London’s skyline is a breathtaking blend of historic landmarks and modern structural marvels, offering a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Whether you’re dining high above the Thames, overlooking the iconic Tower Bridge, or enjoying a meal with a panoramic view of the city’s twinkling lights, London has plenty of restaurants with a view to provide an unforgettable culinary experience.
From sleek rooftop terraces to elegant riverside eateries, these venues combine exceptional cuisine with stunning vistas, making them the perfect spots for a memorable dining experience in the heart of the capital. These are the best spots:
1. Hutong
Perched on Level 33, Hutong is all about tasty Northern Chinese cooking and panoramic city views. This atmospheric, award-winning spot has gone to town with its decor – the dark wooden doors and red lantern wall are particularly impressive – but the food takes it up a notch and then some.
Lobster dumplings with a Sichuan chilli sauce and Wagyu beef mille-feuille are particular highlights, but you can also get dim sum platters which include cod and seaweed dumplings and Rosé Champagne dumplings – fancy!
Address: Level 33, The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY
Nearest Train Station: London Bridge
2. Le Pont de la Tour
This riverside restaurant offers modern French cuisine with a view of Tower Bridge. Le Pont de la Tour combines classic French cooking with a sophisticated setting hidden amongst the warehouses and walkways of Shad Thames.
Go alfresco and dine on classic French cuisine with modern twists overlooking Tower Bridge. Undoubtedly one of the best views of London, you really have no excuse to not go to this little London gem.
Address: 36D Shad Thames, London SE1 2YE
Nearest Train Station: London Bridge
3. Oblix
Oblix is located on the 32nd floor of The Shard and a menu inspired by classic New York grill restaurants. Guests can enjoy stunning views of London and choose between the East and West areas, so named for the part of London they overlook. East is a more laidback affair, focusing on cocktails and casual eats like burgers, flatbreads, and seafood.
Over at West, the highlights come courtesy of the in-house rotisserie and josper oven, resulting in delicious suckling pig, porterhouse steaks, and whole ducks. As with all of The Shard restaurants, anything you order will cost you a pretty penny – that aforementioned duck is £57 to share between two.
Address: The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY
Nearest Train Station: London Bridge
5. OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie
Perched on the eighth floor of the iconic OXO Tower, this restaurant offers a menu of modern British dishes with an Asian twist. And while the building itself is a stunning feature of London’s skyline, it offers gorgeous views of the surrounding areas as well.
The terrace provides spectacular views of the River Thames and St. Paul’s Cathedral, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Summer sunsets at the OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar & Brasserie are simply stunning.
Address: Barge House St, London SE1 9PH
Nearest Train Station: Blackfriars
6. Forza Wine at The National Theatre
Fantastic drinks, moreish snacks and top-notch views are what Forza Wine is all about. Following on from the success of Forza Wine’s outpost at their Peckham-based rooftop drinking spot and Forza Win which is their relaxed Italian restaurant in Camberwell, they’ve taken to the Thames at the National Theatre.
This spot features a snazzy indoor space that can accommodate 100 covers and a lush outdoor terrace big enough for 70 covers overlooking the river. Inside you’ll find an open kitchen for you to peek in on the chefs making dishes such as Bay salted sole with fennel and pickled chilli, marinated peppers with basil, and Forza staples like cauliflower fritti, their famous soft serve and custardo which all feature in the opening menu.
With a drink in one hand, snacks like these in the other, and a riverside view, it’s a guaranteed dreamy afternoon.
Address: National Theatre Upper Ground, SE1 9PX
Nearest Train Station: Waterloo
7. Decimo
Decimo in The Standard Hotel is the brainchild of Michelin-star chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias, who has curated a menu combining his love of Mexican food with his Spanish heritage. The results, it has to be said, are pretty spectacular.
Appetisers come in the form of croquetas, tacos, and quesadillas, whilst the early hype surrounds the ‘Decimo Tortilla’, which has been an extremely bougie makeover courtesy of a heaped serving of caviar. There are also some pretty fantastic sides, an extensive cocktail menu and a tasty Saturday brunch menu too. Oh – and it overlooks the clock tower of the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel – so get ready to strike a pose!
Address: 10th Floor of The Standard, 10 Argyle Street, London, WC1H 8EG
Nearest Train Station: King’s Cross St. Pancras
8. Aviary Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
Aviary is a stylish rooftop bar and restaurant located in Finsbury Square. It offers stunning views of the city skyline, making it a perfect spot for enjoying cocktails and modern British dishes while watching the sunset.
Address: 22-25 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1DX
Nearest Train Station: Moorgate
9. Duck & Waffle
Perched on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower, Duck & Waffle is London’s highest 24-hour restaurant, offering breathtaking views of the city’s skyline alongside a menu that elevates classic comfort food with luxurious twists. This ‘gastro-diner’ serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, with a standout signature dish: the duck & waffle, featuring crispy duck leg confit and a fried duck egg on a fluffy waffle.
The restaurant is particularly known to cater late-night cravings with a special menu available from midnight to 5:30 am, featuring innovative dishes like duck sliders and a spicy ox cheek doughnut. Complementing the food is a chic bar offering expertly crafted cocktails, making Duck & Waffle a perfect spot for any time of day or night, whether you’re after a midnight snack or a sunrise breakfast.
Address: 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
Nearest Train Station: Liverpool Street
10. Sushisamba
SushiSamba located on the 38th and 39th floors of the Heron Tower in London, offers a unique dining experience that combines stunning panoramic views with an eclectic menu inspired by Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisines. The restaurant features floor-to-ceiling glass walls and two outdoor terraces, providing breathtaking views of iconic landmarks like The Gherkin and The Shard.
Diners can enjoy signature dishes such as shrimp tempura with snap pea julienne and spicy mayo, or pork belly anticuchos glazed with butterscotch miso, alongside an inventive cocktail menu that includes the Samba Sour and the Café Millonario.
Address: 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
Nearest Train Station: Liverpool Street