You can be the most sceptical, unimpressed and cold person out there but we guarantee one of these views will coax a smile out of you. When going out to eat everyone has different priorities, the type of cuisine, value for money, service, Instagram potential or perhaps a 374 foot drop? In this list we’ve compiled the best restaurants with a view in London, where not only are the backdrops spectacular the food is pretty decent also.
Sushisamba
The first thing you notice about Sushisamba is the view – being on the 38th & 39th floors of the Heron Tower gives the restaurant a pretty good spot to look out over London from, not to mention the highest outdoor dining terrace in Europe. The decor is reminiscent of the sushi they offer, salmon shaded sofas with a nori (seaweed) black leather trim. This one’s on the expensive side, so best to save it for a special occasion.
Heron Tower, London EC2N 4AY
sushisamba.com
Hutong
Situated on the 33rd floor of the Shard, Hutong is the sister restaurant to Hutong in Hong Kong. There’s something about dining in the clouds, looking out below at the city, sitting back and enjoying a cocktail right? Picture that, accompanied with some of the best Northern Chinese food – signature dishes include lobster dumpling with Sichuan chilli sauce, roast Peking duck, and wagyu beef in hot & sour broth – you’ll find in the capital.
33 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY
hutong.co.uk
Bōkan 37
Bōkan 37, found on the 37th floor of the Novotel in Canary Wharf offers one of the best views in London. Tracing the river Thames into East London, you can’t fail to spot a landmark (or eight). Bōkan is set over three floors, one for the restaurant, one for the bar and one for the rooftop. The menu is short and changes seasonally, and with a former L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon chef in charge you’re in safe hands.
37th Floor, Novotel, 40 Marsh Wall, London, E14 9TP
Bokanlondon.co.uk
Seabird
Seabird is located on the top floor of The Hoxton, Southwark, meaning that views are spectacular. Not only are the views good, it’s also one of London’s best seafood restaurants. Though vertigo probably isn’t the best hangover cure, they do have a healthy offering of oysters to wash away the sins of the night before. Molluscs on ice, towering shellfish platters, fried scallops and langoustines all served up with a stellar view, what’s not to like?
40 Blackfriars Road 14th Floor, South Bank, London SE1 8NY
seabirdlondon.com
Duck & Waffle
On the 40th floor of Heron Tower, you’ll find Duck & Waffle. Let’s be honest, you’ve probably heard of it because the boujee spot takes all-day dining to the max providing breathtaking views of the capital 24 hours a day. In fact, it’s the tallest 24 hour restaurant in London. You can get seriously good food, including their signature duck & waffle dish, ox cheek doughnuts with apricot jam, lobster cocktail, and torrejas with cinnamon ice cream, and seriously good views whatever time of day or night.
110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
duckandwaffle.com
Swan at the Globe
Time for some dinner, with a touch of history. Situated within the iconic Shakespeare’s Globe, the Swan certainly isn’t the tallest restaurant in town but you won’t find many better views of St Paul’s and the river than from the dining room here. The food is modern and unfussy with a focus on seasonal British produce and flavours and they just so happen to knock up one of the best Sunday roasts in London.
21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT
swanlondon.co.uk
Min Jiang
Located on the 10th floor of the Royal Garden Hotel, overlooking Kensington Gardens, Min Jiang wins big points for its setting. It also wins big points for its wood-fired Beijing duck, which is amongst the best you can find in London. “Going for a Chinese” doesn’t usually involve heading up to the 10th floor of a Kensington hotel but when it does you’re definitely in for a good time.
2-24 Kensington High St, London W8 4PT
minjiang.co.uk
Sky Garden – Darwin Brasserie and Fenchurch
It’s a double whammy at the Walkie Talkie building as there are two restaurants at Sky Garden both with epic views over the city. The more casual Darwin Brasserie sits at level 36, with British fine dining restaurant Fenchurch on 37. Whether you’re team Darwin or team Fenchurch, whether you want a Caesar salad or lobster with hollandaise, you’ll be able to look down over the whole London whilst you eat.
Level 36 and 37 Sky Garden, 20 Philpot Ln, London EC3M 8AF
skygarden.london
Coppa Club Tower Bridge
Grab one of the glass igloos at Coppa Club and you’ll get a picture perfect view of Tower Bridge. With wicker chairs, linen throws and festoon lighting, the emphasis is on comfort and it;s the same with the menu, with pancakes, pasta, burgers and sourdough pizzas on there.
3 Three Quays Walk, Lower Thames St, London EC3R 6AH
coppaclub.co.uk