London’s Top 10 : Best Places to Eat – Top 10 Places to Eat with a View

Pig’s Ear

In
the heart of Chelsea, just a stone’s throw away from the bustle and
extremely fashionable shopping in King’s Road, this gastropub serves up
quality food in a warm and friendly atmosphere. For a calmer experience
head upstairs to the Blue Room Restaurant.

• 35 Old Church Street SW3

Clarke’s

A
steady favourite since it opened in 1984, the food here is wonderfully
fresh, and basically Mediterranean, with roast and baked dishes to the
fore. Set menus mean you have to go with the patronne’s taste, but she
will take you to places you have not been before. The wine list favours
California .

Rasa Samudra

Indian
curries are almost a national dish in Britain, but this is quite
different from the norm. The cooking is stunning, and first-timers will
need talking through the unusual menu, which includes delicious fish
dishes .

Club Gascon

Inspired
Gallic cooking means you need to make a reservation weeks in advance.
The original idea here is that there are no starter or main courses.
Dishes are categorised under half a dozen themed headings, and you put
together three of four to make a meal. Each one is a rare combination .

L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon

Michelin-starred
Robuchon brings his unbeatable gourmet dining experience to London in
this Japanese-inspired restaurants. Lobster ravioli and potato purée are
a couple of highlights. The bar on the third floor is a chic place for a
drink .

Hakkasan

Alan
Yau, the man behind the successful Wagamama chain, created this
seriously stylish dining experience. Michelin-starred oriental-inspired
food, such as sautéed sweet ginger and pineapple roasted duck, with dim
sum specialities, is served in luxurious surroundings designed by
Christian Liaigre. The cocktails are sublime .

Orrery

Sir
Terence Conran is London’s most prominent restaurateur. This intimate
restaurant is at the peak of perfection and prices. The short menu
changes regularly, and is Modern European with a French bias – including
the best fish, beef and game .

Rules

London’s
oldest restaurant (1798), Rules has a wonderful, genuine Belle Epoque
atmosphere, and remains a great British institution, not resting on its
laurels. It specializes mainly in game – much of it from the northern
estates of its owner, John Mayhew .

Barrafina

One
of the coolest tapas bars around, Barrafina uses top-quality
ingredients to excellent effect. Sit at the bar with a glass of fino or a small Cruzcampo the experts at work. Expect to queue .

St John

A
great restaurant near Smithfield meat market, this is in a converted
smokehouse. It serves a delicious range of high-quality British cooking,
and has its own bakery. Try the amazing Eccles cakes with Lancashire
cheese. Bar-menu snacks are not expensive .

Oxo Tower

Terrific river views from this South Bank landmark .

Vertigo 42

On the 42nd floor of the City’s tallest skyscraper.

• Tower 42, Old Broad Street EC2

• 020 7877 7842

Le Pont de la Tour

Modern French cuisine overlooking Tower Bridge.

• 36d Shad Thames SE1

• 020 7403 8403

Tate Modern Restaurant: Level 7

Panoramic river views and great food.

• Bankside SE1

• 020 7887 8888

Portrait Restaurant

Views over Trafalgar Square and Whitehall.

• National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place WC2

• 020 7312 2490

Blue Print Café

A breezy restaurant with a spectacular view of London Bridge.

• Butler’s Wharf SE1

• 020 7378 7031

Skylon

One of the finest river views in town.

• Royal Festival Hall SE1

• 020 7654 7800

Swan At The Globe

Look over to the City through mullioned windows.

• New Globe Walk SE1

• 020 7928 9444

Top Floor at Smiths of Smithfield

Above a vast warehouse, the dining room has lofty rooftop views of St Paul’s .

Coq d’Argent

Fine City sights from this rooftop garden bar and French restaurant.

• 1 Poultry EC2

• 020 7395 5000