The Shard, The Gherkin and The London Eye, who doesn’t know the iconic London skyline by heart? But it isn’t just the horizon filled with skyscrapers that are worth taking a look at –watery riverbanks, world-famous architecture and even beautifully bustling streets, there are spectacular views every turn you take in the capital.
London Restaurants with a View
As the city dazzles from every angle, there's no denying that dining with a view enhances the culinary experience. Join us as we explore the finest restaurants boasting breathtaking backdrops, where every meal becomes a feast for the eyes.
Duck & Waffle, City of London
Set in the Salesforce tower, Duck and Waffle looms over the city sitting proudly on the 40th floor of 110 Bishopsgate. Famed for its round-the-clock service, meaning you can pop in for a pre-work breakfast or a post-cocktail snack, this favoured hotspot is a lively blend of British and European flavours. The spectacle starts in the lift, which whooshes customers up to the restaurant, taking in views of the City of London below. Once up there, the incredible tableside panoramas are the perfect complement to executive chef Daniel Barbosa’s signature dish – you guessed it – duck and waffles.
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Hutong at The Shard, London Bridge
Being the first on this list not only to offer a stunning view but also to be a part of one of London’s most famous vistas, Hutong was one of the first restaurants in the Shard – not to mention one with the most consistently good reviews. Expect wonderful Chinese food with exceptional service. Not only do they do the classics – think Peking duck and egg fried rice – they also have (as one would expect) some more glamorous delights, including soft shell crab and a Schezuan cocktail called Comfortably Numb (don’t mind if I do). The real cherry on top of this ultra-high experience is, of course, seen through the windows. But where is the best to take in the sights I hear you ask. Everyone agrees it's the powder rooms, but don’t just take our word for it!
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Sky Garden's Darwin Brasserie, City of London
Atop the Walkie Talkie building, the Sky Garden houses Darwin Brasserie, a botanical oasis that sees former Great British Menu chef Kerth Gumbs in charge of the kitchen. The lush greenery gives an exotic feel to the elevated all-day dining menu, which is a clever combo of British ingredients and Caribbean flavours. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer uninterrupted views of iconic landmarks like St. Paul's Cathedral and the Thames, best to be enjoyed while sipping on an ocean-inspired cocktail.
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Aqua at the Shard, London Bridge
Just below Hutong on the 31st floor of The Shard is its sassier younger sister Aqua. While it calls itself a British restaurant, it ventures into a more fusion category at times. But what is particularly UK-centric is its afternoon tea, which has crowds flocking. Hereford beef tartare or truffled leek veloute start the show on the a la carte menu, while poached cod and barbary duck are wonderful main courses. While there is no doubt that people travel here for the view, it certainly isn’t style over substance, and you’ll be rubbing your tummy in delight as you take the long lift back down to the streets of the city.
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OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar & Brasserie, Southwark
Anyone in need of a pick-me-up should head to the South Bank, where the calm waters of the Thames mingle with buskers playing delightful tunes and gallery-goers taking a break from the modern art (the Tate Modern calls this spot home). It is also the setting for the iconic OXO Tower, which has not one, but three, places to take in the waterside view – the Restaurant, Bar, and Brasserie. Whether you find yourself indulging in modern British dishes in the Restaurant, sipping carefully crafted cocktails in the Bar, or relishing a casual – yet utterly delicious – pit-stop lunch at the Brasserie, the panoramic views of the Thames, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the City of London are the perfect backdrop to calm a weary soul.
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Galvin at Windows, Mayfair
Sitting like the jewel in the crown of the Hilton Park Lane, on the 28th floor of the Hilton Park Lane , Galvin at Windows is a Michelin-starred gem with sweeping views of the capital. Not only can you see Hyde Park and its verdant lawns, but you can also take a glimpse at practically every other part of London. Chef Patron Chris Galvin's modern French haute cuisine complements the restaurant's sleek interior, and you can expect delights such as twice-baked souffle and cured salmon with crab and caviar or Cornish cod, or dry-aged sirloin with ox cheek ravioli.
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Madison, St Paul’s
Atop One New Change near St. Paul's Cathedral, Madison is known across the city for its vast roof terrace and expansive indoor dining space. During the summer, which (fingers crossed) is fast approaching, this restaurant transforms, turning its iconic rooftop into a glamorous, bohemian paradise packed full of plants and palms. The resulting atmosphere is irresistibly delicious, making it difficult to leave, especially once you've guzzled a few of their delectable frozen cocktails. These are paired with margarita lobster tacos, smoked tofu poke bowls, and sumptuous steaks. What more could you ask for? Oh, I know – how about the sparkling lights of a world-famous cathedral? Well, they have that too!
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Searcys at The Gherkin, City of London
While the Searcys restaurant itself isn't exactly new, the skyline update that has got Londoners talking is the acquisition of Michelin-starred chef Barry Tonks. Tonks, known for his total excellence at other famed establishments, Arbutus and Les Deux Salons, has brought a fresh pair of culinary peepers to the place. The venue is ultra-exclusive – it only seats 70, meaning it feels utterly intimate, and each table looks over the city's skyline through the Gherkin’s famous diamond-shaped windows.
From the towering heights of The Gherkin to the tranquil banks of the Thames, these restaurants only add to London’s reputation as one of the best places to eat in the world. Whether you find yourself surrounded by the glittering city lights or gazing out over the serene waters of the Thames, London's skyline becomes an integral part of eating out. So, as spring starts to bloom and we dust off our tea dresses, consider exploring the wonderful sports where views are as much a part of the experience as the food.
