After months of feasting, we can confirm that these are the best restaurants in Canary Wharf, London

Canary Wharf may not be renowned as one of London’s top culinary destinations, but things are changing. A financial powerhouse, this enclave is packed with busy professionals in need of a quality food and beverage experience. Sure, it’s mostly chain restaurants, but they’re the good ones. We’re talking Soho sensations copied and pasted for the Eastsiders, and familiarities that you know will be a solid lunch spot, along with some acclaimed chefs opening sister properties with all-new concepts. Ready to taste? Here are the best restaurants in Canary Wharf for your breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner reservations, preferably on the company card.

These are the best restaurants in Canary Wharf, London

1. Nora 

We’re big fans of the new Turkish restaurant Nora in Canary Wharf, opened by brothers Ozgur and Sidar Akyuz. Here, they honour the flavours of Istanbul, from the seyyar satici (street cart) to modern fine dining to home traditions. Start with their freshly baked bread to dip in smooth hummus, or scoop on charred aubergine, then add the pulled lamb manti dumplings and a whole mackerel to the sharing table.  Adana Köfte kebabs are fresh off the robata grill if there’s room, otherwise save the space for the pistachio baklawa, a twist on tradition with incredible cream filling that had us licking our lips long after exiting the Vertus Edit ground floor. A robust Turkish (and vicinity) wine list completes one of our favourite spots in Canary Wharf, a true standout amongst the big chains among skyscrapers.

Find out more about Nora

2. Marceline

Marceline takes inspiration from the timeless charm of Parisian brasseries and the lively spirit of NYC’s Grand Cafés, afloat on the waters of Wood Wharf.  The menu is crafted by chef Robert Aikens, with select favourites including the steak tartare, a decadent onion soup with Gruyère cheese, and tender rotisserie chicken (tip: side with their heavenly Pommes de Terre Roties).  All generously portioned, for an excellent value experience. As for dessert, may we recommend the fluffy profiteroles laden with banana, vanilla and chocolate? However, if you prefer to drink your sweet, then a tiramisu espresso martini has just the sugar and kick to cap your meal. 

Find out more about Marceline

3. Dishoom

15 years on, Dishoom’s as beloved as ever, and the magic formula is quite simple in that it’s all about the food. Londoners forever can’t get enough of their Bombay comforts, spanning Tandoori lamb chops and smoky gunpowder potatoes, but we’re ALL about brunching at Canary Wharf.

There’s plenty of space, including out on the terrace, to feast on breakfast greats here. Pack your table with bacon naan rolls (tip: double the streaky bacon!), a big Bombay in both meat and vegan modification, and the parsi three-egg omelette with grilled tomato and fire toast. Wash down with a fresh juice or lassi, or toast to the weekend with a cocktail. 

Find out more about Dishoom

4. Din Tai Fung

ICYDK, Din Tai Fung is one of the most famous exports from all of Taiwan, thanks mostly to its perfect xiao long bao. Each one is rolled out, filled and made with exactly 18 folds, and we can verify they taste just as amazing as they look. You won’t be able to get enough of that broth! If it’s your first time, start with the classic pork dumplings, but then lay the varieties on your table, which span crab and pork, truffle and pork, and chicken xio long bao. We also like to add a plate of noodles or egg fried rice, and the sweet taro dumplings to finish.

Find out more about Din Tai Fung

5. Roe

Roe’s been collecting rave reviews like Adele at an awards ceremony. From the trio behind Fallow St James’s and FOWL, this Wood Wharf restaurant is a yacht-sized stunner that impresses from designer wall to seasonal plate, focused on modern British cuisine. 

We loved the English tuna crudo and cuttlefish fried toast to start, and the Roe Sunday Roast is a comforting feast for two. The wine list has greats from Europe, including sparklings from Hampshire and Kent. 

Find out more about Roe

6. Humble Grape

Ever had a Sunday Roast and thought, hmm, if only the wine were better? Well, there’s no need at wine specialists, Humble Grape, whose team are passionate about top quality bottles, sourced from independent and sustainable winemakers. As a result, they’ll pair your meat with the perfect bottle from the at-front store, and trust us, the reds here (both meats and wines!) are stellar. 

Their Canary Wharf waterfront outpost is a sophisticated setting for a wine and dine situation, with a kitchen peddling an all-day menu, lunch specials, burgers and Bordeaux, and our favourite, the Sunday Roast. To finish? It’s got to be the Strawberries & Cream Mille Feuille, nicely paired with a Hungarian sweet wine or a stiff espresso.

Find out more about Humble Grape

7. Caravan

Dine in the feel-good vibes of Caravan. It all started with three Kiwi buddies who wanted to share their love of good food, great coffee, and a neighbourly atmosphere. The first outpost opened in the ‘10s, and well, you can guess how popular it was. 

Now Canary Wharfers can have a quality, globally inspired meal at sunny Reuters Plaza, and the brunch will absolutely hit the spot. Our picks to share with your pals include the halloumi bowl and The Fry (those spiced black beans, mmm), and stick around for the Tiramisu after, a cakier version that’s far more satisfying than the traditional. All day treats span crisp chilli-salt tofu, steamed cod dumpling, sourdough pizzas and plenty more grains and bowls where brunch came from. 

Find out more about Caravan

8. Mallow

From the folks behind Mildred’s, Mallow is a 100% plant-based restaurant with sustainability at its core.  The pretty blush-hued restaurant sits right on Wood Wharf, and guests can dine window or terrace side for those riverway views whilst (mindfully) indulging on delights such as wild mushroom ravioli, roast aubergine with tahini yoghurt, and crunchy padron pepper skewers. The pistachio pandan tres leche is the dessert to end all desserts, and you probably won’t believe it’s vegan…but it is! Mallow is also open for breakfast, brunch, and after-work cocktails.

Find out more about Mallow

9. Pergola on the Wharf

Pergola’s one of our favourite places to escape the city within the city, nestled up by the verdant rooftop gardens of Crossrail Place. Here lies a vibrant bar and restaurant that’s always a splash for bottomless brunch, themed nights, and soulful Sundays soundtracked by live DJ sets. It’s definitely a vibe. Come on weekends for the grand feast: whether a three-meat Sunday Roast with all the trimmings (add the pigs in blankets for festivity!), or pulled beef eggs Benedict, chorizo shakshuka, and more at a brunch gathering. Either way, the baked Basque cheesecake is the cream on top; a heavenly slice drizzled with sour cherry compote. 

Find out more about Pergola on the Wharf

10. Brother Marcus

Brother Marcus is an escape from skyscraper routine thanks to its platter of East Med treats. This is where to unbutton those collars for a pitta rip n dip in smoked aubergine baba ghanoush; colourful mezze plates of halloumi, calamari and salad; and skewers fresh off the charcoal grill. The sweets are equally joyous; our pick being the honey-nut Baklava ice cream sandwich, and you can take your post-meal cocktails or glass of Greek wine out onto the terrace. 

Find out more about Brother Marcus

11. ROKA

For an upscale Japanese dining experience, ROKA’s got just the catch. The restaurant is most famous for its premium fresh cuts of sushi and sashimi, as well as cooked items from the robata grill.  Crowd pleasers include the sea bream fillet, ryotei miso and red onion, and the dark chocolate and green tea pudding, plus a popular weekend brunch with generous free-flow drinks to enjoy in the company of twinkling Canada Square vistas. 

You may also like our guide to the best Asian restaurants in London.

Find out more about Roka Canary Wharf

12. Kricket

Nestled under the railway on Canary Wharf’s North Dock is another one of our favourite Indian restaurants in London, Kricket. The team takes British ingredients and spins them into rich and vibrant flavours of India, including stand-out dishes such as the sweet potato with gunpowder spice blend, the claypot cod with coconut cream and green chilli, and the flavourful duck leg seekh kebab. 

Whilst we rate the food highly, we also have to recommend coming in for a drink. There’s a delicious Mango Gimlet, a robust wine selection, and if it’s too early for booze, then at least stop by for the coconut and ginger lassi. This creamy concoction is a solid dessert add-on, should you need one more hit after their pistachio kulfi scoop.

Find out more about Kricket

13. Six by Nico

There’s a good reason you’ve been seeing Six by Nico all over socials: the multi-course meals here are not only inventive and delicious, but excellent value to boot. You’re looking at prices starting from £55 in central London with the option to add wine pairings.

It’s all about the number six here: six-courses showcase Chef Nico Simeone’s creativity, with a new theme every six weeks, so no two visits are ever the same. First opened in Glasgow in 2017, the concept has been a runaway success with outposts from Liverpool to Dublin, and two in London (Canary Wharf and Fitzrovia).

Find out more about Six by Nico

14. Barbarella 

The latest saucepot from the Big Mamma group is a 70s retro-future escape to the heyday of Cinecittà, with mirrored ceilings and big cat statues dropping you on a movie set.  Start with one of their tasty burrata’s and then for act one try the Ravioli di Pollo alla Cacciatora, a winning homemade comfort. For the main, we love the bounty of the fresh Med on their tomato-laden Branzino in Guazzetto. The grand finale? It has to be the Pistacchio Profiterole Napoletana, drizzled with as much dark chocolate sauce as you want.

Find out more about Barbarella

15. Hawksmoor

This Hawksmoor is one of the steak house’s loveliest outposts. As it’s well-renowned, patrons come for the prime cuts, from the fillet to the rump to the rib-eye flamed just right. There’s also poultry and seafood, and yes, even vegetarians can do Hawkmoor on thanks to the Winslade Wellington (celeriac, mushrooms, Winslade cheese).

Whatever your protein choice, it’s also worth checking out the excellent set menu deals, and note that the Sunday Roast has regularly been voted best in the city. Must be the Hawksmoor stuffing.

Find out more about Hawksmoor

16. Lina Stores

There seems to be no shortage of Lina devotees, so the new Crossrail Place outpost is sure to be a hit in CW. This one brings together their restaurant, delicatessen, and bar all in one, giving local patrons their fix of homemade pasta, stiff Italian coffee, and white peach bellinis.

What do we come to Lina for? Why, their black truffle covered Tagliolini al Tartufo of course—so good you definitely won’t want to share (so do NOT visit on a first date)…but honestly, it’s all scrumptious, eat in, or take out. 

Find out more about Lina Stores

17. Hovarda

A somewhat hidden gem tucked beneath Marceline on the waters edge of the wharf, Hovarda is the chicest hangout to kick back at the end of the working week. Guests are treated to live DJ sounds and warm hospitality upon arrival, with delicious Aegean-inspired food to power through the night.

Begin with an array of house spreads and meze, and then move on to one of the souvlakis or large plates of grilled meats and moussaka. We couldn’t get enough of the kleftiko, a slow-roasted lamb so tender it melts in your mouth. Best sided with the Greek salad. At close, pick up your mezcalita and shimmy out on the terrace for uninterrupted OOO vibes all night.

Find out more about Hovarda

18. Bōkan

In a district heaving with skyscrapers, we’re surprised there aren’t more restaurants in the clouds within Canary Wharf. But that just means Bokan has the USP. You’ll find it perched at the top of the Novotel, with 360-degree panoramas stretching all the way to the London Eye. 

As for the landmark meets F&B feast, guests are treated to European-inspired plates with sample items such as the quail and freekeh with herb salad & kimchi, and the ox cheek & sirloin with root vegetables. Our highlight here, however, is dessert, and we can’t recommend the honey cake enough, served with an elderflower ice cream. 

Find out more about Bokan

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