West London's 10 best riverside restaurants

Square Meal has scoured the four-mile stretch of west London's riverbank, from Putney Bridge to Hammersmith Bridge, for perfect pubs and favourite restaurants at which to enjoy the river views – or watch the all-important Boat Race when the time comes. Here are 10 of the best.

The Crabtree

A terrific and thriving counterpoint to its modish neighbour, The River Café, this is a ‘true gem of a local’ according to our readers, with a back garden overlooking the river.

The Dove

This charming, sprawling pub compensates for its tiny public bar (England’s smallest) with a huge riverside terrace.

Lola & Simón

A café-restaurant owned by a Kiwi lady and an Argentinian gent, serving good-looking dishes away from the main action.

Pissarro

Pissarro, with its open-sided conservatory and river views, is a picture of English enchantment, especially when the sun’s out.

Riva

Small and unassuming, this trattoria serves classic dishes and wines from northern Italy.

Riverside Bar and Kitchen

The secret garden and riverside terrace at this restaurant, located in Riverside Studios arts and media centre, look out onto Hammersmith Bridge.

The River Café (pictured, right)

The ingredients, seasonality, and bold rustic flavours of this grande dame of the west London scene continue to wow.

San Remo

Tradition is the watchword here – expect homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and a warm welcome. A stone’s throw from Hammersmith Bridge.

Sonny’s

Chef Toby Williams has taken the helm of this long-running Barnes eatery, which offers British cooking, seasonal ingredients, and good-value set lunch menus.

Ye White Hart (pictured, top right)

This premier riverside offering is steeped in literary history, and its wooden balcony is a great spot from which to watch the race – get there early to bag your place.

This feature was updated in January 2013.