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Few things beat dinner with the London skyline laid out before you. The city's rooftops and towers hold a clutch of restaurants where the view is as much the draw as the food, from dizzying sky-high dining rooms to riverside terraces. This guide covers where to eat with the best outlook.
Sky-high dining
Duck and Waffle on the fortieth floor of Heron Tower serves all day and night with a spectacular City panorama, and its neighbour Sushisamba pairs Japanese-Brazilian food with a giddy terrace. The Shard holds several options, from Aqua Shard and Oblix to the northern Chinese cooking of Hutong, all far above the river. The Sky Garden atop the Walkie-Talkie building combines free viewing gardens with smart restaurants such as Darwin Brasserie.
Riverside tables
For a view at eye level with the Thames, the OXO Tower and Sea Containers on the South Bank look across to St Paul's and the City, and a string of terraces around Tower Bridge and Bankside let you dine beside the water. These are more relaxed than the towers and just as memorable, especially at sunset. Booking a table by the window or on the terrace is essential.
Where is the best view restaurant in London?
For sheer height and drama, Duck and Waffle in Heron Tower and the restaurants of the Shard are unbeatable. For a river-level view of the classic London skyline, the OXO Tower and Sea Containers on the South Bank are hard to beat. Book ahead and request a window or terrace table.
Do you pay more for a restaurant with a view?
Generally yes: the sky-high rooms carry a premium for the outlook and the location. You can enjoy the views for less by booking for a drink or afternoon tea rather than dinner, or by visiting the free Sky Garden and eating at its more casual options.
Where to go next
Take just the drinks up high with the best rooftop bars in London, or enjoy the outlook over tea with afternoon tea in London.
