19 Must-Try Restaurants in London with Amazing Views

Written by
Armin Tanović
September 17, 2024

0

min read

Let's be real—there's only so many times you can go to Sky Garden. It's cool and great for seeing London views, but don't you want to try something new?

That's why you're here, isn't it?

Trying something new is simple with Ambl. You can make last-minute reservations and advanced bookings in a couple of clicks, and find the best rooftop restaurants and bars (and more!) near you.

Whether you're in South London or North, chilling in Hyde Park or admiring St Paul's, looking for fine dining or modern British cuisine—you can find it all on Ambl.

💡 Ready to make last-minute bookings across restaurants, bars, and pubs in London?

1. TATTU

££££
Asian, Chinese
⭐️
4.7/5

You know what they say: go big or go home. That’s certainly how it feels at TATTU. Contemporary Chinese cuisine paired with stunning views of Central London makes TATTU a must on this list of best restaurants with a view.

🌟 "Next Level Food! We've eaten at some very respected establishments but these guys took Asian cuisine to a new level. Couple that with a fantastic environment and excellent staff from the front door to our waiting staff. The whole night couldn't be faulted.”

2. Sparrow Italia

£££
European, Italian
⭐️
4.6/5

If you’re a lover of both amazing views and Mediterranean food, then the Sparrow Italia is the place to go. It features fresh pastas, homemade style pizzas, and all the classics you could possibly ask for. Their luxurious rooftop terrace lets you enjoy your favourite meals while reveling in the views of Mayfair.

🌟 “I do not have the words to describe the experience - it was fantastic! It’s a high-end Italian cuisine place downtown and I can’t recommend it enough if you feel like treating yourself. Attentive service, glamorous atmosphere, and tasty—it was great!”

3. Aqua Shard

££££
Modern European
⭐️
4.2/5

The only thing better than having views of the Shard is seeing the rest of London from The Shard itself. The Aqua Shard gives you that luxury with its panoramic views of the entire city, bar, and restaurant. Perched upon the 31st floor of the highest building in London,  they serve the finest contemporary British food and some of the best hand-crafted cocktails in London.

🌟 “My husband and I celebrated our anniversary here last night and the Aqua Shard did not disappoint.  Everything was exceptional and exceeded our every expectation. The view actually brought me to tears when we arrived at our table.”

4. Louie

££££
European, French/Seafood
⭐️
4.3/5

Sprawled out on four floors in the historic center of London, Louie is the place you go to for the finest oysters, french food, and the best views.

Inspired by New Orleans townhouses, the venue boasts a lounge area,  entertainment stage, bar, and an outdoor area to enjoy your meals in every way imaginable. Their terrace has a retractable glass roof, so you’ll be able to use it rain or shine.

🌟” One of London's hidden secrets, Louie was wonderful—beautiful food in a beautiful venue. The lobster roll from the small plates was amazing, as was the black truffle pappardelle. The service was super attentive and loved the sophisticated joie de vivre vibe. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for modern French cuisine in a cool setting.”

5. Aqua Nueva

£££
European, Spanish/Tapas
⭐️
4.3/5

Set high above Regent Street, Aqua Nueva offers a contemporary Spanish dining experience like no other. Famous for having some of the best croquetas in London, they also boast an award-winning rooftop terrace and bar for a complete dining experience.

You’ll have a view of London’s west end while indulging in the flavours of Spain, giving you the best of both worlds.

🌟 “This is a beautiful restaurant. The food was delicious, beautifully presented and the spicy margaritas are to die for. I absolutely recommend this place. It has a great outdoor rooftop bar too.”
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7. Yauatcha City

££
Asian, Chinese
⭐️
4.2/5

Head on over to Broadgate circle if you want a delightful Dim Sum teahouse experience. This restaurant has everything from beer to small bites, pastries and Cantonese-style dishes for the best dining experience.

However, it’s their two terraces overlooking Broadgate Circle that really takes the cake. Each has its own bar and a canopy to ensure you’ll be protected from the elements while filling up on the best Cantonese cuisine in London.

🦞All about the seafood? Say no more—here are the Top 8 Seafood Restaurants in London available on Ambl for booking.

🌟 ”The place has a great atmosphere, food is plenty and amazing, we had the harmony set menu which in between the two of us was more than enough and we got to taste some of the best dishes”

8. OXO Tower

£££
British, Brasserie
⭐️
4.4/5

Climb up to the top floor of the famous OXO tower, and you’ll find some of the best views of St.Paul’s and the river Thames from their tower restaurant.

The OXO Tower Restaurant also offers live music, a summer menu, and most of all, a roaring good time. They create their stunning plates like Beef Wellington and Stone Bass from the best of locally sourced ingredients, so you know you’re getting the quality you deserve.

🌟 “The food is superb and amazingly cooked.The ambiance, service, and views are also great! I definitely recommend dining at OXO!”

9. The Portrait by Richard Corrigan

£££
Contemporary British
⭐️
4.3/5

Created by Richard Corrigan, The Portrait is located on the fourth floor of the National Portrait Gallery and gives you views all across Trafalgar Square and beyond. The restaurant specialises in a wide range of meat dishes including game and commonly overlooked yet traditional shellfish options.

Pair some of their famous dishes like Secret Smokehouse Salmon with a choice from their concise wine list, and you’ll have the perfect meal (and view) for every occasion.

🌟 ”My husband and I stumbled on this restaurant late in the evening after a long day. We were tired and hungry. I thought this might be a simple place to pick up a sandwich. It was much fancier than I expected, but my meal ended up being my favorite in London!”

10. Aqua Kyoto

£££
Asian, Japanese
⭐️
4.2/5

Would you love to snack on Sushi and sip handcrafted cocktails with a panoramic view of the city? If so, then you’ll love Aqua Kyoto, located on the fifth floor of the former Dickins & Jones building.

Their expert kitchen staff focuses on traditional Japanese cuisine with a contemporary twist. But good food and views are just one of their specialities. Every weekend they host free-flowing brunches with live entertainment and DJ sets.

🌟 ”First class service, matched with top-level food. The waiters were able to explain everything on the menu to us including the specials. They were also able to advise us on suitable wine pairings.”

11. Searcys at the Gherkin

££
Modern British
⭐️
4.3/5

There are so many things that make dining at Searcys an unforgettable culinary experience. Firstly, their Helix restaurant and Iris bar give you majestic 360 city views.

Just make sure to plan ahead, because there’s a five-week waiting list before you can get a table. The second thing would have to be their amazing food. With dishes like Braised Beef Cheeks and Spinach and Parmesan Ravioli, a meal here is well worth the wait.

🌟 ”We went to the Iris bar at the very top of the building. The service was wonderful, the drinks were delicious and the views were spectacular. We only had a nibble (a portion of truffle fries) but they were great!”

12. The Rooftop St. James

£££
Modern European
⭐️
4.2/5

Situated directly above Trafalgar Square, the Rooftop at St. James blends modern elegance with relaxed luxury to give its visitors more than just an amazing view.

The menu is diverse with both seasonal contemporary light bites and main courses. It’s the perfect place to bask in London’s iconic skyline while sipping on one of their signature margaritas.

🌟”Amazing rooftop in London, absolutely recommend. Excellent food and drinks and the atmosphere was incredible. Loved it!”
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Enjoy mouthwatering meals with breathtaking views of the London skyline

London’s got some spectacular views—it’d be outright rude not to enjoy them. Any of these 20 best rooftop bars are sure to provide the scenery, ambience, and vibes you’re after—whether you’re after a fancy rooftop afternoon tea or something more relaxed.

Whatever you’re after, find it on Ambl. With over 450+ restaurants, bars, and pubs to choose from—and filters to help narrow down your search—finding the perfect reservation is easy.

Restaurants with amazing views FAQs

How far in advance should I book a restaurant in London?

You should book a restaurant in London at least three weeks in advance—unless you use Ambl, that is. Ambl lets you make reservations at 450+ restaurants, bars, and pubs across London, so you're never all dressed up with nowhere to go.

What is the best London restaurant that offers views of the city?

With its privat gloss, The Aviary boasts some of the best 360 degree, panoramic views of the London skyline. Its position on the 10th floor of Montcalm Royal House London means you can see London’s landmarks like the Gherkin, the Shard, and St. Paul’s.

Can I request a table with a view when making a reservation?

You can request a table with a view if the restaurant has a nice spot. However, some might request an additional deposit. It’s also best to call at least 48 hours earlier so the staff can save you a table.