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Sam's Riverside Cafe
★ 4.0(1 review)Café
buzzyriversidesmart
About the Vibe
Sam's Riverside is Hammersmith's go-to brasserie that somehow manages to feel both buzzy and civilised. Chef Sam Harrison has built a loyal following with his clean-cut, elegant dishes and that killer spot right on the Thames with views of Hammersmith Bridge. Skip the tourist traps and come here for the oyster happy hour, the marble-topped bar, or just to people-watch from the terrace while enjoying a proper modern European meal. The kitchen keeps it simple but clever—think Fosse Meadow chicken schnitzel, seafood platters that disappear fast, and a cheese shop behind the restaurant you'll want to raid for wine and nibbles. It's the kind of place where regulars know the staff by name, and the vibe strikes that perfect balance between smart and welcoming.
Known For
- •oyster happy hour
- •Fosse Meadow chicken schnitzel
- •river views
- •cheese shop
Best For
date nightafternoon drinksweekend brunch
1 review
City InsidersEditorialMarch 30, 2026
Hammersmith's go-to riverside brasserie
Sam's Riverside has quietly become Hammersmith's most reliable brasserie, and I've been coming here since they opened. The setting is genuinely special—those floor-to-ceiling windows framing Hammersmith Bridge and the Thames make it feel like you've escaped central London, even though you're a stone's throw from the tube. The open kitchen and marble bar create this cool, modern energy without being pretentious.
The food is consistently solid—seasonal, well-executed, with bold flavours that don't overstay their welcome. I'm a sucker for their seafood platters and the chicken schnitzel is a regular order. The cheese shop tucked behind the restaurant is a brilliant touch; grab some wine and nibbles before dinner or just treat yourself to a proper cheeseboard on a sunny afternoon. Service is warm without being fawning, and the staff clearly care about making you feel like a regular.
It's not perfect—the place can get loud when busy, and reservations are essential on weekends—but that's part of its appeal. This is where locals actually eat, not where tourists go. Come for the oyster happy hour, stay for the river views and the genuinely good food.