10 London restaurants with panoramic views
Happy Valentine’s Day! It’s been almost two years since my friend Greta and I had lunch at Duck & Waffle. Back in March 2020, Greta was in London for a few days, attending a medical conference, pregnant at the time, whereas the news talked about that new virus that was coming over to Europe from China. Neither of us could imagine the global pandemic that would soon follow. Thankfully, Greta’s pregnancy went well and she gave birth to a healthy baby boy a few months later, soon after the UK came out of the first lockdown. In the meantime, inspired by our lunch at Duck & Waffle, I started working on this post about my top 10 London restaurants with panoramic views.
Back then, it didn’t feel appropriate to publish this post. Now, two years later, I think it’s about time to share my top 10 London restaurants with panoramic views, perfect for a romantic dinner on Valentine’s Day and/or the rest of the year.
Duck & Waffle and SUSHISAMBA (Heron Tower)
Both these restaurants are located on the top floors of the Heron Tower, the fifth-tallest building in London, within walking distance from Liverpool Street and Bank stations.
Located on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower at 110 Bishopsgate in the City of London, Duck & Waffle is the highest restaurant in the UK and offers panoramic views of the capital. The plate of the same name (crispy leg confit, fried duck egg, mustard maple syrup) is worth trying.
SUSHISAMBA, on the other hand, is located on the 38th and 39th floors of the same skyscraper and features the highest outdoor dining terraces in Europe.
Searcys Helix (Gherkin)
Located on the top of the Gherkin, one of London’s most iconic skyscrapers, and within walking distance from the Heron Tower, Searcys Helix also offers panoramic views of the City of London. Better known as the Gherkin and previously known as the Swiss Re Building, 30 St Mary Axe has 41 floors and is 180 metres tall. It ranks 18th among the tallest buildings and structures in London.
Darwin Brasserie and Fenchurch Restaurant (Walkie-Talkie)
Not far from there, there’s 20 Fenchurch Street, the skyscraper nicknamed the Walkie-Talkie. The 160-metre-tall building has 38 floors and features two top-floor restaurants, as well as the Sky Garden, London’s highest public garden. Darwin Brasserie and Fenchurch Restaurant are perched at the very top of Sky Garden. As well as these two restaurants, there are also three bars, Sky Pod Bar, City Garden and Fenchurch Terrace.
Aqua Shard (the Shard)
Aqua Shard is located on the 31st floor of the Shard, the highest building in London and the UK. Standing 310 metres high, the 72-storey skyscraper is also home to several other restaurants and bars, as well as a 5-star hotel. It is located right next to the London Bridge station.
Kitchen and Bar at Tate Modern (Tate Modern)
Located on Level 6 in the Natalie Bell Building, Kitchen and Bar overlooks the River Thames offering an unforgettable view of St Paul’s on the opposite side. This is my favourite of these 10 London restaurants with panoramic views. I last dined there in January 2022, after visiting the Yayoi Kusama Infinity Mirrored Rooms exhibition (on until 12 June 2022). Exhibitions aside, the Tate Modern is also home to a restaurant on Level 9 in the Blavatnik Building (temporarily closed).
OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie (OXO Tower)
Not far from the Tate Modern, also on the south bank of the River Thames, there’s the distinctive OXO Tower. Situated on the top floor, the OXO Tower Restaurant overlooks the river offering a stunning view of the London skyline.
Madison’s Restaurant and Bar and the Ivy Asia (One New Change)
One New Change is a large shopping centre in the City of London, close to St Paul’s Cathedral. Up on the roof, there’s a terrace, as well as Madison’s Restaurant and Bar, offering an awe-inspiring view of the historical landmark.
One New Change is home to quite a few other restaurants. Amongst those, there’s the Ivy Asia, an exotic restaurant which also offers a truly mesmerising view of St Paul’s Cathedral.
Further reading
If you’re looking for more restaurant recommendations in London and you love Asian food, check out my post ‘My 10 (+1) favorite Asian restaurants in London‘.
Alex
(the Traveling Psychiatrist)