OXO Tower Restaurant

OXO Tower’s 8th floor restaurant has quite the legacy behind it. Originally opened in 1996, this iconic rooftop spot has been serving seasonal British menus and some of the best skyline views in the capital for nearly 30 years, a powerhouse offering that’s as popular today as it was three decades ago.

The views really are that impressive. We snag a seat on the balcony on a scorching summer’s evening, the domed head of St Paul’s peaking above the City to our right, while the sun sets slowly behind the shadow of Big Ben on our left. Even diners seated inside its signature royal blue dining room can catch a glimpse of those hallowed vistas thanks to OXO’s impressive glass frontage. For dining with a view in London, you probably can’t do much better.

Seasonality remains a major focus for the team, and both the food and cocktail menus change regularly. To drink, we start with a classic summery duo – pea and fresh mint - reimagined in an icy mocktail, before a stream of expertly-plated dishes begin to arrive. We start with delicate pieces of langoustine and crisp summer vegetables finished with a lovely bisque made with the shells, followed by well-cooked lamb loin on a bed of charred aubergine and sweet red peppers. It’s worth noting that the chips are excellent – hot, buttery, with a glass-like batter. To finish, a macerated cherry tart in a crisp filo shell is generously constructed with fluffy whipped meringue and a hidden frangipane base.

This is simple, beautifully presented food that’s hard not to like. And despite its 30-year lifespan – no mean feat for a restaurant these days - this South Bank institution remains a slick operation, helmed by professional and attentive staff who make a meal here feel like the occasion it is.

For dramatic London dining with a truly special feel you could do much worse than the OXO Tower Restaurant. This iconic eatery is found on the eighth floor of the oft-illuminated OXO Tower on London’s South Bank and affords diners some pretty spectacular views of the capital. Stretching out before you as you dine is the skyline of London, with the majestic St Paul’s cathedral just across the river being the centre of the scene.

The OXO Tower Restaurant is owned by Harvey Nichols and is known for showcasing seasonal British produce via ever-changing menus. Starters might throw up combinations like Orkney scallops with a blood orange gel, arancini and monk’s beard or white bean soup with Beyond Meat and beetroot tortellini for guests who prefer vegetarian dishes. Mains include high-end cuts like Chateaubriand and venison haunch steaks as well as plenty of seafood options that showcase some of the UK’s finest coastal catches. Pudding brings classics like babas, panna cottas and cheese plates.

Wine at the OXO Tower Restaurant is as impressive as the food offering, having been chosen by Head Sommelier Diego Muntoni. Indeed, if you prefer you are welcome to enjoy a few drinks and snacks at the bar instead of a full three course meal. Elsewhere, the 250-foot terrace is the perfect place to watch as the skyline darkens on balmy evenings or can be braved in the winter with hot drinks, a good bottle or bubbly or a few rounds of cocktails with friends.

Throughout the year the restaurant often celebrates special occasions and holidays with carefully curated menus, marking days like Valentine’s Day, Christmas and Chinese New Year. There is also a beautifully laid out Afternoon tea each day.