Restaurants with a view in London are somewhat of a commodity and often come with a high price tag.
But there’s something about dinner with a view that is so much more appealing. Dining doesn’t get much better than in restaurants with a view over the London skyline.
These are 12+ of the best restaurants with a view in London:
SKY GARDEN, LONDON:
Not satisfied with being London’s highest garden, Sky Garden London is also home to 3 restaurants with a view of London, and 2 bars. Housed in a building often known as the ‘walkie-talkie’, thanks to its unique shape, here you can choose to dine in Fenchurch Restaurant, Fenchurch Terrace, or Darwin Brasserie. Head over to one of the nearby bars for after-dinner drinks. Choose depending on your mood but safe in the knowledge that wherever you end up you’ll be guaranteed sweeping views across the capital.
OXO TOWER RESTAURANT, BAR AND BRASSERIE
For drinks or dinner with a view, it’s hard to beat the Oxo Tower on a summer’s day as you dine on an open-air terrace overlooking the Thames. Time it right and you’ll see London’s summer sun turn to sunset, and then to night. It can get a little chilly once the sun has set but blankets are on offer, of course. A three-course meal and a bottle of wine here comes at a reasonable cost for a venue of its kind.
SUSHI SAMBA
Sushi Samba at Heron Tower is perhaps London’s most coveted dinner venue, so you’ll need to book in advance to secure a date here. Once inside, even the lift to the restaurant is an experience of its own (one we’ll leave you discover when you visit). At the top, the Japanese-Peruvian-Brazilian cuisine (yes, really!) fuses with design of the same creativity for an experience like no other. Did we mention that the restaurant is also proudly home to Europe’s highest outdoor dining terrace and 360 views over the city.
DUCK AND WAFFLE
A breakfast and brunch favourite, Duck and Waffle has become known for its – you guessed it – duck and waffle combo. It does however serve a whole host of other savory and sweet waffles, as well as a far more extensive menu; for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. Head to their website to peruse the menu and make a booking.
HELIX RESTAURANT AT THE GHERKIN
Unless you work in the offices inside 30 St. Mary’s Axe, more commonly known as ‘the Gherkin’, the view from this building is somewhat to gain access to. That was, until Helix Restaurant. Located on the 39th floor, this restaurant is open for public booking – head to their website to book in advance. You may have to wait a while to get a seat, but we think you’ll find the wait worthwhile once you’re sipping on champagne, and watching the sun set over the river Thames.
THE SHARD
At The Shard London, you have a choice of 6 restaurant’s to dine in with views overlooking the city. We really do recommend each and every one of the six dining choices but we recommend Oblix, serving British and European favourites; Aqua Shard which just reopened in 2020 after a redesign; and our personal favourite, Hutong, serving lip-smackingly good cuisines inspired by Northern China, in a romantic yet energised setting. If you enjoy crab dishes, order the ‘Red Velvet’ here, we’re sure you won’t be disappointed.
CITY SOCIAL AT TOWER 42
Jason Atherton knows how to run a trendy-yet-classy restaurant and has successfully opened them in all corners of the globe. London is no different with a few of his fantastic creations dotting the city. For drinks or dinner with a view, however, City Social is the one. As with all his venues, it’s playful yet packs some serious substance. We recommend you request a window seat (which are surprisingly not so hard to secure), and either dine, or just to indulge in the creative cocktails.
MADISON ST. PAUL
For not only a restaurant with a view in London, but a roof garden with a view, too, Madison St. Paul is the place to be. Alongside sweeping cityscapes and skyscrapers, you’ll also be able to dine and enjoy your favourite drink while you take in some history. Overlooking St. Paul’s Cathedral, you can marvel at one of London’s most unique features; the incredible blend of old and new architecture. Cheers to that!
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