As twilight descends upon the city, London‘s emblematic skyline unveils a mesmerising tableau of glistening lights and awe-inspiring landmarks. There’s an undeniable enchantment in dining above the city’s bustling streets, with each lofty vantage point revealing a captivating perspective of the urban landscape below. Fusing culinary excellence with arresting vistas, London’s sky-high restaurants, including the likes of Galvin at Windows, Aqua Shard and Fenchurch Restaurant, offer a truly memorable experience.
Embark with us on a journey through the finest elevated dining establishments in London, where the marriage of delectable cuisine and breathtaking panoramas culminate in unforgettable moments to cherish.
Galvin at Windows, Mayfair
Perched on the 28th floor of London Hilton on Park Lane, the acclaimed Galvin at Windows takes pride of place in the sophisticated Mayfair district. Gaze out over the 360-degree panorama as you savour Head Chef Marc Hardiman’s refined British fare, featuring iconic landmarks such as The Shard, London Eye and Hyde Park. Elevate your evening with a visit to the chic 10 Degrees Sky Bar, where expertly crafted cocktails, including their take on the Espresso Martini, the Coffee Date, and delectable light bites set the stage for a memorable night.
Upon ascending to the dining area, the unfolding cityscape envelops you, creating a truly immersive experience. With intimate seating, meticulous table settings and unerring attention to detail, Galvin at Windows ensures a seamless encounter. The expertly crafted menu features an array of extraordinary dishes, from succulent meats and fresh seafood to delicate desserts, designed to leave a lasting imprint on your taste buds.
Address: 22 Park Lane, London W1K 1BE
Website: galvinatwindows.com
Aqua Shard, London Bridge
Situated on the 31st floor of the iconic Shard, Aqua Shard in London Bridge presents contemporary British dining set against a peerless backdrop. Executive chef Anthony Garlando expertly creates exquisite dishes utilising locally-sourced ingredients to celebrate the rich tapestry of British culinary heritage. As you relish your meal, take in the awe-inspiring vistas of London landmarks such as Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral and Canary Wharf, visible through the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows enveloping the dining area.
The interior design of Aqua Shard is marked by a modern, sophisticated aesthetic that harmonises with the breath-taking panoramas. Beyond the main dining area, the restaurant features an elegant bar, perfect for pre-dinner drinks or a laid-back evening with friends. The menu offers a tantalising array of choices, from starters like red prawns to mains such as Kentish lamb loin and indulgent desserts like caramelised apple tarte tatin.
Address: 31 St. Thomas Street, London SE1 9RY
Website: aquashard.co.uk
Duck & Waffle London, Bishopsgate
Towering 40 floors above Bishopsgate, Duck & Waffle London greets patrons with an inventive melding of British and European flavours. Offering a unique 24-hour service, diners can relish executive chef Maxwell Terheggen’s culinary masterpieces, including the restaurant’s signature dish, at any hour. The sweeping windows present spectacular vistas of the River Thames, The Gherkin and London’s ever-evolving skyline.
The dining experience at Duck & Waffle is enriched by the open kitchen, where patrons can observe skilled chefs meticulously crafting each dish. The menu features a diverse range of delectable options, including small plates, main courses and desserts, appealing to a variety of tastes. To enhance your dining experience, consider ordering a glass of champagne or a hand-crafted cocktail from the extensive drinks list to accompany your meal.
Address: 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
Website: duckandwaffle.com
SUSHISAMBA Heron Tower, Bishopsgate
Perched high above the streets in the Heron Tower, SUSHISAMBA presents a distinctive fusion of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian flavours. Boasting striking décor, including an eye-catching, vibrant mural, and expansive windows, the restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of London. As you savour the lively dishes, delight in the mesmerising views of St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard and the Thames, which contribute to the restaurant’s spirited atmosphere.
SUSHISAMBA’s innovative menu showcases an impressive array of dishes that pay homage to the diverse culinary traditions of its three featured cultures. From sushi and sashimi to Brazilian churrasco and Peruvian anticuchos, there’s something to excite every adventurous palate. The restaurant also boasts a vibrant bar area, where you can enjoy signature cocktails and an extensive selection of sake, making it the perfect spot for a post-work tipple or a late-night rendezvous.
Address: 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
Website: sushisamba.com
Fenchurch Restaurant, City of London
Situated atop the famed “Walkie Talkie” building, Fenchurch Restaurant delivers an upscale dining experience within the lush Sky Garden in the City of London. This elegant establishment serves contemporary British cuisine, emphasising seasonal ingredients and sophisticated techniques while offering breath-taking views of iconic landmarks such as the Tower of London, The Shard and The Gherkin.
At Fenchurch Restaurant, the welcoming ambiance is enhanced by attentive service and exquisite new menu offerings by head chef Kerth Grumbs, skilfully blending the finest British ingredients with the vibrant flavours and influences of his Anguillan roots, resulting in a delightful fusion of Caribbean and British cuisine. The menu features an array of appetisers, mains and desserts, accompanied by a thoughtfully curated wine list, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience for all who visit.
Address: Sky Garden Walk, 1, London EC3M 8AF
Website: skygarden.london
OXO Tower Restaurant, South Bank
Perched on the eighth floor of the renowned OXO Tower on the South Bank, OXO Tower Restaurant provides a stylish British dining experience, accentuated by the striking views of the River Thames and St Paul’s Cathedral. Executive head chef Jeremy Bloor focuses on using the finest seasonal British produce, delivering beautifully crafted dishes to suit discerning palates.
The carefully curated menu is paired with a thoughtfully chosen wine list, offering a refined selection by expert sommeliers to enhance the dining experience. OXO Tower Restaurant also offers an elegant Afternoon Tea experience, showcasing a sophisticated selection of teas, sandwiches, and pastries for guests to indulge in.
Address: Barge House Street, London SE1 9PH
Website: oxotowerrestaurant.com
Le Pont de la Tour, Bermondsey
Marrying classic French cuisine with a prime riverside location, Le Pont de la Tour in Bermondsey affords diners spectacular views of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. This enchanting eatery is an ideal setting for a romantic evening or a memorable dinner, exuding a tranquil ambiance and providing attentive service alongside its remarkable surroundings.
Head chef Tony Fleming presides over Le Pont de la Tour’s kitchen, crafting a menu that celebrates traditional French cooking while adding a contemporary twist. Signature dishes, such as rabbit a la moutarde parmentier and dover sole meunière, captivate diners with their rich flavours and sophisticated presentation. The restaurant also takes pride in its extensive wine list, showcasing a remarkable selection of French and international bottles to enhance your dining experience.
Address: 36D Shad Thames, London SE1 2YE
Website: lepontdelatour.co.uk
Bōkan 37, Canary Wharf
Nestled high above Canary Wharf, Bōkan 37 presents an array of delectable European cuisine from the 37th floor of Novotel London Canary Wharf. As guests dine beside floor-to-ceiling windows, they can savour the sweeping views of the surrounding cityscape, encompassing the O2 Arena, Greenwich Peninsula and the Thames.
Under the creative guidance of executive chef Robert Manea, Bōkan 37’s menu features a variety of innovative dishes that pay tribute to the finest European culinary traditions. From enticing starters like venison tartare, croissant pudding & Baerii caviar to mouth-watering mains such as blue lobster, spiky artichokes & winter tomato, the menu caters to all tastes. The dessert selection is equally delightful, with indulgent options like modern tiramisu and artisanal cheese plates.
The restaurant’s interior seamlessly blends contemporary elegance with industrial accents, crafting an ambiance that harmonises with its striking location. To further enhance your dining experience, Bōkan 37 boasts an adjoining bar on the 38th floor, where guests can sip pre- or post-dinner drinks while admiring the city’s sparkling lights from a different angle.
Address: 40 Marsh Wall, London E14 9TP
Website: bokanlondon.co.uk
City Social, City of London
Nestled on the 24th floor of Tower 42 in the heart of the City of London, City Social delivers a refined dining experience centred on modern British cuisine. Under the direction of Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton, the restaurant epitomises contemporary dining, featuring chic interiors and panoramic vistas of iconic landmarks such as The Gherkin, The Shard and Tower Bridge.
City Social’s menu is a celebration of Britain’s diverse culinary influences, offering dishes that reinterpret classic recipes through modern techniques and flavours. Enticing starters like Orkney scallops, mains such as Herdwick lamb saddle & belly and desserts like ewes’ milk panna cotta, Yorkshire rhubarb & almond ice cream provide a delicious exploration of British culinary heritage. An extensive wine list and imaginative cocktail offerings ensure a perfect pairing for every dish.
Address: 25 Old Broad Street, London EC2N 1HQ
Website: citysociallondon.com
