If you’re visiting London, you want to really know you’re in London – glimpsing the city’s unique landmarks and marvelling at its skyline. Yet when it comes to restaurants, finding the perfect blend of style and substance can be tricky. What you’re looking for is an all-round feast for the senses: somewhere that the view is truly a sight to behold, but the food is never an afterthought. With these six MICHELIN-approved spots, you can rest easy knowing you’ll enjoy top-quality cooking, complemented by a superb vantage point for admiring London.
1. City Social: In the Heart of Skyscraper Central
The City of London – otherwise known as the capital’s financial district – is often home to a breathtaking view. Not only do its buildings stretch themselves towards the sky, but it’s a brilliant vantage point for spotting landmarks ranging from historical beauties like St Paul’s Cathedral to playfully named modern highlights such as The Gherkin and The Walkie Talkie. In the heart of it all is City Social, a part of the Jason Atherton stable that makes the most of its location with floor-to-ceiling windows and tables arranged to face the view.
2. Endo at The Rotunda: Sky-High Sushi
‘Sushi in the Clouds’ is how this MICHELIN-Starred dining experience advertises itself – and that’s exactly what it delivers. Up on the eighth floor of what was once the BBC TV Centre, it provides a showcase for the talents and charms of Chef-Owner Endo Kazutoshi. Not only is he a supremely skilled sushi master but he’s a wonderful host too; gregarious and welcoming, his engaging explanations of each detailed creation combine with the impressive setting and Star-level food to create an experience you’ll struggle to replicate anywhere else.
3. Kioku by Endo: A Terrace to Die For
Endo Kazutoshi certainly seems to be drawn to high-up restaurants, with Kioku taking a leaf from the Rotunda playbook and requiring a bit of a head for heights. Being more centrally located, Kioku is actually the better option if you’re after landmark-dotted vistas. It sits proudly atop the Three-Key Raffles hotel, which is itself a stunning conversion of the historic Old War Office building. That means the terrace views out across St James’s Park are framed by grand Edwardian architecture. There are more sightseeing opportunities inside, with Big Ben visible while you enjoy your sushi at the bar counter.Love all things MICHELIN?
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4. Le Pont de la Tour: Front Row for a London Icon
Whereas most of the city’s best views are gained by going higher and higher, Le Pont de la Tour stays at ground level – but happens to have one of the best locations in London. Standing on the banks of the Thames and in the glorious shadow of Tower Bridge, its terrace is pretty much unbeatable in offering a ringside seat to a British landmark. Despite this, the menu’s wholeheartedly French approach feels entirely appropriate for the restaurant’s classical elegance and sense that you’re somewhere a bit special.
5. Restaurant Gordon Ramsay High: A Different Kind of Counter
This is a restaurant that has been designed entirely around its view. Where most dining counters would face the chefs, this one looks out onto the city, twinkling away in all its majesty. You have to hand it to Gordon Ramsay, the 60th-floor location is magnificent, letting you spot your favourite landmarks from your seat. The team he has assembled are superb too, overseeing delicate dishes using luxury ingredients of undeniable quality. This isn’t the only Ramsay spot with a view either, as the River Restaurant inside The Savoy features some tables where you can look out over the Thames.
6. Sam’s Riverside: Thames Views and Oysters Galore
A view of the Thames shimmering in the sunlight can improve any London lunch – something restaurateur Sam Harrison has capitalised on for this enviable spot inside the former BBC Riverside Studios near Hammersmith Bridge. Ask for a table by the window or on the terrace for the best view, while you choose from a wide-ranging menu that honours its waterside location with a great choice of seafood, including shellfish platters and a strong selection of oysters.Related Reads:
Hero Image: One of the best restaurant views in London. © Restaurant Gordon Ramsay High
