17 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.

Boundary Rooftop, Shoreditch

What: This hidden gem in the heart of Shoreditch is home to a rooftop bar with a hidden outdoor terrace. It's designed to function all year round, with large canopies erected in the summer to offer plenty of shade, while heaters keep guests warm during the winter. 
Where: 2-4 Boundary Street, E2 7DD
Book now: Boundary Rooftop

TING Restaurant & Lounge, London Bridge

What: Sitting on the 35th floor of the Shard, TING is the highest of all its restaurants and is part of 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.
Where: 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 9QU
Book now: TING Restaurant & Lounge

Swan at The Globe, South Bank

What: From brunch to dinner to a Sunday roast, this all-day British restaurant offers a menu for every occasion. Large paned windows offer ample viewing of St Paul's Cathedral and the River Thames just outside, and the restaurant is only a stone’s throw from further London landmarks if you fancy a full day of sightseeing.
Where: 21 New Globe Walk, SE1 9DT
Book now: Swan at The Globe

Sushisamba, City

What: Filled to the brim with city slickers and influencers, this glamourous 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 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.
Where: Heron Tower, EC2N 4AY
Book now: Sushisamba City

Aqua Shard, London Bridge

What: Unrivalled views come with the territory at Aqua Shard, which finds its home up on the 31st floor of The Shard building in London Bridge. It doesn't get much better than the tallest building in the UK, surely? If you’re dining for dinner, the menu features a selection of classic dishes, from beef fillet with horseradish to pumpkin and sage ravioli. If you have time, we recommend arriving early to enjoy a cocktail at the Aqua Shard bar.
Where: Level 31 The Shard, SE1 9RY
Book now: Aqua Shard

HIDE, Mayfair

What: Climb the swirling oak staircase to Hide Above for incredible views across Green Park. This Michelin-starred restaurant offers a series of exceptional menus, including a la carte, tasting and set offerings. If heights aren’t your cup of tea, then venture down to Hide Below – its basement bar - to enjoy a bespoke cocktail in seductive surrounds.
Where: 85 Piccadilly, W1J 7NB
Book now: HIDE

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.
Where: National Theatre Upper Ground, SE1 9PX
Book now: Forza Wine at The National Theatre

Rick Stein, Barnes

What: Rick Stein’s south west London restaurant is perched on the banks of the Thames, and we do recommend requesting a window seat if you can to make the most of its killer location. Expect classic dishes with a focus on fresh fish and seafood, such as scallop, tuna and salmon sashimi with soy and ginger, and lemon sole served with a lemon butter sauce.
Where: 125 Mortlake High Street, SW14 8SN
Book now: Rick Stein Barnes

City Social, City of London

What: Often filled with suit-clad city workers, City Social is no doubt a popular choice for its panoramic views. You can find it on the 24th floor of Tower 42 sandwiched between many of London’s neighbouring skyscrapers. This is one of Jason Atherton's Michelin-starred achievements, so you can expect the food to be good. Dishes are bursting with British heart, from braised pigs’ cheek with crispy veal sweetbread, maitake mushroom and pickle apple sauce, to Herdwick lamb saddle with butternut squash, cavolo nero and haggis.
Where: 25 Old Broad Street, EC2N 1HQ
Book now: City Social

Hutong at The Shard, London Bridge

What: Hutong is the Aqua Group's take on Chinese cuisine. Featuring floor to ceiling windows that offer views across the city, alongside traditional Chinese décor in the form of distressed wooden panelling and red Chinese lanterns, this beautiful restaurant is bound to dazzle. Menu-wise you can expect to find roasted Peking duck, alongside the likes of crispy soft-shell crab and a selection of dim sum and dumplings.
Where: The Shard, SE1 9RY
Book now: Hutong at The Shard

OXO Tower Restaurant, South Bank

What: OXO Tower Restaurant’s terrace has got to be one of the best riverside spots in London. Sitting pretty on the eighth floor, you can enjoy the view from above while enjoying seasonal British dishes created by executive chef Jeremy Bloor. Think spiced crab with brioche, lemongrass and honey, and lamb with swede and mushroom ketchup.
Where: Barge House Street, SE1 9PH
Book now: OXO Tower Restaurant

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. Its 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.
Where: 2-24 Kensington High Street, W8 4PT
Book now: Min Jiang at the Royal Garden Hotel

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.
Where: 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY
Book now: Duck & Waffle

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. 
Where: 20 Fenchurch Street, EC3M 3BY
Book now: Darwin Brasserie at Sky Garden

Bokan, Canary Wharf

What: Spanning a whopping three floors, Bokan comprises an award-winning restaurant (level 37), a bar (level 38) and a rooftop terrace (level 39). Obviously, all three destinations promise fantastic views, but the main restaurant would be our go-to, with industrial decor, ginormous windows and creative, fine dining dishes. Choose between three, five or seven courses depending on how gastronomic you want the experience to be. 
Where: 40 Marsh Wall, E14 9TP
Book now: Bokan

The Petersham Restaurant, Richmond

What: Although not in the heart of London, this country house hotel in Richmond boasts views of a more verdant kind. Overlooking the Thames just before its runs into the city, and surrounded by lush meadows, this beautiful spot feels close to a country escape (despite being a 20-minute train ride from the city). Enjoy classic dishes executed with flair and finesse, such as roast lamb rump with smoked cauliflower, peas, swiss chard, toasted pine nuts and mint jus.
Where: Nightingale Lane, TW10 6UZ
Book now: The Petersham Restaurant

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.
Where: 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 9RY
Book now: Oblix at The Shard

If you're booking a restaurant for a special occasion, why not check out the best private dining rooms with stunning views of London instead?