The Oyster Shed
A stunning London Bridge restaurant with a view, The Oyster Shed is all about lapping up great wine, fresh seafood plates and gastro-style dishes with an incredible view of both the Thames, and the Shard.
While we may not command sights over our beautiful coastline, that doesn't mean you can't find somewhere to eat with something extra special to look over, down or upon. From alfresco dining locations found right next to the river Thames and the city's cute canalways, to romantic rooftop spots with 360-degree views of the city (perfect for sunset hitting the skyline), when it comes to a restaurant with that little something extra, check out our guide to the best London restaurants with a view.
Last edited by Kiera Chapman
Last updated on 31st October 2024
A stunning London Bridge restaurant with a view, The Oyster Shed is all about lapping up great wine, fresh seafood plates and gastro-style dishes with an incredible view of both the Thames, and the Shard.
Feel like you're on top of the world by popping over to Bōkan, one of the best roof restaurants in Canary Wharf. This snazzy space is renowned for its eclectic range of enticing eats, all of which take influence from Europe, as well as its lip-smacking choice of wine.
On the hunt for a restaurant with a view in Angel? The Narrow Boat boasts a pretty plot along Regent's Canal, offering a gorgeous retreat away from the busy high street. To settle your rumbling stomach, scoff down elevated British classics, like smoked haddock, hake and prawn pie.
Searching for a great place for dinner and a view? Vicinity in the City of London has a huge selection on their menus, from pizzas to Mexican food and American cuisine. Book a spot in their outdoor terrace area to see pretty views of Tower Bridge.
The Sipping Room proudly boasts a beautiful terrace which overlooks the water in Canary Wharf. But what's on the menu? Everything from breakfast and brunch through to lunch and dinner, with British favourites and international twists up for grabs.
With a view of the Haggerston canal, Arepa & Co is a cool and casual spot for both lunch and dinner combined, with a Venezuelan menu celebrating sharp cocktails and delicious cachapas, arepas and rice bowls.
The Docklands host some of London's coolest places to eat, with venues dating back to the early 19th Century. Well, that's the case with The Gun in Canary Wharf anyway. Restored to its former historic glory The Gun is a favourite among city folk looking for a waterside retreat.
Home to a beaut canal-side bar and an outdoor terrace, The Lighterman is a lovely restaurant with a view in Kings Cross. Soak up the sights of Regent's Canal and Granary Square, tucking into a modern menu of British bites from ocean trout to ribeye steak.
Perfectly perched along the canals in Kings Cross, Rotunda is a sleek bar and restaurant that'll give you unparalleled views of river life. Soak up the sun in summer moths with light bites and glasses of wine or cosy up with a hearty roast from the comfort of the plush indoors.
If it's slick you're after, Smiths of Smithfield is bringing you something special in the city of London. Looking out over the rooftops with a menu of bistro and brunch, head over for cocktails, plates and a premium dining experience with a view.
Perched nine floors above Hotel Indigo at 1 Leicester Square, LSQ Rooftop offers stunning views of the bustling West End. It's an ideal spot for lunch with family and friends.
Enjoy a meal surrounded by lush greenery, expansive windows, and cosy leather booths. Indulge in globally-inspired small plates, including Korean fried chicken burgers, honey garlic soy chicken tacos and wagyu beef sliders, washed down with delicious cocktails
Found on the lower walkway by Camden's canal, Cafe Chula is a lovely spot to indulge in mouthwatering Mexican munch. Chow down on tantalising tacos, antojtos and quesadilla, accompanied by beautifully prepared cocktails and imported beer.
Found on the 39th and 40th floors of the Gherkin, Searcys is a stunning bar and restaurant that promises amazing views of the city from this iconic building. The stylish, modern space is the perfect place to enjoy a vast selection of wine and Champagne, with a cracking food menu up for grabs too.
Enjoy delicious dishes such as pulled lamb shoulder with smoked aubergine puree, roast chicken ballotine and spinach ravioli. What's more, they offer afternoon tea starting from £55 per person.
Every table at Wagtail Rooftop Bar & Restaurant offers the best seat in the house, with unbeatable, panoramic views of London's most iconic landmarks. This rooftop restaurant in the City slings out upmarket fare, including dishes such as native lobster, hand-dived scallops and the like, with cocktails to match.
Pergola on The Wharf offers a stunning setting for your munching, boasting hanging foliage, lantern-style lampshades and gorgeous views of Canary Wharf. Settle in to chomp on small plates, salads and hearty comfort food bites.
Prepare to soak up some gorgeous riverside views when you dine at Rick Stein, Barnes. The seafood chef's restaurant is situated right by the Thames, boasting large windows, natural light and dangling foliage to create an all-round tranquil dining environment. On the menu, there's some of the finest fish sourced from the UK in the form of cod, monkfish, sea bass and more. Look out for the Dorset oysters as they're a real treat, and finish with a stick toffee pudding because, well, why not.
How do you make London's coolest pub even better? Open a rooftop, of course. The Devonshire's outdoor terrace is a 40-seater stunner located on the third floor of the building. With a cosy canopy, lush greenery, and stunning vistas of Central London, it's the prime spot to dig into a crab salad and enjoy a glass of rosé or Champagne to wind down after a bustling day of retail therapy or hustling at work.
Snap up a table on Kraft Dalston Bar & Restaurant's pretty rooftop terrace to enjoy dining with a view. What's on the menu? A lip-smacking selection of Latin American and Japanese bites, including empanadas, mushroom tacos and black ink squid croquetas.
Perfectly perched in the prime location of The Shard, just off Regent Street, Aqua Kyoto is a stunning rooftop restaurant with a view of central London. Serving sublime Japanese dishes alongside carefully crafted cocktails, it's a must for any occasion.
Toting a snazzy waterfront terrace, No.35 Mackenzie Walk is perfect for brunch or dinner with a view in London. In addition to its pretty plot, the Canary Wharf hotspot slings out sustainably sourced fare, from grilled seabass and chips to tasty rotisserie chicken.
Boasting Japanese wagyu sirloins, black Tomahawk steaks and New York strips, STK Stratford is a fantastic rooftop restaurant with views of London. Enjoy sipping on Champagne and pair your juicy cuts with a lobster tail and truffle fries.
London is heralded for its infamous water-side skyline, and there's one restaurant cum pub in the city that's providing top edible fare alongside it. Join Founders Arms for casual British meals alongside the Thames with British drinks to boot.
Not only does Kew favourite One Over The Ait sit a mere stone's throw away from the botanical gardens, it's a Fuller's must thanks to its views of the bridge along with craft beers, British dishes and delicious Sunday roasts.
Found on Charing Cross Road, Garden Rooftop is a foliage-adorned bar with beautiful views of central London. This Instagram-worthy spot boasts chic decor and a cracking Asian menu - think grilled miso salmon, yuzu chilli burrata, truffle wagyu cheeseburgers and so much more.
Offering stunning views over the river Thames, this gorgeous restaurant inside the Royal Festival Hall is serving up a decadent selection of dishes to boot. Tuck into everything from sea bream ceviche and poached scallops, to beef fillet and grilled lobster.
With its stylish design, stunning views out to the city and both an inside and outside seating area, Aviary Rooftop Bar & Restaurant is one of the City's hottest spots. Sit back, sip an award-winning cocktail and watch the sun go down before ordering one of their utterly delicious British plates.
For gorgeous bars with a view, it doesn't get any better than The Rooftop St James. The venue overlooks the city and fronts European-inspired dishes, alongside a range of cocktails - think G&Ts, tequila blood orange tipples and a signature sangria.
Sticky Mango Tower Bridge is a great choice when you want to accompany your meal with views of one of the city's greatest landmarks. Think riverside scenes alongside plenty of Pan-Asian fare to chow down on while you take it all in.
Overlooking the Thames and sitting in Greenwich, the Oystercatcher is a great find if you're looking for dinner and a view in London. With delicious seafood and juicy steaks, the restaurant also has stunning cocktails and extensive wine menu.
A Hackney Wick must-try where the burgers are just as gorgeous as the River Lea views alongside, Two More Years is a casual drinks and dining spot where you can grab a patty by the water, settle down for brunch in the summer, and enjoy biodynamic wines all night long.
Enjoy a glass of red vino with epic views across London at classy French bar and bistro Auberge in Waterloo. Step inside this sky-high eatery, where you'll get to overlook the city's stunning landmarks, alongside digging into French-inspired plates. Our favourites? Poulet roti, steak frites with garlic butter, filet de saumon and so much more.
While the interiors of The@51 Restaurant & Bar are a sight to behold themselves, this stunning spot also overlooks a gorgeous Victorian Courtyard where you can dine alfresco. Chomp on international fare, from bao buns and mini naans to a sumptuous Korean roast.
Don't let bar in the name fool you, Peckham's beautiful Bussey Rooftop Bar are keeping the hungry fed with sourdough pizzas alongside summer cocktails and a view of South London's rooftops.
Located on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower, Duck and Waffle really do offer some 'Gram-worthy sky-high views. Whether you're heading in for a mouthwatering weekend brunch, or for a few late-night cocktails with pals, this stunning restaurant is a top choice.
Located on the 38th floor of the Heron Tower, Sushisamba offers jaw-dropping views of London's epic skyline and a stunning setting adorned with dangling greenery and pops of vibrant orange. When it comes to food, get ready for a wild blend of Japanese and Latino flavours that'll knock your socks off. Think pork belly skewers straight from the robata grill, slathered in a sticky-sweet butterscotch miso sauce, and flaky black cod that practically melts in your mouth.
Los Mochis London City is a foodie wonderland, complete with a restaurant, two bars, and a massive 3000 sqft terrace overlooking half the city. This sky-high joint takes inspiration from Mexican and Japanese cuisines, offering a mix of sashimi, maki rolls, and ceviches. Head down to take a mini vacation to Mexico right in the heart of London, courtesy of delicious food, lush decor and stunning views.
Hop aboard a boat on the River Thames and enjoy a range of delicious dining experiences while floating past iconic London landmarks thanks to City Cruises. There's an array of packages to choose from, including a scrumptious four-course meal from £89 per person, a dainty afternoon tea filled with miniature sandwiches and sweet treats from £55, and a lunchtime special for £45 each.
If you're a sucker of pink, you'll fall in love with Joia's lush interiors. The restaurant bar promises a slick backdrop with lip-smacking Portuguese cuisine and cocktails to match. One of our picks? The chorizo ice cream is a must-have.