeds. Delicious fried tempura can be yours in varieties like Stuffed red chilli & soft shell crab in Ponzu sauce, and Prawns wrapped in shisho leaf.

TDQ Steaks, Waterloo

Near London nightlife hotspot Vauxhall, near Waterloo, is a steakhouse that’s perfect for large groups of friends or quiet nights out alike. Reserve a table today at TDQ Steaks by booking on TheFork, giving you the freedom over your fine-dining decisions.

Start your meal like royalty with the Emperor’s bread, an 100% natural bread with olive tapenade and garlic herbal butter. Progress onto luxury dishes such as the Creamy lobster Bisque with myoga, cashmere saffron, water pepper and chives. For a real taste of the good life, try TDQ’s carpaccio 100 grams organic native japanese kobe meat with olive oil, citrus caviar, wasabi and urchin.

Macellaio RC, Union Street

Trendy modern eatery Macellaio RC, set in the redbrick atmosphere of former railway arches, is the hot new ticket in town that you can book on TheFork. With a contemporary menu of high-end Italian dishes, let their friendly team look after your fine-dining needs next time you’re in Waterloo.

Each dish here is a masterclass in pairing fresh ingredients with traditional flavours. Experience Tuna Bresaola with heirloom tomato, Tropea onion, lemon and olive oil, or Beef Carpaccio made from Fassona beef, with rocket pesto, Parmesan and cream. Pasta dishes include King Prawns Tagliatelle with courgettes and bottarga, or the Burrata And Ricotta Tortelli in Brown butter, with hazelnuts, aged balsamic and sage.