Top 15 Best London Restaurants With A View

What better way to absorb the sights and sounds of the capital than from one of the many London restaurants with views? Luckily for locals and tourists alike, the capital serves up some of the finest culinary treats the world has to offer, often with views to dine for. So whether you are gazing at Tower Bridge from above, looking over Big Ben while sipping on afternoon tea or watching the setting sun outline St Paul’s, London has a wealth of restaurants boasting some of the world’s finest city views to enjoy with a drink in hand.

CITY OF LONDON

1. Helix at The Gherkin

The City

From the 39th floor of one of London’s most iconic buildings, Helix offers 360-degree views of the capital. Savour a refined menu of European dishes, 180 metres above the city. Sample the likes of sea bream with brown shrimp, or Gressingham duck breast with raspberry.

2. Savage Garden
Tower Hill

A sultry hangout up on the 12th floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton Tower of London, Savage Garden is of London’s most spectacular rooftop bars. Eclectic light bites through to hearty international feasts can be found on the Savage Garden menu, with everything complemented with an extensive drink line-up.

3. Coq d’Argent
Bank

For classic French cooking, look no further than Coq d’Argent. Situated in the heart of the Square Mile and nestled on top of No.1 Poultry, Coq d’Argent offers enviable views of St Paul’s and Mansion House, whilst taking in the greater skyline from its heated, covered rooftop terrace; perfect for al fresco dining all year round.

4. Quartier
Moorgate

With leather armchairs and mahogany flooring, Quartier restaurant serves a contemporary British menu in modern and stylish surroundings. Situated on the first floor of members-only Moorgate Club, the restaurant enjoys spectacular views of the London city skyline. Ideal for afternoon business lunches with its du jour menu,  evening diners can enjoy a glass of wine on the wraparound terrace before and after dining to soak up those stunning views.

5. Fenchurch Restaurant at Sky Garden
Fenchurch Street

Found atop London’s mammoth Sky Garden (aka the ‘Walkie Talkie’ building), Fenchurch Restaurant teams high-end British cuisine with jaw-dropper views. St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard, the gentle snake of the Thames: catch them all from your sky-high table.

6. Darwin Brasserie at Sky Garden
Fenchurch Street

20 Fenchurch Street, otherwise known as The Walkie-Talkie, is now home to a public gardens and a fleet of eating and drinking establishments. On level 36, Darwin Brasserie offers seasonal British fare and of course, some of the best views in town.

WEST END OF LONDON

7. Galvin at Windows
Mayfair

This French fine dining restaurant is situated on the 28th floor of London Hilton on Park Lane, Mayfair. With 360-degree views over the London city skyline, Galvin at Windows allows for panoramic views over Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace. With its interior evoking images of the 1930’s golden age, the restaurant is perfect for night-time views to take in the city lights.

8. OXO Tower
South Bank

Situated in the iconic landmark on the south bank skyline, the OXO Tower restaurant and brasserie offers modern British cuisine with tantalising pan-Asian flavours and boasts incredible views over the Thames and London city from the 250-foot terrace bar. Enjoying an eighth-floor location, the fine dining restaurant also has a superb vegetarian/vegan menu, and has experienced sommeliers on-hand to assist in selecting from the 800-strong fine wine list.

9. Gaucho
Tower Bridge

With its sleek, minimalist décor, it seems only appropriate that Gaucho has a cigar and cognac menu as a side order to the hearty European-inspired grill menu, serving up Argentinian 35-day matured steaks and lobster ceviche, accompanied by rare and fine wines. Situated on the South Bank of the River Thames, the restaurant boasts riverside views of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Wine tasting packages are also available.

10. Blueprint Café
Shad Thames

In an elevated position above the Design Museum, Blueprint Café has a picturesque riverside position, with views of the Thames, taking in sights such as Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf. Its modern European menu changes seasonally, and is accompanied by an extensive wine menu. The restaurant hosts regular dining and exhibition events, where you can watch the world drift on by after taking in an exhibition in the museum below.

SOUTH WEST LONDON

11. Thai Square
Putney Bridge

With award winning architectural design, Thai Square at Putney Bridge offers stunning views over the River Thames. Its exterior resembles that of a ship, with metal beams and tall, glazed windows, and the venue has a chic Thai interior to complement the visual masterpiece. Immaculately presented dishes consist of authentic fresh ingredients flown over from Thailand on a daily basis. Thai Square offers Thai cuisine at its absolute best.

12. Chelsea Riverside Brasserie 
West Brompton

With its spectacular Chelsea Harbour location, Chelsea Riverside Brasserie’s menu consists of British takes on classic dishes using locally sourced ingredients. Immaculately presented, the restaurant’s signature dish is line caught sea bass, served with crushed potatoes, baby leeks and lemongrass sauce. With an outdoor terrace, the venue has sensational views of the marina from inside and out through its huge windows. A chic city restaurant if ever there was one.

WEST LONDON

13. Min Jiang
Kensington

With views over Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park from its 10th floor location, Min Jiang offers a haven from the bustle of London city life. The traditional meets contemporary Chinese décor is reflected in the menu, with signature dishes including Beijing duck and spicy Sichuan. The restaurant’s bar offers a range of Chinese teas and speciality cocktails. A four-course express lunch menu is offered mid-week; perfect for lunchtime pit stops.

14. The Summerhouse
Paddington

Situated on the Grand Union Canal, The Summerhouse is the perfect summer restaurant, serving up summer salads and fish and chips whilst canal boats go sailing past. Offering a classic bistro menu, the venue maintains its nautical theme through ticking stripe seating, painted wooden panelling and sunflowers in watering cans for that retro riverboat feel. An extensive cocktail menu serves up Pimm’s Mojitos and white peach Bellini’s among others.

EAST LONDON

15. Vicinity
St. Katharine Docks

The relaxed atmosphere and ambient lighting create an airy space perfect for dining from the modern European menu, reflecting the cultural influences of its head chef. Situated on the north bank of the River Thames overlooking St Katharine’s Dock, the restaurant offers stunning views of London’s Tower Bridge through the floor to ceiling windows. Its close proximity to Tower Bridge makes it the perfect venue for business and celebration lunches