Nestled amidst the towering skyscrapers and the bustling streets of London’s financial heart, Canary Wharf is not just a hub for business but a vibrant melting pot of culinary wonders. It’s a place where world cuisines converge, offering a taste of global flavours to the discerning palate. From cosy cafes to upscale dining, Canary Wharf presents a diverse array of culinary experiences, each telling its own unique story.
Once only known for its high-rise buildings and banks, it’s now a metropolitan playground packed full of fun things to do and no end to shopping in Canary Wharf
Whether you’re a food connoisseur or just in search of a delightful meal, this area promises an adventure for every taste bud. Ready to dive into the best places to eat in Canary Wharf? Let’s get to it.
Top 10 Places To Eat In Canary Wharf
Best Restaurants in Canary Wharf Overview
- Chai Ki – A modern Indian twist on classics like butter chicken, and unique dishes such as Tibetan-inspired steamed dumplings and Himalayan ribs.
- Dishoom – This Bombay-inspired spot in Canary Wharf serves up a Chef’s Special of twice-marinated whole sea bream and other mouthwatering dishes.
- ROKA – Contemporary Japanese cuisine featuring a robatayaki menu of dumplings, rice dishes, sashimi, sushi, and tempura.
- Ippudo – Specialising in Hakata ramen with homemade noodles and special blended miso paste.
- Marugame Udon – Winner of the ‘Best Value Restaurant Group’ award in 2022, known for its udon noodles and tempura.
- Big Easy – A traditional Louisiana BBQ and fresh lobster restaurant with a surf and turf-oriented menu.
- Feels Like June – Californian-inspired breakfast dishes like buttermilk pancakes with macadamia nuts and creme fraiche.
- Gaucho – An Argentinian steak restaurant known for its premium cuts of beef and notable side dishes.
- Six by Nico – Offers a six-course tasting menu that changes every six weeks, with imaginative dishes and themed interiors.
- Scoff & Banter – Modern European cooking with views of the river and the O2 Arena, serving dishes like chicken Milanese and cacio e pepe tortellini.
1. Chai Ki – The Modern Indian Delight
As you step into Chai Ki, you are immediately enveloped by an ambience that is as vibrant as the streets of India. The restaurant buzzes with a contemporary twist on Indian cuisine, offering a culinary experience that is both familiar and refreshingly new.
Here, the Tibetan-inspired steamed dumplings offer a taste of the Himalayas, while the Himalayan ribs and wings bring a fusion of flavours that tantalize the senses.
Don’t miss their Butter Chicken – a classic reimagined, and the Schezwan Aloo Wedges for a spicy kick. Each dish is a celebration of India’s rich culinary heritage, redefined for the modern palate.
2. Dishoom – A Bombay-inspired Culinary Voyage
Dishoom stands as a culinary beacon in Canary Wharf, bringing the essence of Bombay’s Irani cafes to the heart of London. The restaurant’s fame precedes it, and rightly so. It’s not just a place to eat; it’s a journey through the flavours and aromas of Bombay.
The Chef’s Canary Wharf Special – a twice-marinated whole sea bream – is a masterpiece, bursting with flavours and cooked to perfection. And for an irresistible start to your day, their breakfast naan rolls are a must-try, combining traditional Indian flavours with the comfort of a warm, fluffy naan.
3. ROKA – Japanese Elegance on a Plate
Step into ROKA and you find yourself in a world of sleek, minimalist elegance, complemented by a beautifully landscaped Japanese-style garden terrace. This restaurant is a true testament to the art of Japanese cuisine, offering a robatayaki menu that is a harmony of simplicity and sophistication.
The culinary journey here includes delicate dumplings, exquisite rice dishes, and an array of sashimi, sushi, and tempura. Each dish is crafted with the utmost precision, showcasing the refined flavours of Japan.
Don’t miss their signature dishes, which bring together the best of traditional and contemporary Japanese cooking.
4. Ippudo – The Ramen Revolution
In the heart of Canary Wharf, Ippudo brings a slice of Hakata, Japan, with its authentic ramen experience. Their philosophy is simple yet profound – ‘do one thing, do it well’. And they do this with their ramen. The secret lies in their special ingredients: home-made noodles that provide the perfect chewy texture, and a special blended miso paste that forms the soul of their broth.
Each bowl of ramen at Ippudo is a testament to their dedication to quality and authenticity. The rich flavours and the comforting warmth of their ramen make it a must-visit spot for noodle lovers.
5. Marugame Udon – Udon Noodles & More
Marugame Udon, an award-winning restaurant, offers an unbeatable combination of value and quality. Here, the udon noodles, thick and chewy, are the stars of the show. The variety extends from classic to innovative, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.
Don’t miss their Tempura Tuesdays, where crispy, golden tempura complements the soft udon. The restaurant also offers a great-value lunch deal, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience of traditional Japanese comfort food at its best.
6. Big Easy – Louisiana BBQ and Lobster
For a taste of the American South in London, head to Big Easy. This restaurant takes you on a culinary journey to Louisiana with its authentic BBQ and fresh lobster dishes. The menu is a delightful mix of surf and turf, featuring everything from juicy ribs to succulent seafood.
The real charm of Big Easy lies in its home-style cooking, which is best enjoyed on their terrace overlooking the water. It’s the perfect place for a laid-back meal with friends, accompanied by the backdrop of Canary Wharf’s impressive skyline.
7. Feels Like June – Breakfast with a Californian Twist
Begin your day with a breakfast experience like no other at Feels Like June. This spot brings a Californian twist to the morning meal with dishes that are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Imagine buttermilk pancakes topped with macadamia nuts and crème fraîche or a hearty breakfast burrito.
But it’s not just about the food; the ambience, often amplified with live DJ sets, creates a vibrant and upbeat atmosphere, making Feels Like June a place where breakfast turns into an event.
8. Gaucho – Argentinian Steak Heaven
Gaucho stands as a bastion of Argentinian cuisine in Canary Wharf. This is where steak is not just a dish; it’s a celebration. With premium cuts of beef that are cooked to perfection, Gaucho offers a meat lover’s paradise. The side dishes, from hand-cut chips to truffle mac and cheese, are as noteworthy as the steaks themselves.
The ambience complements the dining experience, with an elegant interior that mirrors the sophistication of the dishes. Gaucho is more than a meal; it’s a dining spectacle that speaks to the soul of Argentina.
9. Six by Nico – The Evolving Tasting Menu
At Six by Nico, the dining experience is an ever-changing adventure. Every six weeks, the menu undergoes a transformation, presenting a new six-course tasting menu themed around a different concept. This isn’t just about food; it’s about storytelling through cuisine. The interiors of the restaurant evolve with the menu, immersing diners in a complete thematic experience.
Despite the upscale nature of the cooking and the novelty of the concept, the prices remain surprisingly accessible. It’s a culinary journey that’s both elite and approachable, offering a unique dining experience with each visit.
10. Scoff & Banter – European Flavors by the Waterside
Scoff & Banter, a charming all-day dining spot, offers a feast for the senses with its scenic views of the river and the O2 Arena. The restaurant specializes in modern European cooking, showcasing a menu that harmoniously blends traditional and contemporary flavours.
From the classic Chicken Milanese to the delicate Cacio e Pepe Tortellini, each dish is a testament to the culinary prowess of European cuisine. The outdoor tables in the garden offer a serene dining experience, making it a perfect spot for both leisurely lunches and romantic dinners.
Summing Up
Canary Wharf, a place often synonymous with business and finance, hides within its modern façades a rich and diverse culinary world waiting to be explored. From the bustling markets serving street food to the elegant dining rooms offering gourmet experiences, this district caters to every taste and occasion.
The ten top restaurants in Canary Wharf highlighted here are just the tip of the iceberg in this gastronomic paradise. So, to all food lovers and culinary adventurers out there, Canary Wharf invites you to embark on a delicious journey of discovery.
Who knows what new favourite you might uncover in this vibrant corner of London?
