Best Restaurants, Must Try Places in central

"What: Sky Garden may be known for its lush greenery (the perfect backdrop for an impromptu photoshoot), but its sprawling views of the capital are also worth a mention. The Sky Pod bar, which isn’t separated from the rest of the space, allows guests to stand around admiring the views or pull up a chair to rest their legs. All the usual drinks can be found here (including a selection of signature cocktails), while the food menu features sharing platters of charcuterie, seafood or dessert."

"If a trip up to the stunning viewing gallery of one of London’s tallest buildings sounds like a pocket drainer, think again. Situated inside a glass oasis at the top of the “Walkie Talkie”, Sky Garden is London’s highest public garden, filled with greenery and boasting panoramic views of the capital. It’s totally free to head up there, but you’ll need to book in advance, with post-lockdown visits starting up again from July 29."

"The view from Rafael Viñoly’s Sky Garden, also known as the Walkie-Talkie building, is unlike any other in the city. From here you can survey London’s ever-growing sprawl with the city stretching up to the north, Tower Bridge and the Shard to the south, and Canary Wharf to the east. It’s free to explore the tower’s three stories of landscaped public gardens, but make sure to book in advance."

"What: Home to the glowing orange tree which you’ve seen on your Instagram feed countless times, the outdoor bar at Sushisamba’s original City location has an undeniable buzz. Filled with City types splashing the cash, and unbeatable views of the capital’s skyline, this is the place to come for cocktails with a view. Sip on a selection of Brazilian-Japanese fusion cocktails, before heading inside to enjoy a decadent menu featuring the likes of green bean tempura with black truffle aioli or sushi rolls topped with lobster and crab."

"Branches of the growing chain of Sushisamba restaurants can be found in New York, Chicago, Miami and beyond. London’s outpost is found on the 38th and 39th floors of the City’s Heron Tower so it’s likely you’ll see deals being brokered at nearby tables, but the atmosphere is kept in check by personable staff and the spread of dating couples out to have a good time. The menu’s an eclectic mix, too, featuring a blend of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine, alongside one of the most comprehensive sake selections in the city."

"At Sushisamna, a newcomer to Covent Garden although the second in London, the concept of Japanese-Peruvian-Brazilian fusion cuisine makes for an unforgettable dining experience."

"The “highest 24/7 restaurant in London”, Duck & Waffle in the Heron Tower is almost as spectacular as the ride up the lift is thrilling. Dishes, which are matched, but not limited to their appropriate time of the day include duck egg en cocotte with soldiers; ox cheek doughnuts and their signature crispy duck confit and waffle; and corn dogs, duck kebabs, and crispy pig ears. Duck and waffle at Duck and Waffle, in the City — a 24-hour restaurant that is more than a late-night outlier"

"What: A savoury doughnut – yes it is a thing, and yes it is delicious. The spicy ox cheek doughnut at Duck & Waffle has been a firm fixture on its menu for quite some time and frankly we’re not surprised. This decadent starter is filled with slow-cooked spicy ox cheek, the crispy outer coating is dusted with paprika sugar and it comes served with a generous dollop of apricot jam for good measure."

"Food isn't the only thing that's elevated at this slick City space. Nestled on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower, Duck and Waffle is known for its 24 hour menu, unrivalled views and signature dishes; from the eponymous plate to the ox cheek doughnut."

"This west London local hero has been hosting with the most for more than 140 years, but its looking better than ever since its 2016 revamp. The bar area serves booze-soaking snacks such as sausage rolls and Welsh rarebit as well as roasts on a Sunday, while the even more sophisticated surrounds of its dining room host a daily changing, ingredient-dependent menu of thoughtfully constructed classics: a Barnsley chop comes with braised flageolet beans and salsa verde, while a smoked salmon rillette comes with pickled cucumber. 55 Shirland Road, W9 2JD, theheromaidavale.co.uk"

"In a nutshell: An Australian restaurant from two TV cooking show winners lands in London Where is it?. Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX Why should you care?. Steve Flood and Will Stewart's restaurant is coming from Australia, all the way to the O2."

"An eating and drinking destination in London, One Tower Bridge has a whole range of restaurants and bars up for grabs. Whether you fancy a gourmet Indian meal, a plant-based feast, an Italian bite or an evening spent sipping on bubbles, this place has got you covered, plus the outdoor area to enjoy it all on."

"Westminster eatery Osterio Dell’Angolo is known for fusing traditional Italian dishes with more contemporary cuisine. On an a la carte menu full of innovation, you’ll find the likes of saddle suckling pig with organic Umbrian lentils and white Belgian chicory, or pappardelle with braised wild boar in red wine and sage. Make sure to also relax in the lounge bar afterwards with a cocktail or two."

"We had a memorably good delivery from this Bethnal Green restaurant at the beginning of lockdown. They do seasonal special sushi platters and their wagyu and foie maki rolls are amazing. Read our Test Drive."

"Until we wrote this, Ridley Road was probably one of London’s best kept secrets. Go and embrace the clammy dance floor, and don’t take that lightly – in the summer even the disco ball drips with sweat. Grab a three-quid red stripe (yes, you read that right) and see for yourself what all the fuss is about."

"Over in Notting Hill, Cloud Twelve is a wellness and lifestyle club set across three floors. There’s a salon, spa and holistic wellness clinic, plus a healthy brasserie and creche. Treatments include drawl-worthy massages, facials, pre and post-natal rituals and treatments specifically designed for men."

"We’ve expressed our love for Jefferson’s time and time again, and with good reason, their ice cream selection is on a whole new level. Stemming from a love of natural food and free from artificial flavours, Jefferson’s is devoted to celebrating quality. The ice cream is made in-house every morning, using only the finest ingredients available."

"This Balham dessert bar serves up fresh ice cream made with organic milk in flavours like caramel popcorn, vanilla honeycomb, and cold-pressed coffee. If you don’t want just one scoop, you can also get stacked sundaes, milkshakes, waffles, crepes and more."

"Set up by Christian Oddono, whose grandmother used to make banging homemade gelato back home in Italy, Oddono’s is one of the highest quality ice cream franchises in London. Fresh, natural Italian gelato is what you can expect from any of Oddono’s London outlets with the group producing all of its flavours from scratch in their South Kensington lab on a daily basis. Oddono’s have made over 130 flavours in their time but the move to make, for my money, is a scoop of the austere Madagascan vanilla."

"With locations dotted around London, Oddono’s serves up Italian-style gelato and sorbet in more than 130 flavours. This is one chain that does not compromise on quality, promising delicious ice cream each time. Refreshing and light sorbets that include passionfruit, mango and banana will not disappoint, nor will their take on timeless classics like pistachio and baccio."

"Cool down with a delicious ice-cream cone at much loved Oddono's. Open since 2004, this family-owned Italian gelato shop has a range of more than 100 flavours and makes its authentic creations daily at its artisan laboratory, age-old and new recipes."

"Restaurants Italian Borough. Funny name, seriously good ice cream. Located by Borough Market, white-tiled 3Bis (the postcode of Italy’s first ice-cream factory, apparently) has a playful feel, with cabinets full of chocolate-splattered lollies and a whirring gelato machine churning away in front of you."

"It wouldn't be Borough Market if there wouldn't be some other option. Gelateria 3Bis has one of their branches in Borough Market as well, and their gelato from the finest ingredients from Italy is undoubtedly one of the best gelatos in London. A small cup of gelato costs £2.7."