The best rooftop lunch in London

Madison is a celebrated London rooftop famous for its glam atmosphere and unparalleled views of St. Paul's Cathedral. The stylish venue blends an upscale New York-inspired aesthetic with a sophisticated crowd, offering a menu of American classics like steaks, rigatoni alla vodka, and lobster for lunch. Seasonal cocktails from their extensive bar round things off in style.

Situated near Oxford Circus, Aqua Kyoto offers a high-end Japanese dining experience featuring an ultra-modern interior and a heated rooftop terrace with sweeping city views. The kitchen serves different lunch options, including an à la carte menu, set lunch menus, and bento boxes, with dishes including dishes like Australian Wagyu sirloin, salmon katsu, and seasonal tempura. There's a special menu for kids as well.

Tattu is a high-end Chinese restaurant perched atop the Outernet building, with intricately detailed interiors and the same dedication to refined precision reflected in its beautifully plated dishes. The London rooftop restaurant serves a two- or three-course set menu during lunchtime, with options including the likes of Wagyu beef dumpling, white miso salmon, and Asian pear sticky toffee pudding. 

Angler has retained a Michelin star for more than a decade, a testament to head chef Craig Johnston's mastery over sustainable British seafood and seasonal touch-ups. Open for lunch and dinner, the rooftop restaurant offers both à la carte and tasting menu options. The  elegant mirrored interior is complemented by a rooftop terrace with its own bar, perfect for a quick sharpener.

At the time of writing, the Sushisamba restaurant at Heron Tower in The City is the proud owner of the highest outdoor dining terraces in all of Europe, making for an unforgettable rooftop lunch setting. The overall vibe is similarly elevated, with an upscale clientele taking in the views as they enjoy Nikkei fusion dishes like sushi, ceviche, and Wagyu steak, accompanied by cocktails, wine, and other premium drinks.

Forza Wine was a cult favourite for rooftop wining and dining already when it was a single spot in Peckham. Today, it can also be found at the National Theatre, with both locations offering marvellous views to go with their line-up of indulgent, Italian-inspired small plates and the meticulously compiled wine list. The Peckham original also serves a budget-friendly daily lunch special.

You can enjoy lunch on a rooftop above one of the most visited spots in London, Leicester Square, with sweeping views of the London skyline as the backdrop. This Art Deco-inspired restaurant and bar atop the Indigo Hotel is open from breakfast through to dinner, serving timeless favourites like steaks, burgers, and New York-style cheesecake, all with a dash of 1920s hedonism.

The London outpost of the famed Singaporean brand delivers a dynamic Asian dining experience with a scenic open-air terrace boasting 360-degree views above Paddington Square. During lunchtime, guests at this contemporary rooftop restaurant can enjoy a two- or three-course business lunch menu featuring mains such as grilled salmon teriyaki or Wagyu picanha, with an optional wine pairing available as well.

Smiths of Smithfield covers four floors of a Grade II-listed building, each with its own vibe. Head to the award-winning No. 3 Rooftop Restaurant and Bar for an outdoor lunch above the City of London. The menu emphasises fresh seafood and premium cuts, accompanied by handcrafted cocktails and other premium drinks. A three-course set menu is available, as well as roast dinners on Sunday.

The rooftop at The Culpeper in Shoreditch is more than just a sunny spot for a drink and bite – though it would already be a banger if that's all it were. The gastropub uses the space to grow herbs and vegetables there, using them in the kitchen for some of the freshest, most seasonally accurate dishes around. Dining on produce harvested just steps away elevates the rooftop lunch menu from a meal to a beautifully rounded al fresco experience.

Rucola is a sustainability-focused rooftop escape that serves a plant-led, Northern Italian menu. The kitchen prioritises eco-conscious dining through low-carbon practices and creative, waste-reducing dishes like roasted cauliflower panzanella. With its environmentally conscious ethos and breezy Mediterranean setting, lunch here feeds both the body and soul.

Overlooking the iconic Battersea Power Station from the 14th and 15th floors, Joia delivers a polished dining experience infused with authentic Portuguese flavours. Set and à la carte menus are both available, including a two- or three-course lunch on select days, all featuring traditional Iberian sharing plates alongside larger courses, complemented by regional wines and on-theme cocktails.

Kitty Hawk provides a stylish vantage point for soaking in London's iconic landmarks while enjoying a nice lunch. The modern rooftop restaurant serves elevated versions of traditional British fare like fish 'n' chips, as well as top-notch steaks and other tempting options. The express lunch menu is a very convenient choice if you're on a budget or in a hurry, while Sunday roasts ensure a languorous, filling end to the week.

Seabird is a trendy rooftop retreat boasting an extensive oyster selection to go with its magnificent skyline panoramas. The chill interior, decorated with verdant greenery and beach-club-style rattan furnishings, opens onto an expansive terrace equipped with a retractable roof for all-weather dining. Order a platter loaded with fresh seafood, add a refreshing cocktail, and lounge your lunch break away.

Located above the bustle of Regent Street, Aqua Nueva is a trendy spot for contemporary Spanish dining, with a couple of outdoor lounges ideal for soaking up the sun as you make your way through the various traditional and modern tapas on the menu. Open for lunch during the week, the restaurant's sharing-minded dishes are great for refuelling while out and about on a shopping spree.