The Best Central London Restaurants with a View
You’re in London and looking for a place to eat? But not just your typical everyday restaurant. We’re talking about restaurants with amazing views that will put a smile on your face!
We’ve got you covered – Here’s our guide to some of the best restaurants with fantastic views in Central London.
Galvin at Windows
Are you looking to impress your date with a fine dining experience overlooking Hyde Park? Climb up to the 28 floors of London Hilton Park Lane. This place is home to Chris Galvin’s Michelin-star restaurant, Galvin at Windows.
Chef Patron Chris Galvin and Head Chef Marc Hardiman present the richness of flavor found in France’s regional cuisine. In place, you get to experience modern French haute cuisine and hand-picked wines.
On the menu: The Cured Loch Fyne salmon, Dorset crab, Roasted Fillet of Halibut, braised octopus, White garlic velouté… Sounds terrific, doesn’t it?
Though dining at Galvin Window will squeeze your pocket, the meals, wine, and 360
views of London will all be worth it! For the best experience at Galvin at Windows, avoid having your heavy bags with you. You’ll find London luggage storage available around the city for your
convenience. Store your bags now, and let the feast begin!
22 Park Ln, Mayfair, London W1K 1BE, Tel. +44 207 208 4021
Fenchurch Restaurant
Dining at Fenchurch Restaurant is something you want to experience at least once in your life! This restaurant settles on the top of level 37 of the famous Sky Garden tower, the ‘Walkie Talkie’ building. While you’re up on the 37 floors, Fenchurch restaurant boasts a postcard-looking view of the city and a foliage-filled Sky garden.
When it comes to the menu, the restaurant offers contemporary British cuisine accompanied by an award-winning wine list. The menu is overseen by head chef Kerth Grumbs which includes Nut-crusted halibut, British Wagyu beef rump, and stuffed Gnocchi; these are just a few examples of what is being offered for mains. You’ll have Fenchurch chocolate bar, English strawberry, and others on the list for dessert.
If you’re planning for special events, Fenchurch is well equipped for that. It has a private dining room big enough to fit 16 people.
Sky Garden, Walk, 1 Philpot Ln, London ECE3M 8AF, Tel. +44 333 772 0020
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Fenchurch Restaurant
Dining at Fenchurch Restaurant is something you want to experience at least once in your life! This restaurant settles on the top of level 37 of the famous Sky Garden tower, the ‘Walkie Talkie’ building. While you’re up on the 37 floors, Fenchurch restaurant boasts a postcard-looking view of the city and a foliage-filled Sky garden.
When it comes to the menu, the restaurant offers contemporary British cuisine accompanied by an award-winning wine list. The menu is overseen by head chef Kerth Grumbs which includes Nut-crusted halibut, British Wagyu beef rump, and stuffed Gnocchi; these are just a few examples of what is being offered for mains. You’ll have Fenchurch chocolate bar, English strawberry, and others on the list for dessert.
If you’re planning for special events, Fenchurch is well equipped for that. It has a private dining room big enough to fit 16 people.
Sky Garden, Walk, 1 Philpot Ln, London ECE3M 8AF, Tel. +44 333 772 0020
City Social
Opened in May 2014 by Jason Atherton, City Social is another Michelin star (one Michelin star) restaurant on our list! The restaurant is perched on top of the 24th floor of Tower 42 building.
Over at City Social, you’ll be spoiled with the panoramic view of the capital and other city skyscrapers. With the city’s view overlooking the back, you’ll be served with a classy modern British menu to go with.
The restaurant also provides private dining service perfect for social gatherings and business lunches. Chef’s Table (private dining room) is also offered to those interested. You’ll get to experience the restaurant’s open kitchen while enjoying your lunch or dinner there. And not to forget, the stunning view!
There’s also City Social’s stylish bar if you fancy a drink before or after dinner.
Tower 42, 25 Old Broad St, London EC2N 1HQ, Tel. +44 207 877 7703
Aqua Shard
You might wonder, is it possible to find an affordable restaurant in central London with a view? The answer is Yes!
At Aqua Shard, you can get a three-course lunch menu served from Monday to Friday for 39£. Now for a stunning view while enjoying a 3-course meal, that’s not bad for a price!
There’s plenty to choose from Whiskey cured salmon for starters, Corn-fed Chicken Breast for the main, and Gingerbread cheesecake for dessert. Aqua Shard does not serve halal meat for those requesting Halal food. However, fish and vegetarian options are available.
This floor-to-ceiling glass window can be found on the 31st floor of the Shard.
Level 31 The Shard, 31 St. Thomas Street, London, UK SE1 9RY, Tel. +44 203 011 1256
Skylon
Are you getting bored with dining in a dull atmosphere when eating out? Head over to Skylon. This fancy restaurant is located on the third floor of the Royal Festival Hall. And it offers a picturesque view of the South Bank and River Thames.
Skylon serves modern British cuisine prepared with seasonal British ingredients. On the menu: Sourdough Bread, Pumpkin & Sage Ravioli, Skylon Burger, Braised Beef Bourguinon.
And if you’re planning for a weekend brunch with your favorite person, Skylon has that covered for you. From 12 PM to 4 PM, you can enjoy brunch along with free flowing fizz, followed by a ride on the London Eye. This would be perfect to end your day!
Belvedere Rd, Royal Festival Hall, London, SE1 8XX, Tel. +44 207 654 7800
Sushisamba
In search of an outdoor dining experience with your loved ones? Climb up to the 38th floor of the Heron Tower. There, you’ll find Sushisamba. This restaurant serves its guests a unique blend of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisines. And if you’re vegan, Sushisamba also offers a great vegan menu for you to enjoy!
A little peek at the menu? Wagyu Gyoza, Lamb Chop red miso and lime, Churrasco Rio Grande, Robata-Grilled Kobe Ribeye. For dessert: Chocolate Banana Cake, Yuzu & Coconut Tart, Assorted Mochi.
Sushisamba also owns a brunch at Covent Garden. So if you’re in the area, head over there!
110 Bishopsgate London, EC2N 4AY, Tel. +44 203 640 7330
Hutong
Craving for some Chinese food with extraordinary views? Hutong is the answer. This restaurant is one of the top restaurants with a view you don’t want to miss! It is located on the 33rd floor of The Shard (The tallest building in the UK). Hutong serves its guests fiery Northern Chinese dishes accompanied by artisan cocktails crafted in its Shanghai Bar.
The restaurant and bar are open for lunch, dinner, and drinks seven days a week. Hutong’s signature lunch menu: Lobster dumpling with Sichuan chili sauce, Yam & pork crispy dumplings, and Wok-tossed beef tenderloin with green chili (Plenty more to choose from!).
And if you’re planning to organize private events, Hutong has that covered for you. You’ll get to experience excellent Asian food paired with amazing views of London. That’s not all. Hutong is within easy reach of the Square Mile and Canary Wharf, making it accessible to guests.
31 St. Thomas Street Level 33 The Shard London, SE1 9RY, Tel. +44 203 011 1257
Seabird
Guests dining at Seabird will be taken on a journey through the fresh flavors of Southern Europe. Not just that, you also get to feast on the panoramic views while being on the Hoxton hotel’s top floor.
On the menu: Oysters, Dressed Crab on Toast, Whole Lobster Rice, Grilled Tiger Prawn, and Whole Boneless Seabass. Now there’s more, of course! These are just a few examples of what you can expect at Seabird.
With the fantastic view, you can stay and watch the sunset (accompanied by great cocktails). To have the best experience, avoid having your bulky luggage with you. But since you’ve checked out from the hotel, where do you store them? Not to worry! With left luggage facilities available near you and around the city, you can drop off your bags. And enjoy the amazing sunset!
14th Floor, South Bank, 40 Blackfriars Rd, London SE1 8NY, Tel. +44 207 903 3050
Aviary Rooftop Restaurant and Bar
Fancy a good breakfast with a breathtaking view? Aviary Rooftop Restaurant & Terrace Bar has that for you and your family. Breakfast time at Aviary is from 6:30 AM to 10 AM, seven days a week.
What’s for breakfast at Aviary? You’ll have plenty of selections to choose from. Mini pain au chocolate, Belgium waffle, Norfolk streaky bacon bun with tomato relish, Eggs Benedict… These are just a few examples of what’s on the breakfast menu. And if you’re craving a breakfast buffet, you should definitely try out Aviary’s breakfast buffet.
Apart from breakfast, this rooftop restaurant also serves delicious lunch and dinner meals. And if you’re searching for halal food, Aviary’s website mentions that the chicken served is halal. However, please note that some sauces may contain alcohol. Therefore, to ensure that your dietary needs are accommodated, we recommend calling ahead when booking.
A romantic date at Aviary Rooftop? The location is perfect for that! Especially when Aviary Rooftop requires its guests to dress up smartly and elegantly. So, no flip-flops/ sliders or workout trainers!
Royal London House, 10th Floor Montcalm, 22-25 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1DX, Tel. +44 203 873 4060
OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie
Scouring for afternoon Tea in London with a nice view? OXO Tower Restaurant is the place for you. This restaurant is perched on the top floor of the famous OXO Tower. You can enjoy the unique view of the Southbank and the river Thames up high.
That’s not all! Afternoon tea at OXO will only cost you 45£ per person in addition to plenty of mouth-watering treats you cannot resist! Smoked salmon sandwich on granary bread, Slow cooked chicken breast, Cheese Gougeres, Vanilla pannacotta, Buttermilk scones, clotted cream, and homemade jam.
All that for 45£! Book a table now and enjoy your afternoon tea with the London skyline as your background!
OXO Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, South Bank, London SE1 9PH, Tel. +44 207 803 3888
After starting her blogging career writing about personal finance, she now has a selection of other niche sites in her portfolio.
She loves to share the best spots to visit in London while also making sure people get the most for their money, whatever they end up doing.