Putney in southwest London is a prominent hotspot on the River Thames. A few miles from central London, this is a pleasant, bustling location, where locals and tourists intermingle while soaking up its stellar qualities: riverside charm, sprawling green spaces, vibrant community events - and many outstanding restaurants. Whether you’re eating with a perfectly clear view of the famous old river which winds its way through England’s historic capital, or you're dining just out of sight on one of the gorgeous streets nearby, the influence and atmosphere of the Thames is intoxicating. You might even recognise Putney Embankment - home to several rowing clubs, it’s also the starting point of the famous Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race, watched on television the world over for decades. It’s doubtful you’ll be tempted to take to the water yourself; distractions are unlikely with so many fine dining establishments to revel in. Here is our guide to the best in the area.
Thai Square
With its panoramic views of the River Thames - thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows that are designed to resemble a ship - Thai Square is an easy sell. In fact, its glamorous interior and distinctive building, along with its iconic location, means it has clinched distinguished awards from the Royal Institute of Architecture, among others. It also helps that its authentic Thai cuisine is excellent. Its chefs are masters of Thai classics: pad Thai, panang curry, mango sticky rice. But they also love to experiment and keep diners on their toes, so to speak. Thai Square caters to various dietary preferences, offering vegetarian and vegan options.
Putney Pies
In a prime position overlooking the Thames, this small independent pie shop has steadily grown over the past decade to establish itself as a bona fide restaurant of real renown in the local area and beyond. Its menu is outstanding, offering an exceptional selection of traditional and contemporary dishes that stay true to the spirit of a ‘pie’ - a savoury baked dish with a pastry crust and a filling - but completely go beyond the traditional stereotype of a pie (something stodgy, fatty and tasteless). There are many classics available: steak and ale is always in high demand. But adventurous ‘open pies’ like the Mexican Chilli Pie - which is packed with mixed peppers, kidney beans, coriander, diced beef, cheese and homemade guacamole - really fires the imagination and taste buds. All pies are homemade and cooked to order while local craft ciders are something of a speciality, and the wine list is excellent.
Chook Chook
Inspired by India’s golden era of railway carriages, Chook Chook is just as handsome and evocative as those sumptuous capsules of high-end transportation ever were. It’s lavish - and that’s before you sample the menu. Once you’ve soaked up the low-lit interior flair - wood panelling, marbled tables, dark green leather booths - it’s time to tuck into a range of expertly rendered dishes available from all regions of India, which is something of a novelty (many Indian restaurants often focus on one region in particular). Chook Chook also operates a dedicated vegan kitchen, offering a range of plant-based Indian dishes, and is highly notable for its signature dessert - chocolate samosa with vanilla ice cream, which some reviewers have called “revolutionary”. Chook Chook is just two minutes away from the river by foot, located among the boutiques and bistros on Lower Richmond Road.
The Duke’s Head
A Putney institution - often packed to the rafters, always atmospheric - offering divine views of the River Thames and positioned just near the starting point of the annual University Boat Race. There’s been a pub here since 1774, and its connections with the rowing community are nearly as old. These days, it’s run exceptionally well by Young’s Brewery, which means there is a superb range of ales on offer… and the restaurant here is just as good. Dining options are plentiful throughout the week, but the weekend brunch is a particular favourite on Saturdays (from 9am) and the Sunday roasts are ever popular. Note: there is also a basement cocktail bar for smaller gatherings, with late-night live music and DJs. Predictably, perhaps, it’s called The Rowing Club.
The Duke’s Headgazette Putney
Perhaps a bit like Paris itself, this smart French brasserie can be anything you want it to be: a cosy, secluded corner for an intimate dinner, a vibrant, inviting space to celebrate a big family occasion, or a cool, classy option for an important business lunch. Its head chef, Pascal Even, has excellent pedigree, having worked under Michel Rostang and Alain Ducasse over the years - so the French classics coming out of the kitchen are quite delectable: Onion Soup, Escargots, Steak Tartare, Pan-Seared Salmon, Oysters and Mussels. The decor is playful, nodding to France at all times - think walls decked out with shelves of wine, cookbooks, kitchenware, and accordions. Gazette also does excellent breakfast and brunch options, with fresh pastries and croissants.
Home SW15
This upmarket yet accessible neighbourhood restaurant is much cherished in Putney. It is defined by consistently excellent modern British cuisine and exceptional service - all housed in an inviting, modern, rustic setting. Its doors are always open for any occasion, whether casual or special, and such is the love for Home SW15, hundreds of people pulled together to help it survive when the Covid pandemic significantly handicapped its finances. Those days are long gone - this is a busy place, which utilises its outdoor seating and is particularly magnetic for families (especially numerous families who want to join forces for an extra large gathering). Home SW15 is just past Putney train station on Upper Richmond Road, less than 10 minutes on foot from the River Thames.
If you want a microcosm of London itself - vibrant, river-loving, modern, historical, upmarket, creative - look no further than Putney and its sophisticated food scene. There is something for everybody here and, if you linger long enough, it’s worth satisfying all your tastebud’s desires.
