Decadence epitomised, fine dining is undeniably an elegant affair a privileged few are privy to. Crisp tablecloths, shining cutlery, flutes of vintages, and a sumptuous feast all harmonise to create an elevated culinary sojourn. Known for its massive corporations, high-end real estate, and hip exhibitions, Canary Wharf is London’s natty industrial hub. Affluence, sophistication, and class characterise this southeastern locale – needless to say, it abounds with restaurants that furnish the ultimate upscale dining experience. Read on to discover the best haute cuisine spots in Canary Wharf.
1. Six by Nico
Six by Nico is an inventive blend of gourmet food and storytelling – their six-course menu changes every six weeks, and each menu is inspired by a specific memory, a pop culture reference, or a personal experience. Guests are not only treated to wholesome meals and exclusive wine pairings but also intimate glimpses of Chef Nico’s mind.
With dark ebony panels, marble tabletops, futuristic light-bulb fixtures, and monochromatic artwork, Six by Nico aptly mimics Canary Wharf’s industrial chicness. Chintzy chairs, sillitoe tartan flooring, and metal shelves filled with plants weave bursts of colour and character into the establishment.
At the time of writing, Six is celebrating the humble fish and chips – specifically, the fish and chips from a “chippie,” which is a neighbourhood haunt specialising in the dish. Bursting with flavour and evoking strong feelings of nostalgia, the Chippie menu has been a critical and commercial success.
2. Hawksmoor
A joint for juicy British cuts and snazzy cocktails, Hawksmoor presents the ultimate steak fine dining experience.
A floating pavilion in Wood Wharf, the contemporary restaurant resides at dock-level, gently bobbing with the ebb and flow of the tides. Timber panels, wooden flooring, corporate light pendants, and sharply symmetrical cabinetry evoke the locale’s à la mode appeal. Aglow in soft hues of gold with candles and fairy lights in the evening, this riverbound establishment is certainly a romantic nook in the otherwise industrial neighbourhood.
Boasting sustainable produce, Hawksmoor presents a handsome menu fit for self-proclaimed carnivores. Matured cuts, from sirloin to ribeye, rump, and chateaubriand, are some of the restaurant’s treasured culinary marvels. The kingly menu also features bounties such as monkfish, lobster, and grilled bone marrow. Joined at the hip by the Hawksmoor Bar, guests are in for classy flutes of bubbly and unrivalled martinis with spectacular views of the shimmering lake.
3. Gaucho Canary Wharf
Gaucho is a luxury steakhouse nestled on the southeastern bank of the River Thames with stunning views of the city’s financial district.
The stylish dining lounge hosts maze-like light fixtures, leather banquettes, and wine cellars. Staunchly dedicated to a black colour palette, Gaucho imparts a rich and arcane vibe. Its al-fresco arena is outfitted with bubble-like domes that shelter 4-seater tables.
The fillet-steak salad, dry-rubbed spatchcock chicken, and the whole-grilled sea bass are some of Gaucho’s signature dishes. They also take pride in their specialty cuts and their extensive range of sauces. A proudly conscious kitchen, all the meat at Gaucho is 100% carbon-offset and pairs well with their bespoke collection of vintages.
4. Roka
Famous for its “robatayaki,” – a cooking method in which various chunks of food are heated at different speeds over charcoal – Roka is one of London’s most renowned Japanese restaurants.
Keyaki wood cloaks the establishment, from the walls to the flooring and pillars. Its open kitchen is like a stage, which spotlights the chef and their magic in all its splendour. Concealed light fixtures dot the restaurant, bathing the dining lounge in soft yellow-gold hues.
The spicy aromas and visual spectacle of authentic Japanese cookery conjure an incredibly infectious atmosphere. From special weekend brunches to luxury seafood extravaganzas, guests are in for the ultimate Japanese fine-dining experience. Roka sushi, robata grilled chops, maki rolls, and gyoza are on the signature lunch menu. For libations, Roka boasts specialty cocktails that blend real sakes and botanical cordials, as well as wines from Italy and Portugal.
5. Scarpetta
“Scarpetta” translates to the act of sopping up leftover sauces from a plate or pot with a piece of bread. This act of lapping up a meal down to its very last crumbs is an inexplicable and utterly simple pleasure, and it is the guiding principle of this restaurant.
Dichromatic wooden flooring, rustic bistro furniture, and a vintage-tiled open kitchen make for a charming retreat. A lush foliage canopy, bejewelled with fairy lights, is a tasteful showstopper in the restaurant’s interior.
The real star, however, is undoubtedly the food. Artisanal Italian cuisine furnished with authentic aperol and prosecco truly transports guests to an osteria in Italy. Fresh pasta, kneaded and rolled out using flour from Southern Italy, is Scarpetta’s claim to fame. The full-bodied Tuscany bordeaux is one of their most illustrious bottles from the bespoke wine collection.
6. Goodman
Referred to as “the perfect local” by Londoners, the Goodman steak has steadfastly remained a household name in the meat-loving country. Paired with a mean Pornstar Martini, steak aficionados with a taste for life’s finer things are in for a treat at Goodman.
Plush leather banquettes, low-hanging light pendants, and luscious dark wooden panels adorn the restaurant. A riverside establishment, the glimmering Thames and its boats are a sight to behold, especially during sundown. Candle-lit by night, the restaurant is certainly a fairytale-esque escape from the corporate bustle of Canary Wharf. Their private dining room can seat six to eight people.
A specialty cut of the day is handpicked by chefs from their state-of-the-art ageing room – the beef is selected, primed, and cut by hand for each guest, demonstrating rapt attention to detail and a keen dedication to the craft. Additionally, oysters, prawn tempura, Japanese A5 Wagyu, and pan-fried salmon are on the menu. Goodman’s Sunday roast is hugely popular, and for the ultimate fine dining experience, guests may indulge in a cocktail or two – the martinis, in particular, are undoubtedly divine.
7. Coco
Esteemed continental and Asian gastronomy paired with alcohol-free cocktail mastery define Coco’s forte – this restaurant is famous for its elevated cuisine and advocacy for sobriety.
Velvet booths, silk-draped chairs, iridescent yellow cushions, ruby tapestries, and a cherry-blossom-populated ceiling adorn Coco. Bejewelled and lit up to boot, blingy light fixtures, mosaic mirror work, and patterned leather panels zhuzh up the lounge, creating a striking kaleidoscopic feast for the eyes.
Their start-studded eclectic menu flaunts the likes of lamb shish, tandoori mixed grill, duck tacos, and Tomahawk steaks. As an alcohol-free establishment, Coco is a teetotaler’s haven – their new redemption menu presents booze-free renditions of classics. For an even more extravagant affair, gold-speckled “wines” are an excellent choice.
8. Ibérica
Ibérica brings authentic Spanish gastronomy, wine, and beer to London under the skilled guidance of Michelin-starred chef Nacho Manzano.
The restaurant is an evocative rendition of an actual Spanish comedor. Tessellated tiling that resembles the flooring of tapas bars in Andalusia, vintage paintings, bona fide newspaper cuttings, and pottery that celebrates the Celtic legacy of Asturias imbue veracious Spanish flavours into the space.
Made lovingly with real Spanish ingredients, cured meats, tapas plates, and artisan cheeses are presented on the menu. Their signature dish is the “Jamón Ibérico,” which is an aged pork leg that comes from black Iberian pigs that feed on acorns and are raised in oak forests. The bountiful eats, when paired with a lush sherry or a sparkling gava, make for a magnificent spread.
9. Ivy in the Park
One of Canary Wharf’s most celebrated luxury restaurants, Ivy in the Park, is known for its classical British fare, masterful mixology, and afternoon teas.
Spread across two floors, the restaurant hosts a main dining room, a private dining area called the “Butterfly Room,” a terrace, and a bar. In all its adoration for verdure, it also has its very own orangery. Every space teems with labyrinthine creepers, fresh plumes of flowers, and velveteen banquettes. Copper-stemmed furniture and abstract mirror work embolden the elevated ambience of the restaurant.
Their plant-based options, such as the Ivy burger and the slow-roasted aubergine, have won over countless vegans over the years. Moreover, their signatures, such as Shepherd's Pie and lobster linguine, are timeless favourites. Amalfi-inspired cocktails, such as the “La Dolce Vita Spritz” (a wonderful blend of prosecco, gin rosa, and botanical cordials), enliven the fine dining experience.
Standing tall as London’s prime financial capital, Canary Wharf testifies to the city’s wealth, sophistication, and cosmopolitan appeal. Known for hosting a medley of fine pleasures, it is studded with fine dining establishments to boot. As you embark on the ultimate fine dining experience in London's very own urbane paradise, remember to relish all the flavours, from the classics to the latest game-changers.
