Cuisine Variety

Forget bland boardrooms and beige sandwiches – lunch breaks are an expedition to far-flung corners of the world, each bite a passport to a new taste adventure. You can expect to discover a diverse range of food offerings in this trendy corner of London.

Savour the sun-drenched flavours of the Mediterranean at Cambio de Tercio, where tapas dance on your tongue and plates burst with vibrant colours. Or, immerse yourself in the rustic charm of Italy at The Ivy Canary Wharf, where melt-in-your-mouth pasta and wood-fired pizzas transport you to Tuscan trattorias.

Embark on a tasty trek through Asia at Royal China, where oriental spices explode on your palate, and dishes simmer with the soul of ancient China. Or, get your noodle fix at Wagamama, where steaming bowls of ramen and fragrant curries warm you from the inside out.

Fine Dining Gems

Beyond the wide range of casual eateries, Canary Wharf boasts a range of fine-dining establishments renowned for their culinary artistry, sophisticated ambience, and impeccable service. These are havens for those seeking an exceptional gastronomic experience. Here are three of our favourites:

  • Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester: A legendary culinary destination holding three Michelin stars for over a decade, Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester is a symphony of French haute cuisine. Chef Jean-Philippe Blondet brings contemporary flair to timeless classics, weaving seasonal British ingredients into masterpieces like lobster medallions with chicken quenelles and Périgord truffle or blood orange with goat milk and argan oil for a playful, sweet ending.
  • Core by Clare Smyth: Led by the critically acclaimed Chef Clare Smyth, Core celebrates modern British cuisine at its finest. Two Michelin stars and numerous accolades paint a picture of culinary excellence. The ever-evolving tasting menus showcase Smyth’s meticulous attention to detail and respect for seasonal produce, transforming simple ingredients into breathtaking culinary artworks. Signature dishes like the scallop tagliatelle with caviar and champagne beurre blanc or the roasted turbot with artichoke and almondine sauce exemplify her unparalleled skill and creativity.
  • Lecture Room & Library at Sketch: A theatrical wonderland for the senses, Lecture Room & Library at Sketch transcends the boundaries of fine dining. Three Michelin stars adorn this opulent space, housed in an 18th-century townhouse, where intricate plasterwork ceilings and velvet-clad walls whisper tales of bygone eras. Chef Pierre Gagnaire’s avant-garde tasting menus are an audacious exploration of textures and flavours, pushing the limits of culinary imagination. From the iconic “Le Pigeon Voyageur” to the playful “Poire Belle Hélène 2015,” each dish is a masterpiece of artistry and surprise.

Casual and Trendy Eateries

Canary Wharf isn’t just about high-powered lunches and Michelin-starred meals. Hidden amidst the glass towers lies a vibrant tapestry of casual and trendy eateries, perfect for grabbing a bite with friends, unwinding after work, or enjoying a relaxed weekend brunch. Dive into these unique culinary hotspots:

  • Patty & Bun: Forget your standard burger joint. Patty & Bun elevates the humble patty to gourmet heights, boasting juicy, grass-fed beef in buttery brioche buns.
  • Rosa’s Thai Cafe: Escape to the tropical haven of Rosa’s Thai Cafe. Vibrant murals, hanging lanterns, and fragrant curry aromas transport you to the bustling streets of Bangkok. Dig into fragrant pad Thai noodles, fiery green curries, and melt-in-your-mouth satay skewers, all bursting with authentic Thai flavours.
  • The Lowback: Hawksmoor’s latest venture, The Lowback, is a must-visit for any steak lover or cocktail enthusiast. This stunning restaurant, housed in a floating pavilion with a wildflower-planted roof, offers an experience unlike any other. The main attraction is the 120-seater Lowback bar, a sleek and stylish space with a nine-meter-long counter, dark green marble floors, and plush velvet booths. It has a tempting bar menu featuring delicious snacks like bone marrow oysters, scampi, and salt beef nuggets.
  • The Culpeper Pub: To taste traditional British charm with a modern twist, head to The Culpeper Pub. This gastropub has a buzzing atmosphere, exposed brick walls, and a roaring fireplace for those chilly evenings. Tuck into hearty pies, roasted joints, and fresh seafood sourced from local British farms.

Waterfront Dining

Canary Wharf’s culinary magic spills beyond the sleek interiors and trendy restaurants. For a truly magical experience, embrace the charm of waterfront dining. Here, breathtaking views over The River Thames become the backdrop for your meal.

  • Pergola on the Wharf: Pergola on the Wharf offers an al fresco haven. Feast on their globally inspired small plates – think fragrant Thai curries, wood-fired pizzas, and juicy barbecued skewers – while soaking in the panoramic vista of the river and Canary Wharf’s iconic skyline. On sunny days, bask in the warmth on their expansive terrace or snuggle under the retractable roof when the clouds roll in.
  • Plateau: For a taste of French elegance with a nautical twist, Plateau delivers. This waterfront brasserie boasts stunning floor-to-ceiling windows, blurring the lines between the bustling docklands and the chic Parisian bistro within. Indulge in oysters plucked fresh from the sea, savour elegant fish dishes and succulent shellfish plateaux, all while the river glides serenely by. On balmy summer evenings, their terrace beckons, offering an open-air experience that’s pure Parisian chic.
  • Gaucho Canary Wharf: Channel your inner Gaucho at this Argentinian steakhouse with a prime position on the waterfront. Soak in the panoramic views of the Thames and the O2 Arena as you relish their flame-grilled steaks cooked to perfection over an open charcoal grill. The expansive outdoor terrace is a summertime treat, offering al fresco dining under the watchful gaze of Canary Wharf’s skyscrapers. And on special occasions, they host exclusive riverside barbecues with live music, transforming the waterfront into a vibrant open-air fiesta.

Local Favourites and Hidden Gems

Canary Wharf may boast plenty of Michelin-starred giants and trendy hotspots, but its culinary charm resides in the hidden gems and local favourites. These are the unassuming eateries beloved by residents and in-the-know foodies, where exceptional flavours and warm atmospheres trump flashy interiors and celebrity clientele.

  • Blacklock: Tucked away in a disused police station, Blacklock isn’t your average steakhouse. This atmospheric chophouse champions nose-to-tail eating and ethically sourced meat from Cornwall. Step into the dim-lit, brick-walled space, grab a candlelit booth and prepare for a feast. Their tomahawk steaks are legendary, cooked over oak and charcoal for perfect char and smoky flavour. Don’t miss their roasted bone marrow with parsley salad – pure, primal indulgence.
  • Blank Street Coffee: For coffee connoisseurs, Blank Street is a haven. This Brooklyn-born cafe uses speciality beans from Origin Coffee Roasters, ensuring each cup is a meticulously crafted experience.
  • Buns From Home: Forget your supermarket offerings; Buns From Home is where pastry dreams come true. This hidden gem started in someone’s kitchen and is now nestled in Cabot Place, whipping up artisanal delights that will have you swooning.
  • 640East: Sustainability meets flavour at 640East, a coffee shop and bar built from upcycled shipping containers in Montgomery Square. Grab an ethically sourced flat white under the leafy canopy, or soak up the sunshine on their outdoor terrace.
  • Mudchute Park and Farm: Escape the urban jungle and discover Mudchute Park and Farm, a hidden oasis. Here, you can wander through fields, meet friendly llamas and alpacas, and even buy fresh produce from the organic farm. On Sundays, head to the “Mudchute Munch” for a vibrant street food market, serving up global flavours from Thai curries to Jamaican jerk chicken. It’s a family-friendly haven where good food and nature collide.

 

Conclusion

Canary Wharf, London’s financial titan, has shed its one-dimensional reputation and transformed into a culinary chameleon. It’s no longer just suits and sandwiches; it’s a global feast awaiting hungry adventurers.

Michelin-starred giants rub shoulders with local favourites, while waterfront views compete with trendy restaurants and hidden gems tucked away in charming corners. Embark on your culinary odyssey through Canary Wharf’s diverse landscape. Uncover hidden gems, savour iconic classics, and revel in your own gastronomic discoveries.