London's O2 arena is undeniably one of the UK’s most recognisable venues. Built underneath the Millennium Dome in 2007, the arena has a capacity of 20,000 making it the second biggest indoor venue in the UK, and has seen performances from the likes of Led Zeppelin, Prince, and Elton John. With hundreds of concerts still going on at the O2 every year, the site has been developing and expanding to the point where it’s now become a standalone entertainment district. As well as the actual arena, there is now a cinema, a bowling alley, a club, and of course a number of conveniently placed restaurants.
In fact, if you’re heading to the O2 for a concert or event and need to grab some food before or afterwards, you’ll find that you’re spoilt for choice. There is a huge variety of different cuisines on offer at the arena ranging from classic British pub grub, to Mexican food; this means that there’s no need to worry that you won’t be able to find something that suits your taste. Some of London’s most fashionable restaurant outlets have also opened offshoots at the O2 as well, meaning that in addition to the many crowd pleasing chain restaurants, there are some pretty cool spots to check out if you are looking for something a little more special.
With so much choice on offer at the O2, you may be wondering where you should start. Well there’s no need to worry as we’ve got you covered. Below we have made a guide to all of the different places you can eat at the arena. So when you’re next planning on going to the O2 for whatever reason, have a look at the many options below and you'll be guaranteed to find somewhere that ticks all the right boxes for your pre-show meal.
O2 restaurants: the best of the bunch
It's an undeniable fact that the O2 arena is mostly made up of nationally recognised high-street chains. In recent years though, the number of cool restaurants here has been on the rise. Below, you'll find the restaurants which we think are most worth a visit when you're at the O2 area.
Hook
What: Fish and chips elevated to a whole new level, with a variety of other options available too.
Why: If you’re a big fish and chips fan, and to be honest who isn’t, then Hook might be just the place to grab some food at the O2. With just one other branch in London, this highly-regarded fish and chips restaurant offers small dishes including calamari and fish tacos, with main courses ranging from the classic fish and chips to a whole crispy sea bass and pancakes. Hook is a level above your average chippy.
Beer + Burger Store
What: A bar serving classic burgers and sides, alongside a huge selection of beers.
Why: As the name suggests, Beer + Burger Store is just as much about the booze as the food on offer. With 20 different craft beers on tap, this is a beer fan’s dream and the perfect spot to have a few pints before a gig. However, the short food menu is also difficult not to like with reasonably priced burgers, including a vegan option, and a number of sides available to accompany your pint.
by CHLOE.
What: Delicious vegan fast food which doesn’t compromise at all on flavour, served in a cool and bright space.
Why: Since opening its first London restaurant in Covent Garden, by CHLOE. has become hugely popular among vegan diners and meat eaters alike. The entirely plant-based menu includes burgers, salads, pasta dishes and more, with a selection of brunch dishes also available. This O2 branch, based in the arena's ICON shopping centre, also features a section full of arcade games for customers to play, adding to the fun of this fashionable fast food joint.
Busaba Eathai
What: Thai chain restaurant serving delicious modern Bangkok cuisine in an informal setting.
Why: Alan Yau’s chain of Thai restaurants has become increasingly popular since the first branch opened back in 1999. Serving a wonderfully diverse menu of different Thai classics, there’s something for everyone on Busaba’s menu. This makes it a great spot to grab some food at the O2 regardless of who you’re with. Food options range from grilled tamarind duck breast, to a signature Thai green curry. There is also a separate ‘bowls’ menu available if you’re looking for a quick lunch.
Gaucho
What: Extravagantly decorated Argentinian steakhouse serving top quality cuts of meat.
Why: Gaucho isn’t the place to go if you’re looking for a cheap, low-key meal before a concert. However, if you’re wanting somewhere with a touch of flashiness which serves some very good steak, then look no further. The O2 branch of Gaucho is set over three floors, with a stylish cocktail lounge, a basement wine tasting room, and a balcony dining room. This luxurious setting is the ideal place to enjoy the special steaks on offer alongside a glass or two of wine.
Scarlet Rasoi
What: One off Indian street food restaurant based in the O2’s ICON centre
Why: Scarlet Rasoi is a refreshing change from the many chain restaurants at the O2. The swanky modern dining room is a great place to enjoy its authentic range of Indian dishes. With plates from both the wok and grill, Scarlet Rasoi’s menu includes dishes such as grilled lemongrass lamb chops, and a gunpowder paneer. If you want a decent curry before you head inside the arena, Scarlet Rasoi could be the ideal spot for you.
Rodizio Rico
What: Brazilian churrascaria restaurant famed for its barbecued meats.
Why: One of only two London outposts, Rodizio Rico at the O2 arena serves a one-price all-you-can-eat selection of meats and seafood cooked on the barbecue. With meats including beef rib-eye and pork legs on the menu, you can be sure that you won’t leave Rodizio Rico hungry. This O2 restaurant has a brasserie-like feel to it with its wooden walls and tiled floors and has the added bonus of a cocktail menu to accompany the food.
Thunderbird Fried Chicken
What: A fried chicken fan’s dream, serving wings, burgers, buckets, beers and more
Why: Thunderbird Fried Chicken’s O2 restaurant is one of three restaurants from this small outfit, and serves just the sort of greasy food you want before a big concert. The short but sweet menu is packed full of very Instagrammable options including salted caramel wings, and a meltdown chicken bun which comes topped with molten jalapeno and miso cheese – who can say no to that? You can then wash all your food down with a beer or one of its delicious milkshakes.
Butcher and the Farmer
What: Australian restaurant serving a diverse range of dishes designed to be shared.
Why: Butcher and the Farmer at the O2 has come all the way over from down under, after founders Steve Flood and Will Stewart had big success with the original Sydney outpost. The vast menu covers a huge amount of ground which makes it a great choice if everyone in your group is feeling like eating something different before a gig. Dishes vary from pizzas and pasta all the way through to fish tacos and rotisserie chicken, covering all price points.
Jimmy's O2
What: An all-you-can-eat buffet with over 150 different options from a number of different cuisines.
Why: If you want to stuff your face at the O2 with a complete mixture of different foods and cuisines, then head to Jimmy’s O2. The buffet restaurant has a real buzzy atmosphere to it, which means it’s a very fun place to eat. When it comes to food, expect cuisines including Indian, Mexican, British, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. To top it off, there’s a drinks menu featuring cocktails, wines, beers and spirits, all priced very reasonably.
Snowflake Gelato
What: Luxurious ice cream, crepes, milkshakes and a whole host of other sweet treats.
Why: Okay, so Snowflake might not be the place to go if you’re looking for a hearty meal at the O2; but if you’re feeling like something sweet after dinner or perhaps are looking for a quick bite mid-concert then look no further. With close to 50 different flavours of gelato available, the options at Snowflake are endless and that’s before you even notice the separate waffle and crepe menu. For those with a sweet tooth, Snowflake is a must.
The Observatory
What: Classic pub food offered all day long, with a particular emphasis on amazing pies.
Why: The Observatory provides something pretty close to a traditional pub experience right in the heart of the O2. From the wide variety of beers on tap, to the cosy décor, once you’re inside you wouldn’t know you were in London’s biggest arena. The food menu includes interesting pies such as wild boar and chorizo, as well as other hearty dishes including toad in the hole and hunter’s chicken.
Benito's
What: Fun and simple Mexican food with a particular focus on burritos and tacos
Why: Benito’s is a great place to go if you’re looking for a quick dinner at the O2 that’s a bit more interesting than a pizza or a burger. With multiple branches all over London, Benito’s has become a safe bet for good quality, fresh Mexican food. As well as a variety of different burritos and tacos, the menu also features dishes such as chorizo and jack cheese quesadillas, and loaded chicken nachos. All of this goes down perfectly with a margarita or two.
O2 restaurants: Reliable chains to try
Right before a concert is perhaps not the best time to try a restaurant for the first time. If you want to stick to what you know, or if you have children in tow, choosing a well-known chain restaurant is a safe bet. From pizzas to piri piri chicken, here are the chain restaurants you can find inside the O2.
Cabana
What: Cabana is all about the street food of Rio at heart. Serving wraps, steaks cooked on the churrasco grill, and plenty more, the food at Cabana is all packed full of flavour and fun. The O2 outpost is one of five branches, so if you’re at the arena it’s the perfect time to try out the exciting menu.
Nando's
What: There’s never a time when it isn’t acceptable to have a Nando’s. The piri piri chicken chain seems to have a restaurant on practically every corner these days, and that includes this branch inside the O2 arena. So, yes, that means you can have some of its famous chicken before, during and after a concert if you so wish.
Five Guys
What: Five Guys is the king of big, greasy no-frills burgers. Serving a standard burger which can then be topped with a number of delicious toppings, you can create the perfect burger for you. For a quick and filling dinner at the O2, Five Guys is a great option.
Slug & Lettuce
What: All branches of Slug & Lettuce are warm and welcoming and that’s no different with the O2 arena outpost. Its large menu revolves around classic pub dishes, but one fun option if you’re at the O2 with a group is to order a selection of the small sharing plates, which include arancini and bao buns.
Byron
What: Considering it’s a huge chain, Byron still produces some pretty great burgers. From the beautiful patties and soft brioche bun, to the amazing skin on fries, it’s difficult not to wolf a Byron burger down in one. Oh, and don’t forget that classic Oreo milkshake which might prove an absolute treat after a sweaty gig in the arena.
Pizza Express
What: There’s a reason that Pizza Express is often regarded as one of the UK’s most popular chain of restaurants and that’s because the freshly made pizzas taste amazing. The O2 arena branch has all the dishes on the menu that you’d expect, meaning you can have your favourite pizza before a gig.
Ask Italian
What: There’s something for everyone at Ask Italian, meaning that if you visit the O2 arena branch you’ll have little trouble in finding something that tempts you. With a focus on its traditional pizzas and calzones, it also has a fantastic pudding menu.
Garfunkels
What: If you’ve got kids with you at the O2 Garfunkels is a safe bet food-wise. With a varied international menu including pizzas, pies, ribs, and bangers and mash, the food on offer is as comforting as it gets and also very reasonably priced.
All Bar One
What: While All Bar One is predominantly a bar, it actually serves a variety of delicious tasting plates including chorizo and halloumi skewers, and garlic flatbread. These dishes are perfect to eat as a group with a glass of wine or two before a concert at the O2.
Gourmet Burger Kitchen
What: With a menu full of epic burgers, it’s often difficult to decide what to pick at Gourmet Burger Kitchen. From a satay chicken burger to a truffle and camembert beef burger, there’ll be something to tempt you at the O2 arena branch.
Wasabi
What: For the ultimate quick but tasty pre-concert dinner, Wasabi is on the money with a wide selection of traditional Japanese sushi and bento available. Depending on how much of a rush you’re in, you can also take your food away.
Las Iguanas
What: Serving Latin American comfort food, Las Iguanas is a chain of restaurants which always puts a smile on our faces. From amazing nachos to the wonderful wings, you’ll find something you love at the O2 branch.
TGI Fridays
What: TGI Fridays isn't the place to go if you're looking for a particularly healthy meal, but we can't deny that its brand of big American comfort food sometimes goes down an absolute treat. That's no different at the O2 branch which is great for a big pre-concert meal.
Frankie & Benny's
What: Italian-American-themed chain Frankie & Benny's is always guaranteed to give you big plates of crowd-pleasing food, which will leave you not wanting to eat anything else for quite a while. If you're feeling like a treat after a concert at the O2, why not pop in for one of its over-the-top freakshakes.
Looking for somewhere to eat in the more general Greenwich area? Check out our list of the best restaurants in Greenwich.