London Restaurants with Incredible Views

Hutong

Undoubtedly one of the most special spots to dine in the city is Hutong, another of The Shard’s sky-high eateries located on the 33rd floor. With dark red, moody interiors, sparkling lanterns and a traditional Chinese wishing tree where guests hang their wishes on branches, Hutong oozes the romance of fairy tales and is an absolute delight. This is our top pick for a splash-out supper, with its vast selection of fine northern Chinese cuisine and creative cocktails set against the backdrop of the sprawling London skyline, which twinkles at night. Allow longstanding waiters to guide you through the menu, but don’t miss the pink champagne prawn dumplings and Peking duck which is carefully sliced instead of shredded. Book far in advance to secure the best tables in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows and soak it all in – you’ll struggle to go back down to earth.

33 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY, hutong.co.uk

Bōkan

Bōkan 37 is far more swanky than its exterior suggests. To get there you have to weave through the not-so-glamorous industrial landscape of Canary Wharf until you reach The Novotel, head through an unassuming door and into a small lift which whisks you up to the 37th floor. As soon as you step out, however, you’ll see the magic. There are many sky-high restaurants in London, but the vantage point from here is quite different to the city centre spots, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering jaw-dropping 360 panoramas. Go for an unusually civilised bottomless brunch before heading to the rooftop terrace to continue the party.

40 Marsh Wall, London E14 9TP, bokanlondon.co.uk

Min Jiang

It may be a lesser known spot, but Chinese restaurant Min Jiang – perched on the tenth floor of the Royal Garden Hotel – boasts one of the best views in London. A hidden gem overlooking the picturesque Kensington Gardens, Min Jiang is renowned for its impeccable service, as well as its picture-perfect vista. Go for the house duck: a whole Beijing duck served two ways, the first with homemade pancakes, and the second a dish of your choice – fried rice, with diced or minced duck and a lettuce wrap. One of London’s finest Chinese restaurants, with magnificent views to match.

2, 24 Kensington High St, London W8 4PT, minjiang.co.uk

Darwin Brasserie at Sky Garden

Located on floor 36 of the iconic Walkie Talkie, the views from the Darwin Brasserie are pretty striking. Although Fenchurch Restaurant – one of Sky Garden’s other offerings – is higher, the Darwin Brasserie has better views thanks to its position further back from the Sky Garden’s atrium roof. A good option if you want to enjoy the sights without the flocks of camera totting tourists.

Level 36 Sky Garden, 20 Philpot Ln, London EC3M 8AF, skygarden.london

Fenchurch Restaurant at Sky Garden

Known as the Walkie Talkie due to its unique shape, the Sky Garden has remained hugely popular since opening in 2015. Spanning three stories, the space boasts the city’s highest rooftop gardens alongside observation decks, an open-air terrace and various dining options. The highest and most upscale is Fenchurch Restaurant, located on the 37th floor of the building. Though undeniably a hotspot for tourists, Fenchurch feels somewhat separated from the hustle and bustle going on outside its glass walls. Interiors are understated, and rightly so: the views speak for themselves. Be sure to get a seat at one of the west-facing windows though, as the views from some tables are slightly obscured by the building’s beams. With a new Head Chef in the form of Kerth Gumbs, visitors are in for a refined yet playful treat.

Sky Garden, 1 Philpot Ln, London EC3M 8AF, skygarden.london

SUSHISAMBA

Like it’s taller sister Duck & Waffle, the spectacle of the iconic SUSHISAMBA Liverpool Street begins from the panoramic glass lifts, which whisk you up to the 38th and 39th floors of the Heron Tower where the restaurant is located. It boasts one of the highest outdoor dining terraces in Europe, but during the winter months you can admire the views from indoors thanks to the restaurant’s three glass walls. A glamorous New York City import, the menu fuses together Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisines. There’s everything from gyoza to nigari to samba rolls to ceviche to robata, with dedicated vegan and gluten-free menus too. Our highlights? To name a few: the yellowtail crispy taquitos, sea bass tempura, veggie maki samba rolls, eggplant with mustard miso, and the perfectly cooked ribeye, chorizo and aged picanha dish. Cocktails are equally divine – the Lychee Cooler, made with elderflower, vodka, vanilla, coconut cream and lychee water, is particularly good. A heads up: SUSHISAMBA is not cheap, but the combination of top quality food, unparalleled views and faultless service warrants the high price point. Just be careful not to accidentally order the Kobe Beef Ishiyaki, or you’ll find yourself £1000 out of pocket…

Heron Tower, Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY, sushisamba.com

OXO Tower

One of London’s older rooftop restaurants, the OXO Tower is at a lower altitude than its City counterparts, eight stories up – but it proves height isn’t always everything. From this slightly lower vantage point, diners can watch boats drift by along the meandering river while also seeing the span of the London skyline.

Barge House St, London SE1 9PH, oxotowerrestaurant.com

Duck & Waffle

At Duck & Waffle the fun begins in the lifts, which feel like you’re shooting up into the sky. It’s located on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower, and being open 24/7 means you can catch the stunning panoramic views whenever you fancy. It’s the kind of place people go to be seen – but it’s smaller and less showy than its sister SUSHISAMBA, which sits a few floors below. An early breakfast is particularly magical here – catch the sun rising over the city, and give their titular dish a whirl: two fluffy waffles topped with crisp-skinned duck confit and a fried duck egg, drizzled in maple syrup – sounds strange, but it’s surprisingly tasty. More of a night owl? You’ll be well catered for with their late night menu, available from 11.30-5am. Who wouldn’t want duck ‘n’ cheese at three in the morning?

110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY, duckandwaffle.com

The Gun

Off-the-beaten-track gastropub The Gun is a bit of a walk from Canary Wharf, but it’s well worth going out of your way for. Perched right on the Thames, the stylish pub boasts lovely views of the 02 and Greenwich – particularly from its waterside terrace, which fills up quickly during the summer months. Despite undergoing a lengthy refurbishment recently, The Gun maintains its history and heritage, with long-cherished features such as open fires and wooden panelling. Head there on a Sunday afternoon for a tasty roast with a view.

Docklands, 27 Coldharbour, London E14 9NS, thegundocklands.com

TĪNG Restaurant

Also well worth a visit in The Shard is TĪNG, an Asian-inspired spot on level 35 (the venue’s highest restaurant). Floor-to-ceiling windows offer some of the best 360 views in the capital, with food available from breakfast through to afternoon tea and evening, plus a suitably stylish selection of cocktails. The restaurant has recently launched a five-course whimsical menu, which focuses on locally and ethically sourced ingredients. Think miso aubergine croquettes, steamed wild Scottish halibut, dry aged beef fillet and more, alongside a plant-based alternative featuring organic delica pumpkin, and celeriac and truffle tart.

Level 35, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9QU, ting-shangri-la.com

Aqua Shard

No list of restaurants with the best views in London would be complete without some mention of the Shard, which towers 306m above ground. Half way up on the 31st floor you’ll find Aqua, an upscale, stylish spot with floor-to-ceiling windows. Nab a table beside one of them for a truly breathtaking dining experience – particularly at night, when the London panorama is lit up with thousands of twinkling lights. The menu offers a selection of contemporary British dishes made with fresh ingredients and luxurious flavours. Enjoy alongside freshly-muddled cocktails, courtesy of the centrepiece bar, and expect great service, with friendly, helpful staff to make your Shard experience all the more amazing. Unsurprisingly the sky-high location comes with a price tag to match, but it’s the perfect place for special occasions.

Level 31, The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY, aquashard.co.uk

Sabine

Another City hotspot is Sabine, located on the seventh floor of the Leonardo Royal Hotel. Lots of sky-high bars have stellar views – but Sabine’s USP is its proximity to St Paul’s, which feels so close you could almost touch it. The lush, plant-filled terrace is idyllic year-round – though if it’s a bit chilly, the inside-outside conservatory makes a good compromise, complete with a retractable roof. Inside is equally pretty too, with tropical greenery and living walls continuing the botanical theme. Cocktails are seasonal, which means the current menu is filled with warming tipples like the Sweet and Cosy, made with spiced rum and fig liqueur. On the food side, the menu offers a mix of small and larger plates, with influence from a range of different cuisines. Think goat’s cheese arancini, miso mushroom skewers, baked focaccia and braised short ribs.

10 Godliman St, London EC4V 5AJ, sabinelondon.co.uk

JOIA

Perched atop the chic art’otel Battersea, JOIA is a feast for the eyes – expect stylish avant garde interiors in baby pinks and blues, accented by gold finishes and table lamps. But it’s equally exciting for the stomach, with a stellar menu from celebrated Portuguese chef Henrique Sá Pessoa in his first London restaurant. Pick from a short but comprehensive menu centred on sharing plates. Start with bombas or croquetas, perfectly crispy morsels of potato and either beef and sausage or vegetables (la bombas) or Iberico ham (croqueta). Then, the petiscos (snacks in Portugal): try a generous bowl of plump mussels, refreshingly topped with garlic, coriander and chilli – or the delicate octopus salad. For mains, don’t miss the catch of the day, cooked delicately and simply so the fish can shine, and deboned right beside the table.

But, set 15 floors up, the views are the scene stealer: gaze across the art deco Battersea Power Station, its towering white chimneys contrasted against the sundowning sky. It’s a stunning view, only improved by one of JOIA’s delicious cocktails; the Perola (Peach shrub, peach liqueur, lillet, rhubarb bitters, champagne) is a delightfully sweet beginning, or try the Port Old Fashioned (sandeman tawny port, sugar, bitters) for a Portuguese twist on a grown-up classic. By Olivia Emily

1 Electric Blvd, Nine Elms, London SW11 8BJ, joiabattersea.co.uk

Wagtail

Sitting just round the corner from Monument is Wagtail, a rooftop restaurant and bar located atop a 1920s building. From the outdoor terrace (which has a retractable roof), you get a view of many of the city’s most famous restaurants, with the Shard, St Paul’s and the Walkie Talkie all within eyeshot. Its location means it’s often filled with schmoozing City types, but on weekends the bottomless brunch pulls in diners from far and wide: enjoy dishes like lobster rolls, burgers and risotto alongside free-flowing fizz. 

68 King William St, London EC4N 7HR, wagtaillondon.com

Decimo

Perched on the 10th floor of one of London’s coolest hotels, The Standard in King’s Cross, is Decimo, a buzzy restaurant helmed by esteemed chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias. Wherever you’re sitting, you can enjoy excellent views of the city, with floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace. The menu fuses Spanish and Mexican cuisine, with tacos, Iberico pork, and gambas rojas all on offer, alongside an array of mezcal and tequila cocktails. The eatery has a young, fun vibe, with a lively brunch on Saturdays complete with music from DJs.

10th Floor, 10 Argyle St, London WC1H 8EG, decimo.london

Lucky Cat at 22 Bishopsgate

Taking the crown from Duck & Waffle as London’s highest restaurant is Lucky Cat, the glitzy restaurant perched atop 22 Bishopsgate. Part of Gordon Ramsay’s ever-expanding restaurant empire, the eatery recently opened its doors after much anticipation, and we can confirm it lives up to the hype. Perched on Level 60, 269 metres into the sky, the restaurant offers breathtaking, 360 views of the city skyline, with floor-to-ceiling windows all around the venue. On a clear winter’s night, the capital sparkles beneath you – those lucky enough to nab a window seat will struggle to peel their eyes away. On the menu you’ll find the signature Japanese-inspired fare of Lucky Cat, including sushi, robata grills and a dedicated section for wagyu beef, alongside negronis, martinis and signature cocktails.

22 Bishopsgate, City of London, London EC2N 4BQ, gordonramsayrestaurants.com