You honestly can’t get more front row to Tower Bridge unless you’re dining at Le Pont de la Tour. The views are gorgeous all day round, but we went for dinner and watching that sunset was something we won’t forget — so trust us, this is definitely more of an evening motive.

Sat right by the river, you just feel this unexpected sense of peace and calm, even though you’re technically in one of the busiest, most chaotic parts of the city. If you work in the city, you know exactly what we mean.

Now, you’d think the views alone would be enough to call this a top bougie spot, but nope — the food seals the deal. It’s proper French fine dining. For starters, we went with the poulpe: teriyaki-glazed octopus with hummus and a chickpea salad. The flavours felt so culturally intertwined, but everything was still of the absolute finest quality. Pair it with a chilled white wine (especially on a warm day) and you’ll see what we mean.

For mains, we went for the linguini with courgette cream and truffle. Every bite feels like £100, but honestly? Worth every penny.

Have to try: Teriyaki glazed octopus
Perfect for: Special occasions or drinks with a view
Approx price for 2: £100+

We’d honestly be shocked if you said you haven’t seen SushiSamba flooding your Insta reels or TikTok FYP. It’s the ultimate spot for good times, good food, and good views — basically the definition of a special occasion place.

The skyline views are pure magic. Doesn’t matter if you’re sat inside or outside, those massive aquarium-style windows mean you’re never missing out. And as if that wasn’t enough, the interiors are doing the most too — dome-like roofs, vibrant orange lights hanging from the ceiling. It’s that perfect combo of fun, bougie-ness and elegance all rolled into one.

Food-wise, yes they’re all about Japanese (the “sushi” part checks out), but it’s actually a mix of Brazilian and Peruvian too — which we’d literally never tried before, but now we’re obsessed. Starters had to be the crispy lobster taquitos. When they say crispy, they mean it. Packed with flavour, melt-in-your-mouth quality lobster, 10/10. For mains, obviously sushi. Warning: the menu is long. Honestly, just close your eyes and point, because whichever roll you land on will be a winner.

And don’t you dare leave without trying at least one cocktail. These are not your boring classics. Our favourite was definitely the Lychee Cooler. Fruity, coconutty, creamy but still somehow light!!

Have to try: Taquitos and lychee cocktail
Perfect for: Special birthday dinners
Approx price for 2: £100-£200

City Social is a sexy, sleek, and modern restaurant. It’s all mellow, moody interiors inside, but honestly, that’s all you need when you’ve got the buzzy London skyline right outside the window. You’re basically front row for the Gherkin.

The layout is clever too — no matter where you’re sat, you’re guaranteed a view. But if you can, nab one of the booths by the windows. Trust us, everyone in your group gets the perfect backdrop.

For mains, we went with the Newlyn Cod, which came with prawn-stuffed courgettes (sounds wild, but it works) and the most addictive basil sauce that just tied everything together. And for dessert, we need you to try the Raspberry, peach & Tahitian vanilla soufflé — it’s more of a magical experience than just a dessert.

If you’re not ready to call it a night, their bar is always buzzing, with cocktails as unique as the views. The perfect way to keep the evening going.

Have to try: Raspberry, peach & Tahitian vanilla soufflé
Perfect for: Formal dinner
Approx price for 2: £180–£220 (with drinks

Vicinity is another spot that gives you those unbeatable Tower Bridge and Thames views. If you can, definitely grab one of their outdoor booths — they’ve got these little fireplace-style heaters built in. It just gives the most warming, cosy vibes that are so hard to find in the city. 

What we love here is that the menu isn’t all fine dining. Sometimes you just want your comfort faves, and Vicinity delivers. We kicked off with the popcorn chicken tossed in a sticky gochujang sauce (addictive) and the tempura prawns with mango and chilli salsa (sweet, spicy, perfection). These absolutely demand to be washed down with a chilled beer or cocktail.

For mains, we went classic with the stone-baked smoky chilli chicken pizza. Simple, yes — but fresh, flavour-packed, and when you’re eating it while staring out at Tower Bridge lit up at night, you’re not exactly complaining.

Have to try: Gochujang popcorn chicken
Perfect for: Chill drinks with a view
Approx price for 2:  £80–£100 (with drinks)

We love a good oxymoron and Sky Garden nails it. You’re literally at dizzying heights, staring down at people who look like ants, yet you’re surrounded by lush greenery and plants everywhere you turn. Basically a giant floating greenhouse — and honestly, it’s iconic.

Most people come here just for the drinks and the vibes (fair enough, the views are that good), but the food seriously doesn’t get enough credit. The sharing platters are the way to go — they’ve got charcuterie and grazing boards, but for once there were no arguments at our table (rare!) because we all agreed on the Sky Garden sliders and taco combo platter. Three chicken tacos, three hot dogs, three fried shrimp sandwiches. Can you complain about a single item there? No. 

And since you’re at the Sky Garden bar, obviously you’ve got to try the cocktails. Our pick? The Red Smoke. Mezcal, hibiscus infused with chilli, and watermelon. Fruity, smoky, a little spicy — basically a flavour rollercoaster.

Have to try: Sliders and taco combo platter
Perfect for: Fun with friends
Approx price for 2:  £100–£120 (with food + drinks)

Joia isn’t your uppity, intimidating fine dining spot. It leans way more towards cute, wholesome vibes, but still manages to serve refinement and elegance on a silver platter. Think baby pink and powder blue interiors with dreamy views overlooking Battersea Power Station. 

It’s a proper Portuguese restaurant too, so expect bold, spicy, exciting flavours — and no, not the Nando’s kind. We went tapas-style (because let’s be real, it was lining-the-stomach-for-a-boozy-night-out type vibes) Our top recommendations have to be the padron peppers, patatas bravas with the most addictive aioli, and croquetas that disappeared in seconds.

The cocktails deserve their own round of applause. Their list is honestly one of the most creative we’ve seen. We went for the Turquesa — gin, lychee, elderflower, and orange blossom honey. Fruity, floral, refreshing… 

Have to try: The fun cocktail list
Perfect for: Fun with friends
Approx price for 2:  £120–£150 (with tapas + cocktails).

The interiors at Kioku by Endo are giving rustic royalty — if that makes sense. Think mellow gold and warm wooden tones throughout, with a backdrop that’s basically a London postcard. From one seat you can tick off Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square and the London Eye. 

Food-wise, we kicked things off with the bluefin tuna pastrami served on fluffy focaccia — light, delicate, and just the right amount of fancy. For mains, it had to be the wagyu steak on the robata. Honestly, when wagyu is on the menu, how can you ever say no? Served with just asparagus and peas, and that’s all it needed — the meat fully stole the show.

Oh, and don’t sleep on their sake bar. If you’re after that fully immersive Japanese experience, it’s 100% worth a try.

Have to try: Wagyu
Perfect for: Special occasions
Approx price for 2:  £180–£220 (with drinks)

Decimo is a sexy, romantic spot — but don’t box it in as just a date-night place. Honestly, we’d say it’s even better for those long-overdue girl dates where you want drama, moody lighting, and crimson interiors setting the tone. Add in those skyline views and suddenly you’re in full Moulin Rouge-meets-James Bond mode.

Now, hot tip: we’d say skip the starters so you’ve got all the room for mains, because wow. The tuna tostadas, the fried plantain and black bean tacos, and the suckling pig carnitas tacos were next-level good. And if you want something a bit fresher to balance it all out, go for the grilled peppers with herb butter — smoky, crunchy, and honestly perfect.

And listen, with a menu like this, skipping the mezcal would be a crime. Don’t do it.

Have to try: Fried plantain and black bean tacos
Perfect for: Date night
Approx price for 2: £140-£180

Lucky Cat gets why everyone flocks to Mayfair — and if you say otherwise, you’re lying to yourself. Honestly, we all just want to pretend and soak up that ungraspable bougie-ness and luxury, and this place delivers it effortlessly with its views and interiors.

We kicked things off with the sweet and our tempura prawns. These were unbelievably crunchy and paired with grilled pineapple that was just next-level. Then came the fried duck leg bao bun with spicy hoisin sauce. We needed about ten more of these because the texture of that bao bun is truly something everyone needs to experience. Another highlight was the mixed mushroom dumplings — again, texture absolutely makes the dish.

If you’re still craving something light and refreshing after all that (and trust us, you will be stuffed), treat yourself to the mochi. Super light, insanely satisfying, and yes, say it with us… texture is everything!

Have to try: Sweet and sour tempura prawns
Perfect for: Special occasions
Approx price for 2: £120–£150 (with drinks).