Dinner With A View: 24 London Restaurants With A Side of Scenery
Summer is officially here. And in London that (sometimes) means less grey, less gloom, and more appreciation for our beautiful city when the sun is shining over it. And where better to soak up the capital’s iconic views than over a delicious meal and one too many cocktails?
Whether you fancy a riverside dinner by Tower Bridge, lunch on the river (literally) or sky-high bottomless brunch amongst Canary Wharf’s skyscrapers, here are 24 of the best views in London for soaking up that sweet skyline.
Chino Latino
Right on the Thames, Chino Latino is the perfect place to relax with a cocktail, some sushi, and great live music. It’s got amazing views while live music plays into the night. Whether you’re grabbing a drink and some sushi or chilling in the back lounge, the vibe is always fun, and the view never disappoints.
Where: Park Plaza, Riverbank, 18 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TJ
Website: www.chinolatino.co.uk
The Rooftop at Trafalgar St James
A perfect destination for long summer lunches, brunches, evening meals and sunset drinks, The Rooftop at Trafalgar St James comes with unbeatable skyline views across Trafalgar Square and Central London.
The Rooftop at Trafalgar St James comes with unbeatable skyline views across Trafalgar Square and Central London
Where: 7th Floor, 2 Spring Gardens, St. James’s, London SW1A 2TS
Website: www.trafalgarstjames.com
Jurema at The Mandrake
Fancy a jungle view? Head to Jurema Terrace at The Mandrake for exotic hanging plants, South American-inspired dishes and ethnobotanical cocktails.
This tropical-themed outdoor terrace is hidden inside The Mandrake Hotel, and it’s the perfect venue to enjoy alfresco dining and cocktails, rain or shine.
Where: 20-21 Newman St, London W1T 1PG
Website: www.themandrake.com
OXO Tower Restaurant
With a 200ft-long terrace, OXO is one of the few places in London with panoramic views across the city and the River Thames, and the talented team behind the bar have been mixing, shaking and pouring all sorts of wonderfully coloured concoctions getting ready for summertime.
Enjoy a tipple from the substantial cocktail list or a casual bite from the bar menu – just make sure to book ahead on busy days, especially weekends, as this is one sought-after al fresco spot.
Where: Barge House St, London SE1 9PH
Website: www.oxotowerrestaurant.com
Coppa Club
Coppa Club sits right on the Thames by Tower Bridge, and although the restaurant’s interiors are lovely, with tall windows to soak up the views, their riverside terrace can be enjoyed all year round thanks to their famed winter igloos.
In summer, however, the terrace gets a floral makeover. Think tunnels of pink flowers, palm trees, and private pods veiled in pretty pink bougainvillaea. Head here to get an eyeful of panoramic London views as you graze on small plates and sip on chilled rosé.
Get an eyeful of panoramic London views as you graze on small plates and sip on chilled rosé.
Where: 3 Three Quays Walk, Lower Thames St, London EC3R 6AH
Website:www.coppaclub.co.uk
Sabine
The iconic Sabine Rooftop Bar has just re-opened for spring and needs to be one of your upcoming dinner and drinks destinations. Following a large refurbishment and with a new, upgraded look, enjoy cocktails with stunning views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the Shard.
Not only does Sabine have amazing refreshments, but also offers brunch, lunch and afternoon tea menus. Some stand-out dishes include the Wagyu beef burger, burrata and black truffle tortellini and mac and cheese croquettes.
where: 10 Godliman St, City of London, London EC4V 5AJ
Website: www.sabinelondon.co.uk
Rucola at the Conduit
Right in the heart of buzzy Covent Garden, The Conduit’s new rooftop, Rucola, is a perfect place to enjoy longer evenings and panoramic views in central London. Whether you are seeking after-work aperitivo, an intimate dinner or a leisurely weekend brunch with live music, this rooftop terrazza is open seven days a week throughout the summer months.
where:6 LANGLEY ST, LONDON WC2H 9JA
website: THECONDUIT.COM
Studio Frantzén
Perched high above the bustling streets of Knightsbridge, Studio Frantzén is the stunning rooftop restaurant at the top of iconic Harrods. The stylish restaurant and bar offers both an indoor and al fresco experience, where guests can bask in panoramic views of the city skyline.
Harmoniously blending elegant Nordic flavours with Asian influences, the menu is a truly unique gastronomic experience – a feast for the senses.
WHERE: 87-135 BROMPTON ROAD, KNIGHTSBRIDGE FIFTH FLOOR, HARRODS, LONDON SW1X 7XL
WEBSITE: WWW.STUDIOFRANTZENLONDON.COM
Tattu London
Taking outdoor dining to a whole new level with unrivalled views of the city, contemporary Chinese rooftop restaurant Tattu London offers a selection of dim sum and unique cocktails with breathtaking 360 views over London’s Soho.
With their signature style and contemporary dishes inspired by the flavours and ingredients of modern Chinese cooking, they offer an unmatched al fresco experience in their terrace bar, the Phoenix.
Where: The Now Building Rooftop, Outernet, Denmark St, London WC2H 0LA
Website: www.tattu.co.uk
Pivot Bar & Bistro
Spread over two floors in the historic Georgian townhouse of 3 Henrietta Street. Pivot Bar & Bistro offers diners an iconic view of Covent Garden’s Piazza. Headed up by award-winning chef, Mark Greenaway, try the brand new summer menu as you take in the hustle and bustle below.
The menu honours fresh seasonal ingredients whilst focusing on quintessential British cuisine with a Scottish twist. Expect classics like beef and bone marrow pie, roasted ham eggs and potatoes, and sticky toffee pudding.
Where: 3 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8LU
Website: www.pivotbarandbistro.com
Angler
Perched atop South Place Hotel, Angler is a Michelin-starred restaurant showcasing the best sustainable seafood from British waters, with a beautiful rooftop terrace to boot. Nestled in the heart of the City, it’s the perfect place for a work lunch, or a show-stopping meal as the sun sets.
Where: South Place Hotel, 3 South Pl, London EC2M 2AF
Website: www.anglerrestaurant.com
Searcys at The Gherkin
Set on top of one of London’s most iconic skyscrapers, Searcys at The Gherkin is famed for its 360 views of the capital. Head here for a choice of lunch, dinner and afternoon tea. For after-work or date night drinks, head to the Iris Bar on level 40 for a selection of botanical and champagne cocktails created by The Gherkin’s mixologists, as well as an extensive list of Champagne and wines.
Famed for its 360 views of the capital, as well as an extensive list of Champagne and wines
Where: The Gherkin, 30 St Mary Axe, London EC3A 8BF
Website: www.searcysatthegherkin.co.uk
Gillray’s Steakhouse
Nestled away inside County Hall on the Southbank, Gillray’s sits with an enviable view of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the London Eye. The views you catch from your table, spanning all three world-famous and iconic landmarks, are both timeless and beautiful.
And of course, the steak is pretty good too. The menu features meat hailing from eighth-generation butcher O’Shea and fresh fish from Billingsgate Market; all to be served and savoured with a side of London’s best river views.
Where: County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB
Website: www.gillrays.com
Fenchurch Restaurant
Prepare to sit, watch, dine, and sip as you enjoy 360-degree views of London through one of the biggest, most imposing windows in London.
Prepare to sit, watch, dine, and sip as you enjoy 360-degree views of London through one of the biggest, most imposing windows in London. At the top of the so-called Walkie Talkie Tower, more accurately known as 20 Fenchurch Street, and most commonly known as the Sky Garden, you’ll find one of the most memorable spaces in London for dining, drinking or just enjoying the view from London’s highest public garden.
For dinner, head to Fenchurch Restaurant, perfect for enjoying sky-high views and a contemporary British menu.
Where: 1 Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF
Website: www.skygarden.london
Tavolino
Split across two floors, with an outdoor terrace and panoramic views of London, Tavolino is already off to a good start. The fact that it’s right on the riverside by Tower Bridge is a bonus, and the iconic view takes in the best of London’s landmarks.
The delicious food and dazzling cocktails only add to the occasion, with dishes including bucatini ‘cacio e pepe’; 8oz hanger steak, crispy fried aubergines and roast garlic mayo; and pizza topped with roasted red pepper, pine nut, pesto and black olive. Wash it all down with a white peach bellini or an arancino (buffalo trace bourbon, Cointreau, lemon, chocolate and orange).
Where: 2 More London Riverside, London SE1 2DB
Website: www.tavolino.co.uk
Hutong
Hutong sits on the 33rd floor of The Shard, where you’re immediately greeted with views of the iconic sights of the city. We recommend going at night, taking a date and watching the whole city lit up.
To eat, you’ll find the likes of lobster dumplings with Sichuan chilli sauce and wok-tossed beef tenderloin with green chilli, set to panoramic views of the London skyline.
Where: 33 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY
Website: www.hutong.co.uk
The Ivy Tower Bridge
Located on the banks of the river Thames, The Ivy Tower Bridge is the all-day dining spot that makes the most of its riverside location and views of the iconic Tower Bridge and Tower of London.
With an outdoor terrace that’s perfect for soaking up the scenery, it’s the ideal place for a bite to eat after a walk along the river.
Where: One Tower Bridge, Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2AA
Website: www.ivycollection.com
Skylight Tobacco Dock
As well as their famous offering of rooftop games and cocktails, Skylight Tobacco Dock is back this summer with a brand new globally-inspired menu and refined cocktail list. Expect crowd-pleasers, from loaded nachos to Mexican bowls and Belgian waffles. Take in spectacular views of the city for a spot of sightseeing while you eat, drink and play. Ideal.
Where: Tobacco Dock, London E1W 2SF
Website: www.skylightbars.com
Hithe + Seek
Sat right on the Thames is Hithe + Seek, an interactive and explorative wine bar and restaurant offering up a carefully selected list of over 80 wines, alongside a food menu that’s designed to bring people together through sharing and pairing.
The full-length windows overlook Shakespeare’s Globe and the Tate Modern, perfect for sipping wine as the sun goes down.
Where: 60 Upper Thames St., London EC4V 3AD
Website: www.hitheandseek.com
Duck & Waffle
You know the saying jack of all trades, master of none? That could have so easily applied to Duck & Waffle, but in fact they win at being a 24-hour restaurant, having excellent food and unrivalled views out across London.
The experience begins with a 40-second lift ride that whooshes you up to the 40th floor of 110 Bishopsgate and ends with you having had your fill of duck and waffle and your storage on your phone being that much smaller due to all the photos you took.
A 24 hour restaurant, with excellent food and unrivalled views out across London.
Where: 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
Website: www.duckandwaffle.com
Seabird
Home to incredible interiors, London’s longest oyster list, an impressive marble raw bar, and sprawling city views – dinner with a view doesn’t get much better than Seabird.
The restaurant sits on top of The Hoxton, making it the perfect post-work location for a rooftop rendezvous. Join freelancers and fellow WFHers in the stylish lobby by day, then head up top for sundown cocktails and oysters as you watch the sunset over the London skyline.
Where: 14th Floor, South Bank, 40 Blackfriars Rd, London SE1 8NY
Website: www.seabirdlondon.com
Butler’s Wharf Chophouse
If you fancy a meaty feast with a view, then make a beeline for the terrace at Butler’s Wharf Chophouse. Sat along the Thames with incredible views of Tower Bridge, it’s the perfect romantic setting to take a date or impress an out-of-towner while they’re visiting London.
However, if you’re heading here with friends, we’d recommend visiting on a Sunday, where groups of four or more can tuck into a Sunday roast to share including aged Aberdeen steak, chicken, lamb shank, beef dripping Yorkshire puddings, duck fat roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables and bottomless gravy. It’s the city’s ultimate scenic Sunday lunch.
Where: 36e Shad Thames, London SE1 2YE
Website: www.chophouse-restaurant.co.uk
Rick Stein
It might not be the Cornish coast, but the view from Rick Stein’s London outpost definitely doesn’t disappoint. Located on the banks of the River Thames in the gorgeous district of Barnes, the delicious seafood and waterside setting make it easy to convince yourself you’re on holiday.
Ask for a window seat when booking to make the most of the Thames vista whilst wolfing down some of the chef’s famous seafood dishes, like Indonesian seafood curry with cod, sea bass and prawns; and Hake with clams, asparagus, peas and parsley.
The delicious seafood and waterside setting make it easy to convince yourself you’re on holiday.
Where: Tideway Yard, 125 Mortlake High St, London SW14 8SN
Website: www.rickstein.com
Boundary
Drink in spectacular views of the City and East London from the stylish surroundings of Boundary’s heated Rooftop orangery, bar, grill & outdoor terrace.
Come rain or shine, this pretty little Shoreditch balcony is equipped with everything you need to escape the city below – from a Mediterranean-inspired menu and rosé sipping amongst the orange trees in summer, to cheese fondue and melting raclette as the rooftop transforms into a cosy alpine garden come winter.
Where: 2-4 Boundary St, London E2 7DD
Website: www.boundary.london
