There are thousands of places to eat in London and sometimes it can be overwhelming trying to decide where to dine!
This little list of affordable London restaurants with a view is here to point you in the right direction by highlighting the restaurants here that feature fabulous views of the hustle and bustle of the city for those who want to enjoy London’s skyline while they dine - without breaking the bank! As somebody who has lived in London for 20 years, I have been to a lot of restaurants (the good, the bad and the ugly) and I've picked my personal favourites to share with you.
Be sure to read our companion post on the best London bars with a view as well as our Guide to London on a Budget.
Tate Modern Restaurant
Located on Level 6 of the Tate Modern Museum sits the Rex Whistler Restaurant.
Fine food including most of your favorite dishes, afternoon cream teas and a wide selection of cakes are all on offer here along with an incredible view over the River Thames to St Paul’s Cathedral.
Beautiful during the day and particularly stunning at night, the restaurant with its large dining room is worth visiting even for those who may not be fans of modern art.
Even with the lavish, expansive wine list, this is still one of the more affordable restaurants on our list.
Address: Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG
Nearest Underground Station: Blackfrairs
Darwin Brasserie
The 4th highest restaurant in London, the Darwin Brasserie is located in the Walkie Talkie Building’s Sky Garden – one of the newest vantage points in town.
The views here are over the City and along the River Thames, and the Sky Garden itself is open to visitors to explore either before/after they have eaten.
The food here is British classics with modern flair and is remarkably affordable considering the prime location in the center of London with one of the best views in the capital.
You will find approximately everything from seafood to vegetarian unique dishes.
Address: 20 Fenchurch Street, EC3M 3BY
Nearest Underground Station: Monument
OXO Brasserie
The OXO Tower is a London landmark and an excellent design of art deco sitting right on the southern banks of the Thames.
There is an outdoor terrace at the brasserie for outdoor dining (and the more expensive restaurant area has a frontage made totally of glass).
Dining here takes place on the 8th story so this location is not as tall as others, but the views are still commanding.
So no matter where you choose to dine, you’ll be getting great views of the river and into the City featuring St. Paul’s Cathedral and the towering turrets of the Royal Courts of Justice.
Expect excellent service, modern British cuisine with a pan-Asian twist, and a wine list with over 800 choices. This is a favourite of mine! As a vegetarian, I often find that options can be limited but OXO does an entire menu - all of which is delicious.
Address: Oxo Tower Wharf, Bargehouse Street, South Bank, SE1 9PH
Nearest Underground Station: Waterloo or Temple
Bussey Rooftop Bar
Perched high above the vibrant streets of Peckham, Bussey Rooftop Bar offers a stunning view across London's distinctive skyline.
Iconic landmarks such as the London Eye, the Shard, and the Gherkin are your dining companions here.
The culinary offerings at Bussey are just as exciting, with a varied fusion of flavors.
The bar has paired up with pizza pioneers Share A Slice who are dishing up delicious wood-fired pizzas at reasonable prices to enjoy with their fantastic menu of cocktails. This is definitely a bit further away from the centre of town than the others on the list but I always think it's worth it to make the effort to get there - especially if you are a cocktail lover like me!
Address: 133 Rye Lane, Peckham, SE15 4ST
Nearest Overground Station: Peckham Rye
Swan at the Globe
Adjacent to the historic Shakespeare's Globe, the Swan at the Globe is an integral part of London's rich cultural fabric.
Offering dazzling views of the Thames and St. Paul's Cathedral, this eatery combines stunning vistas with signature British cuisine.
Its charming atmosphere makes it ideal for both special occasions and relaxed meals.
Note that their A La Carte menu can be pricey, but their weekend brunch and evening set menus offer good value for money!
Although it's not as high up as some of the other restaurants on the list, the Swan is a personal favourite of mine as the location is great for guiding/sightseeing. It's also decorated beautifully for Christmas, and stays warm inside when it's chilly on the river.
Address: 21 New Globe Walk, London, SE1 9DT
Nearest Underground Station: Blackfriars
Le Pont de La Tour
Situated on the south side of the River Thames, Le Pont de La Tour offers stunning views of Tower Bridge.
Their a la carte menu will set you back quite a bit, but their fixed price three-course weekday-menu is excellent value for money at £35.00, including a glass of house wine!
Address: 36D Shad Thames, London SE1 2YE
Nearest Underground Station: London Bridge
Madera at Treehouse
Located atop the Treehouse Hotel, this restaurant offers some sky-high views of the western part of the city.
The menu is described as, "the intersection of elevates Mexican cuisine and experimental dining."
Full of fresh and fragrant dishes, the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner during the week and for a fantastic brunch on the weekends.
Keep an eye out for their monthly fiesta brunches, which features the fantastic menu, bloody maria cocktails, and live entertainment - these are my favourite days to visit.
The food here is great, the drinks are delicious and the staff are lovely. I've been to Madera numerous times and have never had a bad evening!
Address: 14-15 Langham Place, London W1B 2QS
Nearest Underground Station: Goodge Street or Bond Street
Vicinity
This lovely little restaurant delivers beautiful views of Tower Bridge and the River Thames.
Featuring a signature menu of "dishes to suit any appetite,: here you'll find something for the whole family.
The floor-to-ceiling windows are the big draw but their desserts are what keep people coming back for more - including me. I've been known to stop by for coffee and a dessert only, and you can, too!
Address: St Katharine's Way, London E1W 1LD
Nearest Underground Station: Tower Hill
Doggett's Coat and Badge
Doggett's is an iconic London pub that has been perched on the Southbank for over a century.
This is the sort of place that isn't much to look at from the outside - because it's the views from inside that will truly hold your attention.
Enjoy views of Blackfriars Bridge and St. Paul's Cathedral either during the day or lit up at night.
Their pub menu is standard, affordable fare - but it's their delicious pies that truly stand out.
They also offer a reasonably priced Sunday roast for those who may wish to visit on the weekend.
Address: 1 Blackfrairs Bridge, London SE1 9UD
Nearest Underground Station:
