While the district of Canary Wharf is now known as the finance hub of London, it hasn’t always been such a valuable section of the city. Starting in the 1980s, the district was revitalised and slowly transformed into the popular London neighbourhood it is today. Canary Wharf is known for its office buildings, retail areas and impressive residences. Many major financial institutions have offices in this area, including JP Morgan, Barclays and Credit Suisse. A number of other major companies favour Canary Wharf as a location for important offices and headquarters, with Apple being one of the most notable alongside The Daily Telegraph.
As the popularity of Canary Wharf has continued to grow, more and more establishments have started to capitalise on this. Many of these, especially in recent years, have been restaurants. Steakhouses and vegan restaurants alike line the streets of this renowned district, providing ample places for meeting clients or leaving the office for a quick lunch. There is truly something for everyone when it comes to the restaurants of Canary Wharf, from casual to fine dining alike. Here are some of the highlights this finance hub has to offer:
Roe
This modern seafood restaurant in Canary Wharf has a focus on sustainably sourced British fish and shellfish. The atmosphere at Roe is simultaneously casual and refined with its modern, minimalistic aesthetic and neutral colour palette. The inclusion of subtle nautical touches like the soft blue hues and marine-inspired accents tie the menu and the environment together in a satisfying cohesion. The menu is crafted by the head chef Simon Whiteside and features numerous innovative dishes like fresh oysters served with a selection of mignonettes that offer a fresh taste of the ocean, and an indulgent lobster risotto that combines creamy textures into a refined meal. The emphasis on seasonal simplicity and the natural flavour of the sea makes for an inviting environment. With large windows showing off an impressive view of the river, Roe is a go-to spot for both casual meals and special occasions.
Hawksmoor Wood Wharf
Hawksmoor Wood Wharf is a renowned steakhouse that brings an excellent dining experience to a vibrant business district. With an emphasis on quality and ethical sourcing, Hawksmoor offers premium meats prepared to perfection over charcoal grills. The interior design blends modern sophistication with some classic designs by integrating warm wood accents and leather seating, and Hawksmoor fosters an inviting atmosphere suited to business lunches and special meals alike. Some of the most popular menu offerings include Chateaubriand, a rich and tender sharing cut as well as a generous T-bone steak that combines sirloin and fillet. For dessert, a favourite is the sticky toffee pudding, a long beloved classic that is both rich and comforting. The bar serves an extensive selection of drinks, including craft cocktails, which adds to the restaurant’s versatility as both a delicious dining spot and a great place for after-work drinks.
Royal China
Celebrated for its authentic Cantonese cuisine, Royal China is a stylish Chinese restaurant located on the Canary Wharf waterfront. Offering stunning views of the Thames, it is a popular destination for both business and leisure. Dark wood gilded with contrasting gold accents gives this elegant restaurant a welcoming and polished ambiance, and it offers the perfect combination of good service and good food. The restaurant is known for its Dim Sum, with selections of prawn dumplings, char siu pork buns and crispy spring rolls that are freshly prepared on a daily basis. Other popular offerings include Peking Duck, a luxurious, roasted duck dish that is carved on demand and served with thin pancakes as well as a traditional favourite in sweet and sour pork which combines tender pork with a tangy sauce. These expertly crafted meals really do show off the very best that Cantonese cooking can offer.
Dishoom
This vibrant restaurant is a beautiful homage to the old Irani cafes of Bombay with its brilliant blend of Indian authenticity and an energetic contemporary atmosphere. Dishoom’s interior is a reflection of the charming history of 1960’s Bombay, illustrated through vintage photographs, diverse design and stylish wooden furnishings. Dishoom has inspired menu options reminiscent of Bombay street food as well as unique dishes from the region, with the famous crispy bacon naan roll being one of their most popular offerings.. Another signature is the black daal, a rich, slow-cooked lentil dish full of deep flavours and seasoned with a unique spice blend. The Dishoom Biryani is another house classic, consisting of aromatic rice and layers of spiced meat or vegetables, served with a raita and a boiled egg. The restaurant is rounded out by an exceptionally well-crafted cocktail menu that features a number of Indian-inspired choices to add to the immersive cultural experience.
Six By Nico
For an innovative dining experience led by culinary excellence and a rotating six-course menu, look no further than Six By Nico. The clue is in the name with six courses that rotate every six weeks and are curated by Chef Nico Simeone. It offers a fresh and exciting dining adventure every rotation, with the menu often following an interesting theme such as fish and chips or Hollywood dining. The interior has a sleek modern design that is contemporary and elegant, bold colours adorn the walls and the black and white tiled floors provide a stunning contrast that is perfectly aligned with the creative dining concept. Some of the standout rotational menus include the classic Italian, featuring dishes like gnocchi with truffle and a tiramisu dessert; and the extremely creative ‘Seven Deadly Sins’ menu, offering dishes like pork belly with applesauce to represent sloth and a chocolate fondant for greed.
Canary Wharf is a thriving business hub that offers a unique and diverse selection of restaurants, all with impeccable service and the ability to cater for all tastes. From refined seafood at Roe to the impressive innovation of the menu at Six By Nico, the area promises a number of culinary delights to all visitors.
