Allegra, located on the seventh floor of the opulent Stratford Hotel, is almost comically opulent, with gently dimmed lighting, stone surfaces, funky plants, and smooth jazz music.

Fortunately, the food is just as good. The first tantalizing taste of what was to come was a savory choux bun snack filled with chicken liver parfait. It was creamy and rich, topped with crushed pistachios, with a citrusy bite of acidity from preserved kumquat. The artichoke velouté that followed was a visually appealing bowl of pure comfort: smooth, velvety, and moreish, with a pool of sharp quince to balance it all out. It also came with a sweet little fried brioche bun with shaved chestnut on top.

Mains were similarly strong. The poached Cornish brill, artfully wrapped in charred green leaves, crumbled at the touch of a fork. Meanwhile, the wild venison loin was pure decadence on a plate. The tender, pink-middled slices were smothered in meaty gravy, with pickled blackberries adding a lightness and the accompanying celeriac roasted and well seasoned. Desserts were also excellent, with a standout being the ginger cake, which was deconstructed and delightfully crumby, and topped with crunchy, caramelized pecans.

But there were a few low points as well. The cottage pie of braised venison shoulder that came with the deer-themed main course was shockingly salty. Overall, service was excellent: staff were friendly, explained all of the dishes, and even poured all of the posh sauces for guests. Allegra is a seventh-floor wonder where you have to embrace all of the glitz and glamour.

• Google Rating: 4.5/5.0
• Opening Hours: Sun 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Tue to Fri 6:00 PM - 10:30 PM, Sat 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM & 6:00 PM - 10:30 PM
  
• Phone: +44 20 3973 0545
• Website: https://www.allegra-restaurant.com/
  
• Address: The Stratford, 20 International Way, London E20 1FD

Aviary, one of the best rooftop restaurants in London, is a bar-restaurant with a large open-air terrace at the Montcalm Hotel in Finsbury Square. It has a killer panoramic view from ten floors up and is already very popular with the post-work crowd. Russell Sage Studio designed this 6,000 square foot rooftop dining destination, which features an impressive central bar that elegantly divides the stylish restaurant area from the opulent bar lounge. Hanging planters, gold drinks cases, plush single seating, and relaxed banquettes bring the outdoors in, creating a bright, vibrant vibe. Meanwhile, comfortable lounge seating on the heated terrace offers stunning views of some of London's most iconic structures.

The indoor restaurant has outlandish geometric-patterned furniture, jungle leaves protruding from light fixtures, and a menu that screams 'elevated gastropub'. This included a well-seasoned flat-iron steak with thrice-cooked chips – plus ‘Hodson’s sauce’, a peculiar Marmite-infused béarnaise – and a City-sized burger. Starters and desserts were more inventive, with crispy duck noodle salad topped with a soft-poached duck egg and an arctic roll designed to taste exactly like After Eights.

An array of exquisitely crafted cocktails will embrace a botanic theme by utilizing natural ingredients in novel and creative ways. The unique creations will be served in stylish copper tankards and extra special copper pineapple sharing serves, alongside a comprehensive wine and beer list.

• Google Rating: 4.2/5.0
• Opening Hours: Mon to Sat 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM, Sun 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
• Phone: +44 20 3873 4060
• Website: https://aviarylondon.com/
• Address: Royal London House, 10th Floor Montcalm, 22-25 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1DX

Coq d'Argent, one of the best rooftop restaurants in London, is an elegant French restaurant with a lovely terrace and garden. The location is ideal, right in the heart of the Square Mile in London. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the terrace has a bar menu with a variety of cocktails, wine, spirits, cigars, and bar bites. Perfect if you want to feel a little posh, rooftop garden style.

The rooftop is very green, lush, and stylishly decorated. It even has its own lawn and a beautiful panoramic view of the London skyline. The terrace is equipped with heaters, making it open and ideal for some outdoor drinks even on colder days. Expect great service and lots of people, especially on a sunny day, so booking in advance is recommended. Every Friday from 6 pm usually means a live DJ keeping the party vibe going all night long.

The elegant Coq d'Argent restaurant serves the finest French cuisine with a contemporary twist, using only the freshest seasonal ingredients. You can take your pick from the seared fillet of sea bass or Comté cheese tart and let yourself fall for one of the exquisite desserts created by Head Chef Damien Rigollet. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available. The restaurant has also been awarded Wine Spectator’s “Best of Award of Excellence 2018” for their wine list. Coq d'Argent is also open in the winter, with heaters and wool plaits for a cozy terrace experience in colder weather. Perfect for you and a loved one to keep each other warm in a romantic setting.

• Google Rating: 4.3/5.0
• Opening Hours: Mon to Fri 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM & 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM, Sat 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM & 5:30 PM -10:00 PM
• Phone: +44 20 7395 5000
• Website: https://www.coqdargent.co.uk/
• Address: 1 Poultry, London EC2R 8EJ

This tranquil, elegant Marylebone dining room with bucolic views through arched windows produces a meal that will take your breath away in every way. Igor Tymchyshyn, the Ukrainian chef, has accomplished the seemingly impossible: a £26 menu du jour of exceptional beauty, glamour, and flavor. The long, narrow alfresco space with its bright yellow awnings serves delicate Modern European dishes for lunch.

You should start with a classic dish of chicken liver parfait from the dinner A La Carte menu. Its rich and savory nature is elegantly offset by a garnish of poached peaches. Another excellent starter is the lobster, which is elevated using a combination of global culinary techniques. The spicy wasabi flavors stand out, but are perfectly balanced by a combination of citrus and mango flavors. The main courses are sumptuous, presented simply, and feature the finest balance of ingredients.

Another delicious option is the lamb fillet, which is paired with caramelized onion, peas, and rosemary jus. In addition to the dinner A La Carte menu, guests can select from tasting and set menus, all of which showcase culinary prowess. Orrery restaurant London also has impressive wine lists, the most notable of which is their Sommelier selection. These wines were hand-picked by the head sommelier and represent the best of Bordeaux.

Orrery restaurant London offers its guests with a relaxing oasis in one of the most luxurious settings. Guests are transported away from the hustle and bustle of London and into the calm elegance of the South of France, from the French cuisine and wine to the al fresco terrace and bar. Orrery's variety of space makes it a dining destination worth visiting more than once!

• Google Rating: 4.5/5.0
• Opening Hours: Tue to Sat 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM & 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM, Sun 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  
• Phone: +44 20 7616 8000
• Website: https://www.orrery-restaurant.co.uk/
  
• Address: 55 Marylebone High St, London W1U 5RB

Seabird, a sea-to-table restaurant in Southwark's Hoxton Hotel, has a delightful terrace and indoor tables with a view, as well as plenty of sunny London vibes. Despite its rooftop location, Seabird takes you on a coastal journey through southern Europe; gorgeous Mediterranean flavors meet Med-inspired interiors here.

From the moment you enter the 14th-floor foyer, the light-filled space is a sensory delight. The room is accented with rattan lampshades, tiled tables, and indoor plants, and a live DJ spins vinyl records with a view of the city behind him. An impressive 'raw bar' sits in the center of the venue; your welcome drink, a Botanist Gin martini, will be carefully brought over to you from this mountain to kickstart the brunch.

The adventure feeling will continue, as you fill your stomach with the incredible food on offer. Seabird’s sea-to-table ethos is clear throughout the menu, with plenty of fresh, flavoursome fish-based dishes. You can choose from the dedicated brunch menu, or venture to other sections, which feature raw, chilled and larger sharing plate options – there’s even a charcuterie section if you fancy something a little different to the restaurant’s speciality.

Choose from a variety of decadent desserts to round out your meal. The amount of cheese on the cheesecake - the creamy top is even dusted with shavings of cheese - will astound cheese lovers, while the torreja, soaked overnight in milk and served with ice cream and a creme brûlée-style top, will transport you to dessert heaven. From your enviable vantage point, you'll be able to spot Big Ben, The London Eye, The Shard, and many other city landmarks. The space is outfitted with all of the necessities for the unpredictable British weather, such as heaters and blankets, so you can enjoy the views rain or shine.

• Google Rating: 4.3/5.0
• Opening Hours: Mon to Thu 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM, Fri 12:00 PM - 01:00 AM, Sat 11:30 AM - 01:00 AM, Sun 11:30 AM - 12:00 AM
• Phone: +44 20 7903 3050
• Website: https://seabirdlondon.com/
• Address: 14th Floor, South Bank, 40 Blackfriars Rd, London SE1 8NY

SUSHISAMBA London, located on the 38th and 39th floors of 110 Bishopsgate, has Europe's highest outdoor dining terraces, offering unparalleled 360-degree views of the City. Two panoramic glass elevators transport guests from the ground to the 39th floor, opening up London from the inside out as the lifts climb higher and higher.

The main dining room at SUSHISAMBA overlooks views of London through floor-to-ceiling glass windows, creating a magical experience during the day and a truly intimate setting in the evening. The structural orange tree on the west terrace is one of several indoor-outdoor elements that weave throughout the space.

From Japanese tempura and sushi to Brazilian churrasco and moqueca and Peruvian anticuchos and seviches, there is something for every palate. The open kitchen and fiery robata grill serve brilliantly roasted and flavored meats, vegetables, and fish, and SUSHISAMBA's conceptual small plate service encourages a "shared" dining experience. Its small plates are ideal for sharing, with vegan and gluten-free options available, and the panoramic views of London are simply breathtaking.

SUSHISAMBA is open for sunny lunches, intimate dinners, and drinks and bites in between. Prices are quite high, but this trendy venue is truly something special, so it is well worth every penny.

• Google Rating: 4.3/5.0
• Opening Hours: Sun to Wed 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM, Thu to Sat 12:00 PM - 02:00 AM
  
• Phone: +44 20 3640 7330
• Website: https://www.sushisamba.com/
  
• Address: Heron Tower, Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY

There is something undeniably sophisticated and appealing about a rooftop restaurant, so it is difficult not to be charmed by the good looks of Mercer Roof Terrace, which takes in awesome views of London's skyline in one sweep, including the dome of St Paul's Cathedral, The Shard, and a handful of other landmarks and skyscrapers.

The design ethos here is very much focused on bringing the outside in. There is the option of dining alfresco, and the dining room's floor-to-ceiling windows open out onto the lovely terrace. While Mercer Roof Terrace is a hot ticket in the summer, don’t be put off coming here in the winter, when you can cosy up on soft banquettes or in plush tub chairs, drinking in the twinkling views of the capital’s skyline.

The Mercer Roof Terrace is open for lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea. If you're stopping by for lunch, you can take advantage of the great value set menu, which includes three courses for under £30. In the evening, the set dinner menu (three courses for £35) offers even more savings. Starters include charcuterie with house pickles and toasted sourdough, while hearty main courses are enough to get anyone's stomach rumbling - think 28 day aged bavette steak served with triple-cooked chips, Bearnaise sauce, and mixed leaf salad, or a pumpkin dumpling with garlic and broccoli emulsion for vegan diners.

On the weekend, pop by for a lazy afternoon of tea and scones, with Mercer Roof Terrace’s delectable afternoon tea, which is inspired by the historic guilds and merchants which used to line the River Thames. Tea here follows the traditional format of savouries followed by scones and sweets, but there is the option to make things boozy with Mercer’s cocktails, including one served inside a teapot.

• Google Rating: 4.4/5.0
• Opening Hours: Mon 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM, Tue to Sat 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM, Sun 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
• Phone: +44 20 3908 8099
• Website: https://www.vintryandmercer.com/dining-in-the-city/mercer-roof-terrace/
• Address: 20 Garlick Hill, London EC4V 2AU

Pantechnicon is housed in a lovely 19th-century building in London's Belgravia district, and it offers several floors of Nordic and Japanese creativity and craftsmanship. This includes shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants, with the third-floor Roof Garden restaurant and bar being the most elevated destination. This stylish yet relaxing rooftop hideaway, with a botanical-filled outside terrace and a glass-covered interior, is perfect for any season.

The rooftop restaurant serves a produce-driven menu inspired by Japanese and Nordic cuisine and prepared using seasonal ingredients. The food menu is available for lunch and dinner every day, but there is also a weekday breakfast and weekend brunch menu with items such as 'Whipped berry porridge' and 'Shokupan French toast'. The Roof Garden bar complements the food with crafted cocktails and spritzes created by the expert head mixologist, as well as Danish and Japanese beer on tap and a carefully curated international wine list.

Roof Garden at Pantechnicon is a great London rooftop restaurant for any time and day. It is a stylish and beautiful rooftop oasis with a sophisticated yet relaxing atmosphere.

• Google Rating: 4.4/5.0
• Opening Hours: Mon to Sat 09:00 AM - 12:00 AM, Sun 09:00 AM - 11:00 PM
• Phone: +44 20 7034 5425
• Website: https://www.pantechnicon.com/
• Address: 19 Motcomb St, London SW1X 8LB

Led by Executive Chef, Gary Foulkes, Angler is the dazzling Michelin-starred restaurant, a favourite of gastronomes, romantics and power lunchers. While Angler may not be the best London rooftop restaurant with the best view, it still has a lot to offer and is a one-of-a-kind experience from the moment you walk in.

Angler is a modern and stylish restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating options. The indoor dining room has a slanted row of windows and a silver ceiling, and the outdoor terrace is heated and has a retractable roof, making it available regardless of the weather. Up here, Executive Chef Gary Foulkes showcases a seasonal menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and flavors, with a focus on seafood, but also with options for vegetarians and carnivores.

The ever-changing menu, with seafood at its heart, features only seasonal and carefully sourced produce. Gary meticulously curates each dish with passion and precision, using a variety of techniques, flavoring, and seasoning to celebrate the taste and textures of the ingredients.

As the name implies, fish is the mainstay of the menu, with the majority of it coming from Cornwall and Scotland, and the kitchen is confident that when it's this good, it doesn't need much in the way of adornment. The accomplished cooking has a delicate nature; go for the tasting menu to fully experience the kitchen's skill.

• Google Rating: 4.6/5.0
• Opening Hours: Tue 6:00 PM - 9:15 PM, Wed to Sat 12:00 PM - 2:15 PM & 6:00 PM - 9:15 PM
• Phone: +44 20 3215 1260
• Website: https://www.anglerrestaurant.com/
• Address: South Place Hotel, 3 South Pl, London EC2M 2AF

On top of the One New Exchange building, you find Madison, which holds both a restaurant and a rooftop bar. The top floor area is really big, and has both restaurant seating inside, along with several different terraces with great views over the London skyline. And, most of all, a really cool close-up view of St. Paul’s Cathedral. 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.

The restaurant serves a variety of steakhouse-inspired dishes, such as wood-fired Josper oven grills, slow-cooked classics, burgers, salads, and a Sunday brunch. There is also a lighter menu for the rooftop and terrace, which includes Josper oven bar bites, as well as a Manhattan-inspired cocktail menu with both timeless classics and modern twists.

The Madison roof terrace is somewhat of a sun trap, making it ideal for relaxing cocktails and soaking up some vitamin D. However, umbrellas and heaters make it possible on all other days. The atmosphere up here is usually very nice, with Madsion balancing the mix of looking posh while remaining relaxed and friendly. Late nights and weekends there is often a live DJs and other entertainment creating the final icing on the cake for a festive atmosphere.

With several 'venues-in-the-venue', amazing St. Paul views, and a trendy atmosphere, it is 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.

• Google Rating: 4.2/5.0
• Opening Hours: Mon to Sun 12:00 PM - 11:45 PM
• Phone: +44 20 3693 5160
• Website: https://www.madisonlondon.net/
• Address: Rooftop Terrace One, New Change, London EC4M 9AF

Covering the 37th to the 39th floor of Novotel London Canary Wharf, Bōkan is an easy-going and sophisticated hideaway, transporting you far from the city buzz of the busy streets below. Offering some spectacular views over the London skyline, and a mix of artisanal food & drinks, each floor of Bōkan comes with a bit different setting.

Floor 37 is home to the Bōkan 37 Restaurant, a stylish indoor restaurant serving award-winning European cuisine made using the finest British produce. The menu is described as ‘Modern-European’ with a British twist. To start, sea bass carpaccio (£9) features slivers of the raw white fish sliced so finely they’re transparent, with an electric blue plate resembling an ocean bed. Better is a conical mound of well-cooked squid (£9), stuffed with finely diced courgette, peppers, aubergine, tomato and basil. The stuffing is a fancy Ratatouille, of sorts, and complements the squid remarkably, as does the picture-perfect blob of saffron sauce in the middle of the plate.

More similar are the Bars 38|39, with the difference that the 39th floor is where you find the open-air rooftop terrace. Open all year, with a sheltered area making it fit for all weathers, the rooftop is decorated with stylish lounge furnishings and rooftop daybeds. Apart from grand views, Bōkan 39 offers a specialist gin bar, a wide range of cocktails made by a talented team of London’s top mixologists, an extensive list of wines and Sunday jazz sessions.

• Google Rating: 4.5/5.0
• Opening Hours: Mon to Sun 6:30 AM - 2:00 AM (Next day)
• Phone: +44 20 3530 0550
• Website: http://bokanlondon.co.uk/
• Address: 40 Marsh Wall, London E14 9TP

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 that serves prime cuts of meat and locally sourced seasonal produce, all end with the top floor Smiths Rooftop Bar and outside terrace.

Whether you decide to sit inside or on alfresco, the panoramic view is evidence that this is the best rooftop restaurant and bar in East London. Far more than a mere balcony, the outdoor terrace offers escapism from the London hustle and bustle, with undisturbed panoramic views across the city including The Shard, Old Bailey and the beautiful St Pauls. It’s a sight not to be missed.

Guests can enjoy a selection of fine wines and a luxury cigar humidor on the terrace while deciding which delicacy to eat. 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 cocktails. On Saturdays, 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 Marys.

• Google Rating: 4.1/5.0
• Opening Hours: Mon to Wed 7:00 AM - 11:30 PM, Thu to Fri 7:00 AM - 12:30 AM (Next day), Sat 9:30 AM - 1:00 AM (Next day), Sun 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
• Phone: +44 20 7251 7950
• Website: https://www.smithsofsmithfield.co.uk/
• Address: 67-77 Charterhouse St, London EC1M 6HJ