One of our first (and still one of our best) rooftop experiences was a very long and filling lunch at SUSHISAMBA in London. Close to ten years ago, it then felt like one of few places where you could eat with a view, but now London is truly packed with fantastic rooftop restaurants.
We have eaten our way through a wide range of them, and will share our thoughts, insider tips and all other info needed to our favourite ones, so you also can enjoy the 'top' of London's restaurant scene.
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.
Our complete and up-to date guide to the Best Rooftop Restaurants in London feature all info you need about each rooftop, all at the same place, so you don’t have to scroll around on several different sources finding it.
For each rooftop, this guide presents:
We are full-time rooftop reviewers and content creators. Since launching The Rooftop Guide in 2015, we’ve visited over 1 200 rooftop venues worldwide.
Except from our own experiences and insights, we also work closely with thousands of rooftops and local reviewers, so we can secure correct and updated content for all our guides & articles.
With our vast experience and exclusive focus, we can present you with the most complete and up-to date guides about rooftop venues. And with our insider tips and knowledge, we can guide you to the best and most suitable rooftops for your own needs.
Whether you’re looking for an upscale rooftop dinner, a laid-back rooftop brunch, a vibrant rooftop party or a luxurious hotel rooftop pool, we’ve got you covered.
In short: Location wise, this London rooftop restaurant 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. 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.
Food & Drinks: In this beautiful Italian garden, you can enjoy a day-to-night menu of seasonal Italian dishes, from fritti and pizza, to a wide range of pasta, grilled specialties and the finest seafood. Most of the dishes are made perfect to share, and can be paired with wine from all over Italy.
What we think: We first visited Alto for a rooftop lunch when it started as a pop-up on the Selfridge rooftop. And we are so glad it turned into a permanent resident, as both the atmopshere and service always in on top. 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.
Dress code: The Alto by San Carlo at Selfridges dress code is smart casual.
In short: Offering sky-high and spectacular venues in several of the world's most buzzing cities, the iconic rooftop destination CÉ LA VI has now made its way to London. More precise, to the heart of Paddington, and the 17th and 18th floor of Paddington Square. Blending restaurant, lounge and bar, as well as interior and outdoor seating, this is West London’s highest rooftop destinations, surrounded with sweeping views across the London skyline, including clear sightlines to the London Eye.
Food & Drinks: High above it all, here you can in the best of modern Asian cuisine, created with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. From elevated appetisers, bites, dim sum, dumplings and sushi, to mouthwatering mains to share, like the 'Wagyu Tomahawk'. The food is complemented with a beverage selection including cocktails infused with Asian botanicals for a distinctive twist, as well as rare wines and seasonal sakes.
What we think: Created to 'celebrate life’s experiences and indulge in the finest things the world has to offer', CÉ LA VI London really lives up to its motto, and any visit is bound to feel like a special occasion. Enjoy lunch with a view, or spoil a special someone with an elevated dinner experience.
Dress code: The CÉ LA VI London dress code is smart casual.
In short: Perched atop a stunning 1920's building in the heart of City of London, Wagtail Rooftop Bar & Restaurant brings a luxurious and elevated dining and drinking experience to the British capital. The dual-level venue holds three different areas: a 9th floor fine dining restaurant with two private terraces, an exclusive private dining room in the cupola, and a 10th floor rooftop terrace and bar. All surrounded with amazing 360° views of iconic London landmarks, such as Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard, Gherkin, and the Walkie Talkie Building.
Food & Drinks: From lunch and weekend brunch, to elegant dinners, here you can indulge in the best of contemporary British and European fare, created by executive chef Philip Kearsey. Expect everything from wagyu steaks to plenty of delicacies from the sea. To go with the food, you can choose something from the short but fine wine list, although you should definitely also try one (or several) of the imaginative and exquisite signature cocktails.
What we think: Wagtail is a truly stylish venue made for special days and nights high above the city. Apart from daily sessions of food, drinks and views, you should also try the rooftop bottomless brunch available on weekends.
Dress code: The Wagtail Rooftop Bar & Restaurant dress code is smart casual.
In short: Created in honour of Stanley Tollman and his enduring love of hospitality, cocktails, and great food, the intimate Stanley's Rooftop Bar is found on top of The Chesterfield Mayfair, in the heart of London’s most prestigious district. This fifth‑floor retreat offers a luxurious ambience: plush seating, discreet heating, and a retractable roof that ensures comfort whatever the season. With space for around 60 guests, Stanley’s strikes a balance between exclusivity and warmth, all surrounded with panoramic views over Mayfair, Kensington Gardens and the London skyline.
Food & Drinks: Up here, Executive Chef Daniel Putz crafts a refined yet relaxed rooftop menu that blends premium seafood, classic bar favourites, and modern small plates, all perfect to share. Expect dishes such as Yellowfin Tuna Tataki with chilli ponzu, Devon Dressed Crab, and a Native Lobster and Crayfish Roll, alongside hearty options like grilled sirloin steak, chicken satay skewers, and an aged cheddar toastie. Lighter choices include a grilled Baby Gem Caesar and Halloumi Salad, while desserts like Matcha Cheesecake and vanilla soft‑serve with salted caramel offer a sweet finish. The drink programme is equally considered, featuring bold, balanced signature cocktails and seasonal creations, an extensive wine and Champagne list, craft beers and ciders, premium spirits, and a curated selection of cigars, perfect for long evenings above Mayfair.
What we think: From sunlight to starlight, Stanley’s delivers a unique rooftop experience above Mayfair. The combination of outstanding service, creative cocktails, great food and a cosy, weatherproof setting makes it a perfect destination for those seeking an upscale yet intimate escape above London. Visit for long and relaxing bites and sips in the sunshine, or catch up with friends during a chic and social after work, on selected evenings complemented with live music.
Dress code: The Stanley's Rooftop Bar dress code is smart casual.
In short: 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.
Food & Drinks: 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.
What we think: 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.
Dress code: The Angler Restaurant dress code is smart casual.
In short: Perched on top of the fantastic Page8 Hotel, between Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden, Kitty Hawk rooftop restaurant & bar offers an unforgettable retreat with breathtaking views of the famous square and the city skyline.
Food & Drinks: In a blend of warm and stylish interior dining room and stunning rooftop terraces, here you can indulge in a thoughtfully crafted menu, filled with a great selection of food and drinks. Modern British cuisine that reinterprets classic Western dishes with a contemporary flair, are complemented a fine array of wine, champagne and spirits, as well as expertly crafted classic & signature cocktails.
What we think: Visit Kitty Hawk for a weekday set lunch or weekend bottomless brunch, or to try the exquisite pre-theatre menu.
Dress code: The Kitty Hawk dress code is smart casual.
In short: Located in the heart of Covent Garden, the Hotel AMANO Covent Garden is the first international hotel by German hospitality brand The AMANO Group. And just as with several of the AMANO venues in Berlin, the new and modern property on Russell Street houses a swanky rooftop destination. Part stylish indoor lounge and part sleek outdoor rooftop terrace, here you are surrounded with spectacular panoramic views of London.
Food & Drinks: The rooftop menu features an international selection of wines, plenty of champagnes, crafted signature cocktails with rare ingredients, premium spirits and non-alcoholic options, complemented with an elegant and tasty array of tapas.
What we think: Made for chic and vibrant afternoon and evenings, AMANO rooftop is the place to go if you want your food to be complemented with DJ tunes and a buzzing atmosphere.
Dress code: The AMANO Rooftop dress code is smart casual.
In short: 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.
Food & Drinks: 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.
What we think: 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.
Dress code: The SUSHISAMBA dress code is smart casual.
In short: Found on the 8th floor of Kingsbourne House, directly on top of Holborn Station, La'Yam Rooftop offers a unique escape above central London. With a coastal-inspired beach bar aesthetic and a laid-back vibe, this open-air venue blends relaxed daytime energy with vibrant evening buzz. All surrounded by panoramic views over the London skyline, stretching from The Shard and St Paul’s Cathedral to the BT Tower.
Food & Drinks: The curated and seasonal La'Yam menu centers on modern and fresh Greek cuisine, featuring ingredient-led, seasonal dishes, served as nibbles, starters, skewers and salads. Or you share a Mezze Platter for the group. Sundays usually bring a convivial Asado-style roast, made on an open flame grill. Drink-wise, classic sips meets creative signature cocktails, like the 'Watermelon Martini' and 'Mandarine Paloma'. There's also a selection of wine, fresh juices and speciality coffee, while pints of Camden Hells Lager and Pale Ale offer a casual alternative.
What we think: Opened summer 2025, La'Yam Rooftop is a fantastic addition to the central London rooftop scene, offering a lively yet warm and laid-back atmosphere that's quite unique. With accessible prices, and a great blend of creative food, curated drinks and stunning city views, it's well worth a visit pretty much any time of the day. From sunny lunches and sunset sips, to romantic dinners and buzzing evenings.
Dress code: The La'Yam Rooftop dress code is casual.
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In short: Aviary Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, found on top of the Montcalm Royal London House at Finsbury Square, inivtes to an elegant and chic setting, where food and drinks meet panoramic skyline views. Part interior dining room and part spacious al fresco terrace, here you can enjoy the London sunshine, or get comfy in the beautiful rooftop igloos during the colder months.
Food & Drinks: From breakfast to late night, Aviary serves contemporary British fare, made from the highest quality British produce. From prime cuts cooked over charcoal in the Bertha oven to responsibly caught seafood, each dish tells a story of culinary craftsmanship.
What we think: Visit for seasonal and elevated lunches or dinners, or make it a weekend Champagne Brunch or Sunday Roast.
Dress code: The Aviary dress code is smart casual.
In short: 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.
Food & Drinks: Available for lunch, dinner and weekend Afternoon Tea, the Mercer menu includes both meat and fish from the British Isles, complemented with vegan options, an impressive wine list and mixed infusion drinks.
What we think: Among the rooftop restaurants London has to offer, this is the place to go for a taste of the best of modern British cooking.
Dress code: The Mercer Roof Terrace dress code is smart casual.
In short: 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.
Food & Drinks: 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.
What we think: IF your are looking for an elevated place to spoil someone with an exclusive and cosy evening, 8 at The Londoner is a perfect choice.
Dress code: The 8 at The Londoner dress code is smart casual.
In short: At one of London’s most iconic address, 1 Leicester Square 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.
Food & Drinks: Here you can indulge in a timeless menu, with both small plates and mains celebrating the vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and the artistry of classic recipes. Drink-wise, the bar serves everything from fine signature and classic cocktails, to champagne, wine and beers.
What we think: Visit for a sunny lunch, some post work cocktails, weekend drinks with friends or to impress a date, and enjoy being above one of the most busy areas of London.
Dress code: The 1 Leicester Square Rooftop dress code is smart casual.
In short: 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.
Food & Drinks: 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.
What we think: Combine a meal with a pre- or post dinner cocktail at the 39th floor rooftop terrace, and a night here is sure to be a memorable one.
Dress code: The Bōkan dress code is smart casual.
In short: 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 city skyline.
Food & Drinks: 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.
What we think: 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.
Dress code: The Seabird dress code is smart casual.
In short: KASO is a quite new and modern addition to the London rooftop scene, inviting Shoreditch locals and out of town visitors to a Mediterranean-inspired escape. Perched on top of the lovely hotel One Hundred Shoreditch, the rooftop comes filled with sun-soaked vibes, and it feels like a stylish escape high above East London. 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 the surroundings.
Food & Drinks: A perfect spot to enjoy summerish cocktails filled with botanical ingredients, fruit and spice infusions, but KASO also offers a tasty selection of food. Curated by Chef Ilknur Celik, the Eastern Mediterranean plates are made perfect to share.
What we think: Order a Mezze, Grill & Pita and enjoy a night to remember with a backdrop of eclectic and urban music. Or visit early weekends, when KASO also offers a vibrant and Eastern European-inspired rooftop brunch.
Dress code: The KASO Rooftop Bar & Kitchen dress code is smart casual.
In short: 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.
Food & Drinks: 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. Try the 'Cider Poached Chorizo' or the 'Tartiflette Truffled Double Cheeseburger'.
What we think: We love The Rooftop for many reasons. A perfect place to sip and take in London from above, the stylish dining area also offers an intimate yet vibrant setting for sky-high denners. For one of the most special experiences among the rooftop restaurants London has to offer, check out the private dining space called ROOM. A glass enclosed 'dining-box' for up to 14 people, with spectacular views over Trafalgar Square.
Dress code: The Rooftop St. James dress code is smart casual. Caps, hoodies, athletic wear, or slides are not permitted.
In short: Located in Farringdon, opposite the Smithfield Market, Smiths of Smithfield offers four floors of fun, dining and drink. From the The Bar and The Grill, through private rooms, it all ends with the top floor No.3 Rooftop Restaurant 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.
Food & Drinks: The Smiths rooftop menu, created by Head Chef Stan Marshman, includes a selection of both fresh seafood and mouthwatering steaks. Try the 'Dry aged grass fed British beef' or the 'Chalk stream trout'. There is also a large selection of fine wines and artistic coktails.
What we think: A great spot for a quality meal, but maybe even better for a Free-Flowing Brunch in the sun, with live DJs creating a vibrant setting to kick-start the weekend.
Dress code: The Smiths of Smithfield dress code is casual.
In short: 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.
Food & Drinks: 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.
What we think: 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.
Dress code: The Boundary Rooftop dress code is smart casual.
In short: 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.
Food & Drinks: 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.
What we think: 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.
Dress code: The Madison dress code is smart casual. Tacksuits, sports wear, or themed wear are not permitted.
In short: 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. The rooftop is open year-round, with heaters and plaits of wool making for a cosy terrace experience during winter.
Food & Drinks: 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.
What we think: 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.
Dress code: The Coq d’Argent dress code is smart casual.
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.
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