The London skyline is legendary, so take in the view at our pick of London's best rooftop restaurants for spring/summer 2022
 

 - Contact MCC Bookings to arrange your summer vacation 

Diners in Britain love being able to eat in the open air — probably because the climate dictates that there is only a limited season in which they can do so.  
 

New ventures, such as the Pantechnicon building, are putting in rooftop dining as standard, and the very best addresses have installed retractable glass roofs to work around the unpredictable British climate. Some, like the Portrait Restaurant on the roof of the National Gallery, are undergoing refurbishment and won’t reopen until 2023, but when they do, make sure to go! 
 

Open air and rooftop restaurants are hugely popular in summer, so do  book ahead to avoid disappointment. In fact, why not use the MCC concierge service? You can make reservations for these, and hundreds of other venues, by contacting our Bookings service, or messaging a member of the team via WhatsApp on +966 533 633 607. Did you know we can also help with your domestic and international travel plans? Get in touch to find out more. We list the best rooftop restaurants below. 

1. Roof Garden at Pantechnicon, Belgravia

The Pantechnicon building is perhaps an unusual fusion of Japanese and Nordic design, shopping and eating. There are a number of dining options to choose from but on the top floor is this glass-topped restaurant with an outside terrace, lots of light, lots of greenery and a  casual menu influenced by Japanese and Nordic cuisines together with more refined dishes offering a taste of the Sachi and Eldr restaurants elsewhere in the building. 
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2. Aqua Kyoto, Soho

Sushi fans will rejoice but this smart Japanese restaurant does offer main dishes too. Part of an international chain, it’s situated on top of the former Derry and Toms department store building — which also once housed the Biba store — with attractive views over London. The terrace is open for lunch and drinks. 
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3. Rooftop at The Trafalgar St James

The Rooftop restaurant, with a European menu, sits right at the top of the Trafalgar St James hotel and has the advantage of  indoor and outdoor seating with wonderful views over Trafalgar Square and the London skyline. Do book well in advance because the outside seats go very quickly. They also have a private rooftop glassed-in area for private dining called The Room. 
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4. Madera at Treehouse, Oxford Circus

For a taste of Mexico try this all-day restaurant at the top of the Treehouse hotel at Oxford Circus, centrally placed for all the best shopping. Enjoy Mexican food and great views from breakfast through to dinner - and there’s a popular weekend brunch. If you time it right, the sunsets fpm the roof are amazing. 
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5. OXO Tower Brasserie, South Bank

The OXO Tower, once the wharfside home of the famous meat cube company of the same name, is now the.site of many shops and restaurants. Its eponymous restaurant bar and brasserie are operated by Harvey Nichols - once a favored shopping name for Princess Diana. The Brasserie, with a lovely garden terrace and stunning views, is just the spot for casual dining, with occasional live music and special events. 
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6. Radio Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, ME London, Covent Garden

Very handily located in the theater district and a short hop from the buzzy shopping area of Covent Garden and the Strand, Radio Rooftop sits on the 10th floor of the ME hotel and offers stunning views across London from the restaurant and open-air dining terrace. Serving from breakfast through lunch, brunch and small bites after 4pm. 
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7. Sushi Samba, City

Sushi Samba offers an unusual fusion of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisine accompanied by stunning views from its location at the top of the Heron Tower in the City of London. The decor is super-smart and the price tag matches it, but it’s considered well worth the effort of going. 
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8. 12th Knot at Sea Containers, South Bank

This former shipping company complex is close to the Oxo Tower,  in a prominent position on the river. It is now a smart hotel with several dining options, one of which is the 12th Knot lounge and restaurant, located high above the river on the 12th-floor. Amazing waterfront views feature St Paul's Cathedral as the highlight. The outside terrace operates on a no-reservations basis, so it’s best not to be late! 
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9. The Sky Garden, City

A collection of ultra modern, very smart restaurants and drinks areas is situated at the top of the Fenchurch Building in the City of London, the glass and steel high-rise known as the Walkie Talkie because of its distinctive shape. Choose from a variety of dining options, or just visit for the stunning City views. 
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10. Gaucho Piccadilly

This smart Argentinian steak restaurant is located in a Georgian building in a historic building in the heart of Piccadilly, once the home of the Spanish ambassador. It's spread over three floors and includes a rooftop terrace. as well as a weatherproof terrace on the ground floor.
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11. Alto by San Carlo, Selfridges Rooftop

This stunning restaurant and bar on the rooftop of Selfridges department store is a must-see. Enter through the store, take the  exclusive lift and emerge into a smart Italian eaterie overlooking fabulous city views. One huge plus point is that the entire restaurant has a retractable roof, to combat the UK climate! 
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