London is not short of options for standout bars and restaurants for skyline views of the city, but which are the best options?
Whether you call London home or are a visitor to the capital, the skyline is as big a draw as the menu for guests eating and drinking.
Home to a mix of riverside glass boxes, sky‑high rooftops and 360‑degree city views from places like The Shard and Bishopgate, London spoils for choice when it comes to where to book.
1. Aqua Shard – The Shard
Perched on level 31 of The Shard, Aqua Shard pairs modern British cooking with huge floor‑to‑ceiling glass giving sweeping views over the Thames, St Paul’s and the City.
It’s a classic choice for celebrations, afternoon tea and date‑night cocktails where the skyline does half the talking. You can also consider similar venues at The Shard including the Oblix or Hutong.
- Best for: Special‑occasion dinners, afternoon tea, sunset cocktails
- View: South Bank, City skyline, St Paul’s, Tower Bridge
- Tip: Book well ahead and request a window table, smart‑casual dress is expected
2. Duck & Waffle – 40th Floor, Bishopsgate
Open 24/7 at the top of the Salesforce Tower (110 Bishopsgate), Duck & Waffle delivers some of the most dramatic 360‑degree city views in London, especially on clear nights.
Floor‑to‑ceiling windows wrap the room, so you can see everything from the Gherkin and Walkie Talkie to the distant glow of Canary Wharf.
- Best for: Late‑night bites, sunrise breakfasts, skyline selfies
- View: Full City panorama – Gherkin, Tower Bridge, The Shard, beyond
- Tip: Even off‑peak slots book up; ask for a corner or window seat when reserving.
3. Sky Garden Bars & Restaurants – 20 Fenchurch Street
Sky Garden is a three‑storey tropical atrium on levels 35-37 of the “Walkie Talkie”, home to bars and restaurants like Fenchurch and Darwin Brasserie.
You get 360‑degree views through huge windows plus a terrace overlooking the Thames, The Shard and Tower Bridge.
- Best for: Breakfast with a view, landscaped indoor “garden” shots, all‑day grazing
- View: The Shard, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, City rooftops
- Tip: Free Garden access is timed‑ticketed so restaurant bookings can be a smarter way to secure a prime‑time visit.
4. SUSHISAMBA – Heron Tower, Liverpool Street
SUSHISAMBA’s 38th‑floor bar and terrace deliver a tropical, neon‑lit spin on the City skyline.
The wraparound outdoor terrace, with its striking orange tree sculpture, sits eye‑level with landmark towers and is spectacular after dark.
- Best for: High‑energy evenings, cocktails, fusion small plates
- View: City cluster, Gherkin, Bishopsgate, night‑time skyline
- Tip: The terrace is weather‑dependent so book indoors but head outside whenever the heaters and skies allow
5. Radio Rooftop – ME London, Strand
On the 10th floor of ME London, Radio Rooftop looks straight across to Somerset House, the London Eye, Big Ben and The Shard in the distance.
It’s one of the most in‑demand rooftop bookings in the city, combining slick cocktails with wraparound terrace seating and strong “London postcard” views.
- Best for: Sunset drinks, birthdays, smart group gatherings
- View: London Eye, Westminster, The Shard, river and West End roofs
- Tip: Reservations are essential; there’s a smart‑casual dress code and door checks can be firm.
6. Aviary – Montcalm Royal London House, Finsbury Square
Aviary’s rooftop restaurant and terrace bar on the 10th floor looks south over Finsbury Square to the City cluster, with igloos and alfresco seating in colder months.
Its mix of steak‑led mains, brunch and cocktails makes it a flexible “day to night” pick.
- Best for: Long lunches, after‑work drinks, winter “igloo” nights
- View: City high‑rises, including the Gherkin and beyond
- Tip: Book terrace spots early in spring/summer; in winter the igloos sell out quickly.
7. Coq d’Argent – City of London, Bank
Coq d’Argent sits above Bank station with a manicured rooftop lawn, terraces and views across to St Paul’s and the City skyline.
It’s one of London’s original rooftop dining rooms, mixing French‑leaning menus with year‑round outdoor space that is heated and covered in winter.
- Best for: Business lunches, classic City date nights, long summer evenings
- View: St Paul’s dome, City rooftops and spires
- Tip: The terrace is popular on sunny days, book late‑lunch or early‑evening slots for the best atmosphere
8. Skylon – Royal Festival Hall, South Bank
Skylon isn’t a rooftop, but its third‑floor position in the Royal Festival Hall offers panoramic windows over the Thames, Big Ben and the City.
By night, with lights reflecting off the river, it’s one of the most cinematic indoor dining rooms in the city.
- Best for: Pre‑theatre dinners, riverside weekend brunch, date nights
- View: River Thames, London Eye, City skyline and bridges
- Tip: Request a window table and factor in time to walk along the South Bank before or after your meal
9. The Rooftop St James – Trafalgar St James
The Rooftop St James, above Trafalgar St James hotel, overlooks Trafalgar Square with views towards Big Ben, the London Eye and a sweep of central London rooftops.
It has a semi‑covered terrace, fire pits and European‑leaning small plates, leaning hard into “date‑night with a dress code” territory.
- Best for: Special‑occasion cocktails, central‑London tourists, Instagram shots
- View: Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, Westminster and beyond
- Tip: There’s a smart dress expectation; book ahead and go for golden hour if photography matters
10. Netil 360 – London Fields, East London
Further out but with arguably some of the best “big sky” views, Netil 360’s rooftop looks west towards the City, The Shard and Canary Wharf skylines.
It’s more low‑key and creative than hotel rooftops, with natural wine, craft beer and a strong music programme.
- Best for: East‑London sunsets, casual skyline drinks, DJ‑led evenings
- View: Wide‑angle views back over the City and Canary Wharf
- Tip: Expect a more relaxed, warehouse‑rooftop vibe; layers are useful once the sun drops