15 breathtaking London restaurants offering stunning views from above

From the timeless grandeur of Big Ben to the sleek modernity of The Shard, London's skyline is nothing short of spectacular.

What better way to enjoy London's dramatic skyline than dining at soaring heights, far above the hustle of the city?

London redefines the idea of ‘fine dining,’ taking it to soaring new heights.

From the exhilarating Dinner in the Sky experience, where diners are suspended 100 feet in the air by crane, to savoring breakfast as the sun rises over Duck and Waffle, these are some of the most exciting and unique dining spots in the British capital when you visit London.

Helix and Iris, Searcys at The Gherkin

Helix Restaurant and Iris Bar, located on the 39th and 40th floors of the Norman Foster-designed Gherkin, one of London’s most admired architectural icons, opened to the public in July 2018 after being exclusive to private events and hires.

Helix's executive chef, Daniel Loftin, has crafted a menu that celebrates seasonal British ingredients like Dorset crab, Welsh lamb from Rhug Estate, and English green asparagus.

Iris Bar offers stunning 360-degree views of the City, with a cocktail menu inspired by London. Try the Jack the Ripper – a dark twist on the Bloody Mary, featuring Mediterranean herbs vodka, beetroot juice, tomato, lemon, and Worcester sauce.

It's a glamorous venue with prices to match, but perfect for marking a special occasion.

Location: Searcys at the Gherkin, 30 St Mary Axe, London, EC3A 8EP

Frank’s Cafe, Bold Tendencies

Venture south of the river to Frank’s Cafe, a seasonal summer bar located in Bold Tendencies, an art center set within a transformed parking garage in Peckham, London.

It may sound unconventional to hang out in a car park, but wait until you see the view from the top. Being a little removed from the city center, it offers a sweeping panorama of London landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the O2 Arena to the east.

The atmosphere is more laid-back compared to other spots on this list – a glass of house wine costs £4.80, or you can treat yourself to a cocktail for £8.50. Expect to be surrounded by a lively crowd of young Londoners soaking in the sunset.

The menu is simple yet satisfying, offering dishes like barbecue pork neck with slaw or a half chicken to pair with your drink. Plenty of vegan options are available too.

You can also visit Frank’s on the weekends for a relaxed, delicious outdoor brunch with an amazing view.

And even the journey to the top is part of the fun. The building's iconic hot pink staircase is a popular Instagram spot in London – no trip to Frank’s is complete without snapping your own photo.

Location: Bold Tendencies, 7th-10th Floor Multi Storey Car Park, 95A Rye Ln, London SE15 4ST

Oblix at The Shard

The Shard is home to several high-end dining spots, but Oblix, perched on the 32nd floor, is the original and the highest, offering two distinct spaces with spectacular views of London.

Oblix West is the restaurant, featuring a New York-style rotisserie menu with British and European ingredients. It’s a unique shift for founder Rainer Becker, known for his Japanese-themed restaurants like Zuma, Roka, and Inko Nito.

During the day, you can indulge in a classic Afternoon Tea, and on Sunday afternoons, Oblix serves up a traditional British Sunday roast.

Oblix East offers sweeping views of Canary Wharf and the city’s skyline, paired with inventive cocktails that push the boundaries of mixology.

Diners at Oblix enjoy sweeping views of the city – particularly breathtaking at sunset, but perfect for Instagram moments throughout the day.

Location: Oblix, 32/F, The Shard, 31 St. Thomas St., London SE1 9RY

Duck and Waffle

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not enjoy your waffles high above the city? Duck and Waffle is located on the 40th floor of 110 Bishopsgate (Heron Tower), and it’s just as impressive even on foggy London mornings.

The Heron Tower also hosts Sushisamba, a Japanese-Peruvian-Brazilian fusion restaurant, but for the iconic signature dish, Duck and Waffle is the place to be.

The crowd here is a mix of business professionals holding meetings, tourists capturing the view, and food lovers eager to savor the famous waffles.

Location: 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY

Galvin at Windows

Nestled in the prestigious Mayfair district, Galvin at Windows is a Michelin-starred French restaurant located on the 28th floor of the Hilton Park Lane Hotel. Renowned for its impeccable service, the restaurant also supports the charity Galvin’s Chance, which helps disadvantaged youth enter the hospitality industry.

While the restaurant maintains a more traditional style compared to some of the newer high-rise dining spots, diners are still treated to breathtaking views of London’s Hyde Park.

In early September 2019, the restaurant underwent a transformation, relaunching its bar as 10° at Galvin at Windows. Named after the golden hour – that magical time just before sunset or after sunrise when the sky glows in shades of pink and gold – the bar’s design mirrors this with golden accents and inviting warm furnishings.

In keeping with the theme, there's a cocktail named Golden Hour – a luxurious blend of gin and champagne.

Location: Galvin at Windows, 28/F, 22 Park Lane, London W1K 1BE

London in the Sky

A daring, summer-only adventure, London in the Sky lifts 22 courageous guests 100 feet above the ground to dine and drink amidst the clouds, offering breathtaking views.

Choose from a 45-minute breakfast experience, indulge in Prosecco and cake, or enjoy a full hour-long dinner.

Although the 2019 season has concluded, bookings for the 2020 sky-high experience are already open.

Location: Look above, or visit: www.londoninthesky.co.uk

OXO Tower Restaurant

The iconic OXO restaurant, perched on a rooftop, has been delighting diners since 1996, run by the renowned British department store Harvey Nichols.

As one of the city’s more established rooftop venues, OXO sits at a lower height than many of its modern counterparts. However, this allows guests to enjoy the calming view of boats drifting on the Thames and a striking view of St Paul’s Cathedral – perfect for those who are wary of heights.

While there’s an outdoor terrace to enjoy the scenery, the indoor views are equally captivating.

Why not experience OXO's unique take on afternoon tea, dubbed 'Not Afternoon Tea'? Forget the scones and Champagne, and instead enjoy cocktails and desserts inspired by nostalgic ice cream vans. For those who prefer tradition, there's also a classic afternoon tea and a vegan version available.

Alternatively, OXO is the ideal spot to unwind with a leisurely brunch, soaking in the views of the Thames on a relaxing Sunday morning.

Where to find it: Oxo Tower Wharf, Bargehouse Street, South Bank, London SE1 9PH

Madison Terrace Bar & Lounge

A favorite spot for city bankers, Madison offers a prime vantage point for enjoying an intimate view of St Paul's Cathedral.

This architectural masterpiece has stood proudly on the London skyline for centuries. From Madison's elevated perch, you can admire Sir Christopher Wren's timeless design.

You might not expect such a stunning view from the top of a shopping center, but Madison offers an impressive perspective.

Savor a charcuterie board or truffle fries on the terrace, or head inside the restaurant for a taste of Manhattan-inspired dishes, including fillet steak and lobster rolls, all while enjoying the view.

Where to find it: One New Change, Rooftop Terrace One, New Change, London EC4M 9AF

Fenchurch Restaurant

Head to the “Walkie Talkie” building (also known as 20 Fenchurch Street) and explore the stunning indoor garden, Sky Garden, along with spacious observation decks and top-tier dining and bars.

Fenchurch Rooftop Restaurant offers a menu of “British contemporary” cuisine and expertly crafted cocktails. It's an ideal spot to relax and take in the views of the city below.

The Sky Garden is a must-see as well, with its lush greenery providing a beautiful contrast to the surrounding cityscape. A visit to the Garden is free, just make sure to book online beforehand. The building also houses the Darwin Brasserie and the Sky Pod Bar.

Where to find it: Sky Garden, 1 Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF

The Rooftop at Boundary London

For rooftop dining year-round, head to the trendy Shoreditch area in East London. The Rooftop at Boundary offers sweeping views of East London and a warm orangery with flourishing citrus trees.

Even in winter, the cozy and heated rooftop provides 360-degree views of the City’s towering skyscrapers and East London’s skyline. Enjoy sizzling dishes from the Robata Grill and cocktails that flow into the early hours.

Where to find it: 2-4 Boundary Street, Shoreditch, London E2 7DD

alto by San Carlo at Selfridges

Perched atop the upscale Selfridges department store, alto by San Carlo offers a taste of Italy with a retractable roof that lets in the sun on bright days.

Enjoy lunch or dinner with a view of London’s bustling Oxford Street – Europe’s busiest shopping street. While the skyline or river may not be in sight, the chance to savor burrata in such a location is pretty dreamy.

What began as a pop-up, alto by San Carlo has now become a permanent fixture atop Selfridges.

Location: Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, London W1A 1AB

Aqua Nueva/Aqua Kyoto

Aqua Nueva offers a remarkable Spanish dining experience, while Aqua Kyoto brings Japanese-inspired dishes to the table. Regardless of your choice, the terraces are a must-see.

There are three in total, though occasionally one may be reserved for a private event.

The Art Deco-inspired interiors provide a cozy dining experience, but it's the rooftop that truly shines. In the evening, Regent Street's lights – including those of the iconic Tudor-style department store, Liberty – create a stunning backdrop, with the London Eye visible in the distance.

Blending the vibe of a chic evening hotspot with fine dining, this bar is the perfect spot for after-work cocktails as well as a refined dinner.

Expect to find Soho's media crowd unwinding with a glass of rosé after a busy day.

Location: 5th floor, 240 Regent Street (Entrance 30 Argyll Street), London W1B 3BR

Coq d’Argent

Coq d’Argent offers classic French cuisine in a chic, rooftop environment. With its lawn, hedges, and breathtaking views of London's eastern skyline, it’s a place where modern style meets tradition.

The sophisticated menu features delicacies like baked lobster and Australian sirloin steak, but beware – this is banker territory, so expect to be surrounded by suits.

Where to find it: No. 1 Poultry, London EC2R 8EJ

Radio rooftop bar

A stylish rooftop bar designed by the renowned UK architectural firm Foster + Partners, Radio serves everything from weekend brunch and a contemporary take on afternoon tea to sharing plates, lunch, and signature cocktails. Located in the luxurious five-star ME Hotel, it offers views over The Strand and London’s West End theater district, allowing visitors to gaze at the lively streets below or the serene Thames River in the distance.

Just be mindful of the sky-high prices and the Instagram influencers competing for that perfect shot.

Where to find it: ME London, 336-337 Strand, London WC2R 1HA

The Rooftop at Trafalgar St James

A trip to London wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Trafalgar Square. After soaking in the view of Nelson’s Column from the ground, why not head to the top of the Trafalgar Hotel? The elegant Rooftop at St James bar offers an up-close look at Admiral Nelson from above.

As with many rooftop bars in London, expect cocktails on the pricier side. But the good news is, you can enjoy the stunning view all year long thanks to the convenient retractable roof.

The menu is inspired by Italian flavors, offering a selection of aperitivos like tomato, oregano, and garlic bruschetta, along with calamari. Main dishes include indulgent focaccias.

Where to find it: 7th floor, The Trafalgar St. James Hotel, 2 Spring Gardens, St James’s, London SW1A 2TS

Qin Xie is a freelance journalist and trained chef based in London.

Francesca Street is a journalist based in London, working for Dinogo Travel.

This article was first published in 2013, then updated and republished in 2017, 2018, and 2019.