A restaurant with a view

There’s nothing like a view to add a frisson to a romantic meal, so for Valentine’s Day The Good Food Guide has chosen ten restaurants with the best views of the city:

> Le Coq D’Argent

Renowned for its top-of-the-world roof garden, which has panoramic views over the Square Mile and the City skyline.

> Galvin at Windows

Arguably the last word in ‘fine dining with a view’, Chris Galvin’s reincarnation of the 28th floor of the London Hilton oozes big-city glamour.

> Inn the Park

An elegant construction of wood and glass by the lakefront in one of London’s most beautiful parks – no wonder this is a dream ticket for al fresco eating with views for free.

> National Portrait Gallery

A feast for the eyes, whether you are perusing the celebrated canvases or chilling out in the family-friendly rooftop restaurant overlooking Trafalgar Square.

> Oxo Tower

Take the lift to the eighth floor of the Tower, which rises like a beacon above the South Bank. The restaurant provides A-list chic at high altitude.

> Plateau

High on the fourth floor of the Canada Square building, this dazzling, futuristic glass structure has the bonus of great views across the lawns and sculptures of Canada Square.

> Le Pont de la Tour

The best views of Tower Bridge are from the waterfront terrace; at night, watch the fairy lights twinkle along this sought-after stretch of the Thames.

> Roast

The razzamatazz of Borough Market is one of the absorbing delights visible from the windows of this new champion in the British food renaissance.

> Rhodes 24

You need a head for heights if you want to sample the food in Gary Rhodes’ venue on the 24th floor of the old NatWest building. Drink in expansive, jaw-dropping views from the restaurant’s curving windows.

> Skylon

The punning title refers to the iconic 1951 sculpture that was a star attraction outside the old Royal Festival Hall. Its floor-to-ceiling windows are tailor-made for Thames-watchers.

Elizabeth Carter, editor of The Good Food Guide, says:

“It’s a great idea to impress your Valentine by taking them to a restaurant with a breathtaking view. Who knows what romantic sparks might fly?”