20 best London restaurants with impressive views

What better way to absorb the sights, sounds and (hopefully) clear skies of the capital than from the comfort of a restaurant? Whether you’re looking down over the city from one of London's epic rooftops, or are languishing by the river Thames with a cocktail in hand, you just can’t beat a restaurant with a view while enjoying a delicious meal. If you’re on the hunt for the best restaurants with a view in London, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we’ve compiled a killer list of places that boast stunning vistas of the capital, from sky-high spots to riverside restaurants.

An easy way to elevate a meal is by booking somewhere with a scenic outlook. To avoid disappointment, we’d recommend requesting a table by the window when you book to guarantee unparalleled views of the city while you dine. Of course, before you get to that point, you need to decide which restaurant to book in the first place!

London is crammed with restaurants boasting incredible views, many of which are located high above ground. Buildings like The Shard and Heron Tower are each home to a wealth of dining destinations alone, where you can soak up views of the city for miles around. If heights aren’t really your thing, you don’t have to book a rooftop restaurant to enjoy beautiful vistas of London. We’ve included plenty of places perched by the river Thames, many of which offer alfresco terraces, so you can enjoy a serene waterside dinner. Of course, you can guarantee that every single spot in this list serves seriously good food and drink, because we believe that all stylish restaurants should offer equal amounts of substance.

Whether you're in the mood for sushi, French food, bistro dishes or posh Chinese, you’re sure to find a restaurant with a view in this list to suit you.

Solaya, Old Street

What: Solaya circles right around the top of art’otel London Hoxton, offering genuine 360 degree views in all directions as you walk around the restaurant. Huge panoramic windows, as well as a number of outdoor terraces, make this one of London’s most impressive high rise spots, and it’s all backed up by sunny Mediterranean cooking courtesy of Solaya’s big name chef director Kenny Atkinson. The bar is also beautiful, making Solaya worth a trip just for a drink and some views.
What can I see: Everything from The Shard to St Paul’s Cathedral and The City
Where: 25th floor art’otel London Hoxton, 1-3 Rivington Street, EC2A 3DT
Booking for a special occasion? Discover private and group dining options at art'otel London Hoxton
Book now: Solaya

Los Mochis City, City of London

What: Glam, colourful and always busy, Los Mochis City exploded onto the London restaurant scene, and has quickly become a safe haven for those in search of delicious cooking, cocktails, and stunning views. The rooftop terrace is the place to be for the latter, serving up Japanese-Mexican fusion dishes from high above Broadgate Circle. If you just want to visit for a drink, you can pop into the Agaveria, which also has lovely views.
What can I see: St Paul’s Cathedral, the Shard, the London Eye and City landmarks
Where: 9th Floor, 100 Liverpool Street, EC2M 2AT
Booking for a special occasion? Discover private and group dining options at Los Mochis City
Book now: Los Mochis City

Swan London, South Bank

What: From brunch to Sunday roast, this all-day British restaurant has a menu for every occasion. Floor-to-ceiling paned windows frame striking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the River Thames, while its central location makes it ideal for a full day of sightseeing around London’s landmarks, especially if you're planning a trip to The Globe itself to watch a play. 
What can I see: Views of the River Thames, St Paul’s Cathedral, and The Globe itself
Where: 21 New Globe Walk, SE1 9DT
Booking for a special occasion? Discover private and group dining options at Swan London
Book now: Swan London

SUSHISAMBA Heron Tower, City

What: Filled to the brim with city slickers and influencers, this glamorous restaurant is still very much one of the IT restaurants of the moment in London. Located on the 38th floor of Heron Tower, a glass elevator takes you up to the brightly lit and airy restaurant where you can enjoy views across the city. SUSHISAMBA Heron Tower also has the highest outdoor terrace in Europe so you can revel in 360-degree views while munching on the likes of wagyu gyoza, lobster maki and sea bass tempura.
What can I see: 360 degree skyline views from East London
Where: Heron Tower, EC2N 4AY
Booking for a special occasion? Discover private and group dining options at SUSHISAMBA Heron Tower
Book now: SUSHISAMBA Heron Tower

City Social, City of London

What: City Social is a favourite among suit-clad city workers, and it’s easy to see why. Located on the 24th floor of Tower 42, it boasts sweeping views across London’s skyline. The menu is rooted in British flavours, with dishes such as braised pigs’ cheek with crispy veal sweetbread, maitake mushroom and pickled apple sauce, or Herdwick lamb saddle with butternut squash, cavolo nero and haggis.
What can I see: Superb views over the City - St Paul’s, Gherkin, The Shard, Walkie Talkie, and Tower Bridge
Where: 25 Old Broad Street, EC2N 1HQ
Booking for a special occasion? Discover private and group dining options at City Social
Book now: City Social

Shanghai Me, Mayfair

What: Shanghai Me brings 1930s Art Deco glamour and luxury pan-Asian dining to the 28th floor of the glitzy London Hilton on Park Lane. The menu is rooted in opulence, taking cues from broader Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese flavours across dishes like Shanghai-style braised short rib, and roast duck with foie gras with caviar. Meanwhile, the view is just as sumptuous, and DJs often play into the early hours in the adjoining bar.
What can I see: Buckingham Palace Gardens, Hyde Park, River Thames, and the London Eye
Where: 28th Floor, London Hilton on Park Lane, 22 Park Lane, W1K 1BE
Booking for a special occasion? Discover private and group dining options at Shanghai Me
Book now: Shanghai Me

Yasmin, Soho

What: Soho’s 1 Warwick is home to rooftop oasis Yasmin, which offers a chic, foliage-laden escape from the city below. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a breezy terrace blur the line between indoors and out, creating a relaxed, sun-drenched vibe. With plush interiors, a compact but flavourful Middle Eastern-inspired menu, and excellent cocktails, it’s a hidden gem for al fresco dining in central London, especially if you can snag a coveted terrace seat.
What can I see: Panoramic views over Soho and surrounding rooftops
Where: 1 Warwick Street, W1B 5LR
Booking for a special occasion? Discover private and group dining options at Yasmin
Book now: Yasmin

Sachi at Pantechnicon, Belgravia

What: Situated on the second floor of the iconic Pantechnicon building on Motcomb Street, Sachi’s views look out over the rooftops of Belgravia and the distant city skyline. In the restaurant, expect extensive Japanese menus including everything from sushi and sashimi, to tempura, robata grilled dishes and more, all executed with precision. The views are best from the rooftop bar, so we’d recommend enjoying a cocktail before dinner.
What can I see: Belgravia’s rooftops, and distant city skyline
Where: Pantechnicon, 19 Motcomb Street, SW1X 8LB
Booking for a special occasion? Discover private and group dining options at Pantechnicon
Book now: Sachi at Pantechnicon

JOIA, Battersea

What: Perched on the 15th floor of Battersea’s art’otel, JOIA offers one of London’s most spectacular dinner-with-a-view experiences. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame panoramic views of Battersea Power Station and city skyline, while pastel interiors and polished service set the tone. Overseen by Michelin-starred chef Henrique Sa Pessoa, the Portuguese sharing menu is as impressive as the setting, making JOIA a must-visit for sky-high dining with substance.
What can I see: From Battersea Power Station to the river
Where: art’otel Battersea Power Station, 1 Electric Boulevard, SW11 8BJ
Booking for a special occasion? Discover private and group dining options at art'otel Battersea Power Station
Book now: JOIA

Rucola at The Conduit, Covent Garden

What: The plant-laden roof of The Conduit in Covent Garden is home to charming restaurant Rucola, which serves relaxed, eco-conscious Northern Italian dishes, natural wines, and signature cocktails, all with a sustainable twist. Guests can dine al fresco or under a pergola, enjoying the open kitchen and central bar. With pre and post-theatre menus and weekend brunch, Rucola is a scenic spot for stylish, responsible dining at all times of day.
What can I see: Views over Covent Garden’s rooftops and skyline
Where: 6 Langley Street, WC2H 9JA
Booking for a special occasion? Discover private and group dining options at The Conduit
Book now: Rucola at The Conduit

OXO Tower Restaurant, South Bank

What: The OXO Tower Restaurant terrace is one of London’s finest riverside spots, and has long been popular for those looking for approachable modern British cookery in a nice setting. Sitting pretty on the eighth floor, it offers elevated views alongside seasonal British plates: expect dishes like spiced crab with brioche, lemongrass and honey, or lamb with swede and mushroom ketchup.
What can I see: Views across the Thames, Tate Modern, and St Paul’s
Where: Barge House Street, SE1 9PH
Booking for a special occasion? Discover private and group dining options at OXO Tower
Book now: OXO Tower Restaurant

Lucky Cat at 22 Bishopsgate, Liverpool Street

What: Gordon Ramsay doesn’t do things by halves, and his Lucky Cat restaurant in Liverpool Street sits right at the top of towering 22 Bishopsgate - at the time of writing, it claims to be the highest restaurant in the UK, sitting 60 floors above ground. That means utterly jaw-dropping views - perhaps the most impressive in the city - alongside luxurious pan-Asian cooking. Head up to the Lucky Cat roof terrace for cocktails, and live entertainment until 3am.
What can I see: Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the City, all the way to Canary Wharf
Where: Floor 60, 22 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AJ
Book now: Lucky Cat at 22 Bishopsgate

TING Restaurant & Lounge, London Bridge

What: Sitting on the 35th floor of The Shard, TING is the highest restaurant in this now-iconic building, housed in the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel. On the menu, you’ll find modern Pan Asian dishes such as char siu monkfish with roasted delica pumpkin and savoury granola, and soy braised beef cheeks with Lapsang Souchong broccoli. You can also head to sister bar GONG if you just want to lap up the views with a drink in hand. 
What can I see: Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the London Eye
Where: 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 9QU
Book now: TING Restaurant & Lounge

Duck & Waffle, City of London

What: Located only two floors above SUSHISAMBA, Duck & Waffle is noticeably more laid back than its downstairs neighbour, although we’d argue the views are just as good. Open 24 hours a day, punters can enjoy its signature ‘Duck & Waffle’ in the early hours of the morning if they wish. It’s a classic: think fluffy waffles with crispy leg confit, fried duck egg and mustard maple syrup.
What can I see: The Gherkin, Tower Bridge, the City skyline, and Canary Wharf in the distance
Where: 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY
Booking for a special occasion? Discover private and group dining options at Duck & Waffle
Book now: Duck & Waffle

Bokan at Novotel Canary Wharf

What: Bokan spans three floors of sky-high dining and drinking. The award-winning restaurant on level 37 is our top pick, with industrial-chic interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows and inventive fine dining. Choose from two or three courses, a tasting menu, or a very popular brunch menu, depending on how indulgent you're feeling. There’s also a stylish bar on level 38 and a rooftop terrace on level 39, all offering spectacular views.
What can I see: Views across the Canary Wharf skyline and East London
Where: 40 Marsh Wall, E14 9TP
Booking for a special occasion? Discover private and group dining options at Bokan at Novotel Canary Wharf
Book now: Bokan at Novotel Canary Wharf

Oblix at The Shard, London Bridge

What: Oblix's unadulterated glamour never fails to draw the crowds, but the views from its 32nd floor viewing point is what keeps them there. Split between East and West wings, Oblix offers panoramic views of the city, although it's the West area that's home to its main dining room. Here you can enjoy dishes cooked over its open fire grill and rotisserie, from Iberico pork ribs to whole fire grilled turbot.
What can I see: The Thames, Tower Bridge, St Paul’s, Houses of Parliament, London Eye, Canary Wharf
Where: 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 9RY
Book now: Oblix at The Shard

Rick Stein, Barnes

What: Rick Stein’s riverside outpost in south west London is perched on the banks of the Thames, and a window seat is well worth requesting. The menu champions fresh fish and seafood, with brilliant dishes like scallop, tuna and salmon sashimi with soy and ginger, and lemon sole served in a silky lemon butter sauce. Eating Stein-quality seafood whilst watching the Thames ebb and flow just outside - there's nothing like it.
What can I see: Riverside views along the Thames
Where: 125 Mortlake High Street, SW14 8SN
Book now: Rick Stein Barnes

Min Jiang at the Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington

What: Situated on the tenth floor of the Royal Garden Hotel, this luxury Chinese restaurant not only serves up some of the finest Chinese food in the capital, but it also boasts panoramic views across Hyde Park and London’s dramatic skyline. The signature wood-fired Beijing duck with pancakes is the thing to order here; it’s served in two parts: the first dipped in granulated sugar, and the second enjoyed along your choice of side dish. That said, the dim sum is excellent too, so Min Jiang is worth of a blowout feast.
What can I see: Views over Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
Where: 2-24 Kensington High Street, W8 4PT
Book now: Min Jiang at the Royal Garden Hotel

Darwin Brasserie at Sky Garden, City of London

What: Sky Garden is undoubtedly one of London's top attractions, and you can make a meal of it (literally) with a booking at its rooftop restaurant, Darwin Brasserie. Located on level 36, and overlooking both the man-made garden and London's skyline, it's one of the most beautiful spots in London for a meal or a drink. Enjoy classic brasserie dishes from on high at this all-day spot. 
What can I see: Wide city panorama over the City, River Thames, Tower Bridge, St Paul’s, South Bank
Where: 20 Fenchurch Street, EC3M 3BY
Book now: Darwin Brasserie at Sky Garden

Forza Wine at The National Theatre, South Bank

What: Italian dishes, natural wines, killer cocktails and river views are what’s on offer at this relative new opening at The National Theatre. Originally starting out as a supper club in 2012, this edgy offering has garnered a leagion of fans for its eclectic wine list and constantly-changing small plates. The menu never stays the same for long, but examples of previous dishes includes burrata with grumolo, blood orange and hazelnuts, and cauliflower fritti with aioli. The wine list is a thing of curated beauty, often featuring low-intervention, character-led bottles that are designed to challenge the drinker. Enjoy a glass while gazing out over the Thames.
What can I see: Views across River Thames, South Bank, Westminster Bridge, and Houses of Parliament
Where: National Theatre Upper Ground, SE1 9PX
Book now: Forza Wine at The National Theatre

If good views aren't enough and you want to feel the breeze on your face on a rooftop, we've got just the guide for you - a roundup of all the de facto best rooftop restaurants in London. Or, bring things back down to ground level with our constantly updated guide to London's best outdoor restaurants.