What better way to absorb the sights and sounds of the capital than from one of the many London restaurants with views? Luckily for locals and tourists alike, the capital serves up some of the finest culinary treats the world has to offer, covering everything from British classics, to international delicacies.
CITY OF LONDON
Madison
St. Paul's
Boasting panoramic views over St Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye and the Tate Modern, Madison restaurant has spectacular views of the London city skyline. Set atop the iconic One New Change building, the venue is home to one of Europe’s largest open-air roof terraces. Serving modern European dishes using regionally sourced produce and with a cocktail menu to boot, Madison makes for the perfect evening overlooking London’s oldest landmarks.
Rhodes 24
Moorgate
Gary Rhodes’ Michelin Star restaurant serves up regionally sourced delicacies on its British menu. Set inside one of London’s tallest buildings, Tower 42, the restaurant boasts stunning views across the top of the Gherkin, the South Bank and beyond through its huge windows. Menu specialties include braised oxtail cottage pie and pan fried skate wing, complemented by a bespoke range of cocktails. Rhodes 24 is a chic, sleek dining space.
Free online booking available here
Coq d'Argent
Bank
For classic French cooking, look no further than Coq d’Argent, meeting all your dining requirements by offering fine and casual dining in the restaurant. Situated in the heart of the Square Mile and nestled on top of No.1 Poultry, Coq d’Argent offers enviable views of St Paul’s and Mansion House, whilst taking in the greater skyline from its heated, covered rooftop terrace; perfect for al fresco dining all year round.
Free online booking available here
Quartier
Moorgate
With leather armchairs and mahogany flooring, Quartier restaurant serves a contemporary British menu in modern and stylish surroundings. Situated on the first floor of members-only Moorgate Club, the restaurant enjoys spectacular views of the London city skyline. Ideal for afternoon business lunches with its du jour menu, and evening diners can enjoy a glass of wine on the wraparound terrace before and after dining to soak up those stunning views.
High Timber
Blackfriars
Nestled next to the Millennium Bridge, High Timber is the only restaurant in London with tables on the banks of the River Thames. Serving Cumbrian cuts of 28 day matured beef from the grill, High Timber also boasts a cheese room, where the best of each season’s exquisite cheeses is exclusively available to diners. Its wine cellar also boasts over 40,000 bottles of both affordable and priceless vintage wines.
Duck & Waffle
Liverpool Street
Duck and Waffle restaurant epitomises cosmopolitan dining at its very best. Adopting a bistro-esque interior with leather booth seating and an open kitchen, the restaurant is flooded with natural light allowing for spectacular 40th floor views over the City and beyond. An Anglo-French menu offers a contemporary take on traditional dishes, with a great selection of serving plates and artisan cocktails available. The Foie gras all day breakfast is sure to be a menu highlight.
SushiSamba
Liverpool Street
Offering a unique blend of Japanese, Peruvian and Brazilian cuisine, SushiSamba have a passion for tri-cultural music and design, and its first international location is perched on the 38th and 39th floors of London’s Heron Tower. With spectacular restaurant views of the City, SushiSamba’s London branch also boasts an outdoor Tree Bar and a vibrant contemporary interior. Sushi dishes offered on the extensive menu include octopus, black cod and coconut rice.
Sky Lounge
Tower Hill
Sky Lounge is a cocktail lounge with a difference; its rooftop gardens have outstanding views of London’s Tower Bridge, The Tower of London, the Gherkin and St Paul’s Cathedral from the north and south terraces. Offering an eclectic mix of cocktails and a wide selection of whiskies, fine wines and bottled beers in sleek, chic surroundings. The venue’s terraces play host to al fresco BBQ dining through the summer months.
Northbank
Blackfriars
With a Cornish influenced British menu, Northbank is passionate about sourcing fresh ingredients seasonally. Specialities include the loin of Exmoor venison with red cabbage and the rump of Cornish lamb with truffled mash. Nestled under the Millennium Bridge, the quirky restaurant has spectacular Thameside views of the river and beyond. Free champagne is offered to ladies every Thursday evening.
Free online booking available here
Smiths of Smithfield
Farringdon
This Grade II listed restaurant is situated in the heart of London’s Smithfield Market, and is in fact where William Wallace was hung, drawn and quartered. If that historical fact whets your appetite, the venue serves fish, meat and rare breed beef, and boasts city views across London from the timber-decked terrace. Each of the four floors has a distinct style for food and design, apt for such an individual venue.
40/30 at the Gherkin
Aldgate
Housed in one of the most iconic buildings in London, 40/30 at the Gherkin offers a dining space with 360 degree views of London. Standing 180 metres above ground, the panoramic views afforded here are astonishing by day or by night. A spiral staircase leads into a vast space flooded with natural light from the glass dome. The venue is only available to hire for private dining, weddings and business meetings.
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WEST END OF LONDON
Galvin at Windows
Mayfair
Serving up Michelin star food, this French fine dining restaurant is situated on the 28th floor of London Hilton on Park Lane, Mayfair. With 360 degree views over the London city skyline, Galvin at Windows allows for panoramic views over Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace. With its interior evoking images of the 1930’s golden age, the restaurant is perfect for night time views to take in the city lights.
Free online booking available here
Paramount
Bloomsbury
Perched on top of London’s iconic Centre Point tower, Paramount is a restaurant with stunning cosmopolitan views over the city, taking in the Gherkin, The London Eye and Big Ben. The sleek modern venue serves a sophisticated European menu, and diners can enjoy 360 degree views from the champagne bar viewing gallery, situated on the top floor. Dine at sunset to take in both the daytime and evening skyline.
The Terrace
Piccadilly
Floor to ceiling windows flood The Terrace with natural light, allowing for spectacular views over the heart of Piccadilly and the London skyline. With a modern British grill menu, specialties are understandably its meat and fish dishes. The restaurant also pays homage to quintessential English traditions with its own G&T bar, serving afternoon tea with a G&T rather than a pot of Earl Grey, for a unique afternoon tea experience.
Free online booking available here
The Heights
London Bridge
Situated on the 15th floor of the Saint George’s Hotel, The Heights Restaurant is ideal for all day dining, serving continental and English breakfast as well as afternoon tea for a quintessentially British experience. The a la Carte menu has a distinct modern European flavour, with a selection of tapas and sharing dishes available. Its self-titled walls of windows offer stunning views over the bustling city of London below.
Portrait Restaurant
Charing Cross
Standing 92 feet above ground level at the top of the National Portrait Gallery, Portrait restaurant has enviable views of London’s landmarks such as Big Ben and Nelson’s Column, making it one of the capital’s most sought after dining areas. Offering a seasonal British menu with locally sourced ingredients and an extensive cocktail menu, the restaurant is flooded with light from its wall of windows, allowing for those sensational views.
Free online booking available here
Aqua Kyoto
Oxford Circus
Renowned Hong Kong based restaurant group Aqua's Kyoto branch boasts unparalleled views of central London from its fifth floor rooftop terrace. The Japanese restaurant offers diners the chance to escape from London city life with its beautiful interior, featuring dimmed lighting, painted wall murals, plush velvet seating and a huge Japanese lantern centrepiece. Its extensive food and wine menus and in-house sushi bar are guaranteed to meet all dining requirements.
Free online booking available here
Inn the Park
St. James's
Providing a natural oasis in the heart of London, Inn the Park, part of Peyton & Byrne restaurant group, has stunning views of the plants and ponds of St James’ Park. With a wooden cabin design, the eco-friendly restaurant offers a modern British menu, serving delicious summer starters of chilled tomato soup and crab salad. Take in the wildlife from the wooden terrace whilst enjoying brunch for an ideal morning.
Amphitheatre Restaurant at Royal Opera House
Covent Garden
Enjoying a top floor location in London’s landmark Royal Opera House, the Amphitheatre Restaurant boasts stunning views across Covent Garden’s piazza. With a modern international menu that includes seasonal specials, the restaurant’s walls are adorned with images from iconic Royal Opera House productions and fresh flowers are found on every table. Open to the public daily, dining in the evening is exclusive to ticket holders for the evening’s performance.
RS Hispaniola
Aldwych
Enjoying iconic status on the London dining scene for over 30 years, R.S. Hispaniola is permanently docked at Victoria Embankment. The restaurant boat affords views of the Houses of Parliament and St Paul’s Cathedral from the sun terrace and upper deck. Its European menu, which adds contemporary twists to Mediterranean cuisine, is immaculately presented. A resident pianist accompanies dinner three evenings per week, with pre and post theatre dining available.
Free online booking available here
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SOUTH EAST LONDON
Dim T
London Bridge
Fancy constructing your own Asian dish or watching as chefs create your own dim sum? Look no further than Dim T, the Asian dim sum restaurant with its own Noodle Bar where you can select from a range of noodles, toppings and sauces to cater for individual tastes. Housed on the banks of the River Thames, the restaurant has spectacular views of Tower Bridge through its floor to ceiling windows.
Gaucho
Tower Bridge
With its sleek, minimalist décor, it seems only appropriate that Gaucho has a cigar and cognac menu as a side order to the hearty European-inspired grill menu, serving up Argentinian 35-day matured steaks and lobster ceviche, accompanied by rare and fine wines. Situated on the South Bank of the River Thames, the restaurant boasts riverside views of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Wine tasting packages are also available.
OXO Tower
South Bank
Situated in the iconic landmark on the south bank skyline, the OXO Tower restaurant offers modern British cuisine with tantalizing pan-Asian flavours and boasts incredible views over the Thames and London city from the 250 foot terrace bar. Enjoying an 8th floor location, the fine dining restaurant also has a superb vegetarian/vegan menu, and has experienced sommeliers on hand to assist in selecting from the 800-strong fine wine list.
Free online booking available here
Skylon
South Bank
Self-proclaimed as the jewel of the South Bank, British brasserie Skylon offers retro dining and a chic cocktail bar from its third floor location. Situated in the Royal Festival Hall, the restaurant enjoys stunning views from Westminster to St Paul’s Cathedral through its floor to ceiling windows. The elegant restaurant offers both formal and relaxed dining to suit all dining parties, and a tasting menu is also available.
Free online booking available here
Blueprint Café
Shad Thames
In an elevated position above the Design Museum, Blueprint Café has a picturesque riverside position, with views of the Thames, taking in sights such as Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf. Its modern European menu changes seasonally, and is accompanied by an extensive wine menu. The restaurant hosts regular dining and exhibition events, where you can watch the world drift on by after taking in an exhibition in the museum below.
Free online booking available here
Level 7 Restaurant at Tate Modern
Bankside
Level 7 Restaurant at Tate Modern offers high quality, seasonal produce on its modern British menu. With views overlooking St Paul’s Cathedral and beyond, the restaurant also serves up afternoon and cream tea on an English cake stand. Children aged 12 and under eat free when an accompanying adult buys a main course and dessert.
The Swan at the Globe
Bankside
Why not take afternoon tea with a difference? The Globe, in the heart of Bankside at Shakespeare’s Globe offers a Gentleman’s afternoon tea menu, accompanied by a bottle of London Pride instead of a pot of special blend. The kitsch décor includes industrial hanging light bulbs and vintage design pieces. Taking in sights such as the Thames and St Paul’s Cathedral, pre and post-theatre dining from the European menu is available.
Trafalgar Tavern
Greenwich
Quirky restaurant Trafalgar Tavern, with its riverfront views, maintains its nineteenth century vibe through the preservation of many original features, such as its balconies and columns, ceiling coving and sash windows. Offering a traditional English menu, the venue plays homage to its British heritage through its specially commissioned statue of Lord Nelson. With spectacular views of the Thames, Trafalgar Tavern is the epitome of a traditional English public house.
Roast
London Bridge
Perched on top of Borough Market, Roast offers a calm sanctuary above the hustle and bustle of the market below, accompanied by the notes of the in-house grand piano. With views over the market from the restaurant’s huge sash windows that flood the venue with natural light, Roast offers quintessentially English cuisine. Roast is proud to celebrate British farmers and produce, many of whom are stallholders in the market.
Free online booking available here
Butler’s Wharf Chop House
Shad Thames
On the banks of the river Thames, with spectacular views of Tower Bridge, Butler’s Wharf Chop House offers seasonal British produce in very English surroundings. The décor is a tribute to an English boathouse, with wooden patio doors opening for al fresco dining. The bar and terraces have been transformed into an English country garden, complete with a lawn, cherry blossom and flowers, making it a unique space for 2012.
Free online booking available here
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SOUTH WEST LONDON
Thai Square
Putney Bridge
With award winning architectural design, Thai Square at Putney Bridge offers stunning views over the River Thames. Its exterior resembles that of a ship, with metal beams and tall, glazed windows, and the venue has a chic Thai interior to complement the visual masterpiece. Immaculately presented dishes consist of authentic fresh ingredients flown over from Thailand on a daily basis. Thai Square offers Thai cuisine at its absolute best.
Free online booking available here
Patrisey
Battersea
Revel in the excitement of the comings and goings of the on-site London heliport at Patrisey restaurant, situated in the boutique Hotel Verta overlooking the river Thames. Offering contemporary British cuisine made with fresh, locally sourced produce, the restaurant prides itself on its style with substance. The outdoor terrace makes for perfect al fresco dining, where you can soak up the sunshine and the skyline whilst watching the helicopters land.
China Boulevard
Wandsworth
Escape from the crowded seats of Chinatown and enjoy traditional and innovative contemporary Asian cuisine at China Boulevard, situated on the River Thames. The open plan venue allows for panoramic views of the river Thames and beyond, with additional views to be enjoyed from its mezzanine level. Cosy, ambient lighting and a spacious interior allows for an intimate yet relaxed dining experience. Pre-bookable space for private parties is available.
The Fish Place
Battersea
The menu is in the name; serving up a modern seafood cuisine with trademark twists. The Fish Place offers fresh fish caught daily by local fishermen in an enviable position on the embankment of the River Thames. With panoramic views, could there be a better place to enjoy lobster tortellini than in elegant, waterfront surroundings? However, for those not so nautically inclined, seasonal meat and vegetarian dishes are available.
Free online booking available here
The Depot
Barnes
During World War II, the venue that now houses The Depot served as a barracks for air raid wardens. Now a rustic brasserie maintaining its individual charms with arched sash windows, it has a fantastic summer terrace and conservatory with wonderful riverside views, which is ideal for al fresco dining from the summer lunch menu, serving up treats such as aromatic beetroot salad and twice baked goats cheese soufflé.
Free online booking available here
Serpentine Bar and Kitchen
Knightsbridge
For a rustic, country feel, head to Serpentine Bar and Kitchen for its modern English and traditional French menu. Dishes are cooked to perfection in its wood fired oven, representing the best of seasonal food inspired from its garden setting. Highlights include fish finger butties, freshly made pizzas and wild mushroom risotto with artichoke crisps. The restaurant’s Hyde Park location boasts an outdoor terrace with beautiful views of the park.
The Wharf
Teddington
Converted from an old boathouse, The Wharf Teddington enjoys stunning views that take in the lock, the river bend and riverbanks. With a delicious seafood menu offering grilled lobster and Dungeness crab cakes, it also serves up market specials of venison and 35 day matured steak for those not so nautically inclined. The venue hosts Sunday three course jazz lunches, accompanied by the sounds of Tracy Ray & the Mojos.
Chelsea Riverside Brasserie
West Brompton
With its spectacular Chelsea Harbour location, Chelsea Riverside Brasserie’s menu consists of British takes on classic dishes using locally sourced ingredients. Immaculately presented, the restaurant’s signature dish is line caught sea bass, served with crushed potatoes, baby leeks and lemongrass sauce. With an outdoor terrace, the venue has sensational views of the marina from inside and out through its huge windows. A chic city restaurant if ever there was one.
Free online booking available here
Altitude 360
Millbank
With a sleek, minimalist interior, Altitude 360 is an ideal space for Christmas parties or wedding receptions to remember. Situated in the tallest riverside building on the River Thames, the venue unsurprisingly offers panoramic views of the London city skyline that stretches for miles. The Grade II listed building offers a total of nine event spaces including restaurants, making it an ideal location for a bespoke events and dinner parties.
NORTH LONDON
Feng Shang Princess
Regents Park
Created in the 1980s, the Feng Shang Princess is the first floating restaurant of its kind in London. Parked alongside the canal boats in Regents Park, if it wasn’t for the stunning greenery outside you could be forgiven for believing you were in Asia, what with the oh-so-Chinese décor of gilt murals on the panelled walls. Fantastically presented dishes and an extensive Chinese menu make it a Londoner’s favourite.
Free online booking available here
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WEST LONDON
Minako at the Met
Marylebone
Dine at Minako at the Hilton London Metropole and view the London city skyline twinkling down below. Minako’s enviable 23rd floor location allows for spectacular views of Tower Bridge and the London Eye. Serving contemporary pan-Asian cuisine, pulling away from the traditional in everything from preparation to presentation. The venue also features an impressive wine vault, where the resident sommelier can select the perfect wine to complement the Asian flavours.
Free online booking available here
Min Jiang
Kensington
With views over Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park from its 10th floor location, Min Jiang offers a haven from the bustle of London city life. The traditional meets contemporary Chinese décor is reflected in the menu, with signature dishes including Beijing duck and spicy Sichuan. The restaurant’s bar offers a range of Chinese teas and specialty cocktails. A four-course express lunch menu is offered mid-week; perfect for lunchtime pit stops.
Free online booking available here
Babylon
Kensington
With a seventh floor rooftop garden offering panoramic views across the London skyline, Babylon is at its peak during the summer months, when crowds head in droves for the al fresco dining in the London sunshine. Serving a mix of contemporary and classic British fayre in stylish surroundings, dinner is accompanied by live jazz on Tuesday evenings. Stroll through the beautiful sprawling gardens afterwards and spot the resident flamingos.
Free online booking available here
The Summerhouse
Paddington
Situated on the Grand Union Canal, The Summerhouse is the perfect summer restaurant, serving up summer salads and fish and chips whilst canal boats go sailing past. Offering a classic bistro menu, the venue maintains its nautical theme through ticking stripe seating, painted wooden panelling and sunflowers in watering cans for that retro riverboat feel. An extensive cocktail menu serves up Pimm's Mojitos and white peach Bellini’s among others.
Free online booking available here
Le Café Anglais
Bayswater
The buzzy French bistro that is Le Café Anglais, nestled atop of Whitley’s shopping centre, offers escapism from the army of shoppers below. With an art deco inspired interior, including a huge open kitchen and floor to ceiling lead panelled windows, leather booth seating and a curved banqueting oyster bar, the restaurant enjoys sensational views across central London from its top floor location. London by location but Parisian at heart.
Free online booking available here
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EAST LONDON
The Boundary
Shoreditch
For simple and delicious French cuisine, look no further than The Boundary, which offers regional French food alongside quintessential classics, using seasonal British ingredients whenever possible. Housed in an original Victorian warehouse, the venue has preserved the original brickwork and sash windows. Its rooftop garden boasts panoramic views from Canary Wharf to the Barbican. The rooftop space is equipped with heating, festoon lighting and Welsh blankets to keep you cosy.
River Lounge
St. Katharine's Dock
Serving contemporary Italian fayre, River Lounge restaurant, based in the heart of St Katharine’s dock, enjoys spectacular views of London’s Tower Bridge and the Thames. With its chefs originating from Sardinia, Turin and Naples, River Lounge offers the taste of authentic Italy, and a wine list supplied from vineyards across the globe to complement its menu. Its intimate atmosphere makes it an ideal venue for romantic dining or business lunches.
Brasserie at Tower Hotel
St. Katharine's Dock
The relaxed atmosphere and ambient lighting create an airy space perfect for dining from the modern European menu, reflecting the cultural influences of its head chef. Situated on the north bank of the River Thames overlooking St Katharine’s Dock, the restaurant offers stunning views of London’s Tower Bridge through the floor to ceiling windows. Its close proximity to Tower Bridge makes it the perfect venue for business and celebration lunches.
Free online booking available here
River View
Wapping
Serving authentic Chinese cuisine to Londoners for over twenty years, the converted warehouse that is now home to Riverview Restaurant is a spacious venue with a warm and relaxed atmosphere. With an extensive menu, unusual dishes such as satay eels are available for a real taste of China. The restaurant also has a private roof terrace, where the wonderful views of the River Thames and Canary Wharf can be enjoyed.
Smith's
Wapping
Exposed brickwork and leather chesterfield sofas give a quirky old-age feel to Smiths in Wapping, so it seems appropriate that a cheeseboard is on the menu. Offering an extensive seafood and grill menu, the London branch of Smiths restaurant enjoys superb views of the River Thames and Tower Bridge due to its riverside location and floor to ceiling windows. Specialties include king scallops as well as many variations of lobster.
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DOCKLANDS AND CANARY WHARF
Gordon Ramsay's The Narrow
Docklands
Gordon Ramsay’s gastropub The Narrow, serving hearty British grub, is perfect for a relaxed summer evening. Situated on the banks of the River Thames and complete with a river terrace for spectacular views, the restaurant regularly showcases local talent by hosting up and coming musicians with an acoustic vibe. It also prides itself on its selection of guest ales available, making it the perfect country pub in a city location.
Free online booking available here
Azura
Canary Wharf
Situated in the Radisson Blu Edwardian New Provence Wharf, Azura restaurant offers beautiful views of the River Thames and the O2 Arena. Serving quintessentially British cuisine with a seasonal menu designed to showcase British produce at its best. The outdoor garden terrace with sofa seating allows for relaxing al fresco dining, affording breathtaking views of the New Provence Wharf and the Thames in the heart of the dynamic business capital.
Free online booking available here
Byblos Harbour
Docklands
Overlooking Canary Wharf, the sleek, modern Byblos Harbour serves up a modern Lebanese menu, offering a selection of hot and cold mezza, charcoal roasted lamb and grilled fish dishes to name a few. An extensive wine menu is available to complement the menu. Ideally located on the waterfront, the restaurant has breathtaking, cosmopolitan views of London’s Canary Wharf. Its location makes it ideal for business lunches or romantic evenings.
Plateau
Canary Wharf
This Manhattan style space complete with an open kitchen offers a contemporary backdrop to classic French cooking. Nestled in the heart of business capital, Plateau is a sleek, contemporary restaurant with dramatic cosmopolitan views of the glass and steel of Canary Wharf. The restaurant also exhibits art work from local gallery Artisan Fine Art, and holds art dinners and exhibition evenings to coincide with each new art season at Plateau.
Free online booking available here
The Gun
Docklands
For hearty British pub grub in a rustic venue, look no further than The Gun, situated on London’s docklands with views of the 02 Arena and the River Thames. With the venue dating back to the early eighteenth century, it has been a public house for over 250 years, and the age-old feel has been maintained through the log filled arches, a wooden terrace, open fires and hanging taxidermy.
Free online booking available here
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