We're rather taken with high rise dining and drinking here at Hot Dinners. Every once in a while it's important to rise above pavement level and look out at this great city of ours. Along with having some of the best restaurants in the world, we think London's also blessed with some of the best high-rise dining options too. Here's a run-down of some of the best out there.
14 Hills
120 Fenchurch St, London EC3M 5BA
In a nutshell: Indoor forest in the City
How high? 14th floor
What to expect: This D&D restaurant in the City is near the top of 120 Fenchurch Street and the inside is just as impressive as the view. The restaurant is fully decked out in foliage, with trees appearing to grow throughout the room. Take a look outside and there are amazing views over to the river and Tower Bridge.
Allegra
Olympic Park, 20-22 International Way, London E20 1GQ
In a nutshell: Patrick Powell in Stratford
How high? 7th Floor
What to expect: This restaurant is led by Patrick Powell (previously at Chiltern Firehouse) and he's been wowing the critics since his arrival in Stratford (the smoked eel pithivier is an absolute must). The front of the restaurant may only overlook Westfield but the extensive back terrace is one of the best places to be in Stratford when the weather gets warm.
Angler
3 South Pl, London EC2M 2AF
In a nutshell: Michelin-starred seafood at the top of the City's South Place
How high? 7th Floor
What to expect: Bang in the centre of the city, this may not be quite as high as others on the list - but there's still a great rooftop terrace at the end of this restaurant at the top of the South Place Hotel. It also gets a special mention as one of the Michelin high-rise dining experiences in the capital. Exec chef Gary Foulkes leads a high-end seafood offering here.
Aqua Shard
level 31, The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY
In a nutshell: High rise bar and restaurant at The Shard
How high? 31st floor
What to expect: Billed as a British restaurant, the menu here definitely roams into international waters. But they do make a lot of sourcing top-class British produce such as venison from the Rhug Estate and smoked salmon from Lambton & Jackson in Maldon. The Mary Poppins afternoon tea is particularly popular.
Find out more about Aqua Shard
Bokan
40 Marsh Wall, Isle of Dogs, London E14 9TP
In a nutshell: Not one - but three floors overlooking Canary Wharf
How high? 37-39th floor
What to expect: This bar and restaurant is at the top of the Novotel Canary Wharf - with the restaurants on 37, bar on 38 and terrace on 39. In charge of the food is Aurélie Altemaire, who was previously at L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, so expect influences from his cuisine in the menu.
City Social
Tower 42, 25 Old Broad Street, London, EC2N 1HQ
In a nutshell: Jason Atherton joins the high-rise dining scene with this spot more than halfway up Tower 42.
How high? 24th Floor
What to expect: Atherton's Social restaurants are known as much for the cocktails as the food, so expect a decent drink from the bar here. In the kitchen is Head Chef Tom Lidakevicius whose team turn out creative yet simple dishes, showcasing the best of British ingredients.
Find out more about City Social
Coq D'Argent
1 Poultry, London EC2R 8EJ
In a nutshell: City institution
How high? 7th Floor
What to expect: Up on the seventh floor of 1 Poultry you'll find this popular D&D restaurant and bar. To be fair, the best City vista is from their massive heated terraces. But the bar (which has its own separate menu) also has decent views too.
Find out more about Coq D'Argent
Decimo
10 Argyle St, Kings Cross, London WC1H 8EG
In a nutshell: Top drawer Mexican/Spanish food
How high? 10th Floor
What to expect: Decimo takes up the 10th floor of The Standard hotel in King's Cross - it's their signature restaurant and one that's popular with celebs too (it's a regular afterparty venue). The restaurant has amazing views across London and specifically St Pancras but the food is also a huge highlight. Peter Sanchez-Iglesias's menu is a high-end mix of Spanish and Mexican food. You'll see the caviar-topped tortilla all over Instagram but the whole of the menu is impressive and there's a great party vibe to the room.
Duck & Waffle
Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4A
In a nutshell: 24-hour restaurant right at the top of the Heron Tower
How high? 40th Floor (with a very impressive lift ride on the way up)
What to expect: This is one of two restaurants in the Heron Tower, the other being the equally popular Sushisamba, which has a slight edge due to its outdoor terrace. Now one of London's favourite dining destinations for its food just as much as its elevated location, its USP is being open 24 hours, so it's worth popping in at any time for either the signature duck and waffle, or an impressive weekend brunch.
Find out more about Duck and Waffle
Also try: Downstairs from Duck and Waffle is the Japanese-Brazilian-Peruvian fusion restaurant Sushisamba - more of a party venue than Duck & Waffle.
Galvin at Windows
London Hilton on Park Lane, 22 Park Lane, London W1K 1BE
In a nutshell: French dining with impeccable service overlooking Hyde Park.
How high? 28th floor.
What to expect: The Galvins have many successful restaurants around town - but this is certainly one of the jewels in their crown. Expect classic French dishes and the best service in town (the folk here were trained up by Fred Sirieix). A perfect restaurant for a special occasion and also well worth popping in for a drink at the bar too.
Find out more about Galvin at Windows
Hutong at the Shard
The Shard, 31 St. Thomas Street, London SE1 9RY
In a nutshell: Aqua does fiery Chinese food in the Shard
How high? 33rd floor
What to expect: Hutong was one of the first batch of restaurants to open in the Shard and has been the best reviewed. Expect Chinese food on the spicier side, with the soft shell crab Red Lantern dish and the whole Peking duck (carved at your table) being signature dishes. There's a bar in Hutong itself, but the one downstairs at Aqua Shard is more fun (and you can still visit if you're going to Hutong).
Also try: The aforementioned Aqua Shard is also available for afternoon tea if you want your tea, cake and sarnies with a view and upstairs you'll find Oblix for steaks and more.
Min Jiang
2-24 Kensington High Street, London W8 4PT
In a nutshell: Mid-rise Chinese with a great view.
How High? 10th floor
What to expect: With a window that stretches the length of the restaurant, Min Jiang has an incredible view of Kensington Gardens. The food at this Chinese restaurant often receives raves, particularly for the Peking Duck. If you like your sake, it's well worth popping along to one of their regular sake pairing dinners.
Seabird
40 Blackfriars Rd, South Bank, London SE1 8PB
In a nutshell: Seafood with an NYC spin
How High? 14th floor
What to expect: This is the restaurant at the top of the Hoxton Hotel in Southwark and has some fantastic views looking towards the river. The food is primarily seafood, for which they've teamed up with top NYC restaurant Maison Premiere. The octopus roll is one of the standout dishes but look out for the Basque cheesecake which is covered with grated manchego.
London's high rise dining mapped
Here's where the restaurants with a view can be found
