Situated on the historic Isle of Dogs, this modern and vibrant part of London stands as a testament to the city’s ever-evolving landscape.
Once a thriving dockyard, Canary Wharf has transformed into a dynamic business centre, renowned for its iconic skyscrapers, sleek architecture, and waterfront views.
Canary Wharf offers an extensive range of dining options, from upscale restaurants to casual eateries and street food markets, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
The Best Restaurants in Canary Wharf
Roka – Contemporary Japanese Restaurant
Roka, specialising in contemporary Japanese cuisine, is renowned for its exquisite sushi, robata-grilled dishes, and creative cocktails.
This stylish restaurant presents a sleek and minimalist Japanese aesthetic, complemented by stunning views of the river from its terrace. There is an open kitchen layout, allowing for an immersive dining experience where patrons can observe the food being prepared by the masterful chefs.
Roka boasts a warm and inviting atmosphere. All the staff I encountered were knowledgeable and attentive, providing insightful recommendations whilst I was ordering. My personal favourite was the signature yellowtail sashimi with yuzu-truffle dressing, closely followed by the California maki.
Roka promises a sophisticated dining experience; as a self-proclaimed sushi enthusiast, I was more than satisfied. It is a perfect location for a romantic meal or special-occasion dinner.
Address: 4 Park Pavilion, 40 Canada Square, London E14 5FW
Gaucho – Luxurious Argentinian Dining
Gaucho, an elegant steakhouse in Canary Wharf, offers the finest cuts of meat and the very best of Argentine cuisine.
Situated on the banks of the River Thames, Gaucho boasts stunning views of London from its panoramic dining room. The restaurant’s stylish decor, complete with dim lighting and sleek interiors, exudes a sense of luxury.
I opted for their signature rib-eye steak, which was cooked to perfection and paired excellently with a glass of Argentine Malbec. Gaucho’s attention to detail was evident in the artful presentation of each dish.
While my meal was certainly on the pricier side, the overall experience at Gaucho was worth every penny. This gorgeous spot, perfect for a date night, provides tender steaks, attentive service, and a sophisticated ambiance. Prepare to be transported into the vibrant world of Argentine cuisine.
Address: 29 Westferry Circus, London E14 8RR.
Ibérica – An Authentic Taste of Spain
A vibrant and modern Spanish restaurant in Canary Wharf, Ibérica is the perfect place for after-work drinks and tapas.
Under the guidance of Michelin-starred Chef Director Nacho Manzano, Ibérica’s menu boasts both authentic and contemporary dishes, ensuring a truly authentic experience of Spanish cuisine.
Upon entering this restaurant, with its rustic decor and lively atmosphere, I felt as though I had been transported to Spain. Standout dishes on their tapas menu included the salted padrón peppers, the ham croquetas, and the twice-cooked lamb with marinated cherry tomatoes and red peppers. Naturally, all of this was washed down with a cool glass of sangria.
This restaurant is ideal for a casual lunch or dinner with friends. Order a variety of dishes to share and enjoy the atmosphere!
Address: 12 Cabot Square, London E14 4QQ.
Related: 6 Portuguese Restaurants in London
Scarpetta – Handmade Italian Pasta
Scarpetta, located in Canada Square, offers authentic Italian food and fresh pasta. This restaurant is renowned for its silky pasta, rich sauces, and of course, a superb selection of Italian wines.
Each dish is meticulously prepared from scratch by Italian chefs, who are true masters of their craft. The restaurant prides itself on using the best quality and freshest ingredients, which becomes abundantly clear upon savouring the food.
I thoroughly enjoyed the beef shin ragú pappardelle from scarpetta. The pasta was perfectly al dente, and the slow-cooked beef nearly melted in my mouth. The creamy, but spicy, ‘Nduja burrata was equally delightful and left me wanting more.
Scarpetta is an ideal spot for a date night or an after-work meal. The service is exceptional, and the food truly speaks for itself.
Address: 20 Canada Square, London E14 5NN.
Pizza Pilgrims – Neapolitan Pizzeria
If you’re seeking quick, delicious pizza, Pizza Pilgrims is the perfect spot in Canary Wharf.
This iconic London pizza chain boasts a vintage diner-style decor, creating a fun, casual vibe. This location even features vintage arcade games to enjoy while you wait for your food to be prepared! It’s ideal for a laid-back meal with friends, or even a quick take-away lunch to enjoy on the go.
As one of my favourite pizza restaurants in London, Pizza Pilgrims consistently excels. Their pepperoni and spicy honey pizza achieves the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and salty flavours. I strongly recommend ordering the mac and cheese bites, which are a perfect side dish to share among the table.
I’m always impressed by the friendly service, and you know you’re getting top-quality pizzas every time you visit Pizza Pilgrims – they’re a cult favourite for a reason!
Address: 12 Hertsmere Rd, London E14 4AE.
Six by Nico – Creative Six Course Tasting Menu
Six by Nico is an innovative restaurant, offering a themed six-course tasting menu that changes every six weeks, ensuring a totally different experience upon each visit.
These inventive tasting menus often draw inspiration from pop culture or geographical locations, taking diners on a culinary adventure. Previous menu themes have included Tokyo, the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, and The Orient Express.
This venue is an excellent choice if you’re seeking fine dining on a budget, with a six-course tasting menu priced at only £48 per person. Each course is carefully crafted, featuring inventive flavour combinations and artistic presentation. For an additional £35, you can also enjoy a paired wine menu, which complements the meal beautifully.
Six by Nico is a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and those in search of a unique dining experience. Given the hype generated on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, I would strongly suggest booking this restaurant in advance, as Six by Nico tends to become very busy when a new menu is launched.
Address: Chancellor Passage, London E14 5EA.
Big Easy – American BBQ & Crab Shack
Big Easy, an American-style restaurant, will satisfy your cravings for meat and seafood. It embraces the spirit of Southern hospitality with their generous portions of authentic BBQ food.
This lively spot boasts an enticing and fun atmosphere, making it the perfect choice for a meal with a group of friends or colleagues. The aroma of smoked meats greets you as soon as you enter Big Easy, and had my mouth watering before I’d even read the menu.
My food arrived quickly; the steak was cooked perfectly, and all the sides were delightful. What more could one ask for?
Big Easy offers fantastic deals throughout the week, including ‘Surf & Turf Thursday‘, where you can enjoy half a lobster, an 8oz steak, chips, house salad, and half a bottle of wine for only £29.50 per person. This restaurant is a great choice if you’re seeking high-quality food on a budget.
Address: Crossrail Place, London E14 5AR
The Parlour – Alfresco Dining Terrace
If you’re seeking an alfresco dining spot in Canary Wharf, The Parlour is an exquisite location for a leisurely lunch with friends or for dinner and drinks after work with colleagues.
This botanical bar and restaurant is conveniently situated in the heart of Canary Wharf, just moments away from the station, making it an accessible haven from the city bustle. The stunning alfresco terrace is a stylish sun-trap in the Summer months, complete with its own bar.
The menu boasts mouth-watering small plates that are perfect for sharing, but the true highlight was the impressive cocktail menu and extensive wine list, with over fifty wines available.
If you find yourself in Canary Wharf in search of a place that serves delectable small plates and refreshing cocktails, The Parlour is undoubtedly worth a visit.
Address: Park Pavilion, The, 40 Canada Square, London E14 5FW.
Market Halls – Eclectic International Food Hall
Situated directly on the canal, Market Halls is an excellent choice if you’re in the mood to sample a variety of dishes from around the world or if your group simply can’t agree on a single cuisine.
Located in a swanky new building, Market Halls houses some of London’s most popular street food vendors, all under one roof. Whether you’re in the mood for gourmet kebabs from Le Bab, Malaysian roti from Gopal’s Corner, or buttermilk chicken tacos from DF Tacos, you’re sure to satisfy your cravings here.
Market Halls also hosts live music and DJ events on Thursday and Friday evenings, providing the opportunity to enjoy the tunes with drinks from one of their three bars.
The price of each dish varies between vendors, but they generally hover around £10 per meal. This is ideal for purchasing a few different dishes and sharing them with friends.
Address: 25 N Colonnade, London E14 5HD.
Practical Tips for Dining in Canary Wharf Restaurants
Book a table: Many of these restaurants are extremely popular, particularly for after-work dinners. Therefore, I’d recommend booking a table in advance to avoid disappointment.
Be mindful of business hours: Canary Wharf is primarily a business district, so some restaurants may have limited operating hours during weekends and public holidays. It’s best to check their websites in advance to ensure they’re open if you’re planning on dining at the weekend.
Utilise public transportation: Canary Wharf is well-connected with public transportation options, including the Jubilee Line, Docklands Light Railway (DLR), and Thames Clippers River bus service.