Five Favorite Tables

Window seats with the best view

It turns out parties of 2-3 enjoy some of the best views of the city.
Where to book and which tables to request:

Christopher's Grill — Conveniently located across from the Lyceum Theatre, this stylish art deco restaurant offers a reasonably priced pre- and post-theatre menu served before 6:15 pm or after 10 pm. Though not particularly high up, several tables of 2-4 have an interesting view towards Waterloo Bridge. They serve modern American cuisine and are particularly well-known for their martini bar. Given my sweet tooth I could not resist their Nutella Martini, which is just as decadent as it sounds.
Request table looking out window towards Waterloo Bridge
www.christophersgrill.com ✆ +44 2072 404222
18 Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7DD

Duck & Waffle — Located on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower, Duck & Waffle is considered the highest restaurant in the country. The wait staff was chatty and enthused about the food — a combination we found to be rare here. Each dish we had was flavourful*, made with interesting ingredients and meant to be shared. As an avid hiker, I have made it a point to avoid stinging nettles* — not realizing they could be eaten without harm. Not to be missed is the restaurant’s namesake duck and waffle.
Request table on far side bay of windows
www.duckandwaffle.com ✆ +44 2036 407310
Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY

Ichi Sushi & Sashimi Bar — Generally, I am not as inclined to go to hotel restaurants versus stand-alone establishments. However, The Park Plaza hotel features a wonderful sushi restaurant that is fresh, yummy and located close to Waterloo with a great view of Big Ben. They also offer a reasonably priced sushi afternoon tea and sushi-making masterclasses.
Request table looking out window towards Big Ben
www.ichisushi.co.uk ✆ +44 2076 207373
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London SE1 7UT

Searcys at The Gherkin — Usually open exclusively to members and tenants, The Gherkin Sky Restaurant has select open evenings and lunch bookings available to the general public. The 70 seat restaurant located on the 39th floor offers a well-priced, three-course seasonal lunch menu. All the dishes we had were flavorful and perfectly portioned.
Request table on the left hand side for views of Tower Bridge www.searcysatthegherkin.co.uk/restaurant/ ✆ +44 3301 070816
30 St Mary Axe, London EC3A 8EP

Sky Garden — Located on the 36th floor, Darwin Brasserie restaurant offers a reasonably priced breakfast.  Small parties of 2-3 work best so you can request a table in the corner with the best view.  Alternatively, there is no admission fee to visit Sky Garden just one floor below the Brasserie (though you must pre-book a specific time). City Garden Bar and Sky Pod Bar are both located on the 35th floor with first-come, first-served seating available at scattered chairs and coaches.
Request left hand corner table in Darwin Brasserie
www.skygarden.london ✆ +44 2031 666000
Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF

Book in advance (include a note in comments section when booking on-line) and call ahead to see if these tables are available.

Tip : Some restaurants will not reserve specific tables, however, if you book and arrive when lunch or dinner seating starts you have a better chance of snagging the best window seat.

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