Stretching along the river from Wapping to Woolwich, London Docklands is one of the oldest and most fascinating parts of the capital. The area was once part of the Port of London, which at one point was the world’s largest port!
This stretch of land also includes Canary Wharf on the Isle of Dogs, a major business district and financial hub which has brought an influx of great restaurants and bars to the area to cater to the 105,000 workers here.
Plus, many of the docklands restaurants offer panoramic scenes over the river, and with everything from sushi platters to Spanish tapas on offer here, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for a meal with a view.
Roka
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If your stomach is rumbling for sushi and sashimi, Japanese restaurant Roka is the perfect solution. They offer a mouthwatering range of dishes such as sushi platters, miso-yaki, black cod, beef, ginger and sesame gyoza, salmon teriyaki and rice hot pots in a contemporary, pale wood dining room with an open grill. Struggling to choose? Pop in on the weekend for a curated selection on the brunch menu.
Address: 1st Floor, 4 Park Pavilion, 40 Canada Square, Canary Wharf Group, London E14 5FW
Phone: 020 7636 5228
Boisdale of Canary Wharf
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Embrace your inner Braveheart at this Scottish restaurant where you can enjoy only the finest MacSween haggis, venison from the Tweed Valley, and rock oysters from Cumbrae washed down with a dram of whisky from their extensive spirit menu. There’s live jazz six nights a week too.
Address: Cabot Place, Canary Wharf, London E14 4QT
Phone: 020 7715 5818
Iberica
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Take a trip to Spain without leaving London at this Spanish mini-chain restaurant, which serves up a range of high quality yet affordable dishes in a glamorous setting. The tapas menu stretches from classics such as pardon peppers with malden salt and Serrano ham croquettes to innovative inventions including fried chorizo lollipops with pear aioli and black rice with squid.
Address: 12 Cabot Square, Cabot Place, London E14 4QQ
Phone: 020 7636 8650
Les Relais de Venise
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If you struggle with too much choice on a menu you’ll love this classic Parisian brasserie, which has just one thing on the menu – a delicious steak with fries, a green salad, and a moreish secret sauce. Filled with mirrored walls, low lighting and Venetian paintings it makes a great date venue, and they’ve even got a long, expansive dessert menu to make up for the minimalist mains. Bon appétit!
Address: Canary Wharf Group, 18-20 Mackenzie Walk, Canary Wharf, London E14 4PH
Phone: 020 3475 3331
Royal China
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Another mini London chain, Royal China serves up delicious dim sum and authentic Chinese food to hungry Canary Wharfers. Head here for lunch and order a feast of crispy duck pancakes, chicken satay skewers, dumpling buns and steamed rice and you’ll have a meal fit for an Emperor.
Address: 30 Westferry Circus, London E14 8RR
Phone: 020 7719 0888
Scoff and Banter
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The brilliantly named Scoff and Banter serve what they describe as ‘British Soul Food’ – traditional dishes made with good ingredients and cooked with care. As a result you can expect a menu packed full of wild game, Devonshire crab, quality steaks and organic salmon, as well as classic cocktail list from this modern restaurant.
Address: 5 Fairmont Avenue, London E14 9PJ
Phone: 020 8820 8136
First Edition
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Occupying the same central spot for over 18 years, this restaurant and wine bar is now a Canary Wharf institution. The sunny terrace is ideal for post-work drinks on a summer’s evening, while the interior offers a number of private booths perfect for top-secret business meetings over salmon steaks and crunchy coconut king prawns.
Address: Canary Wharf Group, 25 Cabot Square, London E14 4QA
Phone: 020 7513 0300
The Narrow
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One of Gordon Ramsay’s many London establishments, The Narrow has made a name for itself among diners for its light, sophisticated interior, classing Modern British dishes and stunning view over the Thames. Grab yourself a seat by the window and tuck into Barbary duck breast while taking in the city skyline.
Address: 44 Narrow Street, London E14 8DP
Phone: 020 7592 7950
The Gun
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Right on the waterfront overlooking the O2, this pretty, popular gastropub is almost unbeatable on a warm evening. Watch the sun set as you tuck into dishes such as salmon fishcakes, pork belly and a brilliant cheese board, and make sure to pay a visit to the new Aperol Spritz shack too for a true taste of summer on the continent.
Address: 27 Coldharbour, London E14 9NS
Phone: 020 7515 5222
Bravas Tapas
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The stylishly rustic Bravas Tapas in St Katherine’s Dock is a recent welcome addition to the area, offering up an artfully presented small bite menu of crispy foie gras, Moorish lamb chops, fried baby calamari and much more. The waterfront terrace is ideal for people-watching too – and you might even spot a celebrity climbing onto their yacht…
Address: Saint Katherine Docks, East Smithfield, London E1W 1AT
Phone: 020 7481 1464
Bordello Pizzaria
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Il Bordello is one of those chilled-out Italian restaurants which are ideal for nights when you don’t fancy cooking. The menu is packed full of favourites including plenty of pizzas and pasta dishes, fresh fish, focaccia and slightly more daring options such as octopus salad. Don’t forget to save room for gelato too!
Address: 81 Wapping High Street, London E1W 2YN
Phone: 020 7481 9950
Tom’s Kitchen
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Modern restaurant Tom’s Kitchen is renowned for only using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients for their delectable menu, which specialises in contemporary versions of British classics. Options include burgers with applewood cheddar, beer battered pollock and rabbit with chorizo and mashed potato, and there’s even a takeaway counter if you’re picking up lunch on the go.
Address: Canary Wharf, Canary Wharf Group, 11 Westferry Circus, London E14 4HD
Phone: 020 3011 1555
Pepper Saint Ontiod
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This relaxed, retro pub on the Isle of Dogs is a true hidden gem, which can be hard to find these days in London. The menu is filled with proper gastropub favourites such as real ale battered haddock and chips, club sandwiches and Herefordshire beef burgers. Grab a book from the shelf, setting into an armchair and stay for the afternoon.
Address; 21 Pepper Street, Isle of Dogs, London E14 9RP
Phone: 020 7987 5205
Goodman
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Goodman on South Quay Square is carnivore heaven with a menu packed full of melt-in-the-mouth steaks in a variety of cuts including porterhouse, rib-eye, sirloin and fillet. Plump for the stilton sauce and truffle chips too if you’re going all out, then relax in the leather booth until you’re able to move again.
Address:3 South Quay Square, London E14 9RU
Phone: 020 7531 0300
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