Piercing the sky above Southwark, The Shard is an unmistakable London landmark and the tallest building in the UK, coming in at 309.6 metres. Thanks to the 360-degree panoramic views from its 72nd-floor observation deck, it's a popular attraction for visitors, many of whom take advantage of the skyscraper's on-site restaurants to enjoy a meal alongside the views. If you're coming just for the observation deck, staying at the Shangri-La Hotel on Levels 34–52, or popping into the building on business, there are plenty of restaurants near The Shard that are worth visiting as well. Read on for our picks of the best restaurants in and near The Shard.
A street-level view of The Shard on a clear day
The best restaurants in and near The Shard
- Restaurants in The Shard
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Restaurants near The Shard
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1Baccalà Hidden local gem
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2Chimichurris Smoky South American flavours
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3Trivet Two Michelin stars
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4Spring Street Pizza Buzzy pizza joint
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5José & Lolo Cult Spanish tapas
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6Rambutan Open-fire Sri Lankan dining
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7Heard. Chef-level burgers near The Shard
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8Oma & Agora New star on the block
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9Roast Taking British cuisine to the next level
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10Padella The pasta masters
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11Kin + Deum Zingy and refreshing
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12Santo Remedio Mexican asador
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13Camille Welcoming French bistro
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14Amazing Grace Hitting the high notes
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Jump to
Restaurants in The Shard
The highest dining experience at The Shard
It's not the top floor, but if you're looking to dine at The Shard, Level 34 is as high as it gets – and at more than 160 metres, that's plenty high indeed. Part of the luxurious Shangri-La hotel, Tíng is a stylish Asian restaurant offering contemporary dishes throughout the day, including a distinguished afternoon tea service. The food is complemented by an award-winning wine list, as well as some of the best views in the city.
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31 St Thomas St, Southwark
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Tíng
020-723 481 08 - Read more on Thatsup
Fire in the sky
Hutong is a trendy Chinese restaurant and late-night lounge on Level 33 of The Shard, serving dishes inspired by the fiery culinary traditions of Northern China. Its vantage point at the landmark building naturally affords it panoramic views of the city, even though you might have difficulty tearing your gaze away from the beautifully plated dishes in front of you. A lavish brunch spread with DJ accompaniment is hosted here on weekends as well.
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33 Saint Thomas St, Southwark
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Hutong
020-301 112 57 - Read more on Thatsup
Elegant Shard restaurant and bar
On Level 32 of The Shard, you'll find Oblix, an elegant venue encompassing an east-facing bar and a west-facing open-fire restaurant celebrating premium British beef. Suitable for a range of occasions, Oblix serves traditional Sunday roasts, afternoon tea, and brunch in addition to à la carte options and set menus. Those just looking to enjoy a drink with a view can relax in the lounge, with live music for added vibes.
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The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, Southwark
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Oblix
020-706 867 00 - Read more on Thatsup
British fine dining with a view
Part of the renowned Aqua Group, Aqua Shard is perched on Level 31 of The Shard, serving elevated takes on British classics such as Hertfordshire rib-eye, Orkney scallops, and roast dinners with all the trimmings. Brunch and afternoon tea are available here as well, and kids get their own menu too. As with all restaurants in The Shard, the views are impeccable and the atmosphere is suave and upscale.
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The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, Southwark
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Aqua Shard
020-301 112 56 - Read more on Thatsup
Restaurants near The Shard
Hidden local gem
Baccalà is situated just a short walk from The Shard and well worth the stroll. A contemporary Italian restaurant and wine bar, it specialises in fresh seafood, highlighting seasonal ingredients, traditional techniques, and deep flavours. Particular attention is paid to the comprehensive Italian wine list, as well as extra virgin olive oil – you can book a one-of-a-kind EVOO tasting experience here to delve further into this premium ingredient.
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194 Bermondsey Street, Southwark
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Baccalà
020-740 755 14 - Read more on Thatsup
Smoky South American flavours
One of the best Argentinian restaurants in London is located within walking distance of The Shard. Chimichurris is a traditional grill restaurant by the former head chef of the acclaimed Brindisa group, serving hearty portions of expertly grilled meat and seafood in a pared-back setting with a lively ambiance. Empanadas, beef escalope, alfajores, and other typical Argentinian delights are available as well.
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123 Southwark Bridge Rd, Southwark
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Chimichurris
020-792 874 14 - Read more on Thatsup
Two Michelin stars
Having trained under Heston Blumenthal, the team at Trivet puts their expertise to good use in serving a refined menu of imaginative culinary creations that draw on and blend cuisines from around the world – think Orkney scallops meeting Tokyo turnips, or pici pasta embellished with langoustines and caviar, accompanied by a 450-bin wine list. Despite its many accolades, the restaurant has a welcoming, relaxed charm rather than being a stickler for formality.
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36 Snowsfields, Southwark
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Trivet
020-314 186 70 - Read more on Thatsup
Buzzy pizza joint
It takes something special to break through on the constantly growing and shifting London pizza scene, but Spring Street Pizza certainly delivers. Run by a Michelin-starred chef, this pizzeria near The Shard ferments dough for at least two days before shaping it into great big NYC-style pies and piling on the toppings. Wine and martinis pair surprisingly well with the pizzas, and the entire venture has swiftly shot up the London pizza rankings.
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Southwark Quarter, Southwark
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Cult Spanish tapas
José Pizarro, the godfather of Spanish cuisine in London, runs two restaurants near The Shard. There's José, his beloved original tapas bar where it all started, a lively spot for snacking on the signature Spanish small plates and throwing back glasses of sherry, and Lolo just a few steps away – an all-day Spanish restaurant launched in 2024, where Pizarro tries his hand at breakfast for the first time. Both are worth your time.
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104 Bermondsey St, Southwark Lantern House, SouthwarkJosé Tapas Bar
104 Bermondsey St, SouthwarkLolo
Lantern House, Southwark -
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josepizarro.com/venues/jose-tapas-bar-bermondseyLolo
josepizarro.com/lolo-bermondsey-streetLolo
020-314 896 24 -
José Tapas Bar Lolo
Open-fire Sri Lankan dining
Sooner or later, any discussion of the hottest restaurant in London will mention Rambutan, its widespread acclaim while still flying under the radar compared to showier openings like catnip to those who want to drop some insider knowledge but aren't willing to stake their reputation on championing their local hole-in-the-wall. Guilty as charged, we suppose, but regardless – Rambutan delivers on all fronts, British-Sri Lankan chef Cynthia Shanmugalingam's exploration of her culinary heritage steeped in bold, comforting flavours.
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10 Stoney Street, Southwark
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- Read more on Thatsup
Chef-level burgers near The Shard
Another venture by a Michelin-starred chef shifting his focus and expertise to more everyday comforts, Heard. places burgers in the spotlight. It turns out that applying cheffy attention to detail instead of just slapping a patty around does, in fact, improve the end product, with Heard's 35-day-aged regenerative meat patties, artisan cheese, and other gourmet produce, tucked inside a roast potato bun and paired with wine, setting a new standard among London burger joints.
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1 Flat Iron Square, Southwark
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New star on the block
It took less than a year for Oma to receive its first Michelin star, though the queues were there more or less from opening day in 2024. Decked out in natural tones and textures, the restaurant serves dishes plucked straight from the Greek islands and the wider Mediterranean area, with 400+ wines to choose from as well. For a more relaxed atmosphere, supercharged by Athenian street food and cocktails, head to the sibling Agora restaurant downstairs.
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2-4 Bedale St, Southwark 2-4 Bedale St, SouthwarkOma London
2-4 Bedale St, SouthwarkAgora
2-4 Bedale St, Southwark -
•Oma London
oma.londonAgora
agora.londonOma London
020-812 967 60 -
Oma London Agora
Taking British cuisine to the next level
Located a few minutes from The Shard, Roast is a contemporary restaurant offering seasonal British dishes, including set menus and family-friendly options, accompanied by views of Borough Market and a selection of English sparkling wines. It's particularly well-known for its signature Shorthorn beef Wellington, served with truffled mash and Madeira sauce, as well as other British all-timers like fish and chips or Sunday roast.
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The Floral Hall, Stoney St, Southwark
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Roast
020-337 131 20 - Read more on Thatsup
The pasta masters
Padella is a perennially popular pasta restaurant near The Shard, one of those cult bucket-list places that never seem to go out of favour – even opening new branches around London hasn't really reduced the queues at this walk-in spot. The pasta here is made fresh daily and by hand, then doused in rich sauces that range from Italian classics to inventive seasonal variants.
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6 Southwark Street, Southwark
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- Read more on Thatsup
Zingy and refreshing
Located near The Shard, Kin + Deum is a family-run restaurant where siblings Roselyn, Shakris, and Bank serve innovative dishes inspired by the diverse culinary scene of Bangkok, at the same time familiar and refreshingly inventive. You can enjoy the authentic flavours of massaman curry, spicy noodles, banana fritters, and other dishes in minimal space that welcomes pets and offers a selection of cocktails infused with Thai tea and tropical fruits.
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2 Crucifix Ln, Southwark
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Kin + Deum
020-735 779 95 - Read more on Thatsup
Mexican asador
For flavourful Mexican cooking near The Shard, head to Santo Remedio, where the diversity of the country's cuisine is on full display. Tacos, tostadas, and other regional specialities are available here, as well as a fun bottomless brunch. As an added bonus, the venue itself is beautiful, with Mexican arts and crafts and vivid wallpaper creating a bright, joyful setting.
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152 Tooley Street, Southwark
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Santo Remedio London Bridge
020-740 330 21 - Read more on Thatsup
Welcoming French bistro
Camille is a compact French bistro near The Shard, drawing on fresh local produce to serve provincial French cuisine inspired by regional travels and seasonal ingredients. Guests can enjoy these authentic dishes alongside a curated wine list featuring small French producers, outdoor seating during the warmer months turning it into one of the nicest spots for soaking up the sun in the area.
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2 Stoney St, Southwark
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Camille
020-379 489 58 - Read more on Thatsup
Hitting the high notes
Just up the street from The Shard, Amazing Grace offers dining with an ample helping of entertainment. Occupying a converted church, this vibrant and spacious destination hosts a diverse programme of live acts and DJs, creating an energetic atmosphere for guests to enjoy as they dine. The menu features a variety of Asian-inspired dishes, from traditional small plates to substantial mains and burgers.
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9A St. Thomas Street, Southwark
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Amazing Grace London Bridge
020-454 256 70 - Read more on Thatsup
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FAQ
What is The Shard?
Designed by architect Renzo Piano, The Shard is a 309.6-metre skyscraper in Southwark that stands as the tallest building in the United Kingdom. Its distinctive pyramid-shaped structure is clad in 11,000 glass panels and was designed to resemble a "vertical city" with offices, world-class restaurants, and a luxury hotel. The building is most famous for its observation deck, The View from The Shard, which offers guests 360-degree panoramic views across London from a height of 244 metres.
How tall is The Shard?
The Shard stands at a height of 309.6 metres, making it the tallest building in the United Kingdom and the seventh-tallest in Europe. When it was completed in 2012, it briefly held the title of the tallest building on the European continent before being surpassed by several skyscrapers in Russia. Globally, it ranks outside the top 100 tallest structures but remains an iconic focal point of the London skyline.
When was The Shard built?
The Shard's construction officially began in March 2009 following the demolition of Southwark Towers. The structure reached its full height in March 2012 and was inaugurated on 5 July 2012, just in time for the London Summer Olympics. Although the building was completed in 2012, its famous observation deck, The View from The Shard, did not open to the public until 1 February 2013.
Who owns The Shard?
The Shard is jointly owned by the State of Qatar and the Sellar Property Group. The Qatari government holds a majority stake of 95%, while the Sellar Property Group, which was founded by the building's developer Irvine Sellar, retains the remaining 5%. This partnership operates under a joint venture company known as LBQ Ltd (London Bridge Quarter).
How much did The Shard cost?
The total development cost of The Shard was approximately £1.2 billion to £1.5 billion, which covered the entire London Bridge Quarter regeneration project. A significant portion of this investment went towards land acquisition and the high-end interior fit-outs for the offices, restaurants, and the Shangri-La Hotel. The specific construction contract for the building's physical structure was valued at a smaller portion of the total, approximately £435 million.
Can I visit The Shard?
Yes, The Shard is open to the public and offers several ways to experience the building, including its high-altitude observation deck and multiple world-class restaurants. You can purchase tickets for "The View from The Shard" on levels 68, 69, and 72 to enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the London skyline. Alternatively, visitors can book a table at one of the bars or eateries located between floors 31 and 52 to take in the scenery over a meal or a drink.