The most striking of the recent additions to London’s skyline is the razor-edged architectural wonder, the Shard. This new imposing edifice and many of London’s other lofty pillars house some of the finest eating establishments in the city, that boast not only superlative culinary experiences but a stunning view to boot.
Roosting in the rafters of Tower 42, formerly known as the Natwest Tower, is fine-dining restaurant City Social, recently awarded a Michelin Star in the Michelin Guide to Great Britain and Ireland. City Social’s lofty heights and expansive windows are conducive to enjoying some breath-taking views over London, to be enjoyed whilst indulging on sumptuous cuisine offered from the diverse menu. Doyen head chef, Paul Walsh, and his team construct fantastic traditional British dishes with a Mediterranean twist: try the pig’s trotter and ham hock, served with rich Lancashire black pudding, apple and Madeira.
Located in the corporate whirl of the City of London, the Coq D’Argent’s rooftop positioning at No.1 Poultry offers unsullied views of the towering pillars of the City and beyond. From November, the restaurant’s rooftop garden is transformed into a winter terrace, the Lodge D’Argent. The midday grill menu offers the perfect cuisine for this al fresco treat. As the weather sharpens, the refined indoor restaurant dining space offers fantastic French cuisine creatively crafted by head chef, Damien Rigollet. Tuck into the joues de porc dish, glazed pork cheek cooked in red wine, served with a truffle mousseline and crispy pigs ear.
The Duck & Waffle restaurant is located on the 40th floor of 110 Bishopgate, making it the highest restaurant in London. Enjoy some of the phenomenal European and British-inspired cuisine offered on the carefully curated menu, whilst glancing out of the window at the iconic Gherkin building above. Duck & Waffle is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, meaning that diners of all temporal persuasions are able to snaffle something delectable from this lofty vantage point. From the all-day menu, be sure to try the eponymous duck & waffle dish, crispy leg confit served with fried duck egg and smothered in tangy mustard maple syrup. Reservations can be made up to two months in advance via the restaurant’s website.
The Oblix lounge and restaurant are perched on the 32nd floor of the Shard, reminiscent of a cosy, elegant nest. Move seamlessly from the sleek lift into the intimately lit interior, where a lively bar, standing tables and window-side roosts accommodate the needs of all guests. The expansive lounge space is flanked by towering glass, out of which the gleaming lights of the city can be observed. Enjoy the live music resonating throughout the space every evening and browse the lounge menu. Highly recommended is the black cod dish, marinated in a heady blend of spices before being roasted, resulting in fish that slides easily onto the knife. Finish by cleansing your palate with the fresh and piquant Thai mango sorbet.
Perched on the bank of the River Thames is the OXO Tower Restaurant, where lavish lunches and delicious dinners are served daily. Diners can enjoy an excellent view of the meandering river whilst browsing adept executive chef, Jeremy Bloor’s, superb menu. With an emphasis on seasonal ingredients, the dishes served are invariably fresh and predominantly organic, try the roasted monkfish, served with squid ink poppadum’s, red pepper and radishes. To ensure you are kept well refreshed over the course of your meal, a team of excellent sommeliers are on hand to advise you on how best to navigate the 800-strong wine list. Located at the pinnacle of the Centre Point Tower in the bustling centre of London’s West End, Paramount restaurant serves up modern European fare with a nod towards innovation and gusto. Make your way up to the 32nd floor and imbibe the majestic view of London whilst contemplating the magnificent breakfast menu or a la carte dinner menu. Treat yourself to one of the sumptuous starters such as the west coast crab dish, served with Granny Smith apple, cantaloupe, torched cucumber and coriander. Enjoy a chilled glass of something special before moving onto an expertly prepared main – try the poached Cornish brill, served with courgette, Sevruga caviar and topped with swirls of champagne sauce.
Sitting proudly on the cusp of Canada Place in Canary Wharf, Plateau restaurant boasts a quintessential view of the cityscape. The restaurant is subdivided into a formal main space and a more relaxed grill area. Take your companion out on to one of the restaurant’s two outdoor terraces and enjoy the bustling city breeze. Plateau’s delicious variety of dishes is more than a match for the fabulous view: try the roast Yorkshire Moors grouse served with game chips and covered in watercress and red wine sauce. For the inquisitive diner, there is a six course tasting menu, carefully constructed by head chef, Daniel McGarey.
Nestled in the hallowed halls of the Royal Festival Hall, located on the South Bank, is the Skylon restaurant. Its position on the third floor and the vast floor to ceiling windows offer a stunning view across the Thames and towards the city. Skylon promises a tempting array of modern British cuisine, evident from the extensive menu. Enjoy the divine glazed Creedy Carver duck breast, served with silky creamed peas, roasted white asparagus and smothered in delicious duck gravy. Skylon also offers pre and post-theatre dining options as well as a tasting menu filled with carefully selected delights.
Fantastic fusion cuisine is the raison d’être of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian restaurant, SUSHISAMBA. Nestled high up on the 38th and 39th floors of 110 Bishopsgate, making it the second highest restaurant in London, this exemplary haunt seduces guests with its beguiling range of options and 360 degree views of London available from the terrace. Walls of glass comprise three of the restaurant’s sides, allowing guests an unadulterated view across the city. A recommended large plate is the moqueca mista, jumbo shrimp, squid, sea bass, mussels, coconut milk, dende oil and chimichurri rice.
