10 best restaurants and bars for views of London

Make the most of London’s beautiful skyline with the top 10 restaurants offering picturesque views. From the go-to spots for vistas of the river to the places that capture the capital’s iconic landmarks from their best side, Square Meal maps out the city as you’ve never seen it before.

Babylon, Kensington

This restaurant terrace, seven floors above bustling Kensington High Street, looks out over one of the city’s most stunning rooftop gardens, with London as its backdrop.

Blueprint Café, Shad Thames

Boasting great views of Tower Bridge and The Gherkin, this restaurant provides each diner with a pair of binoculars. In warmer months, order small bites and take them alfresco on the pretty terrace.

Coq d’Argent, Moorgate (pictured, top right)

Up in the air on this luxurious terrace, a sense of space prevails. You’re bang in the middle of the City, so landmarks such as the Royal Exchange and the Bank of England are sure to catch your eye. Whatever the weather, thanks to Coq d'Argent's efficient heaters, outdoor dining is possible.

Duck & Waffle, Bishopsgate (pictured, left)

At the top of the Heron Tower, this high-flying City perch offers stunning views of the whole of London through its floor-to-ceiling windows. What's more, the restaurant is open 24/7, making it the go-to destination for memorable sunsets and sunrises.

Galvin at Windows, Mayfair

This all-in-one sightseeing experience on the 28th floor of the London Hilton offers stunning 360-degree views of the city – plus a swanky interior. Request a window seat and soak up the breathtaking views.

Min Jiang, Kensington

Diners at this elegant 10th-floor Chinese restaurant are spoilt rotten with views over the vibrant greenery of Hyde Park.

Oxo Tower Restaurant, South Bank (pictured, right)

The only London building you can’t see from this fabulously located restaurant is the Oxo Tower itself. Riverside tables can’t be booked, so arrive early to nab the best seats – there’s always the downstairs brasserie and bar if you’re pipped to the post.

Rhodes Twenty Four, Moorgate

Diners at this sky-scraping destination remain on cloud nine long after they’ve left – partly due to the impeccable food, and partly because of the heady views on offer.

Sushisamba, Bishopsgate

A vertical neighbour to Duck & Waffle, this Brazilian-Japanese stunner gives vertiginous and panoramic views of the capital – plus, it gets you up close to the Gherkin, at an angle you've never seen before.

Tate Modern Restaurant, South Bank

Watch the sun set over St Paul’s and The Gherkin while sipping a long drink at the bar, or retire to the dining room to bask in the other highlights the skyline has to offer.

This feature was updated in April 2013.