Sky-High Food: A Guide to London's Best Rooftop Restaurants
OKAY, so we might be a little bias on what’s the best rooftop restaurant in London, but we too like to take in a new view now and then of London’s epic skyline. After all, it’s good to get a new perspective, and we know more than most how a rooftop restaurant can make a good dining experience into a great one. So sit back, read on and don’t forget to enjoy the view…
We love London, it’s a city that boasts some of the most stunning city views in the world and whether you're a local or a tourist, enjoying a meal with a breath-taking view is an experience that you won't forget anytime soon. From the bustling streets of the West End to the quiet neighbourhoods of Notting Hill, from our cosy low-key Pizzeria to Madison’s sophisticated vibe, London's rooftop restaurants offer something for all tastes and persuasions. But with so many options to choose from, where do you begin?
Why you should hit the rooftops for restaurants
First, let’s delve into why rooftop restaurants are so popular. Yes, there’s the obvious enjoyment of having 360 degree vistas across a beautiful skyline but what about all the other less obvious benefits of taking your dinner on a roof. Well, firstly there’s the novelty of it. We usually pass our time at sea level so experiencing the world from up high gives us a new perspective. Habitually ground-level beings, we hurriedly go about our day to day lives, with the normal obstacles of traffic, people, the office, the gym and so on and so forth creating physical and mental distractions. But climbing/ascending a few (in some case 100s of) floors upwards we are giving ourselves a break from the chaos below.
Another advantage of dining at a rooftop restaurant is the atmosphere. Many rooftop restaurants in London have a relaxed and casual vibe (did we mention Netil360 has a great relaxed and casual vibe?) that makes them perfect for a night out with mates, or a romantic date.
And what about the many of these restaurants who have live music or DJ's that add to the overall experience (thanks to The Beatles, for inspo).
The best London rooftop restaurants
London has a plethora of rooftop restaurants, and whilst we’d love to try every single one of them, we’re busy making improvements to our own rooftop restaurant, so we’ve had to rely somewhat on a healthy dose of web research and word of mouth. Here’s our selection of those that shone just a little bit brighter through the clouds.
Enjoy our pizzas and sunset over the city from Netil360 Rooftop bar and restaurant
1. Netil360 Pizzeria restaurant / Neopolitan Pizza
Well we would say that! But we believe our offering of panoramic rooftop and pizzeria is a unique and unmissable experience, marrying the best of Italy with local London vibes and ingredients. Expect informal dining and delicious freshly baked Neopolitan pizza from our head chef/pizzaiolo, who was trained in Napoli by none other than Enzo Coccia (who wrote the globally recognised standards on Pizza Napoletana). Join us for traditional, yummy, stone-baked pizzas; our little slice of Napoli in the sky.
“A place to grab a drink & some great food and settle in”
Top tip: Netil360 rooftop restaurant doesn’t normally take bookings, but for winter we’re letting you book ahead and cosy up on your very own table. So grab your table in the sky here.
2. Sky Garden
Sky Garden is located in the heart of the city, and guess what? It's a garden in the sky. This sky high verdant oasis makes for a serene and unique atmosphere with not one but three restaurants to chose from. The ever so British Darwin Brasserie features contemporary British cuisine, and the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (okay, so it’s got one over on us on the breakfast offer!). One of the standout dishes on the menu is the Scottish salmon, which is cooked to perfection and served with a side of roasted vegetables. For a more Caribbean meets British fine dining affaire you could try Fenchurch or if you’d prefer your feet firmly on solid ground (not in the sky at all, in fact just across the road from the entrance to the Sky Garden), you could try something of a more Italian persuasion at Larch.
We think Sky Garden is a win for those seeking fine dining, a top ‘go to’ for tourists wanting to tick off some ‘must dos’ in London over lunch and for those who enjoy a bit of green whilst they’re sky high…
Sky Garden, rooftop restaurant, London
3. The Culpeper
The Culpeper is up next. Whilst hosting it’s very own garden in the sky, this is a far cry from SkyGarden and this little hidden gem of a rooftop restaurant in Spitalfields offers its own stunning views of the city skyline. The menu features a mix of classic British and Mediterranean cuisine, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, so local in fact you sit amongst growing herbs and veg for the kitchen and cocktails.
The owners are ‘on a simple mission to positively impact our world by using hospitality as a force for good – one day, one person, one pint, one (wine) glass, one meal, one smile, one building and rooftop at a time’. - Hear, hear! We couldn’t agree more Culpeper.
We love a relaxed dining atmosphere and Culpeper nurtures this vibe as well as its garden. We think it’s a perfect little spot to enjoy a meal or a drink with friends and unwind after a busy day.
Culpeper rooftop restaurant, a living garden in Shoreditch
4. Madison
So, you’re after a little bit of sophistication and a glamorous dress code? Well, Madison might be right up your street or should we say avenue? You could be mistaken for landing on a New York rooftop with its American-style steakhouse, it’s namesake and Manhattan-style loft restaurant vibes, but with views across some of London’s most notable landmarks, you couldn’t be anywhere else than the thriving capital. With unrivalled views of St. Paul's Cathedral, Madison is one of the most sought-after rooftop restaurants in London with a chic and sophisticated vibe that's perfect for a special occasion.
The restaurant at Madison takes inspiration from the lively and eclectic New York dining scene, with a focus on the grill and the best steaks from around the world. The menu combines playful takes on American classics with a broad range of influences from the diverse communities of New York, including sushi, steak, and seafood with an excellent grilled octopus as its standout dish.
We think Madison is great for those special occasions, a one-off night when you fancy being fancy. Check out the 360 views and maybe leave the trainers at the gym.
Booking and reservation tips for rooftop restaurants
Booking a table at a rooftop restaurant in London can be a bit tricky, especially during peak hours. Here are some tips to help you secure a reservation.
1. Book in advance
Most rooftop restaurants in London require a reservation, especially during peak hours. It's best to book your table in advance to avoid disappointment.
2. Be flexible
If you're having trouble getting a reservation at your preferred time, try being flexible with your dining time. Many restaurants offer early bird specials or late-night dining options that are less busy.
3. Check for special offers
Many rooftop restaurants in London offer special promotions or discounts, especially during off-peak hours. Check the restaurant's website or social media pages for any current offers.
More of our favourite London rooftop restaurants
Aviary
Aviary is located in the heart of the city and offers stunning views of the iconic Gherkin building. This rooftop restaurant has a modern and stylish vibe, making it perfect for a night out with friends. The menu at Aviary features a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, seafood, and salads.
The Rooftop
Located in the heart of the city, The Rooftop St. James offers stunning views of London's skyline. The bar has a chic and sophisticated vibe, making it perfect for a night out with friends.
Frank’s Cafe
Frank's Cafe is a rooftop bar located in the trendy neighbourhood of Peckham. The bar has a laid-back vibe and offers stunning views of the city. There’s definitely some similarities, between Netil360 and Frank’s - we think of Frank’s as our south of the river rooftop sister.
Coq D’argent
Located in the heart of the city, Coq d'Argent is a French-inspired rooftop restaurant and the menu features classic French cuisine with a modern twist.
More of your rooftop restaurant questions answered here.
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The best time to visit a rooftop restaurant in London is during sunset or at night when the city lights up.
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You can book a table at most rooftop restaurants in London online or by phone. It's best to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
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The dress code at rooftop restaurants in London is generally smart-casual, but some restaurants may require more formal attire for special occasions.
