Family Feasts: Top 10 Restaurants to Delight Everyone (Westminster, the South Bank and Southwark)

After a busy day of sightseeing, finding a restaurant that pleases the whole family is key. This area offers a fantastic range, from innovative Indian cuisine in a former library to classic Spanish tapas and modern British fare with stunning river views. Many of these establishments are accustomed to welcoming families and offer environments or menu choices that can cater to younger diners. Remember, the price categories are for a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent), taxes, and charges: £ = under £30, ££ = £30-£50, £££ = over £50.  

The Cinnamon Club

Housed in the grand, book-lined setting of the Grade II-listed Old Westminster Library, The Cinnamon Club offers a sophisticated take on modern Indian cuisine. Chef Vivek Singh’s menus feature innovative dishes alongside signature classics. While it’s a fine dining experience (price category £££), it can be a special treat. The atmosphere is elegant, and the unique setting itself is a talking point. They offer various menus including à la carte for lunch and dinner, tasting menus, and even a Saturday Jazz Brunch. While not explicitly marketed as a “family restaurant” for very young children, older children and teens with adventurous palates would appreciate the high-quality, inventive food. It’s best to check their menus online for suitability and make reservations, especially for dinner or weekends. Opening hours are generally Monday to Saturday for lunch (12:00-14:30) and dinner (17:30-21:45), closed Sundays.  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: The Cinnamon Club (Innovative Indian)
• Where: Old Westminster Library, 30-32 Great Smith Street, SW1P 3BU. Nearest Tube: Westminster.  
• Open: Mon-Sat Lunch & Dinner (e.g., Lunch 12:00-14:30, Dinner 17:30-21:45). Closed Sun.  
• Price Category: £££.  
• Family Perk: Unique library setting, high-quality, interesting food for adventurous older children/teens.
• Reservations: Recommended. Book online or call 020 7222 2555.  
• More Info: cinnamonclub.com  

Our Take: “For a truly special Indian meal in an incredible setting, The Cinnamon Club is amazing. It’s in an old library, and the food is out of this world – really inventive. It’s definitely a treat and perhaps better for older kids who enjoy trying new flavours, but what an experience!”

Skylon

Located on the third floor of the Royal Festival Hall within the Southbank Centre, Skylon offers modern British brasserie cuisine with stunning panoramic views over the River Thames through its floor-to-ceiling windows. Named after the iconic structure from the 1951 Festival of Britain, the restaurant has a classy feel. They serve a variety of menus, including à la carte, pre-theatre options (perfect if you’re catching a show nearby), brunch, and a traditional Sunday Lunch with classic roasts. They also offer a Cream Tea. While a specific children’s menu isn’t detailed in the snippets, the brasserie style often includes accessible dishes like fish and chips or salads that could suit families. The vibrant atmosphere and incredible views make it a memorable dining spot. Opening hours are generally Monday to Friday 12:00-23:00, Saturday 11:30-00:00, and Sunday 12:00-20:00.  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: Skylon (Modern British Brasserie)
• Where: Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Road, Southbank SE1 8XX. Nearest Tube: Waterloo.  
• Open: Mon-Fri 12:00-23:00; Sat 11:30-00:00; Sun 12:00-20:00.  
• Price Category: £££.  
• Family Perk: Stunning river views, pre-theatre menu, Sunday roasts. Brasserie style may offer suitable options for children.
• Reservations: Recommended, can book online or email skylonreservations@danddlondon.com.  
• More Info: skylon-restaurant.co.uk  

Our Take: “Dining at Skylon feels really special with those amazing views over the Thames. It’s a great spot for a pre-theatre meal if you’re at the Southbank Centre. The food is modern British, and while it’s a bit more upscale, the atmosphere is still pretty relaxed.”

The Laughing Gravy

This cosy neighbourhood restaurant, tucked away in a former foundry on Blackfriars Road, serves delicious modern British/European bistro fare. It has a reputation for hearty, flavourful dishes, with the braised rabbit pappardelle ragout being a past highlight mentioned in the guidebook. Their website indicates a reopening from September 3rd and lists bar opening hours as Monday to Friday: 12:00–late; Saturday: 12:00–late; Sunday: 12:00–18:00. Restaurant hours are Monday to Thursday 12:00–15:00 & 17:00–21:30; Friday/Saturday 12:00–15:00 & 17:00–22:00; Sunday 12:00–16:30. While specific child-friendly options aren’t detailed, bistro menus often feature comforting dishes that can appeal to a range of tastes. The atmosphere is likely to be warm and welcoming.  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: The Laughing Gravy (Modern British/European Bistro)
• Where: 154 Blackfriars Road, London SE1 8EN. Nearest Tube: Southwark or Waterloo.  
• Open: Restaurant: Mon-Thu 12:00-15:00 & 17:00-21:30; Fri/Sat 12:00-15:00 & 17:00-22:00; Sun 12:00-16:30. Bar open later. Reopening Sept 3rd, check website.  
• Price Category: ££.  
• Family Perk: Cosy neighbourhood feel, delicious bistro food that might offer comforting choices for kids.
• Reservations: Recommended, bookable via OpenTable widget on their site or by clicking direct link.  
• More Info: thelaughinggravy.co.uk  

Our Take: “The Laughing Gravy is one of those lovely local restaurants that serves really tasty, comforting food. It’s got a cosy vibe, and the kind of menu where you’ll likely find something delicious for everyone. Definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area.”

Roast

Located in the magnificent Floral Hall overlooking the bustling Borough Market, Roast is dedicated to celebrating classic British cooking using well-sourced seasonal ingredients from British farmers and producers. It offers fantastic views of St Paul’s Cathedral in the distance. Their menus include breakfast, à la carte lunch and dinner, a renowned Sunday Roast (featuring dishes like pork belly and beef Wellington), and even a kids’ menu for children up to 12 years old. They also serve a Veuve Clicquot Afternoon Tea. The restaurant is open seven days a week, with varying hours for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is a great option for a special family meal, particularly a Sunday roast, in an iconic London setting.  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: Roast (British)
• Where: The Floral Hall, Stoney Street, Borough Market, SE1 1TL. Nearest Tube: London Bridge.  
• Open: Mon-Fri Breakfast (from 07:30), Lunch & Dinner (until 22:00); Sat Breakfast (from 08:30), Lunch & Dinner (until 22:00); Sun Lunch (11:45-18:30). Afternoon Tea daily.  
• Price Category: £££. (Market menu 2 courses £35, 3 courses £39 ).  
• Family Perk: Kids’ menu available! Classic British dishes, Sunday roasts, amazing market location with views.
• Reservations: Recommended. Call 0203 3713 120 or book online.  
• More Info: roast-restaurant.com  

Our Take: “For a fantastic British meal, especially a Sunday roast, Roast in Borough Market is hard to beat. The setting in the Floral Hall is beautiful, and the food is top-quality. They even have a kids’ menu, which is a big plus. It’s a great place for a special family lunch.”

The Archduke

Set within beautifully converted railway arches near Waterloo and the Southbank Centre, The Archduke has been a South Bank staple since 1979, known for its steaks, burgers, cocktails, and live jazz. It offers a unique, atmospheric dining experience. They have semi-private spaces available, which could be good for family gatherings. While a specific children’s menu isn’t highlighted in the snippets, burgers are often a hit with kids, and the lively atmosphere with jazz could be enjoyable for families with older children. Opening hours are generally Sunday & Monday 12:00-21:00/22:00, Tuesday to Thursday 12:00-22:00/23:00, and Wednesday to Saturday 12:00-22:30/23:30, but it’s best to check their website or call as variations exist between sources.  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: The Archduke (Steaks, Burgers, Jazz)
• Where: 153 Concert Hall Approach, Waterloo, SE1 8XU. Nearest Tube: Waterloo.  
• Open: Sun & Mon ~12:00-21:00/22:00; Tue-Sat ~12:00-22:30/23:30. Check official site for precise times.  
• Price Category: ££.  
• Family Perk: Unique setting in railway arches, live jazz, burgers likely to appeal to kids. Semi-private spaces.
• Reservations: Call 0207 9281931 or email archduke@blackandbluerestaurants.com.  
• More Info: blackandbluerestaurants.com/our-restaurants/the-archduke/  

Our Take: “Eating in the old railway arches at The Archduke is a really cool experience, and they often have live jazz which adds to the atmosphere. Their steaks and burgers are good, and it’s a lively spot, especially if you’re heading to a show on the South Bank.”

Footstool Restaurant (St John’s Smith Square)

Tucked away in the crypt of St John’s Smith Square, a beautiful baroque music venue, the Footstool Restaurant (now often referred to as Footstool Cafe & Bar and run by Leafi catering) offers tasty, modern food in a truly unique setting. It’s a bit of a hidden gem, perfect for a pre-concert meal or a quieter lunch away from the main tourist trails. They serve breakfast, coffee and homemade cakes, lunch, and pre-concert dinners, with a good range of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes available. The atmosphere is historic and slightly quirky, given its crypt location, but the food is contemporary.  

The Footstool Cafe & Bar is generally open for lunch on weekdays from 10:00 to 17:00 and stays open on concert evenings. For weekend concerts, it typically opens 90 minutes before the performance. It’s always a good idea to book if you’re planning to eat before a concert. The all-day menu features items like smoked haddock fishcakes, toasted sourdough sandwiches (e.g., Mortadella, mozzarella & pesto), salads, and heartier dishes like steak and ale pie. They also have a selection of cakes and pastries. The unique setting combined with freshly prepared food makes it a memorable stop.  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: Footstool Restaurant (Footstool Cafe & Bar)
• Where: St John’s Smith Square, Westminster, London SW1P 3HA. Nearest Tube: Westminster.  
• Open: Weekdays 10:00-17:00; remains open on concert evenings. Opens 90 mins before weekend concerts.  
• Price Category: ££. (Sample menu items: sandwiches ~£9.50, mains ~£12-£15, desserts ~£7 )  
• Family Perk: Unique crypt setting, homemade cakes, good for a relaxed lunch or pre-concert meal if attending an event at St John’s Smith Square.
• Reservations: Advisable for pre-concert dining. Email thefootstool@leafi.co.uk or call 020 4553 0778.  
• More Info: sinfoniasmithsq.org.uk/footstool-cafe-in-westminster/  

Our Take: “For something a bit different, the Footstool Cafe in the crypt of St John’s Smith Square is a cool find. It’s got a really interesting atmosphere, and the food is surprisingly modern and tasty. We had a lovely lunch there – their cakes looked amazing too! Definitely book if you’re going before a concert.”

Pizarro

A classic Spanish restaurant from acclaimed chef José Pizarro, this Bermondsey Street eatery serves a delightful small menu of Iberian meat dishes and other Spanish specialities. Pizarro offers a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere, perfect for sharing tapas or enjoying more substantial main courses. The focus is on high-quality, seasonal Spanish produce, much of which is cooked in an open kitchen, adding to the lively experience. They are also notably dog-friendly, welcoming four-legged family members with a bowl of water.  

The restaurant is open Monday to Saturday from 12:00 to 22:45 (last food order) and Sundays from 12:00 to 20:45 (last food order), with slightly earlier kitchen closing on Bank Holiday Mondays. While a specific children’s menu isn’t highlighted, the tapas style of eating can be very family-friendly, allowing everyone to try different small plates. For larger families or groups (6+), they offer family-style group menus starting from £55 per person, which must be pre-ordered. The semi-private dining room is also great for family gatherings.  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: Pizarro (Spanish)
• Where: 194 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3TQ. Nearest Tube: London Bridge.  
• Open: Mon-Sat 12:00-22:45 (last food order); Sun 12:00-20:45 (last food order).  
• Price Category: £££. (Group menus from £55 per person ). OpenTable lists it as £41 and over.  
• Family Perk: Dog-friendly! Tapas style is great for sharing and trying new things. Group menus and semi-private dining available.
• Reservations: Recommended. Book online or call 020 7378 9455.  
• More Info: josepizarro.com/pizarro-restaurant-bermondsey/  

Our Take: “We love Spanish food, and Pizarro in Bermondsey is fantastic! The tapas are perfect for sharing with the family, and it means the kids can try a bit of everything. It’s got a really buzzy, friendly atmosphere, and they even welcome dogs! The quality of the ingredients really shines through.”

Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie

Perched on the eighth floor of the iconic Oxo Tower, this venue offers delicious modern dishes in the Restaurant and a more relaxed Brasserie, both boasting stunning panoramic views over the Thames towards St Paul’s Cathedral. The Restaurant focuses on elegant fine dining with seasonal British produce, while the Brasserie is great for all-day dining, including Sunday roasts and sharing platters. They also offer a Cocktail Afternoon Tea.  

This is definitely a place for a special occasion meal with the family. The Restaurant has a children’s menu available for £15, which includes a juice, starter, main, and dessert. The Brasserie menu also features dishes that would appeal to younger diners, like monkfish to share or roasted aubergine. Live jazz was mentioned in the guidebook, but recent online information doesn’t highlight this as a regular feature, so it’s worth checking if that’s a key interest. Opening hours vary between the Restaurant, Bar, and Brasserie, and for different services like lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner, so checking their website for the specific day and time is essential.  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie (Modern British)
• Where: Oxo Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, London SE1 9PH. Nearest Tube: Waterloo or Blackfriars.  
• Open: Varies by venue (Restaurant/Bar/Brasserie) and service (lunch/dinner/afternoon tea) – essential to check their website for specific times.  
• Price Category: Restaurant: £££; Brasserie: £££. (Restaurant children’s menu £15 ; Spring Set Menu from £35/£45 ).  
• Family Perk: Stunning views, dedicated children’s menu in the Restaurant, afternoon tea option.
• Reservations: Recommended. Book online or call 020 7803 3888.  
• More Info: oxotowerrestaurant.com  

Our Take: “The Oxo Tower is an iconic spot, and eating up there with those views is pretty special. The Restaurant is more formal, but they do have a kids’ menu which is great. The Brasserie is a bit more relaxed. It’s a lovely place for a celebration or a memorable family meal with a view!”

Swan at the Globe

Located right next to Shakespeare’s Globe theatre, the Swan offers a creative menu with fantastic views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the River Thames. It’s a beautiful setting for a pre- or post-theatre meal, or just a special family lunch or dinner. They offer various dining experiences, including lunch, dinner, and a popular afternoon tea, which currently has a Romeo and Juliet-inspired theme. The bar is also a great spot for more casual small plates, fish & chips, and drinks.  

The Swan is family-friendly, offering a children’s menu to “make the most of their day in the city.” They also highlight seasonal treats for youngsters during school holidays. Opening hours are generally from late morning to late evening, with specific times for lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner services, so it’s best to check their website when planning your visit.  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: Swan at the Globe (Modern British/European)
• Where: 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT. Nearest Tube: London Bridge, Blackfriars.  
• Open: Bar & Restaurant open daily with varying hours for lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner – check website for specifics.  
• Price Category: ££.  
• Family Perk: Children’s menu available, themed afternoon teas, stunning views, next to Shakespeare’s Globe.
• Reservations: Recommended. Book online, email reservations@swanlondon.co.uk or call 020 7928 9444.  
• More Info: swanlondon.co.uk  

Our Take: “Eating at the Swan, right next to the Globe, feels very special. The views of St Paul’s are just beautiful. They have a kids’ menu, and their afternoon tea sounds really fun and themed. It’s a lovely treat, especially if you’re combining it with a show or a tour of the Globe.”

fish!

Located in Cathedral Street, right in the heart of Borough Market, fish! is a modern and stylish restaurant renowned for its innovative fish dishes. They pride themselves on serving the best quality, responsibly sourced fish, cooked simply and classically in front of you. While they are famous for fish and chips, their menu extends to a wide range of fresh fish and seafood. They have a dining counter perfect for a quick bite and a terrace that offers a retreat from the market bustle.  

The restaurant is open daily, generally from 11:30 to 22:00 or 23:00, with slightly different hours for their takeaway service. For families, they offer a dedicated Kid’s Menu featuring child-friendly classics like Kid’s Garlic Bread (£4.50), Flat Bread Margherita Pizza (£7.20), 4oz Kid’s Beef Burger with Fries (£7.80), Fish Fingers with Fries (£7.80), and Mac and Cheese (£7.00). This makes it a great option for a family meal while exploring the vibrant Borough Market.  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: fish! (Fish & Seafood)
• Where: Cathedral St, Borough Market, London SE1 9AL. Nearest Tube: London Bridge.  
• Open: Restaurant: Mon-Wed 11:30-22:00, Thu-Sat 11:30-23:00, Sun 11:30-22:00. Takeaway: Mon-Wed 10:00-17:00, Thu 10:00-18:00, Fri-Sat 10:00-19:00, Sun 10:00-17:00.  
• Price Category: ££. (OpenTable suggests £26 to £40. Kids’ menu items range from £4.50-£10.60 ).  
• Family Perk: Dedicated Kid’s Menu! Fresh fish, lively market location.
• Reservations: Recommended, book online.  
• More Info: fishboroughmarket.com  

Our Take: “If you love fish, fish! in Borough Market is a must. It’s so fresh, and they cook it beautifully. The best part for us is that they have a proper Kid’s Menu with things like fish fingers and pizza, so everyone’s happy. Eating on the terrace with the market buzz around you is great fun.”

Phew! That’s a lot of eating, seeing, and doing! I hope these “Top 10s” give you a brilliant starting point for planning your family adventure in Westminster, the South Bank, and Southwark. This area truly has something for everyone, and with a bit of planning, you can create some unforgettable London memories.