There’s something undeniably magical about dining with a view—watching the twinkling lights of London’s skyline or catching a sunset over the Thames can elevate any meal to a truly memorable experience. In Central London, some restaurants offer not only exceptional cuisine but also breathtaking panoramas of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Whether you’re after a romantic evening, a special occasion, or simply want to pair fine dining with a stellar backdrop, here are the Top 10 Restaurants with a View in Central London, where skyline meets supper in style.
1. Duck & Waffle, City of London
Perched on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower, Duck & Waffle offers panoramic views of London’s skyline, from the shimmering Thames to the towering Shard. This 24-hour restaurant is as famous for its views as for its inventive British-European menu, with the signature duck and waffle dish—a crispy confit leg with a fried egg and maple syrup—being a must-try. The glass-walled dining room makes it an unbeatable spot for sunrise breakfasts or late-night feasts.
Location: 110 Bishopsgate, City of London
Best for: 24-hour dining with spectacular city views.
Don’t miss: The duck and waffle—a quirky yet delicious take on comfort food with a view.
2. SUSHISAMBA, City of London
Just a few floors down from Duck & Waffle, SUSHISAMBA blends Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian flavors with jaw-dropping views of the city from its sky-high location. The outdoor terrace is one of the highest in Europe, offering sweeping vistas of the skyline. The colorful, vibrant interior complements the eclectic menu, which includes sashimi, Brazilian churrasco, and tiradito. Pair the cuisine with creative cocktails and enjoy one of the best rooftop dining experiences in London.
Location: 110 Bishopsgate, City of London
Best for: Creative fusion cuisine with outdoor seating and unbeatable vistas.
Don’t miss: The black cod and the breathtaking views from the open-air terrace.
3. Aqua Shard, London Bridge
At Aqua Shard, located on the 31st floor of The Shard, London’s tallest building, you’ll dine with uninterrupted views of the Thames and St Paul’s Cathedral. The modern British menu is as impressive as the views, with dishes like roast lamb with wild garlic and lobster Benedict offering a refined twist on British classics. The chic, glass-walled dining room makes Aqua Shard one of the best spots in the city for a special occasion brunch or dinner.
Location: Level 31, The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London Bridge
Best for: Modern British dining with some of the best views of the city skyline.
Don’t miss: The lobster Benedict for brunch with a view of London’s iconic landmarks.
4. OXO Tower Restaurant, Southbank
With its prime location on the Southbank, OXO Tower Restaurant offers stunning views of St Paul’s and the City from its 8th-floor terrace. Known for its contemporary British cuisine and creative cocktails, the restaurant also has a lively brasserie for a more relaxed meal. Whether you dine al fresco on the terrace or inside by the floor-to-ceiling windows, the OXO Tower delivers a quintessential London experience with a spectacular backdrop of the River Thames.
Location: OXO Tower Wharf, Barge House St, Southbank
Best for: Riverside dining with iconic city views.
Don’t miss: The English beef fillet paired with a cocktail as you watch the sunset over the Thames.
5. City Social, City of London
Michelin-starred City Social offers luxurious dining on the 24th floor of Tower 42, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing jaw-dropping views of London’s most famous landmarks, including The Gherkin and St Paul’s Cathedral. Chef Jason Atherton’s modern British menu focuses on seasonal ingredients, with standout dishes like Cornish crab with caviar and Beef Wellington. The plush, Art Deco-inspired interiors add to the glamour of this fine dining destination.
Location: Tower 42, 25 Old Broad St, City of London
Best for: Michelin-starred dining with a view of the City’s landmarks.
Don’t miss: The Beef Wellington and a cocktail at the sleek bar with panoramic views.
6. Darwin Brasserie, Sky Garden
Nestled within the lush greenery of Sky Garden, Darwin Brasserie offers contemporary British dining with views that stretch across the entire city. The space feels like an urban oasis, with glass walls revealing vistas of The Shard, Tower Bridge, and beyond. The menu focuses on fresh, seasonal dishes, from roasted cod to wild mushroom risotto, and the relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect for a scenic lunch or dinner while taking in the view from London’s highest public garden.
Location: 20 Fenchurch St (Sky Garden), City of London
Best for: A garden-in-the-sky dining experience with incredible views of London.
Don’t miss: The wild mushroom risotto for a taste of British seasonality, paired with those lush garden views.
7. Galvin at Windows, Mayfair
Located on the 28th floor of the London Hilton on Park Lane, Galvin at Windows offers sweeping views of Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, and the city’s skyline. The Michelin-starred restaurant serves modern French cuisine with a British twist, and the elegant setting makes it a top spot for celebrations or romantic dinners. The views stretch all the way to the London Eye and beyond, while dishes like roast venison or Scottish lobster match the luxury of the surroundings.
Location: 22 Park Ln, Mayfair
Best for: Michelin-starred dining with unparalleled views of Hyde Park and the city.
Don’t miss: The Scottish lobster and a signature cocktail overlooking London’s green spaces.
8. The Rooftop, Trafalgar St. James
For a chic rooftop experience in the heart of the city, The Rooftop at The Trafalgar St. James Hotel offers unbeatable views of Trafalgar Square, The London Eye, and Big Ben. The restaurant’s sleek, open-air design is perfect for sipping cocktails and sharing small plates while soaking in the view of the capital’s landmarks. The Asian-fusion menu includes dishes like tuna tataki and grilled miso aubergine, ideal for a relaxed afternoon or evening with a view.
Location: 2 Spring Gardens, Trafalgar Square
Best for: Casual rooftop dining with views of London’s most famous square.
Don’t miss: The tuna tataki paired with a glass of rosé as you overlook Trafalgar Square.
9. Bōkan, Canary Wharf
For an unforgettable view of Canary Wharf, the Thames, and the O2 Arena, head to Bōkan. This chic restaurant, bar, and rooftop terrace offers panoramic views from the 37th floor, with a focus on European-inspired, locally sourced dishes. From Cornish scallops to wild mushroom pappardelle, the menu is fresh and flavorful, while the outdoor terrace is perfect for sipping cocktails as you gaze out over the city.
Location: 40 Marsh Wall, Canary Wharf
Best for: Sophisticated dining with expansive views of the Thames and Canary Wharf.
Don’t miss: The Cornish scallops followed by a cocktail on the rooftop terrace.
10. Madison, St. Paul’s
Set on the rooftop of One New Change, Madison offers some of the most iconic views in the city, with St. Paul’s Cathedral front and center. The restaurant and bar are known for their lively atmosphere, stylish setting, and crowd-pleasing menu, which features dishes like grilled steaks, truffle fries, and seared tuna. The terrace is perfect for al fresco dining or sundowner cocktails, offering unrivaled views of the city’s skyline and St. Paul’s dome.
Location: Rooftop Terrace, One New Change, St. Paul’s
Best for: Rooftop dining with front-row views of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Don’t miss: The grilled steaks and a signature cocktail at sunset for an unbeatable view.