Culturally there's no disputing, we're spoilt for choice in Waterloo with the Old and Young Vic, world-class theatre, concert and cinemas on the South Bank. Gastronomically there are gems too, for those in the know and prepared for a quick postpriandial stroll before curtain up.
A happy homage to the vibrant ultra-foodie buzz about Tel Aviv, Bala Baya is lively, loud, serves bold Middle Eastern food and makes its own brilliant pitta bread constantly – as well as the most decadent 'burnt' babka with chocolate, hazelnut and spiced plums.
Harissa and maple salmon, aubergine with tahini and lychee, oxtail falafal – this is colourful, full on flavour dining, even more so accompanied by a tomato and cucumber negroni.
Dinner for two with drinks: £60
Less than 10 minutes stroll to Young and Old Vic
RSJ has always been the default special restaurant to combine with London's Waterloo cultural hub. Always ahead of its time with its menu and ingredients, not to mention sensational wine list, RSJ is now home to chef Peter Lloyd, most recently of The Spice Market at the W. It is a menu rich with holiday memories of trips to South East Asia. The repertoire includes green mango salad, soft shell crab steamed buns, wok fried monkfish and the eponymous sticky mango creamy pudding. Drink Loire wines especially selected by wine enthusiast/proprietor Nigel Wilkinson.
Dinner for two with drinks £90
'Sit down and feed' said Shakespeare. Since the arrival of Allan Pickett as head chef of The Swan at the Globe, it is unequivocally the best place to eat pre or post bard.
As seasonal and local as possible is Pickett's mantra. He even has his Mum harvesting damsons and the restaurant's owner supplying venison and pheasant. From the pre-theatre menu look forward to a properly rustic pork terrine with pistachio and gooseberry sauce; baked herbed sea trout with carrots and runner beans; and blackberry tart with cream that encapsulates Autumn.
For a real refined yet gutsy treat, try Pickett's signature hand-dived marinated scallops with Granny Smith apple and squid ink mayonnaise; or the ham and Savoy cabbage terrine with Yorkshire rhubarb and sourdough toast.
Other outstanding main courses include haunch of venison with faggot, braised red cabbage and damson preserve; Salt Marsh lamb chump chops with braised shoulder and spring greens; and fragrant Cornish fish stew with saffron Norfolk potatoes and garlic mayonnaise. This is truly the food of love.
Dinner for two with drinks: £80
If only a table in Anchor & Hope's cosy, wood panelled dining room could be bookable. It is, but only when already in ensconced in the equally inviting bar. So it is worth arriving early (i.e. pre 6pm if possible) to snare a reservation.
Best of British food may include rabbit with mustard sauce and excellent chips, or fish of the day. The food is not so electrifying you'll miss the overture, it is simply good, reliable and thoughtful.
Dinner for two with drinks: £80
No bookings taken in advance, though from 5.15pm drinkers can put their name down for the restaurant in person at the bar
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With its tiny rose and pistachio upstairs dining room, kitchen counter dining, and the chef duo of Lucy Pedder and Natasha who trained at Chelsea's superb Medlar, Lupin is a culinary gem where it is worth lingering over dinner.
Vegetables are treated with care and creativity – courgette and ricotta fritters, tempura spring onions – and there's a good dose of nostalgia with classic, super rich crab thermidor. The chocolate mousse has been described as so glossy and rich it is practically lewd.
Dinner for two with drinks: £80
Ten minutes brisk stroll to Young and Old Vic
A hidden gem yet a mere amble from both Young and Old Vic, The Laughing Gravy (in a former iron Foundry) is cosy and inviting with bare brick walls. It serves up a gloriously creative, ultra seasonal menu courtesy of chef Michael Facey, who trained with Mark Hix and John Torode.
Think smoked scallop and crayfish Scotch egg with carrot and bergamot puree, Gloucester Old spot terrine with damson compote, walnut chutney and bramble brittle, as well as venison Wellington with truffled potatoes and honey glazed carrots. Don't miss the irresistible malteser cheesecake for dessert.
Incredibly handy for dining really close to the Festival Hall and National Film Theatre, Canteen is really excellent for simple, sustainable British comfort food. From devilled kidneys for breakfast/brunch to proper Scotch eggs, fish and chips, roast chicken and hearty housemade pies (plus treacle tart!), Canteen is an excellent place to take friends visiting from overseas who want to experience the full English.
Dinner for two: £60+
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