The 14 best restaurants with a view in London so you can munch in front of good sceneries
There’s something magical about sinking your teeth into a hearty meal. It’s one of those simple pleasures that can really hit the spot. But you know what could make that experience even better? Pairing it with a breathtaking view.
If you’ve been dreaming of a meal that not only tastes amazing but also offers a view that’ll leave you speechless, we’ve got you covered.
We’ve spent some time exploring London’s best spots, and trust us, these places are the perfect mix of delicious food and epic scenery.
Ready to make your next meal out an unforgettable one? Keep reading to discover these gems!
1. Aqua Shard
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Address: Level 31, The Shard, 31 St Thomas St
Contact details: +44 20 3011 1256
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 12 PM – 10 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Price: £££
Aqua Shard serves some really great contemporary British cuisine and creative cocktails.
All the food we tried from the “Forgotten British Dishes” was delicious, especially the potted venison and the suckling pig. The meat was incredibly tender.
We also loved the spacious seating, with our table shaped like an egg and a perfect view through the huge windows. The view featured Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf, with the golden hour glow making everything feel so special.
The servers here were also warm and attentive. We appreciated the little details, like how they asked for our coats and stored them in a locker at the entrance.
Pro tip:
Book the afternoon tea for a whimsical Peter Pan-themed experience. It’s complete with sandwiches, scones, and sweets.
2. Hutong
Media credits: hutongshard
Address: Level 33, The Shard, 31 St Thomas St
Contact details: +44 20 3011 1257
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 12 AM
- Thursday: 11:30 AM – 1 AM
- Friday to Sunday: 11 AM – 1 AM
Price: £££
Hutong’s red lanterns and intricate wooden “Moon Gates” got us snapping pics because it felt like we were actually in China. The restaurant also offers stunning panoramic views stretching from St Paul’s Cathedral to Tower Bridge, which makes it even more beautiful.
We tried the “Lu school” of Shandong Province, and it had us fanning ourselves while eating because of how spicy it was.
Even their cocktail menu has a twist. They take inspiration from traditional Chinese medicine. When we tried the Tropical Negroni, we were expecting an awful taste, but surprisingly, it has a subtle sweetness in it.
Pro tip:
Order the “Red Lantern” for a bold kick. It’s a crispy soft shell crab buried in a basket of red chillies. If you want something expertly carved right at your table, go for the Imperial Peking Duck.
3. OXO Tower Restaurant
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Address: Barge House St
Contact details: +44 20 7803 3888
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 12 PM – 9:30 PM
- Saturday: 12 PM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 9:30 PM
Price: £££
Looking OXO Tower on the outside, we were impressed with the design. The windows were in a circle-cross-circle motif which intrigued us how it would look if we were on the windows upstairs.
Beyond that, OXO Tower also offers some of the best views of London’s Skyline, including St Paul’s Cathedral. There’s a stunning garden terrace that extends from the restaurant and bar, where you can also enjoy the skyline.
For the food, they craft seasonal British dishes. You’ll never get bored here since the restaurant switches things up with seasonal menus and creative cocktails.
Pro tip:
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, go for the Brasserie. Lunch is a great time to visit, and they have a special set-price menu.
4. Swan London
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Address: 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside
Contact details: +44 20 7928 9444
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 11 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 7 PM
Price: £££
Swan London is just perched right on Bankside, so it can offer you some pretty good views of the River Thames. It’s also easy to drop by when you’re coming from Tate Modern and Borough Market, perfect for a post-meal wander.
We ordered from their “Traditional Pub Fare” menu because the waiter tipped us that it was good for groups. The beer-battered fish and chips have a satisfying crisp on the exterior while remaining fluffy on the inside, which we loved.
If you’re in the mood for afternoon tea, their Hansel and Gretel theme makes it a fun experience. I tried their pear and ginger blend tea, which was fragrant and really refreshing.
Pro tip:
Their dining rooms offer an elegant setting if you’re planning a private event. Hosting there even helps support the Shakespeare Globe Trust’s educational work.
5. Fenchurch Restaurant
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Address: Level 37, Sky Garden Walk, 1
Contact details: +44 333 772 0020
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: 5 PM – 9 PM
- Wednesday to Sunday: 12 PM – 2:30 PM, 5 PM – 9 PM
Price: £££
Fenchurch Restaurant featured warm mustard tones, dark wood finishes, and soft cream accents. The space was so stylish that we had to post stories about it on our Instagram accounts.
We positioned ourselves near the windows to see the west-facing views of London. From there, we could see iconic landmarks like The Shard and Thames River.
The menu blends British ingredients with bold Caribbean flavours, and every dish we tried brought a little surprise. The whiskey BBQ wings, in particular, were sticky and smoky. It’s a ridiculously addictive menu that might make you go for round two.
Pro tip:
If you’re looking for something more private, book their Viñoly Room. It offers an intimate setting for up to 16 guests with some of the best views in the city.
6. Mercer Roof Terrace
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Address: 20 Garlick Hill, City of London
Contact details: +44 20 3908 8099
Operating hours:
- Monday: 12 PM – 10:30 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday: 12 PM – 11 PM
- Friday: 12 PM – 10:30 PM
- Saturday: 12 PM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 10:30 PM
Price: ££
Mercer Roof Terrace delivers dining above the city with a quiet elegance. The place feels like a private rooftop escape, with stunning views of St. Paul’s Cathedral. Everything also looked dainty and fancy at the same time.
We settled in with cocktails to start—each one crafted with house-infused spirits. The bartender recommended the English Spritz and St Paul Hurricane. Both of them are beautifully presented and are crisp and light.
The menu focuses on modern British dishes with a seasonal twist. We shared starters like crispy pork cheeks with apple chutney that were soft and tender. For mains, we opted for the Brook Street Farm Rack of Lamb and carving it in front of us was a unique experience.
Pro tip:
If it’s chilly, you can cosy up in an igloo or pod. It’s complete with fluffy cushions, blankets, and even a disco ball.
7. Angler
Media credits: angler_restaurant
Address: South Place Hotel | Luxury Stay in the Heart of London, 3 South Pl
Contact details: +44 20 3215 1260
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 12 PM – 2:15 PM, 6 PM – 9:15 PM
- Saturday: 6 PM – 9:15 PM
- Sunday to Monday: Closed
Price: £££
Dining at Angler felt like a sky retreat with seafood. Their dishes have almost every type of seafood you could think of, including fish, scallops, and even lobsters.
I ordered the Orkney scallops which were seared just enough to caramelise the edges. It’s also bathed in a silky seaweed butter that practically demands bread for dipping.
If you really want a front-row seat to the culinary action, the Chef’s Table offers that immersive experience. Although, we were more than happy with our window-side view of the city skyline.
Pro tip:
For an even better experience, head up to the rooftop terrace. It has a retractable roof and heaters, so it’s good for any weather. The terrace extends the restaurant’s seating and is great for lunch or dinner with a view.
8. Darwin Brasserie
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Address: Level 36, Sky Garden Walk, 1
Contact details: +44 333 772 0020
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 8:30 AM – 10 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Sunday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Price: ££
The elevator ride up to Darwin Brasserie was a little long since it was on the 36th floor of the Walkie Talkie building. However, when the doors opened, the city stretched out beneath us.
The menu was a love letter to British ingredients but with a twist. We kicked things off with the delicate and citrusy sea trout tartare. A few of us went for the Goodwood Estate Beef Burger for mains, which had crisp bacon and oozing cheddar.
Others opted for the pan-fried sea bass. The skin is flaky and moistured, and the fish was tendered enough to fall apart when pressed with a fork. Our sides included crispy triple-cooked chips, which balanced out every flavours we had for the day.
Pro tip:
If you’re looking to amp up the vibe, visit Darwin Brasserie on Fridays or Saturdays when they host live music and DJ nights. It’s the perfect way to enjoy great food and drinks while soaking in some lively tunes.
9. Oblix
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Address: The Shard, 31 St Thomas St
Contact details: +44 20 7268 6700
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 12 PM – 10 PM
Price: £££
We booked a table on the west side of Oblix, which was the more refined side of the restaurant. It has a good view of the city skyline, and we could even see the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and Thames River.
Looking around, we noticed that their dishes are often cooked over open flames and wood-fired opens. It was very interesting to watch while we waited for our food.
The waiter tried to suggest their signature pepper steak but most of us ordered their speciality grilled Wagyu tenderloin. We didn’t regret our decision since each bite we had of it was buttery, rich, and packed with an earthy flavour.
Pro tip:
Consider visiting for the Limitless Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays for a mix of contemporary seasonal classics. They have options of free-flowing champagne, wines, and cocktails.
10. City Social
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Address: Tower 42, 25 Old Broad St, City of London
Contact details: +44 20 7877 7703
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 12 PM – 2:30 PM, 6 PM – 9:45 PM
- Friday: 12 PM – 2 PM, 6 PM – 9:45 PM
- Saturday: 5 PM – 11:30 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Price: £££
Our team found out that City Social is a Michelin-starred spot so we were excited to see this restaurant’s take on British cuisine.
We kicked things off with the Devon crab. It was served with a delicate balance of sweetness and citrus that had everyone trading bites. Even the vegetarian options didn’t feel like an afterthought.
Halfway through dinner, the sun dipped below the skyline, and the city lights took over. It was probably one of the prettiest views you’ll find in London.
Pro tip:
If you’re after something non-alcoholic, be sure to check out their “social responsibility” drinks. These creative non-alcoholic cocktails are just as inventive as the alcoholic ones, so you won’t feel like you’re missing out.
11. SUSHISAMBA London
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Address: Heron Tower, City of London
Contact details: +44 20 3640 7330
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 12 PM – 1:30 AM
Price: £££
Visiting SUSHISAMBA London at night is one of the coolest experiences ever. Besides the breathtaking views of the city, the bamboo ceiling glows softly at night. The terrace also has this signature orange tree which adds a dreamy touch to the place.
The menu mixes Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian flavours. We ordered a spread of small plates: crispy tempura, fresh sushi rolls, and smoky skewers from the Robata grill.
The open kitchen gave us a front-row seat to the chefs working their magic. They grilled meats and charred veggies with precision. It’s hard to pick a favourite, but the Brazilian-style churrasco deserves to be mentioned for the juicy pincanha cuts.
Pro tip:
If you’re looking for a standout venue with incredible views, book SUSHISAMBA. The 38th floor can host up to 320 guests for cocktails or 160 for a seated event, while the 39th floor is perfect for more intimate gatherings with space for 150 standing or 40 seated.
12. Duck & Waffle
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Address: 110 Bishopsgate, City of London
Contact details: +44 20 3640 7310
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
Price: £££
Duck & Waffle might make you run when you find out it’s the highest restaurant in Britain, sitting on the 40th floor of 110 Bishopgate. However, the views of Tower Bridge and the River Thames made us feel like we’d be visiting here often.
We’d booked a late-night spot—one of the perks of Duck & Waffle being open 24/7. We kicked off with spicy ox cheek doughnuts, intrigued by the combination. The dish was crisp on the outside and soft and savoury inside. Plus, it has this sweet, sticky glaze that makes it better.
Of course, we couldn’t skip the signature dish. When the Duck & Waffle arrived, it had this golden waffle topped with crispy confit duck leg, crowned by a perfectly runny fried egg.
Pro tip:
Book your table well in advance, especially if you want a window seat. With limited prime spots and high demand, reservations fill up fast—particularly for dinner. The best views face east, overlooking Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf.
13. BOKAN 37
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Address: 40 Marsh Wall, Novotel London Canary Wharf
Contact details: +44 20 3530 0550
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 6 PM – 11 PM
- Saturday: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM, 6 PM – 11 PM
- Sunday to Monday: Closed
Price: £££
Bōkan 37 gave us plenty to enjoy with its 360° views of the London skyline. Inside, the venue was sleek yet welcoming. It’s a perfect blend of industrial-chic design with warm lighting that hints at the area’s dockyard history.
As we looked over the menu, their modern European cuisine with international twists made us want to try all their dishes.
We ordered the dry-aged sirloin which is cooked medium-rare. It had a satisfying char on the outside and a tender, juicy centre. We paired it with a side of truffle mash which most of us described as pure comfort in a dish.
After dinner, we took the advice of our server and headed up to the 38th and 39th floors. We were greeted by a live DJ set which made us dance to all the carbs we ate that night.
Pro tip:
Book wisely. Bōkan 37 doesn’t serve dinner on Sundays and Mondays, and cancelling less than 24 hours in advance comes with a fee.
14. 14 Hills
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Address: 14th floor, 120 Fenchurch St, City of London
Contact details: +44 20 7716 0716
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 12 PM – 10 PM
Price: £££
14 Hills is a secret garden high above the city. We walked in and were immediately struck by the ‘forest in the sky’ vibe. Plants draped from the ceiling and evergreen shrubs lined the walls.
Thanks to its 360-degree views, you’ll see several London landmarks while dining.
The menu had something for everyone in our group—meat lovers, pescatarians, and a couple of vegans who were pleasantly surprised by the creative plant-based options.
I kicked things off with the chicken Kiev, which was perfectly crisp and had a buttery garlic centre.
Pro tip:
If you’re in the mood for some live entertainment, Fridays feature multi-instrumental DJs spinning tunes from 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm. On weekends, the vibe shifts to house and funky beats during brunch, adding some extra energy to your meal.