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Best Places to Eat Near the London Eye: Family Friendly Options for Every Budget: 2026
A trip to the London Eye can get expensive fast if you choose the wrong place to eat. Families often end up paying tourist prices for average food simply because they are hungry and nearby.
The good news is the South Bank has everything from quick cheap meals to proper sit down restaurants with views of the River Thames. Whether you need a £5 kids meal before boarding the Eye or a luxury dinner after sunset, there are solid options within walking distance.
This guide breaks down:
- Cheapest places to eat near the London Eye
- Best family friendly restaurants
- Kids menu options
- Average meal costs
- Restaurants with views
- Quick food vs sit down dining
- Which places are actually worth the money
Have you got your London Eye tickets yet?
Before booking expensive restaurants nearby, make sure you don’t forget to book your London Eye tickets. They are always cheaper online.
Quick Comparison Table
| Restaurant | Best For | Approx Family Cost | Walk From London Eye |
|---|---|---|---|
| McDonald’s | Cheapest quick meal | £20 to £35+ | 5 mins |
| KFC | Budget fried chicken | £25 to £40+ | 5 mins |
| Giraffe | Best casual family option | £45 to £70+ | 3 mins |
| Strada Southbank | Pizza and pasta with views | £50 to £80+ | 4 mins |
| Locale Southbank | Authentic Italian | £60 to £90+ | 5 mins |
| The Fifth Floor Café | Relaxed lunch stop | £40 to £70+ | 8 mins |
| STK Steakhouse London | Luxury family dinner | £120 to £220+ | 10 mins |
| Sky Garden Restaurants | Scenic dining experience | £80 to £200+ | Tube/Taxi |
| Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea | Special family treat | £120 to £180+ | 15 mins |
Please note these prices are dependant on the amount of people in your family.
Cheap & Budget Friendly Places to Eat Near the London Eye
1. McDonald's
If your kids are tired, hungry and already asking for nuggets before you’ve even reached the queue, McDonald’s is honestly one of the easiest options nearby.
You already know what you’re getting:
- Happy Meals
- Fast service
- Toilets
- Easy food for picky eaters
- Predictable pricing
Average Cost
- Happy Meal: Around £4 to £7
- Adult meal: £7 to £12
- Family of 4: Roughly £20 to £35+
Why Families Like It
The biggest advantage is speed. You can eat quickly and get back to sightseeing instead of losing an hour in a restaurant.
Location
Waterloo Station, Unit 43 The Colonnade, London SE1 8SF
2. KFC
KFC works well if your family wants something filling without spending restaurant prices. Portions are usually bigger than fast food burgers and sharing buckets can help reduce costs.
Average Cost
- Box meals: £8 to £12
- Sharing bucket: £20 to £30+
- Family of 4: around £25 to 40+
Best For
- Bigger appetites
- Teenagers
- Families wanting quick hot food before heading back onto the Tube
Location
3 Mepham St, London SE1 8FS
Parent Tip: Avoid peak lunch hours between 12pm to 2pm if possible. South Bank queues get long fast.
Exploring More of London?
If you’re planning to visit attractions beyond the South Bank, such as Windsor, Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Chessington or LEGOLAND Windsor, public transport can get you around. Hiring a car is also a great option that gives your family more flexibility than relying solely on public transport.
Best Casual Family Restaurants Near the London Eye
3. Giraffe
Giraffe is one of the safest “everyone will find something” restaurants near the London Eye.
The menu covers:
- Burgers
- Pasta
- Kids meals
- Breakfast
- Vegan options
- Pancakes
It is casual enough for younger children but still feels nicer than fast food.
Average Cost
- Kids meals: £7 to £9+
- Adult mains: £14 to £20+
- Family of 4: around £45 to £70+
Why It Works Well
The atmosphere is relaxed. Parents do not feel stressed bringing younger children inside, which honestly matters more than fancy food after a long London day.
Location
Behind the, Royal Festival Hall, Riverside Level 1, London SE1 8XX
4. Strada Southbank
Strada is ideal if your family wants proper sit down food with Thames views without entering luxury pricing territory. Their pizzas and pasta dishes work especially well for families because they are easy wins with children.
Average Cost
- Pizza/Pasta: £13 to £18
- Kids meals: £7 to £9+
- Family of 4: £50 t0 £80+
Best Feature
Outdoor seating near sunset gives some of the nicest views around the South Bank area without paying rooftop prices.
Location
A, 337-338 Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX
Staying Near London Eye?
If you’re still deciding where to stay, we’ve rounded up the best family-friendly hotels, apartments and budget options near the London Eye in our complete accommodation guide. If you’re ready to book, you can also compare live prices below.
5. Locale Southbank
Locale Southbank feels slightly more premium but still family friendly enough for older children. If your family enjoys proper Italian food rather than chain restaurants, this is one of the better nearby choices.
Average Cost
- Pasta dishes: £16 t0 £22+
- Pizza: £15 to £20+
- Family of 4: £60 to £90+
Best For
- Slower evening meal
- Parents wanting nicer food
- Families staying overnight nearby
Location
County Hall, 3B Belvedere Rd, London SE1 7GP
Unique & Luxury Dining Near the London Eye
6. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea
This is less “quick lunch” and more “special memory” territory. The Charlie and the Chocolate Factory afternoon tea is one of the most fun dining experiences for children visiting central London.
Expect:
- Themed desserts
- Chocolate drinks
- Interactive surprises
- High end presentation
Average Cost
- Around £60 to £80+ per adult
- Children slightly cheaper
- Family of 4: roughly £120 to £180+
Location
1 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BZ
Reality Check: This is expensive. But for birthdays, special occasions or a once per-trip experience, families usually remember this far longer than standard restaurants.
7. Sky Garden Restaurants
The food itself is good, but the real reason families book Sky Garden is the view.
You get:
- London skyline views
- Indoor gardens
- Sunset dining
- A more premium London experience
Average Cost
- Mains: £18 to £35+
- Family of 4: Around £80 to £200+
- Drinks and desserts add up fast
Location
1, Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF
Important Tip: Book in advance. Last minute availability is unreliable, especially during holidays and weekends.
8. STK Steakhouse London
STK is the most luxury focused option on this list.
This is better suited for:
- Families with older children
- Celebration meals
- Parents wanting a proper evening dining experience
Average Cost
- Steaks: £30 to £60+
- Family meal: £120 to £220+
- Sides and drinks increase costs quickly
Is It Worth It?
For everyday family meals? Probably not. For a celebration or London weekend treat? It can be a memorable experience if the budget allows.
Location
336-337 Strand, London WC2R 1HA
9. The Fifth Floor Café
The Fifth Floor Café is a quieter option if you want a calmer break away from the busy South Bank crowds.
Average Cost
- Light lunch: £10 to 18
- Family of 4: £40 to £70
- Coffee and cake stops available
Best For
- Midday breaks
- Parents needing calmer seating
- Coffee stops before heading back into central London
Location
109-125 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RJ
FAQ's
- What are the best places to eat near the London Eye?
Some of the best places to eat near the London Eye include Giraffe for family friendly meals, Strada Southbank for pizza and pasta with river views, Locale Southbank for Italian food and Sky Garden for a more premium dining experience. Families looking for cheaper options often choose McDonald’s or KFC nearby for quick and affordable meals.
- Where can I find quick and affordable food options near the London Eye?
For quick and budget friendly food near the London Eye, families usually head to nearby McDonald’s, KFC or Giraffe. These spots are within walking distance of the South Bank and are popular for fast service, kids meals and lower prices compared to many tourist restaurants nearby.
- Are there restaurants with a view close to the London Eye?
Yes. Strada Southbank is popular for riverside views while eating, and Sky Garden offers incredible skyline views across London for families wanting a more memorable dining experience near the London Eye.
- Are there any highly rated pubs offering food within walking distance of the London Eye?
Yes. Families and visitors often recommend pubs like The Anchor and The Wellington for traditional pub food, relaxed seating and Thames-side atmosphere within walking distance of the London Eye. Many serve burgers, fish and chips and children’s meal options too.
- What are the recommended cafes within walking distance of the London Eye?
Popular cafes near the London Eye include WatchHouse County Hall for coffee and pastries, Gail’s Bakery for fresh baked goods and family friendly lunches, and The Black Penny for brunch and relaxed café meals within walking distance of the South Bank.
- What are the best restaurants with outdoor seating and river views in the London Eye area?
