Where to eat at The O2 before or after a concert

The good news at The O2 is that you do not need to go anywhere else to eat: the building around the arena is lined with restaurants and bars, all a few minutes' walk from the arena doors. The less good news is that on a concert night, thousands of other ticket holders have the same idea. Here is what you will find, and how to avoid queuing for your dinner.

Inside The O2: restaurants under the dome

The O2's own website lists more than forty restaurants, bars and cafés on site. Among the sit-down options on its current list:

• Grills and steak: Gaucho (Argentinian steakhouse), Rodizio Rico (Brazilian grill), Jimmy's World Grill & Bar;
• Burgers and American: Gordon Ramsay Street Burger, Five Guys, TGI Fridays, Frankie & Benny's;
• Asian: Busaba (Thai), Marugame Udon, Maki & Ramen, Haidilao Hot Pot, Wasabi;
• Italian and pizza: Zizzi, PizzaExpress, Kitchen Pizzeria;
• Other cuisines: Las Iguanas (Latin American), Cabana (Brazilian), Afrikana, Scarlet Rasoi (Indian), Nando's;
• Quick bites: Chipotle, Slim Chickens, Thunderbird Fried Chicken, German Doner Kebab, coffee shops and dessert places such as Haute Dolci.

For a drink, the list includes All Bar One, Slug & Lettuce, The Observatory, a Wetherspoon, and several themed bars. Inside the arena itself there are food and drink outlets on the concourses; The O2 says the arena is cashless, so bring a card or phone.

The list changes as restaurants open and close: check The O2's "Restaurants and bars" page before you go, and book directly with the restaurant where possible.

Booking and timing

• Book as soon as you have your tickets, especially for Friday and Saturday shows. Restaurants fill up fast on concert nights; if you cannot reserve, turning up early is the safer plan.
• Plan your meal around the door time shown on the event page, not the start time of the headliner, and leave a margin for the security check and bag search at the arena entrance. The O2 has a strict bag policy (small bags only, no larger than A4).
• Fast food is the fallback: the counters (burgers, chicken, burritos, noodles) are quicker than the sit-down restaurants if you arrive late.

After the show

Many visitors head straight for the Jubilee line, which makes the station very busy just after the show. Staying on for a drink or a late bite while the crowd clears is a good alternative, if the place you choose is still serving: closing times vary by restaurant and by night, so check before you rely on it.

Further afield

Most concert-goers eat on site, because the Greenwich Peninsula is fairly isolated from other neighbourhoods. If you prefer a wider choice, consider eating in central London or Greenwich first and travelling to the venue afterwards by Tube or river bus: see our guide to getting to The O2.

You may also want to read about parking at The O2 and the best seats at The O2.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I eat before a concert at The O2?

Inside The O2 itself, which has more than forty restaurants, bars and cafés a few minutes from the arena doors, from Gaucho and Rodizio Rico to Zizzi, Busaba and Five Guys.

Do I need to book a restaurant at The O2 on a concert night?

It is strongly recommended, especially at weekends. Restaurants fill up quickly on event days, so arrive early if you cannot reserve.

Can I pay cash inside The O2 arena?

No: according to The O2, the arena is cashless. Bring a card or a phone for food and drinks.

Where can I get a drink after a concert at The O2?

Several bars on site, such as All Bar One, Slug & Lettuce or The Observatory, are a short walk from the arena. Check closing times on the night.