Restaurants with the best views in London

Get an unbeatable view of the iconic St Paul's Cathedral at Madison. This award-winning bar and restaurant occupies the rooftop terrace of One New Change. Visit for drinks, with a choice of cocktails, wine, and champagne, or come for a meal. Menus include New York-style dishes like lobster linguine and fried chicken with waffles.

Take in sweeping views of King's Cross at Decimo. This is an upscale Mexican restaurant with Spanish influences. The plush interior is full of atmosphere with cacti and sculptural elements. The menu is simple and includes meat, fish, and veggie options. The place is maybe best known for its decadent Decimo Tortilla, a quesadilla with 50g of caviar inside.

The Gherkin is an iconic landmark and you can get an alternate view from inside the building with a meal at Searcys at The Gherkin. This modern and elegant bar and restaurant takes over the building's top three floors, offering 360-degree views. Enjoy a drink with bar snacks or something more filling like roast chicken or shepherd's pie.

High is an intimate 14-seat chef's table perched on the 60th floor of the tallest office building in the UK, offering sweeping views across London. The tasting menu is crafted by the team behind Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in Chelsea, bringing three-Michelin-star pedigree to the skyline. With extras like a chauffeur transfer from Liverpool Street, the whole experience feels exceptionally polished and exclusive.

At Scoff & Banter you get easy-going dining with clear views of the Thames and the O2 Arena just across the water. This spacious and airy venue serves ingredient-led European dishes made from carefully chosen produce, for example French onion soup or chicken Milanese. Draft beer, cocktails, and international wines complete the meal.

From its 40th floor location, Duck & Waffle promises you stunning views of the capital whilst you eat. It's open 24/7 so you can take it all in at any time of day. This sleek and upscale venue has a big reputation and serves sophisticated takes on international cuisine like Angus beef tartare and braised duck leg served with a waffle.

Part of the walkie talkie building, Darwin Brasserie offers sweeping city views from its 36th floor location. This lively and contemporary eatery does all-day dining. Dishes are prepared with British produce and there are set and à la carte menus, as well as choices for kids. Upscale cocktails are also served here.

Mercer Roof Terrace provides sweeping views of the city from The Shard to St Paul's Cathedral. This refined rooftop venue also has transparent igloos for when the weather won't play ball. Drop by just to enjoy a classic cocktail with a view or try the European menu of dishes like burrata and heritage beetroots or seafood stew.

Located on the 31st floor of iconic skyscraper The Shard, Aqua Shard offers refined meals and views that have the wow-factor. Every table at this modern restaurant guarantees you a panoramic view. The menus feature award-winning and creative British dishes, including afternoon tea, as well as contemporary cocktails and a global wine list.

Based in a converted tea warehouse by the Thames, Le Pont de la Tour serves classic French cuisine. Sit on the terrace at this elegant venue and you'll get impressive views of Tower Bridge and the river. Try luxury dishes like endive salad and roast lobster paired with cocktails and wine. Kids' meals are available too. 

Tíng is based on the 35th floor of The Shard, meaning diners here get impressive views of the city. This is the highest eatery in the mammoth skyscraper, pairing striking views with a smart interior and a pan-Asian menu. Set menus and à la carte choices are available, plus this place does afternoon tea.

Situated within the newly renovated National Portrait Gallery, The Portrait Restaurant offers breath-taking views of the London skyline from its top-floor location. Adorned with art pieces from the gallery's collection, Portrait presents a seasonal British menu and features signature dishes like the Crispy Oyster Croque Monsieur. The restaurant's bar offers a selection of fine wines and classic cocktails to accompany your meal.

Take in the fab views at Sky Garden and then settle down for a meal at Fenchurch. This rooftop restaurant gives you a fine dining experience along with impressive vistas of the city. It's contemporary cooking here, with indulgent multi-course tasting menus available. Expect upscale recipes combining British and Caribbean influences, like peppered Lumina lamb.

For delicious food and iconic city views, Thameside restaurant Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar & Brasserie is a must-visit. It's a crisp and clean venue with large windows so you can see the sights, but there's an outer terrace as well. There's the brasserie menu for relaxed international dining as well as fine dining plates from the restaurant.

Alto by San Carlo is a breezy rooftop hideaway with a bright Mediterranean vibe and sweeping views over Oxford Street. Its foliage-filled terrace sets the scene for leisurely outdoor dining, where seasonal plates range from bruschetta and fresh salads to pizzas and pastas. Cocktails are very much part of the experience too, making it a lovely spot to linger high above the bustle.

Located on the 33rd floor of The Shard, Hutong is the ideal place for an upscale Chinese meal. You'll get sweeping views of the city from every table. The cuisine here is Northern Chinese cooking, with à la carte and set menus to choose from. Expect platters of steamy dim sum and roast duck carved at your table.

Rising high on the 25th floor of Hoxton's Art'otel, Solaya is a French Mediterranean restaurant from Michelin-starred chef Kenny Atkinson. The menu showcases refined dishes such as lobster bouillabaisse, scallop crudo, and steak tartare topped with confit yolk and served with sourdough. Designed to make the most of its panoramic views, the space offers a striking main dining room along with private balconies for more exclusive occasions.

On-trend seafood spot Seabird has the longest oyster list in London plus stunning views from its 17th-floor location. It's a comfortable spot with rattan furniture and tall plants, plus a terrace with a retractable roof. Cocktails are served here as well as a fish-centric menu that includes a raw bar, small plates, and plates for sharing.

The London outpost of celebrated chef Rick Stein places you right next to the Thames and lets you enjoy amazing river views. The space is crisp and contemporary, with plants hanging from above. The chef is best known for seafood and the menu here features fresh catches from Cornwall, plus breakfast at weekends.

Set across three floors, award-winning venue Bōkan 37 offers great views wherever you are. There's the main restaurant, a laid-back bar, and a roof terrace that all have modern rustic style. Food is prepared with British ingredients and the menu is full of sophisticated European favourites like potato and celeriac millefeuille. There's also a tasting menu.

Once known as Marsha, this establishment has transformed from chicken restaurant into Paradiso, a combination of a burger spot and cocktail bar. The menu offers a variety of burgers, including several buttermilk chicken options, accompanied by a selection of sides and small dishes. Located at Gabriel's Wharf, Paradiso boasts a terrace and balcony with stunning views of the Thames.

Star chef Jason Atherton's City Social is perched on the 24th floor of Tower 42 near London Wall. Expect lavish surroundings and impressive views of the city's landmarks. The menu of contemporary British and European recipes is prepared with fine British ingredients. Book the chef's table experience for a memorable meal.

Sit in a relaxed garden next to Regent's Canal and sample modern British dishes at Rotunda Bar & Restaurant. The vibe here is easy-going and there are a range of menus to choose from, including brunch, private dining specials, and the Sunday Beef Club for when you're craving a Sunday roast.

For impressive views of the Thames, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London, head to Tavolino Bar & Kitchen. This stylish riverside spot specialises in Italian cuisine and has large windows and a spacious terrace so you don't miss out on the view. Expect a menu of Italian favourites, plus well-considered cocktail and wine choices.

Skylon at the Royal Festival Hall has floor-to-ceiling windows for picture-perfect views of the Thames and the South Bank. The setting feels luxurious and modern, whilst the menu centres on contemporary European recipes – think Cornish crab, seafood linguine, and grilled chicken, plus wine and cocktails. Kids are also welcome here.

Rooftop bar and restaurant Aviary offers guests fabulous views of the city skyline, as well as a laid-back atmosphere. Visit the bar lounge for drinks, including botanical cocktails and a considerable list of premium wines. The food menu is all about seasonal British dishes prepared using artisan produce sourced from around the country.

Visit Sea Containers Restaurant for a laid-back meal with lovely views of the River Thames. The interior is chock full of modern design but there's also a spacious outer terrace. Food is served all day, including a weekend bottomless brunch. The menu ranges from oysters to burgers or pasta, plus there are cocktails and an international wine list.

Shoreditch hotel Boundary offers style-conscious accommodation and also has a heated rooftop bar and restaurant that gives you striking views of East London. Open all year round, in the warmer months you can expect laid-back Med-inspired meals. During the winter it becomes a cosy Alpine retreat with comforting fondue on the menu.

Hide is a destination for Michelin-starred dining with clear views of peaceful Green Park. This stylish spot has a dramatic central staircase and comprises three venues over three floors. Visit the intimate bar for cocktails, enjoy all-day dining on the ground floor, or head upstairs for tasting and à la carte menus with decadent choices like roast scallop with guanciale.

The Ivy Asia gives you impressive views of the much-loved St Paul's Cathedral as well as a richly-coloured and immersive setting full of theatrical touches. The menu here is pan-Asian cuisine. Lunch and afternoon tea menus are available, as well as the main menu with options like sushi and tempura. Sake, cocktails, and Japanese whisky are available.

Both of Coppa Club's locations offer great views of the river from comfortable private pods or the terrace decked out with plants and sparkling lights. It's not only the setting that's relaxing – the menu features laid-back Mediterranean recipes like pizza, pasta, and seafood, plus a varied choice of wine and cocktails.

Get up to the 32nd floor of The Shard for a meal at Oblix. This sophisticated eatery gives guests impressive city views from the floor-to-ceiling windows. The style here is modern and the venue combines a smart dining room with a laidback bar. Elegant food is served all day and the bar has cocktails and regular live music performances.

Based at Shakespeare's Globe, Swan at The Globe is a modern British restaurant with attractive views of the river. The space is bright and has lots of windows. Here you can sample sophisticated dishes like game and pistachio terrine, pan-fried celeriac steak, and Highland venison. Private dining is also available here.

Modern South African restaurant High Timber has a sleek look. Its riverside location means there are great views from the dining room. There are also private dining spaces. Try out sophisticated dishes like rooibos-smoked salmon, steak, and homemade biltong. There are plenty of South African wine bottles, as well as vintages from other regions.

Bustling restaurant Smiths of Smithfield is set over four floors in a Grade II-listed building. Head to the roof terrace for al fresco fine dining with impressive views of the city. The No.3 Rooftop Restaurant offers a modern tasting menu as well as à la carte options. Classic cocktails and global wines are served here.

For upscale French haute cuisine along with impressive views of London landmarks, visit Coq d'Argent. It's a sophisticated spot with a classic interior and spacious terrace. Set menus like the truffle tasting menu and à la carte dishes are available, with the main menu including lamb shank, sirloin steak, and a Comté cheese and leek tart.

Moments from The Monument, Wagtail lets you get up close to some of London's best-known landmarks. This rooftop bar and restaurant is elegant and luxurious. There are two private terraces, a covered bar, and an exclusive private dining room. Visit for locally-sourced drinks or sample sophisticated seasonal dishes like roast guinea fowl breast.

At 14 Stories you can admire the London skyline from the restaurant's 14th-floor location, as well as take in the glamorous interior decked out with greenery and style-conscious touches. Food is served all day here. Menus use seasonal British ingredients to create sophisticated dishes like roasted lamb rump. This place has a great reputation for cocktails too.

The Summerhouse gives diners glorious views of the canal at Little Venice. There's seating right next to the water plus on-theme maritime decor. Brunch classics are served at weekend but the main focus here is seafood. Expect dishes like pan-roasted cod, homemade fishcakes, and the catch of the day. Refreshing summery cocktails are served too.

At Madera you get upscale Mexican cooking, including breakfast and brunch with a twist. The interiors are appealing with lots of plants, rattan furniture, and large windows to take in the impressive city views. Expect dishes like tacos and ceviche, plus plenty of vegan options. Distinctive cocktails are available plus coffee and smoothies.

Located on the 38th and 39th floors of Heron Tower, Sushisamba has impressive views of the skyline both from the outer terrace and the indoor dining room thanks to its massive windows. This place is smart, colourful, and contemporary. The menu takes inspiration from Japanese, Peruvian, and Brazilian cooking – think tempura, taquitos, and sushi.

At Min Jiang you get panoramic views of Hyde Park whilst you dine on upmarket Chinese dishes. The venue is classic and crisp, with large windows for picture-perfect moments. Wood-fired Peking duck is carved at your table here, and other popular choices include chicken satay, dim sum, and rice and noodle recipes.

From upscale Portuguese bar and restaurant Joia you get unbeatable views of Battersea Power Station. The restaurant has large windows, a coral-pink colour scheme, and a refined and intimate feel. The first London venue from Michelin-starred chef Henrique Sá Pessoa, the menus feature inventive tapas and larger dishes. The wine list is Portuguese and Spanish.

Whether you're a local or a tourist, you'll be treated to great views of the Thames, Big Ben, and the London Eye from Gillray's Steakhouse & Bar. This South Bank restaurant has a classic wood-panelled interior and serves food that celebrates British produce. This includes a seasonal set menu showing off the creativity of the kitchen. There's a gin bar here as well.

Rucola, situated on the rooftop of a members' club in Covent Garden, welcomes both members and the general public. This eatery offers a plant-led menu drawing inspiration from Northern Italian culinary traditions, and includes dishes such as fisherman's stew and roasted cauliflower panzanella. Key to its ethos, Rucola prioritises sustainable sourcing for its ingredients and champions eco-friendly, waste-minimising cooking methods.