No matter how many restaurants I review, London's dining views never cease to captivate me. It's my pleasure to present our Vista Dining accolade to seven remarkable venues that have mastered the art of pairing exceptional cuisine with London's most breathtaking panoramas.
Perched elegantly alongside the Thames, Le Pont de la Tour remains one of my favourite spots for watching the sun set behind Tower Bridge. The French restaurant's terrace, with its nautical-inspired awnings and heated seating areas, offers front-row seats to the river's daily theatre. On my last visit, I savoured their signature native lobster thermidor while watching boats glide past and the bridge's neo-Gothic towers gradually illuminate as dusk settled. The interior's Art Deco elements — brass fittings, dark wood panelling, and intimate booth seating — create an atmosphere that's both sophisticated and welcoming. Their wine list, curated by head sommelier Michel-Pierre Blais, is particularly notable for its extensive selection of French vintages.
Expect to spend around £75-95 per person for dinner, excluding wine.
From level 31 of The Shard, Aqua Shard presents perhaps the most dramatic urban vista in London. Through triple-height windows, the city unfolds like a living map, with trains threading through London Bridge Station appearing like tiny illuminated serpents after dark. The sleek, contemporary interior, with its dark angular surfaces and constellation-like lighting, creates a sense of floating above the city. Their British heritage-inspired menu particularly shines during breakfast — I still dream about their lobster Benedict with orange hollandaise, enjoyed against the backdrop of morning mist rising over the Thames. The presentation of their signature tea service, complete with smoking dry ice effects, is perfectly paired with the dramatic setting.
Dinner here typically runs £85-120 per person, while their celebrated breakfast averages £35-45.
The OXO Tower Restaurant holds a special place in London's culinary landscape, not least for its iconic position in a former power station. The eighth-floor vantage point offers a perfectly framed view of St Paul's Cathedral and the city's western reaches. The interior's clever use of mirrors and glass maximises these views while maintaining an intimate atmosphere with its warm lighting and comfortable leather seating. Executive Chef Jeremy Bloor's modern British menu continues to impress — my recent encounter with their Hereford beef tartare with smoked egg yolk was nothing short of exceptional. The carefully curated cocktail list deserves special mention; try their London Sunset, a colour-changing gin creation that mirrors the sky's evening transformation.
A three-course dinner averages £70-90 per person, before drinks.
Decimo, perched atop The Standard in King's Cross, offers a refreshingly different perspective of London, with views stretching from St Pancras's Gothic spires to the BT Tower. Chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias has created something truly special here, blending Mexican and Spanish influences in a retro-futuristic setting. The copper-hued decor and vintage-inspired furniture create a warm, sophisticated atmosphere that comes alive at night. Their tortillas are made fresh throughout service — I watched, mesmerised, as the tortillera worked her magic while the sun set behind her. The lobster butter-soaked tortilla is a must-try, as is the jamón ibérico carved tableside with theatrical flourish.
Count on spending £65-85 per person for a proper sampling of the menu.
Darwin Brasserie, nestled within the lush Sky Garden, offers a unique dining experience amid London's highest public garden. The restaurant's position on level 36 provides a spectacular view of the Thames's eastern reaches and the City's architectural landmarks. The abundant greenery surrounding the dining space creates an unusual juxtaposition of nature and urban landscape. Their Sunday roast is legendary — I recently enjoyed their aged Hereford rib of beef with all the trimmings while watching rain clouds roll dramatically across the city. The space is particularly magical during London's grey days, when you find yourself dining above the clouds.
Dinner averages £55-75 per person, while their popular Sunday roast comes in at £45-55.
I was thoroughly delighted to add Forza Wine at The National Theatre to my collection of elevated dining spots. Having dined here multiple times since its opening, I've found myself increasingly charmed by its fresh take on Southbank dining. On warm evenings, I love to settle into the terrace, where the London Eye seems close enough to touch and the Westminster skyline provides a stunning backdrop to my meal. The industrial-chic interior cleverly frames these views through floor-to-ceiling windows, but it's the outdoor space that truly captivates me. Their Italian-inspired small plates are perfect for sharing — nduja arancini and burrata with black truffle honey particularly stand out. The wine list, focusing on natural and low-intervention wines, is one of the most exciting in London right now.
Small plates range from £8-16 each, with a typical evening running £45-60 per person, including wine.
Min Jiang, residing on the tenth floor of the Royal Garden Hotel, offers what I consider to be London's finest view of Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. During my regular visits, I've developed a ritual: requesting my preferred window table and pausing to admire how the restaurant's elegant interior seems to float above the park's canopy. Having sampled Chinese cuisine worldwide, I can confidently say their Beijing duck is unrivalled in London. I'm always mesmerised by the ceremonial preparation: watching the chef masterfully carve the bird, which has been roasted to perfection, then presenting it in two distinct services. One autumn afternoon, while sipping a rare pu'er tea, I realised why this venue holds such a special place in my heart – it's not just about the impeccable cuisine, but the tranquil dignity — it's particularly spectacular during October when the trees turn golden.
The signature Beijing duck must be pre-ordered and costs £88 for two people, while a typical dinner averages £65-85 per person.
