18 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.”

6. 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.

🌟 ”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”

7. 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!”

8. 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!”

9. 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.”

10. 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!”

11. 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!”

12. LSQ Rooftop

££
Mediterranean
⭐️
4.0/5

Bright, vibrant, and fresh are the three words that best describe LSQ Rooftop’s vibe. From the moment you enter, you’ll be transported to a rooftop paradise that satisfies all your senses. The inside is decorated with lush, garden-like decorations and the panoramic views let you see landmarks like the London eye.

The view is only rivaled by LSQs amazing food and cocktail options. Think Crispy Chicken BBQ Burgers and Picadilly Punch as a combo.

🌟 ”What a view from the rooftop bar! They have a wonderful selection of cocktails & mocktails. I will definitely be back!”

13. The Garden Rooftop

£££
Mediterranean
⭐️
4.1/5

Cozy, yet expansive, The Garden Rooftop does it all with their laid back vibe, funky cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Located on the 10th floor of the Assembly Hall, it’s the best place to take in the views while enjoying live entertainment and 90’S themed brunches.

To top it all off, The Garden Rooftop regularly offers two for one cocktails and has small plates for when you need a little nibble to accompany their unique drinks.

🌟 ”We really enjoyed bottomless brunch here for my friends birthday. The cocktails and food were great and well presented and the staff especially were attentive and prompt and friendly!”

14. The Broadcaster

££
British, Gastropub
⭐️
4.2/5

Set over London’s iconic Television Centre in White City, the Broadcaster is where you go to have a few drinks and share a few laughs while looking out on the city from their amazing rooftop. This contemporary-styled pub has it all when it comes to drinks.

That includes an extensive wine, beer, and cocktail list for all tastes. They also have plenty of snacks and bar food to complete the experience.

🌟 The Broadcaster is a stylish and inviting restaurant and rooftop bar located in White City, London. The venue impresses with its lovely decor, comfortable seating, and great ambience, especially the rooftop terrace which offers a relaxing spot to unwind.

15. The Aviary

£££
Modern European
⭐️
4.2/5

On the 10th floor of Montcalm Royal London House Hotel in Finsbury Square, the Aviary takes rooftop dining to a whole new level. This restaurant lets you sit in your own private igloo where you can get a 360 view of London’s skyline. Or you can opt for their equally vibrant lounge area with relaxed banquettes and plush single seating. While primarily a cocktail bar, the Aviary offers plenty of lip-smacking dishes such as their salt marsh lamb rack and their refreshing chicken and avocado salad.

🌟 ”Second time visiting here but this time the igloos have been installed. The views over the rooftops of The City are just phenomenal, especially as the sun sets. The cocktails are superb; the staff attentive without being overbearing, friendly and willing and able to chat about the bar and discuss the menu.”

16. AMANO Rooftop Bar

££
Mediterranean
⭐️
4.2/5

This rooftop bar offers some of the best views of the London skyline—both inside and outside. Located in the centre of Covent Garden, this beautiful 7th-floor rooftop terrace and restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a bite to eat, get a tan, and enjoy some tunes (courtesy of the in-house DJ).

🌟 "The service is incredible! The utmost respect to these guys for caring so much, quality and class. Exquisite cocktails and impeccable service combine for an unforgettable experience. With a chic ambience, creative drinks, and delectable cuisine, it's the perfect destination for any occasion. I come here often just because I feel at home."

17. Wagtail Rooftop Bar and Restaurant

£
British
⭐️
4.3/5

Mates? Perfect. Dates? Perfect. Afterworks? Perfect. Wagtail Rooftop Bar is the ideal place to wind down and relax over some drinks and dinner, no matter the occasion. The atmosphere is relaxed and warm, and the views are amazing.

🌟 “Always a great time at Wagtail; the atmosphere, the views and most importantly the Wagtail staff make for a perfect evening whether with friends, family or partners.”

18. STK Steakhouse Stratford

£££
North American
⭐️
4.5/5

Succulent steaks, panoramic rooftop views of Stratford and a luxurious but laid-back vibe. What’s not to love? The STK Steakhouse London is famous for its innovative take on North American classics bound to keep you coming back for more.

Beyond delicious meals, you can enjoy their hand-crafted cocktails and special Sunday roasts all while dining in style at their rooftop terrace overlooking famous London landmarks.

🌟 ”Brunch is definitely a vibe! I loved the food and atmosphere with a great DJ and live saxophonist!”
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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.