Like to get high? Well, you're in luck, because London's offering of lofty eateries appears to be growing by the day. And so we bring you the rise and rise of London's restaurants in the sky.

But where to start? The mighty Shard, of course, which opened to the public in February this year.

Nearly halfway up the majestic building, the first restaurant to open was Oblix, founded by Rainer Becker and Arjun Waney, whose previous eateries include Zuma and Roka.

Oblix, however, is somewhat of a departure in terms of cuisine (the aforementioned pair are famed for their Japanese-inspired menus) and instead, here, diners can pick from New York-inspired, rotisserie and grill style grub (there's even an authentic pizza oven), all served with a side of spectacular skylines. The drinks are as impressive as the food, with a sommelier station and a sizeable cocktail list, and you can enjoy live music in the bars most evenings. But like the views, the prices aren't for the faint-hearted.

Perched on the 32nd floor of the Europe's tallest building, Oblix is in fact sandwiched between two other restaurants. Too much of a good thing? We think not.

All dark wood and red lanterns, with a classic Sichuan and northern Chinese menu, Hutong sits on level 33 of the Shard. Those in the know request a table in the right hand side of the restaurant looking towards St Paul's, the perfect position for an epic sunset. They also don't leave without devouring the roast duck and the signature soft shell crab.

So that's eastern and American covered, good job that Aqua Shard – on the 31st floor – doths its cap to all things British. Serving up contemporary British food alongside its breathtaking, dizzying views of the City of London, Tower Bridge and the Thames, the menu brags British staples such as foie gras and fat hen terrine, Yorkshire rib eye, and Duke of Berkshire pork belly. Plus, there is soon to be a substantial breakfast menu available for those early meetings with a view (pictured above).

The bar at Aqua Shard boasts panoramic windows three storeys high, and cocktails inspired by British favourites gin and afternoon tea. So even if you don't want to splurge on dinner, you can sit back, relax and drink in the views.

The Shard may be the tallest building in London, but it doesn't actually offer up London's highest restaurant. That honor belongs to the delightfully named Duck & Waffle, positioned an incredible 185 meters above ground on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower near Liverpool Street Station. Serving British and European cuisine, it's open 24 hours a day, seven days a week; the cocktail menu is short and sweet and their signature dish – fried duck egg sitting on a waffle topped with mustard maple syrup – is to die for (and perfect for the wee small hours). What more could you ask for?

One floor down from Duck & Waffle is its sister restaurant Sushisamba, where Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian flavours meet. Feast on sushi, sashimi and ceviche (oh my!) all with an epic backdrop in the City of London. Sushisamba is also the proud owner of the highest alfresco dining space in London, in the shape of its two lofty terraces. Not one for vertigo sufferers, I suspect.

One to watch out for: the Shangri La hotel restaurant on level 35 of the Shard, when it opens later this year.

Oldies but goodies:

• Paramount on the 31st, 32nd and 33rd floors of Centre Point;
• Galvin at Windows on the 28th floor of the Hilton Park Lane hotel;
• Minako at the Hilton's Metropolitan Hotel;
• Rhodes 24 on the 24th floor of Tower 42;
• Skylon on the South Bank;
• and, of course, the OXO Tower
.

Have you been to any of the lofty restaurants above? Or have we missed any restaurants off this list? Share your comments in the Facebook field below.

Recent The Best In London Articles

• It's Ladies Nights, London! (12 Oct 17)
• Top 5 London Bars & Restaurants for Japanese Sake, Shochu & Whisky (29 Jul 15)
• The Best Sandwiches in London (23 Feb 15)
• Top 10 Best Bar and Restaurant Toilets in London (02 Jan 15)
• 5 of the Best Restaurants for a Weekday Lunch in Soho (23 Jun 14)

News & Features Index