London is on the up—quite literally. The city has seen a recent rise in the number of standout rooftops and they’re no longer limited to the EC1 postcode. From romantic date night destinations to buzzing hotspots for cocktails with a group, the best rooftop bars and restaurants in London boast spectacular views and great vibes.
Dig into vibrant Japanese and Peruvian dishes at a hot new rooftop opening in The City. In the heart of Covent Garden, unveil an extraordinary plant-filled gem in a perched greenery that makes for the perfect celebratory spot. Take in Battersea views over a Portuguese and Spanish stunner in south London. In West London, traditional British fare comes with vistas of the former BBC building and its reimagined plaza. Whether you’re searching for design-forward spaces that redefine their surroundings or vibrant party-like atmospheres, the best bars and restaurants in London are home to some stunning must-visit rooftops.
Read on for a guide to the best rooftop bars and restaurants in London to book right now on OpenTable.
The best rooftop bars and restaurants in London – read on for a guide
For breathtaking views at a hot new rooftop – don’t miss Los Mochis London City in Liverpool Street
There’s a buzzing new rooftop in town that’s set to be the hottest hangout this summer. Opened in April 2024 by the founders of Los Mochis Notting Hill, Los Mochis London City brings an unparalleled dining experience to the heart of The City. Blending Mexican and Japanese creative flavours with breathtaking views, the restaurant boasts a sushi bar, an omakase room, an Agaveria lounge and – last but not least – a dazzling rooftop terrace. From breakfast and brunch to drinks at sunset and late-night dinners, embark on a culinary journey through Pan-Pacific flavours. Expect sharing plates of truffle guacamole, wagyu ham and tuna tostaditos, a chef’s selection of sashimi and sushi platters, maki rolls, tiraditos and ceviches from the raw bar, and robata skewers and tacos. There’s an outstanding tasting menu for trying all the house’s best, a dulce de leche cheesecake, churros in tequila caramel sauce and an impressive array of wine and sake. Don’t leave without trying a signature house margarita such as Los Mochis Tommy’s with patrón reposado, lime, organic agave, and Mexican-Japanese spices.
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For a charming eco-conscious rooftop serving handmade pasta – try Rucola at The Conduit in Covent Garden
Rucola at The Conduit‘s fifth-floor rooftop might sound diminutive, but it’s not eclipsed by taller buildings, which means people can take in sweeping vistas of London’s roofs and lively streets. This new eco-conscious rooftop gem boasts local, intimate vibes and a sustainability ethos by using low-carbon emission ingredients and ethical wines. The modern menu leans heavily on plant-driven plates inspired by Northern Italy — get the morel and wild garlic bruschetta, the stellar saffron risotto and the handmade pasta featuring Genovese pesto trofie or seafood vongole spaghetti for the ultimate open-air feast. Add a smoked panna cotta and a signature negroni made with gin, Beesou honey aperitif and rosé, and you’re in for your new favourite neighbourhood hangout.
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For celebrating a special occasion on a lush rooftop – visit SUSHISAMBA in Covent Garden
Step into a luxurious jungle-like space overflowing with plants and colours at SUSHISAMBA, a new rooftop addition to buzzing Covent Garden. Located atop the iconic Opera Terrace with views across the piazza, bold flavours and striking interiors make for the perfect spot for celebrating a birthday, or any special occasion. Embark on a culinary journey where Japan meets Brazil meets Peru for the ultimate transportative meal. For a taste of decadence, get the Kobe beef ishiyaki on a hot stone with dips and pickled plums, the nigiri and sashimi omakase selection and the robata-grilled black cod with Peruvian asparagus, and miso. Finish off with a matcha cheesecake with mascarpone and crispy shiso leaf or a lemon sphere with nectarine and apricot mousse for a summery taste, and wash it all down with a signature sake spritz or a house modern take on a pisco sour with Maraschino liqueur, turmeric and Japanese citrus.
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For 15th floor-high views over the Thames – try Mezemiso, Rooftop Restaurant and Shisha Terrace in Lambeth
Mezemiso, Rooftop Restaurant & Shisha Terrace is a rooftop gem that takes its Japanese and Middle Eastern menu as seriously as its Vauxhall views from the top of the Hyatt Regency hotel. Expect top-notch Japanese starters such as prawn and vegetable gyoza, lobster filo roll with mango spicy mayo, and crispy vegetable tempura. The Middle Eastern (largely Lebanese) influence is most palpable in the menu’s grill section: Tiger prawns, lamb kofta, and spicy sea bass are all blistered with high heat, resulting in an impeccable umami flavour. Ice cream topped with cotton candy and crumbled pistachio or a classic delicious traditional baklava dessert make for the perfect ending to a meal to remember. Cap it off on Mezemiso’s airy terrace with a shisha, available in many flavours including a signature blend of peach, sweet melon, kiwi, and mint, or with one of the stellar signature cocktails such as the shisha-smoked old fashioned with yamazaki whiskey, maple syrup and plum bitters.
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For one of the best rooftop restaurants in London for Iberian cuisine – visit JOIA Restaurant & Bar in Battersea
Joia is a rough translation for “jewel” in Portuguese, and chef Henrique Sá Pessoa’s new spot is just that. JOIA Restaurant & Bar is perched atop the art’otel in Battersea and exudes mid-century magnificence in a five-star setting. Take in views of the revitalised Battersea Power Station as you tuck into the chef’s detail-oriented Spanish and Portuguese menu, featuring Basque country txuleton (rib steak) and coastal Portuguese classic bacalhau a bras (a creamy cod, potato, and egg dish). Wild foraged British mushrooms play an essential role in chef Pessoa’s white bean feijoada stew, as does the Bellota Ibérico, a ham that’s prized along the borders of the two Iberian nations. With plenty of vegetarian options, many of which can be made vegan upon request, JOIA makes for one of the best vegan-friendly rooftops in London. Add a Spanish tortilla, the must-try caramelised brioche with ice cream or the Basque cheesecake, and a pitcher of Sangria, and you’re in for a night to remember. For festive cocktails, slushies and great vibes, make your way to JOIA Rooftop Bar for some pre or post-dinner fun.
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For one of the best rooftop restaurants in London for brunch – book at 14 Hills in Fenchurch Street
D&D knows a thing or two about restaurants. The ever-popular hospitality group has over twenty restaurants in London, including the MICHELIN-starred Angler and modern Italian spot Sartoria, among international places. 14 Hills is one of the group’s latest London ventures and comes with immaculate rooftop vibes and spectacular decor. It’s well-suited for anyone looking to level up their Instagram game, thanks to knockout views of the Shard and the Gherkin. Equally delicious: The restaurant’s artistic modern British dishes, including sea bream with garlic prawns, langoustine bisque and caviar, chicken and truffle ballotine with morels and a salt aged tomahawk for two. Don’t leave without trying the salted caramel parfait with toffee popcorn, vanilla and whiskey caramel and a Macallan-based cocktail. Make your weekend extra special with a 2 or 3-courses brunch menu featuring baked feta, potato rosti, cheddar and truffle croquettes, and smoked duck bacon French toasts.
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For one of the best rooftop bars in London for cocktails and tapas – don’t miss Aqua Nueva in Soho
Aqua Nueva is a glitzy affair in the heart of Regent Street, with terrace views of Central London. Its Aqua Spirit bar is the place for Spanish wines and creative cocktails, such as the rum-forward Nueva Punch with coconut cream and angostura bitters and the Tiki Padron, made with tequila, ST. Germain liqueur, padron pepper and ginger beer. However, it’s the Spanish menu at Aqua Nueva that excites the most. The restaurant regularly competes—and wins—croquetas challenges. Choose from four sumptuous kinds, including a tasty cheese and truffle version. Other highlights include pulled pork with Andalusian paprika butter, homemade Catalan cheese, sausage with fried quail egg and the must-try paellas. With a tasting menu and a bottomless brunch with free-flowing bubbles, wine or sangria, Aqua Nueva makes for a memorable meal for celebrating with a group.
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For one of the best rooftop restaurants in the City of London – try Wagtail Rooftop Bar & Restaurant in Bank
Wagtail Rooftop Bar & Restaurant presides over King William Street in the former House of Fraser building and is a 19th-century site nestled between the Gherkin and Walkie Talkie. Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the city can all be seen from this near 360-degree vantage point. Take in the delicious view while digging into a menu that focuses on luxe ingredients. From the terrace menu, order lobster rolls, cured trout gravadlax, dry-aged ribeye tataki and vegetarian hot dogs with a glass of rosé wine or a seasonal cocktail. From the à la carte, cured mackerel, red mullet linguini in lobster oil, and roasted stone bass underscore the kitchen’s seafood skills, though the grilled meats – such as the stellar wagyu cheeseburger with truffle mayo – are just as worthy. A weekend bottomless brunch includes unlimited bloody marys and mimosas, live music, and a memorable scenic background.
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For one of the best rooftop bars in London for Sunday roast – visit The Broadcaster in Shepherd’s Bush
The redeveloped West London neighbourhood that once housed the famed BBC television centre is now home to many shops, bars, and restaurants, including The Broadcaster. The chic spot arrives courtesy of the Open House group (whose other London hits include The Lighterman). Crowds come for a roof that looks out onto the former BBC building, the renovated plaza, and beyond, resulting in an ambience that’s more Midtown Manhattan than London. The menu is as handsome as the view, with tasteful British standards such as scampi with curry tartare, Winchester cheddar dumplings, beer-battered haddock and yellowfin tuna with sides of truffle mash or triple-cooked chips with aioli. The sharing Sunday roast of Hereford beef with glazed trimmings, duck fat roast potatoes and red wine is worth the visit.
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For one of the best rooftop restaurants in London for afternoon tea – visit Mercer Roof Terrace in Bank
Blackfriars, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Shard are among the key sights visible from the perch at Mercer Roof Terrace. The elegant all-weather restaurant terrace perched on the 7th floor of the Vintry & Mercer 5-star hotel makes a sunny spot to while away an hour or two over champagne, cocktails, and a thoughtful British menu featuring farm-to-table meat grilled over charcoal such as Suffolk chicken and lamb chops, fish plates such as trout with caviar and citrus butter and Scottish halibut with mussels in white wine sauce, and a stellar vegetarian cheddar, leek and truffle quiche. There’s a majestic afternoon tea featuring buttercream scones, vanilla shortbreads with salted caramel and chocolate sceptres, a Prince & Princess children option, and vegetarian alternatives. A partially covered area complete with cosy blankets and heaters makes the perfect setting for chilly evenings.
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Mike started his career working as a chef and later a waiter in a two-MICHELIN starred restaurant. After years spent opening and working in luxury hotels in London, he became a private concierge booking restaurants for clients all over the world. He now works as a freelance writer and journalist for the Evening Standard.
Whether you’re searching for cosy romantic destinations with sunset views or festive cocktails in the sun, the best rooftop bars and restaurants in London boast fantastic settings and stellar menus to discover. Get ready for an elevated experience of The Big Smoke’s skyline, the best rooftop restaurants and bars in London await.
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