Endless parties, countless art shows, exhibitions, concerts and festivals - the British capital has it all. To make things even better, there is also a rich list of London rooftop restaurants.
We have gathered a full selection of the very best and sky-high venues to mix some great food with some great views. Due to the somewhat irregular weather, pretty much all rooftop restaurants London has seating both outside and under cover. So you can visit for sunny rooftop lunches, but also more cosy gatherings when the weather is less fantastic.
More in London:
Here's our list of the 20 best rooftop restaurants in London.
Found on the 7th floor of the fantastic The Trafalgar St. James, The Rooftop is truly a prime spot to enjoy alfresco drinking and dining with a view.
Surrounded with panoramics over the London skyline, The Rooftop St. James has both indoor and outdoor seating, and the terrace comes with heaters so it is available year-round.
The rooftop menu is filled with a seasonally changing selection of delicious European-inspired dishes, served as nibbles, small plates, larger rooftop classics and shareables. There is usually also a rooftop brunch available during weekends from 12pm-3pm.
For one of the most special experiences among the rooftop restaurants London has to offer, The Rooftop St. James also holds a private dining space called ROOM. A glass enclosed and private 'dining-box' for up to 14 people, with spectacular views over Trafalgar Square.
THE ROOFTOP ST. JAMES
Set on the top floor of The Conduit, this rooftop restaurant is a collaborative community of members committed to creating a just, prosperous and sustainable future. Rooftop restaurants in Covent Garden is a rare sight, so Rucola is a true gem in the area. A perfect spot for a dinner after your shopping!
The light-filled and charming 5th floor terrace floats above the heart of Covent Garden, and comes surrounded with lush greenery and panoramic views of the London skyline.
From breakfast and weekend brunch, to initmate dinners, here you can enjoy the summer weather al fresco, or get comfy under the all-seasons pergola.
Passionate about flavour and compassionate about the planet, Rucola at The Conduit aims to provide the perfect blend of luxury and sustainability, and works around three core principles: net carbon neutrality, a zero waste mentality, and plant forward menus.
The Conduit’s impact programme is designed to improve the world by convening the membership community with talks from experts. For example in 2024, there is a series of talks focussed on fixing the broken food system.
The seasonal dishes, all made with thoughtfully-sourced ingredients, are inspired by Northern Italian cuisine, and from the lively open kitchen you can enjoy everything from starters and fresh salads, to handmade pasta and delicate desserts.
Filled with a warm, familiar and welcoming atmosphere, Rucola at The Conduit is open 7 days a week, offering breakfast, lunch & dinner, as well as a 'bellissimo' weekend brunch, where traditional Italian dishes meet live music and champagne.
The restaurant also boasts a buzzing central bar, serving unique and sustainable seasonal cocktails and a selection of both classic and natural wines, perfect to enjoy during 'Aperitivo Hour', 4pm–6pm every Monday to Saturday.
RUCOLA AT THE CONDUIT
Angler is a Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant, located on top of the fabolous South Palace Hotel in the heart of London.
Modern and luxurious, Angler offers both indoor and outdoor seating options, where the interior dining room comes with a slanted row of windows and a mirrored ceiling, and the bright outdoor terrace is heated and has a retractable roof, making it available no matter the weather.
Surrounded by majestic views over the London skyline, Executive Chef Gary Foulkes showcases a seasonal menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and flavors, with a focus on seafood, but also with options for the vegetarians and carnivores.
Served as both á la carte and a tasting menu, the food is complemented with an extensive wine list of bottles from both the new and old world, specially selected by the Head Sommelier.
For an extra special gourmet experience, check out the semi-private Chef’s Table, with views of iconic London landmarks, as well as a window into Angler’s buzzing kitchen.
ANGLER RESTAURANT
Note: SACHI is officially re-opening on November 6th 2024, but they are taking bookings.
With renewed vibrancy and energy, SACHI will be relaunching at 19 Motcomb Street in October 2024, spanning the second floor and the rooftop of the former Pantechnicon building.
Bringing a taste of authentic Japan to Belgravia, the venue features an interior main restaurant inspired by Japanese energy and performance with a show kitchen and omakase counter, and a lighter top floor rooftop bar, taking inspiration from the Kyoto Garden.
At the restaurant, you can indulge in innovative and crafted food surrounding four concepts: omakase, robata, tempura, sushi & sashimi. Based on seasonality, local produce and foraged flora. Key dishes will include a 'Wagyu Beef Karaage' through to an 'Aubergine Miso Yaki' and a 'Chilian Seabass Kushiyaki'.
Up on the rooftop, food is served as sharing plates, complemented with SACHI's full drink menu. Selections include seven cocktails each centred around a Japanese proverb, fine whisky cocktails, a lengthy wine list, sake and the world’s finest spirits.
The rooftop bar will also include a Cigar Room, serving premium cigars, which can be enjoyed whilst taking in the views of the London skyline.
SACHI
Found on the 38th and 39th floor of the Heron Tower, SUSHISAMBA is one of the highest rooftop restaurants and bars in all of Europe. The panoramic glass elevator ride up to the reastaurant is in itself worth the visit.
Up here you find a very stylish indoor dining room with floor-to-ceiling panoramic glass windows, as well as two outdoor terraces, offering amazing 360-views over the London skyline.
The rooftop restaurant serves a menu with a fusion of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian food. Here you can indulge in everything from small plates and raw-food, to samba rolls and sashimi omakase.
Open for sunny lunches, intimate dinners and drinks and bites anywhere in between, SUSHISAMBA comes with quite high prices, but this trendy venue is really something special, so it is well worth every penny.
SUSHISAMBA
Found on top of the 5-star hotel Vintry & Mercer, the Mercer Roof Terrace is an elegant and sophisticated, as well as stylish and beautiful rooftop restaurant and bar.
Up here, a cosy indoor restaurant with floor-to-ceiling glass doors opens up to an open-air terrace, where you get some truly amazing views over the London skyline.
Among the rooftop restaurants London has to offer, this is the place to go for a taste of the best of modern British cooking. Available for lunch, dinner and weekend Afternoon Tea, the menu includes both meat and fish from the British Isles.
Inviting to sunny rooftop sessions, Mercer Roof Terrace also offers some very cosy rooftop igloos for the colder season.
MERCER ROOF TERRACE
In the heart of Shoreditch, Queen of Hoxton invites to three floors of bar, nightclub, and rooftop terrace.
Indoors you can blow of steam in the club, or indulge in a bottomless brunch every Saturday, while the spacious, vibrant and colorful rooftop is known for its transformations year after year.
During summer 2024, the rooftop will turn into Terraza Del Sol, a Hispanic-inspired and sun-drenched oasis, complete with palm trees and a bamboo triangle eye structure.
The perfect spot for elevated and Latin-inspired cocktails while overlooking Shoreditch, but Queen of Hoxton also offers a tasty food menu, filled with Hispanic favourites.
Munch on 'Soft Shell Corn Tacos' served with crisp lettuce, pico de gallo salsa, sour cream, guacamole & tomatillo hot sauce, 'Loaded Nachos' finished with melting cheese, salsa, sour cream, guacamole & jalapenos, or try the 'Sizzling Prime of Beef Burger'.
QUEEN OF HOXTON
Nestled in the North Yard of London’s iconic Camden Market, The Lucky Club Camden is an impressive 5,600 sq foot roof terrace, inviting to good vibes, tasty drinks, fresh food and nice views.
Taking inspiration from the seasons, the rooftop venue transitions from an open summertime rooftop bar with tropical vibes, into a cosy Après Ski Winter Lodge, encased in wooden panelling and complete with furs and heaters in the colder months.
During summer 2024, The Lucky Club will be serving dishes inspired by West Coast California, including juicy burgers, tasty tacos, quesadillas and shares like loaded nachos. The food is complemented with a refreshing selection of summer cocktails, mocktails, Margaritas & frozen drinks
Visit for 'Margarita Mondays', 'Taco Tuesdays' and 'Wing Wednesdays', or for the brand new 'Sunday Barbacoa' experience, where you can build your own tacos and enjoy a sharing feast of Barbacoa with mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, tortilla chips, soft tacos and dips.
THE LUCKY CLUB CAMDEN
On the 8th floor of the superb boutique hotel The Londoner, an urban resort on the south west corner of the iconic Leicester Square, 8 at The Londoner invites to an elegant and elevated Japanese rooftop experience.
Divided into a striking bar, a chic, sleek and minimalist Shima Garden, and a Japanese-inspired minimalist lounge and terrace with panoramic city views, 8 at The Londoner offers several spaces to enjoy the best of London from above.
Reimagining the traditions and informal style of Japanese drinking establishments, here you can experience the izakaya style of drinking and dining. Innovative cocktails and fine Japanese spirits are blended with modern Japanese cuisine.
The simple yet elegant plates are perfect to share, and range from 'Sea Bass Carpaccio', 'Gyoza Tacos' and 'Lobster Tempura', to a selection of meat, fish, seafood and vegetarian options from the Robata grill.
8 AT THE LONDONER
At one of London’s most iconic address – 1 Leicester Square - the LSQ Rooftop offers food and drinks with amazing skyline views, from early morning to late at night.
Both rooftop cocktail bar and restaurant, this modern and trendy venue comes with both indoor and outdoor seating, and thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, the views over London are prime everywhere.
Starting with a a classic breakfast, the rooftop restaurant continues the day by offering a selection of small bites inspired by Mediterranean recipes. From 'Fried Calamari' and 'Burrata Caprese', to 'Pizza Romana'.
All the food is complemented with a full bar menu, featuring everything from fine signature and classic cocktails, to champagne, wine and beers.
LSQ ROOFTOP
Covering the top floors of the fantastic Novotel London Canary Wharf, Bōkan offers industrial dockyard sophistication overlooking the London skyline.
With the Bars 38|39 on the top floors, where indoor / outdoor seating are mixed with fantastic cocktails and a few bites, the more filling option is the 37th floor Bōkan 37 Restaurant.
Offering a warm, inviting and relaxed dining experience, here you can enjoy a menu filled with contemporary European cuisine. Made for locally sourced, seasonal British ingredients, and created by Executive Chef Guillaume Gillan.
Surrounded with panoramic views over the UK capital, you can choose from a 2-coure meal up to a 7-course tasting experience, or visit for a weekend rooftop brunch.
Combined with a pre- or post dinner cocktail at the 39th floor rooftop terrace, a night at Bōkan is sure to be a memorable one.
BOKAN
Location wise, this rooftop restaurant London is hard to beat. Found right on Oxford Street, and more so, right in top of the classic and famous Selfridge department store, Alto by San Carlo really is any shoppers dream. But it's also a lot more.
Set up as a beautiful Italian garden, Alto rooftop restaurant offers a day-to-night menu of seasonal Italian dishes, from the finest seafood and pasta to grilled specialties. Most dishes are made perfect to share.
The main restaurant and bar comes with a fully retractable roof, so you can dine in the sun or under cover year-round and no matter the weather. There is also an al-fresco dining terrace and lounge bar, with amazing and uninterrupted views of the London skyline.
Open until late seven days a week, Alto by San Carlo is the obvious choice for a rooftop-break while shopping in the heart of London. But it is well worth a visit on it's own, for an upscale lunch or dinner and cocktails with loved ones.
ALTO
Seabird is a stylish rooftop seafood restaurant and bar, taking you on a trip to southern Europe, without having to leave London.
Perched 14 floors up at the fantastic hotel The Hoxton in Southwark, this outdoor/indoor rooftop comes with a beautiful coastal inspired decor and some amazing views over the London skyline.
Up here you can indulge in a large selection of Mediterranean flavours, which is mostly served as seafood, but also as some vegetarian and more meaty options. This is also where you find London’s longest oyster list.
Open for weekday lunch, all week dinner and drinks, as well as a weekend roftop brunch, Seabird mixes a fantastic setting with fantastic service, and it is a prime rooftop restaurant London for any special occasion.
SEABIRD
The Rooftop is a quite new and modern addition to the London rooftop scene, opening in 2022.
Perched on top of the lovely hotel One Hundred Shoreditch, the rooftop takes inspiration from Palm Springs, and it feels like a stylish Californian escape high above Shoreditch.
Here you find an interior lounge dressed with pink decor, marble, terrazzo, and plenty of cacti, combined with a beautiful outdoor terrace and panoramic views over East London.
A perfect spot to enjoy signature margaritas, a glass of rosé or a bottle of Champagne, but The Rooftop also offers a tasty selection of food. Described as modern Californian plates with a Mexican touch, the dishes are made perfect to share.
Indulge in everything from 'Seabass Ceviche', 'Slow Cooked Beef' and 'Corn Ribs', to 'Pulled Pork Sliders' and 'Churros'. Served with a backdrop of Latin dance music and the views, here you find all the ingredients needed for a night to remember.
Or an early weekend to remember, when The Rooftop also offers a vibrant brunch.
THE ROOFTOP
With the slogan 'Here for a good time, not a long time', the London Bridge Rooftop was really one of the elevated hot-spots in London during 2021. And it looks all set to continue, as we are now in 2024 and the rooftop keeps going strong.
Perched on top of the Colechurch House on London Bridge Walk, the grey and casual urban rooftop terrace mingles with mint green pergolas, fairy lights and green plants, all surrounded with panoramic 360° over the London skyline and close-ups of The Shard just next door.
The perfect spot to grab a few (or many) friends and enjoy some some sun, some local drinks and tasty street food. The menu includes everything from Smash Burger and Vegan Slaw Burger, to Chicken Tenders.
Apart from food and drinks, London Bridge Rooftop also serves a large slice of vibes and daily DJs on rotation. And a Saturday bottomless rooftop brunch.
LONDON BRIDGE ROOFTOP
Just as the name hints, Garden Rooftop is a lush and botanical inspired rooftop bar and restaurant, surrounded with amazing panoramic views over the London skyline.
Found on the 10th floor of the Assembly Hotel, located just behind Leicester Square, this is a top rooftop venue for many occasions.
While you can visit for a quick pint after work or just a refreshing cocktail, it would be a shame to miss the Garden Rooftop food offerings. Perfect to share, here you can enjoy a large selection of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, offered as platters, nibbles, salads and mains.
During weekends, the rooftop also offers a vibrant bottomless brunch, including unlimited prosecco and rose wine for 90 minutes, two delicious courses, and live musicians. On Saturday's, the party also continues with Supper Club, where DJs and live entertainers are complemented with 2 courses from a delicious Italian-inspired menu and 60 minutes of Bottomless Prosecco or Rosé wine.
GARDEN ROOFTOP
Located in Farringdon, opposite the Smithfield Market, Smiths of Smithfield offers four floors of fun, dining and drink.
From the first floor SMITHS Bar, through the second floor SMITHS Restaurant (serving prime cuts of meat and locally sourced seasonal produce), all ends with the top floor SMITHS Rooftop Bar and outside terrace.
With panoramic windows inside, and heaters on the outside terrace, this is a year-round venue to enjoy stunning London panoramas, along with of food and drinks.
The Smiths rooftop menu includes a selection of both smaller and larger plates, with everything from Oysters and Lobster, to Dry aged beef tartare and Ricotta gnocchi. There is also a large selection of wines, as well as classic coktails.
On Saturday's, the rooftop usually also invites to a popular and bottomless brunch, with plenty of juicy dishes and 120 minutes of free-flowing Champagne, Prosecco, Mimosa or Bloody Mary’s.
SMITHS OF SMITHFIELD
Located in the heart of Shoreditch, The Boundary Rooftop Bar & Grill is a lush and stylish venue, offering spectacular views over the City and East London.
With both inside restaurant and a lovely rooftop garden, surrounded by shrubbery, Boundary also has a heated rooftop orangery. So you can enjoy the fantastic views whatever the weather.
The rooftop menu changes a bit with the season, with a focus on grilled meats & fish alongside fresh salads and southern French delicacies during summer, and tastes from the Alpine regions, like cheese fondue and melting raclette during winter.
Comfy and charming, Boundary Rooftop is an oasis above the hustle and bustle of the busy streets below. A perfect rooftop restaurant London to impress a date.
BOUNDARY ROOFTOP
Set on top of the One New Change building, right across St. Paul, Madison offers a great mix of rooftop restaurant and bar, as well as indoor seating with panoramic windows, as well as sevaral outdoor terraces.
Open from midday until late, this London rooftop restaurant serves a range of steakhouse inspired dishes, like grills from the wood fired Josper oven, slow cooked classics, burgers and salads. And a Saturday brunch.
Inside you can indulge in a full all-day á la carte menu, as well as both lunch and dinner set menus, while the outdoor terrace and lounge has a lighter menu, including a few sharing dishes and mains.
With several 'venues-in-the-venue', amazing St. Paul views and a trendy atmosphere, it is pretty much always a great idea to head up to Madison: come for a business lunch, a fun weekend brunch, a stylish dinner or late night vibes with great cocktails and music.
MADISON
80ft above the ground and a drink away from pure happiness. Coq d’Argent is an elegant French restaurant with a beautiful terrace and rooftop garden, located right in the heart of the Square Mile London.
Mixing an elegant dining space with a green and lush rooftop terrace, Cog d’Argent is a great choice for a special day or night out, offering both great views and a great service.
The rooftop restaurant is open for weekday lunch and dinner, weekend brunch and Saturday dinner. Here you can indulge in everything from Escargots de Bourgogne to Caviar and Filet de Baeuf.
Apart from a stylish lunch and dinner, Coq d’Argent is also available for relaxing cocktails, wine, spirits, cigars and bites with a view. It is alos open year-round, with heaters and plaits of wool making for a cosy terrace experience during winter.
COQ D'ARGENT
Hans has visited over 500 rooftop bars, 200 rooftop pools and 300 rooftop restaurants since 2015. This vast experience has made Hans a true rooftop expert, and one of the most knowledgeable in the field. Today, numerous of travel magazines, bloggers and media websites contact Hans to get his expertise on rooftops.
Browse all the cities & articles at The Rooftop Guide
Follow The Rooftop Guide