Leonardo Hotel’s Guide to… London Rooftop Restaurants

If you are visiting the capital there is never a shortage of things to do, places to see or restaurant and bars to visit. Discovering London is, let’s face it, a little overwhelming at times. However, if you are enjoying a weekend getaway with a partner or entertaining clients on a business trip, rooftop restaurants are possibly one of the best ways to experience London. Offering stunning views of this vast city, which becomes a spectacular glittery metropolis at night, rooftop restaurants are the perfect stop for those wanting a city night to remember. Leonardo Hotels has put together a quick guide to the best restaurants with sky high views…

Sabine Rooftop Bar

Newly opened in 2021, Sabine Rooftop Bar is exclusive to Leonardo Royal London Hotel St Paul’s. The island bar and the two alfresco terraces allow guests to enjoy a drink or one of many desirable dishes while taking in some breathtaking views of the capital.of the glasshouse.

With an array of seating areas embelished with striking foilage and vibrant colours, the St. Paul's restaurant offers a botanical getaway with a relaxed ambience that contrasts the hustle and bustle of the city. The Sabine has a food and drinks menu carefully curated to appeal to all visitors, ensuring there's plenty to choose from. Thirsty? You can also take your pick of a wide range of cocktails, craft beers, as well as some divine local gins. Why not try some of the signature cocktails, offered from a variety of wonderful juices and premium spirits. If you're looking to celebrate something special, Sabine also offers various wines and champagnes fit for any occasion. Alternatively, if you don’t fancy something alcoholic, why not try one of the equally refreshing mocktails available at Sabine.

Glasshouse at NYX London Holborn

Find Glasshouse on the 10th floor at the NYX London Holborn. This rooftop bar boasts a range of creative cocktails served with incredible views of central London. Take a break from the busy streets of the city and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere brought to you by unique decor, statement artwork accompanied by a rich soundscape. Guests can gaze across the stunning city skyline with the central location and the retractable roof of the Glasshouse. Paired with a diverse range of wines, craft beers and liquers, the Glasshouse offers a variety of traditional cocktails as well as some classics with a NYX-twist like the Cherry Espresso Martini or Bling Bellini. Check out the drings menu here, before booking a reservation.

Duck & Waffle

Located on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower, the Duck and Waffle offers utterly spectacular views of the city sitting in one of the tallest buildings in London. Guests enter through a private entrance on Bishopsgate and ride in one of two express scenic lifts. Duck and Waffle offers a uniquely modern décor which juxtaposes with rustic materials such as weathered wood and ceramic tiles and despite the expansive views, the dining experience is quite intimate and warm.
The cuisine is a mix of European and British designed for sampling and sharing with a range of small and ‘for the table’ plates costing anywhere between £9 and £36. As with many of the ‘Rooftop Restaurants’, Duck and Waffle is slightly on the pricier side but the food is mouth-watering and the view offers a spectacular dining experience, so if your budget allows for a treat, the Duck and Waffle will not disappoint.

OXO Tower

Located on the 8th floor of this iconic South Bank building, The OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar & Brasserie offers two types of dining with a stunning view. The restaurant provides modern British cuisine for ‘fine dining in an intimate atmosphere’. The large windows offer beautiful panoramic views of London including landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral. The Restaurant menu is an interesting mix of meat and fish dishes, ranging between £21.50 and £35 for a main, which is on the higher end of the price scale - but the food is excellent and combined with the views, is worth every penny.

If the Restaurant is a little too steep for your budget, the Brasserie is slightly cheaper and equally delicious. There is also a three course menu for £29.50 on offer, which considering individual prices is a fantastic deal, however it is only available during certain hours (see the weekday menu for details). The Brasserie cuisine provides some exciting dishes with global influences, while offering live music to complete the perfect dining experience of high-quality food, great entertainment and a stunning view.
For Vegetarian and/or Vegan diners, both the Restaurant and the Brasserie offer a separate vegetarian and vegan menu.

National Portrait Gallery

Offering fabulous views of Trafalgar square, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and The London Eye, The National Portrait Gallery is a fantastic central spot to enjoy lunch or dinner while enjoying a day in the city. Basing their menu on seasonal ingredients sourced from ‘the country’s most esteemed suppliers’, the Portrait Restaurant offers a unique mix of starter and main dishes with delicious deserts available in an à la carte menu costing £25 for two courses or three courses for £30.

Babylon

Located on Kensington High Street, Babylon offers beautiful views from its central London location. Sitting on the 7th floor of the Roof Gardens (a Grade II listed site), this sophisticated restaurant offers a unique menu with interesting blends of ingredients and dishes that are utterly mouth-watering! Because of its prime location and high quality food, Babylon’s menus are a little pricey with the weekend dinner menu costing £39.50 for two courses or three courses for £46.50.

However, the food is not only worth the cost but is perfectly complimented by the stunning views and, providing there isn’t a private event on, the beautiful gardens, which are available (and free) for you to explore.

Photography by Flickr user Tony Hall

Minako at the Met

Enjoy an ‘Asian fusion’ menu at one of London’s highest restaurants just minutes from Edgware Road tube station. Minako at the Met provides a relaxing and intimate restaurant atmosphere with breath-taking views of the capital, which are particularly beautiful at night. The menu offers a fantastic range of dishes and flavours at a reasonable price (mains cost between £13 and £19.50) considering the premium usually attached to such a beautiful view.

Madison Restaurant, Tapas and Cocktail Bar

Looking out over St Paul’s Cathedral, the Madison Restaurant, Tapas and Cocktail Bar offers beautiful views of London accompanied by a varied Brasserie menu or a range of traditional Spanish tapas from The Cocktail and Tapas Bar. Prices range from £16 to £32 for Brasserie menu mains, and £6 to £12 for tapas offering diners a choice of cuisine depending on your mood or budget. This restaurant is a real hot spot for the cocktail bar so a pre/post-dinner cocktail offers a nice addition to the evening, especially while enjoying the view from the terrace.

SushiSamba

For something a little different, SushiSamba is the perfect ‘rooftop’ choice. Located in the Heron Tower (just below Duck and Waffle), this delightfully modern restaurant offers panoramic views of London with large wall sized windows allowing for the sights to be seen by all. Having blended Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine, culture, music and design into a neat restaurant package, SushiSamba ensures an enjoyable and unique evening to remember. The menu is incredibly varied and ranges from around £12 for small plates, £17 for meats and fish, and roughly £35 for large plates.

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