London’s Best Restaurants With A View

Located on the 72nd floor of The Shard, the city’s highest skyscraper, you’ll find a nifty viewing platform with breathtaking 360º views of London from its floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s a great place to pose and take pics before your delicious meal at the Aqua shard, a few floors below.

Located on the 31st floor of the Shard building, the Aqua Shard is an upscale restaurant that offers breathtaking views of the city from its floor-to-ceiling windows. The menu features modern British cuisine with a focus on seafood, and the restaurant also boasts an extensive cocktail list. It’s worth noting that the bar has a minimum spend of £25 too so keep that tab open for the evening… The atmosphere is chic and sophisticated, making it the perfect spot for a special occasion or date night.

Dazzle your tastebuds with some crispy fried coral mushrooms. Delve into a plate of slow cooked Blythburgh pork belly & roasted fillet and devour a glass of Argentinian wine like  Torrontés, Las Terrazas & Salta. There are wines from across the globe that pair brilliantly with the spectacular views of London.

Another rooftop restaurant with breathtaking city views is Fenchurch at Sky Garden. Located on the 35th floor of the iconic Walkie Talkie building, this restaurant offers 360-degree panoramic views of London’s skyline from its indoor and outdoor seating areas.

The menu features modern European cuisine with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients, and the restaurant also boasts a lengthy wine list. Fenchurch is a popular spot for a romantic dinner or special occasion, but it’s also a great choice for a casual lunch or afternoon tea with friends.

If you’re more of a ‘seasonal dishes’ type of person you must head straight to the 36th floor where you will find London’s highest brasserie, the Darwin Brasserie. This lively all-day bar & restaurant offers up plates of classic British dishes from breakfast and brunch to Dinner.

OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie offers incredible views of the Thames and St Paul’s from its 8th-floor location in South Bank.

If you have a quick flick through the 6-course tasting menu there will be a few meals that will catch your eye like the Ponzu marinated rare venison with wild rice (starter), Pan-fried seabream, cuttlefish and white bean stew, chorizo with aioli (main), and a Spiced Jivara chocolate tart, rum & raisin ice cream with chilli snow (dessert). There are so many vibrant flavours to roll around your tongue which will be complemented by Oxo’s extensive wine list.

In addition to the main dining room, OXO Tower also has a bar and brasserie with more casual fare and a more laid-back atmosphere with live music and other classy entertainment.

In the mood for some firey Northern Chinese cuisine? Hutong is an excellent Chinese restaurant & bar located on the 33rd floor of The Shard. It offers endless views of the city and a menu full of dishes from Beijing.

The atmosphere is calm and up-market with a modern twist on traditional Chinese decor. Hutong is a popular spot for a special occasion or date night, but it’s also a great choice for a casual lunch or dinner with friends.

Cling-cling your artisan cocktails together at the Shanghai Bar before you get seated in the elegant dining area. Watch the hue of the city lights and city life through the floor-to-wall windows while lapping up the sweet citrusy notes of a Chinese Lantern cocktail.

Grab a thick blanket and a crisp glass of wine and head to The Rooftop at St. James. Located on the roof of the St. James Hotel in Victoria, guests can absorb magnificent views of the city from its lovely terrace outside. Psst, it has excellent views of Trafalgar Square! 

Described as an ‘oasis set high in the sky line‘, The Rooftop serves up a feast for its guest alongside its VIP-Esque views of England’s capital city. Satisfy your hunger with

The menu features modern British cuisine with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients. The restaurant also boasts an extensive cocktail menu and wine list. The atmosphere is chic and sophisticated, making it a great choice for a romantic dinner or special occasion. In addition to the main dining area, The Rooftop St. James also has a more casual bar area with lighter fare and a laid-back atmosphere.

Got a romantic dinner date on the horizon? With divine food, impressive views and a classy atmosphere Searcy’s Helix Restaurant at The Gerkhin could be the perfect spot for you and your loved one. Located on the 39th floor of The Gherkin, the iconic London skyscraper, Searcy’s, offers stunning views of the city. And It’s not just fine dining you can enjoy at Searcys but afternoon tea experiences and even cocktail-making masterclasses too!

Start with a Roscoff onion Tarte tatin or the Duck and foie gras terrine. Now for the mains, you have five delectable options to choose from. We love the look of the tender Lake District pork loin and the roast chicken. Enhance your meal with a few side dishes from triple-cooked chips to sauteed greens and smoked cauliflower cheese, there are lots to get your mouth watering.

If you’ve got room for a little extra why not go all out with sumptuous pudding? With classics like sticky toffee pudding and fruit-based desserts like the Chai latte Panna cotta (port-glazed figs), there’s something for every palette.

Located on the Thames, this Italian restaurant offers stunning river views alongside the city’s impressive skyline. From eye-popping dishes like vibrant pesto pasta, tender rib eye stakes, roasted lamb with red chillies and endless scoops of fragrant ice creams, your appetite will get soaked!

Nothing keeps a restaurant more exciting than a seasonal menu at The River Café. During Winter you can expect many wood-roasted and slow-cooked dishes from Mazzancolle al Forno (Scottish langoustines split with parsley and garlic), Taglierini al Pomodoro (fresh fine pasta with slow-cooked tomato), and Rombo al Forno (turbot tranche with wild oregano with potatoes, Cedro lemon, thyme and olives ‘al Forno).

In the Summer, enjoy an Almond Tart with Strawberries in the restaurant’s garden. Tuck into a meal from the sea – the Salmone al sale (wild Scottish Salmon baked whole in sea salt with salsa verde and chargrilled Verdura Mista of aubergines, zucchini & peppers). Gobble up an enticing plate of Carne Cruda di Vitello (finely chopped Veal rump with squashed tomato bruschetta and Pecorino Gran Riserva). Check online for Spring menus and Autumn menus too!

And what’s more? The River Cafe has hosted some of your favourite celebrities for dinner like the famous Elvis Presley star Austin Butler. Not to mention the football legend David Beckham and the much-loved Hunger Games actor (and well-known foodie), Stanley Tucci. Check The River Café’s Instagram if you don’t believe us!

Shoreditch is an area of London that is home to a community of young creatives and trendsetters so it’s no surprise there is also an eclectic dining scene here as well. Rooftop Bar & Grill is a trendy rooftop restaurant in Shoreditch which offers one-of-a-kind views of London’s skyline and the iconic Gherkin building.

Covered head to toe in fairy lights and a sea of plants, dining on the rooftop is a magical experience. Watch the sunset while you tuck into your charcuterie boards and pop open a bottle of wine. The Summer and Spring months offer delicious French delicacies, simple salads, grilled fish and other melt-in-you-mouth meats. 

As the Earth turns on its access and plunges us into the colder months, couples and families can expect to see menus inspired by the Alpine regions of France. Think cheese fondue and melting raclette paired with hot cocktails! 

This modern British restaurant in Bankside offers a wide selection of treats from quintessential Sunday roasts to indulgent à la carte menus, theatrical afternoon teas and a River View menu packed full of seasonal dishes.

What can I see from here, I hear you ask? Well, this historic restaurant is located on the South Bank of the Thames so it offers amazing views of the iconic river as well as St. Paul’s Cathedral.

All seasonal produce served at this restaurant is sourced from the UK’s best suppliers. All seafood comes from UK waters and the meat comes from Cumbria from the family-run farm in the Lake District. All wines, beers and cheeses are from Neal’s Yard Dairy in Borough Market. So if a quintessentially British meal is what you’re after during your day of sightseeing, the Swan Restaurant should make the top of your list.

To find out more about Neal’s Yard and food markets close by check out our Seven Dials Review where we list lots of street food vendors and nearby shops.

Would you just look at that view!!! Oof, I’m booking a table right now… Located on the 28th floor of the Hilton Hotel on Park Lane, this Michelin-starred restaurant boasts panoramic views of the city.

Experience all the sights, smells and primordial feel of walking the Covent Garden Market food scene in one sitting at Galvin at Windows. Sink your teeth into salmon from the Faroe Islands served with smoked docs row and heritage beetroots. Sample the black Angus steak tartare from the starter menu.

Taste the Cornish landscape with the Bodmin venison – it’s served with smoked onion, salsify, and spiced red cabbage ketchup. Or dig into Wild turbot, chicken wings, leek, and truffle with Vin jaune sauce. There are so many inventive mains to choose from at Galvin.

Greet the morning with breakfast at Duck Waffle London. Located on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower, this restaurant offers one of the best views of the city skyline and the Thames.

Toast your mimosa or Caffe Musetti to the city’s landscape before tucking into a Duck Benedict or caramelised banana. For something healthier why not fork your way through a fruit salad or bowl of porridge?

The all-day menu offers everything from snacks to small plates, mains, and tasty side dishes. The Duck & Waffle offer an explosion of unusual concoctions like the spicy ox cheek doughnut – it’s dusted with paprika sugar! Share some freshly baked bread with smoked tomatoes and artichokes or maple-glazed cornbread. Snack on some BBQ-spiced crispy pig ears and jalapeno poppers.

Despite a lot of meat-centred meals Duck & Waffle do offer a lengthy vegan menu too. Try the sticky-coated corn ribs with the truffle french fries. Enjoy BBQ beans on toast, hash browns and mustard-crumbed tomatoes. For more vegan restaurant ideas check out our Vegan Food Near Me article!

Oh yarrr, it’s time to head to Belgravia for some luxury Michelin star food! Live out a Made In Chelsea fantasy at this five-star hotel. Nestled at the top of the building is a budding rooftop garden with unparalleled views of Buckingham Palace and the London Eye.

Beautifully elegant, The Dining Room offers vivacious dishes made from fresh, high-quality products from around the UK. From Romney Marsh lamb to fish from the Cornish coast, you’ll find the best of British food here.

Enjoy an elevated classic with a twist like the lobster omelette as part of a breakfast at the hotel. Does anyone love a runny egg yolk on their breakfast? Burst a confit egg yolk from the Acquerello risotto served with girolles mushroom, smoked butter and truffle. For your main be adventurous and try some Wild honey glazed Guinea fowl and plate up some delicious sides like the Pommes point neuf chips or the BBQ hispi cabbage, black pepper and lemon.

Known for pulling in the corporate crowds of London, Coq d’Argent is a central restaurant located on top of One Poultry. This French restaurant has a rooftop terrace with beautiful views of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Thames. 

Tuck into the likes of pasta ribbons with a glossy egg yolk at the centre and a handful of black truffle shavings on top, or 28-day-aged beef Rossini served alongside wild mushroom duxelles and a gamey Perigourdine sauce. And for dessert? Coq’s signature Pomme is the must-order. Pomme is French for apple but this is no apple crumble dish. The apple will reveal itself to be a white chocolate shell concealing cream, apple chunks and chocolate crumbs… who knew food could be both entertaining and delicious?

There is also a gluten-free menu available too and an extensive wine list. You can expect to pay between £50-£79 on average per person.

The Orangery Restaurant is the perfect location for an elegant lunch or an indulgent afternoon tea with lovely views of the palace.

The Orangery offers a selection of teas, as well as a range of premium wines and champagnes. There is also an outside terrace so you can enjoy the views of the palace and its elegant gardens. Eat like a royal and soak up the lovely views of the surrounding garden.

For clarification: this restaurant is located within the Royal Palace on the pavilion and is not a high-rise restaurant. 

Ever eaten and drunk in an igloo beside the Thames? Located by the riverside of the Tower Bridge, the Coppa Club restaurant offers sweeping views of London’s skyline all year round. Gaze over at the Shard (just opposite) and hear the calm waters of the Thames flow past you as you take a sip of champagne.

Surrounded by beautiful fairy lights and flowers you’ll feel as if you’ve fallen down a rabbit hole and emerged into a hidden oasis in London. This private dining experience is perfect for special occasions, meetings or date nights.

Enjoy everything from breakfast, lunch and late-night snacks! There are many standout dishes on the menu but we recommend trying the king prawn linguini, flat iron steak, truffle pecorino fries and the Tuscan fennel sausage ragu!

Aside from the Tower of London there are lots of other great nearby attractions to visit before/after your meal at The Coppa Club. Check out HMS Belfast, hop on a city cruise, wander around Leadenhall Market or explore the dizzying heights of The Shard…