Duck & Waffle

High-rise restaurants may not be the novelty in London that they once were, but the “amazing views” at Duck & Waffle still take some beating. Found inside the Heron Tower and sitting 40 floors above the capital’s streets (one floor higher than neighbouring Sushisamba), the 24/7 restaurant offers up a glamorous setting to enjoy some imaginative cooking, whether you are starting your day there with breakfast, or visiting at 3am for a post-night-out snack.

The retro stylings of the dining room look a little misplaced among such slick surrounds, but curved banquettes mean Duck & Waffle is great for groups, while the tables by the floor-to-ceiling windows are the best seats in the house. From the partially open kitchen, the restaurant’s team of chefs turn out a globally inspired menu of “unique” dishes that for all the sense of fun display plenty of technical knowhow.

Begin with snacks such as the now-famous bacon-wrapped dates (a flawless symphony of sweetness and crunch) or opt for the unassuming-sounding doughnut, which reveals a savoury centre of shredded ox cheek and is finished off with the sweet tinge of apricot jam and a dusting of paprika sugar.

When it comes to the mains, or ‘large plates’, the eponymous house speciality is a must-order: a golden waffle crowned with confit duck leg and a fried egg, which is a perfect balance of sweet and savoury. Elsewhere, we’re also fans of the hanger steak with its garlic and parsley dip, and the whole-roasted chicken which is given a luxe update with wild mushrooms, truffles and herbs.

Staff have thankfully ditched their garish red shirts for sleeker black alternatives, and although attempts to upsell can sometimes grate, several readers commend Duck & Waffle’s “perfect” service. Waiters will also help you to navigate the expansive drinks list, which ranges from flash Champagnes to house-made cocktails like a Breakfast Fizz which tastes just like marmalade on toast.

Once you’ve factored in those awe-inspiring views, prices which are reasonable for the setting and electric atmosphere, you’ll see why readers consider Duck & Waffle “worth every penny”.    

For an iconic dining destination with breath-taking views of the capital, Duck & Waffle is at the peak (if you’ll pardon the pun) of the pack. Finding its home on the 40th floor of 110 Bishopsgate in London you would be hard pressed not to be impressed by the space, which is reached by a swiftly moving glass lift that prompts stomach-flipping views of the city below as it zips out of sight during the brief 40 second assent.

As one of the only 24/7 restaurants in London, Duck & Waffle gives diners the ultimate flexibility in fine dining. Whether you find yourself browsing the menu after a few drinks on a Friday night or prefer to start the day with a sunrise breakfast, you’ll be treated to a playful British menu with international influences. Of course, the obvious choice is the house signature duck and waffle, but outside of this there are other gems to discover. A raw bar throws up Angus beef tartare and Jersey oysters, while small plates see combinations like a spicy ox cheek ragu packed into a savoury paprika-sugar-dusted doughnut and seared scalloped with potatoes, chilli and garlic. If you’re not the sharing type or want to skip starters, then the main menu features larger plates that include excellent cuts of meat cooked in the wood oven and inventive vegetarian serves. As if wanting to push proof of its popularity, the restaurant group boast having sold over a million dishes worldwide and now includes a Hong Kong site in its portfolio.

If preferred guests can also enjoy the indoor/outdoor bar area which has dazzling views of the city below whatever time of the day you find yourself at it. Compliment cocktails with the selection of temping bar snacks like crispy BBQ pig ears or cauliflower and red onion pakora.