City Social

This elevated grill and restaurant from Jason Atherton may not be the tallest dining destination in London but the food here still reaches lofty heights. Occupying the 24th floor of Tower 42, Michelin-starred City Social is unusual among London’s high-rise dining rooms in that it sits among London’s skyscrapers, rather than looming over them – you can even spy who’s doing overtime in the office blocks opposite.

Comprising a separate bar and dining room, City Social is an attractive proposition, even if the dark-wood interiors do feel a little dated these days. While it’s mostly favoured by City workers, the low lighting and glittering skyline also make this a viable date-night option, while cosy furnishings and seating on different levels (which ensures everyone gets a good view of the dramatic skyline) are nice touches.

Classically trained chef Tom Lidakevicius (who has previously worked at Galvin at Windows and Corrigan’s) transforms familiar seasonal ingredients with confidence and finesse. To begin, decadent squid ink tortellini parcels are filled with sweet shredded lobster and cloaked in warming lobster bisque, while thick slices of tender duck breast are served alongside a subtly sharp medley of salsify and radish. Of course, you could always order from the grill too, with the accommodating and knowledgeable staff recommending the côte de bœuf to share.

When it comes to dessert, the pastry chef shows off with puddings such as a delicately assembled and refreshing pear tart that resembles a flower in bloom, with shards of meringue acting as the petals. There are afters to tempt the savoury toothed too, though, with one fan confessing they’d “go just for the cheeseboard”. If you prefer liquid desserts, City Social’s impressive leather-bound drinks list is a veritable bible of booze, with enough options to keep the even the choosiest of oenophiles happy, while cocktails are shaken up in the adjoining bar.