One of the greatest privileges of living in London is, without a doubt, having such an abundant choice of cuisines at our disposal. However, finding time to sample them all can be tricky in a city this big. But you can tick off countless of the capital’s must-visit eateries in one visit to Canary Wharf. From exquisite Asian-inspired cuisine and mouth watering American fare to sustainable and seasonal, farm to fork menus, Canary Wharf is the perfect place to work through your foodie bucket list.
Asia – Where East Meets East
1. Chai Ki
Before you’ve eaten a single mouthful of food at Chai Ki, you’ll be overwhelmed by glorious sights and smells. But this is an excellent indicator of the fantastic flavours that are to come. As well as exciting takes on classics like butter chicken, you can also enjoy unique dishes such as Tibetan-inspired steamed dumplings, Himalayan ribs and wings and Schezwan aloo wedges. Paired with exciting signature cocktails, this modern Indian menu makes for a lovely, laidback dining experience. Crossrail Place E14 5AR
2. Dishoom
Our next restaurant needs no introduction. But many of you may not have heard that the newest and shiniest addition to this renowned, Bombay-inspired restaurant group, has opened in Canary Wharf. There is so much to be discovered (and devoured) across their extensive menu, so we implore you to try as many things as possible. But be sure to make the Chef’s Canary Wharf Special a priority. This twice marinated whole sea bream is bursting with flavour and cooked to perfection. And expect to plan a return trip to try their irresistible breakfast naan rolls! 13 Water Street, Wood Wharf E14 5GX
3. ROKA
From the sleek interiors to the landscaped, Japanese-style garden terrace, diners at ROKA begin the feast with their eyes. But their contemporary, robatayaki menu is where the true adventure begins. From dumplings and rice dishes to sashimi, sushi and tempura, this is refined Japanese cuisine at its best. 4, Park Pavillion, 40 Canada Square E14 5FW
4. Ippudo
We do love a restaurant that takes the ‘do one thing, and do it well’ approach. And Ippudo’s small, but perfectly curated ramen menu is living proof that less is often more. Building on the basics of Hakata ramen, their in-house ingredients such as home-made noodles, special blended miso paste and fragrant garlic oil are what really give their dishes that special something. Crossrail Place, Canary Wharf E14 5AR
5. Marugame Udon
If you’re more of the udon noodle type, you can’t go wrong with this winner of the ‘Best Value Restaurant Group’ award (2022). Offering diners a range of irresistible offers, from Tempura Tuesdays to their great-value lunch deal, Marugame Udon is the place to stop for comforting Japanese cuisine that doesn’t break the bank. The Atrium Kitchen, Cabot Place, Canary Wharf, E14 4QT
The Americas – North South and Central
6. Big Easy
This traditional Louisiana BBQ and fresh lobster restaurant is the place to go for home-style cooking, perfect to be enjoyed on their terrace with views over the water. The surf and turf orientated menu offers tons of fresh seafood along with ribs, burgers, steaks and sides ranging from fresh baked cornbread muffins to Texas hot links sausages and creamy mash. Crossrail Place E14 5AR
7. Feels Like June
We’d never encourage anyone to limit themselves to just one region of a menu. Saying that, we’d be doing you a disservice if we didn’t at least point you in the direction of breakfast at Feels Like June. Their California-inspired dishes offer reimagined classics such as buttermilk pancakes with macadamia nuts and creme fraiche, as well as other delicious options including ‘eggs any style’ and breakfast burritos. Great vibes are guaranteed, whatever you order – and you can even catch live DJ sets if you time your visit right. 15 Water St, London E14 9SB
8. Gaucho
If a succulent steak is what you’re craving, this Argentinian steak restaurant is always a safe bet. But whilst these premium cuts of beef are definitely the headline act, we must take a moment to appreciate the, still very notable, side dishes. Hand cut chips, confit mushrooms, truffle mac and cheese, creamed mash potato, the list goes on…
29 Westferry Circus E14 8RR
9. Patty & Bun
Situated in Wood Wharf, Canary Wharf’s neighbourhood area, Patty and Bun has a burger for every palette. With beef, chicken, lamb and veggie options to choose from along with a wealth of to-die-for toppings, these burgers are really in a league of their own. But make sure to leave space for some of their scrumptious side dishes, ranging from brisket loaded chips to smoked confit wings. 15 Park Drive, Wood Wharf E14 9GG
10. Wahaca
Home of fun, shareable Mexican street food, Wahaca is the perfect place for a relaxed meal with friends. The best part about dining out in a group is ordering big and bold, and with so many inviting options on the Wahaca menu, you can really go to town. 40 Canada Square E14 5FW
European – Frosty Days, Sizzling Dishes
11. Emilia’s Crafted Pasta
Four words: Truffled Cacio e Pepe. Or maybe you’re more the slow cooked bechamel bolognese kind. Either way, you’ll find these two showstopping dishes with plenty more at Emilia’s Crafted Pasta. Their flagship Canary Wharf store also has a great bar with its own special menu and a bocce area. So why not arrive early for an aperitivo and a game of bocce before you sit down to eat? 12 George St, Wood Wharf E14 9QG
12. Caravan
From sourdough pizzas and small plates to bold mains and creative cocktails, Caravan has quite literally got a drink and a dish for every occasion. Their globally inspired menu guarantees to keep everyone happy, and their chic, stripped back decor provides a lovely backdrop for a relaxed dining experience. Unit 2, Reuters Plaza E14 5AJ
13. Humble Grape
It might be the promise of over 450 artisan wines that draws you to this waterfront spot, but their selection of snacks and small plates definitely deserve some airtime as well. Sip on some 100% sustainable, independently produced wine with a gorgeous view and graze on everything from cheese croquettes and chilli fried chicken to burrata and baked camembert. 18-20 Mackenzie Walk E14 4PH
14. Ibérica
Whether it’s casual post-work drinks at the bar or a long weekend lunch, Ibérica ticks all the boxes for some laidback wining and dining. Indulge in cured meats, artisan cheeses and award-winning wines for a truly authentic Spanish experience. Designed by award-winning architect Lazaro Rosa Violan, the rustic interiors and mezzanine seating gives diners a little slice of Spain in London. 12 Cabot Square E14 4QQ
15. Mallow
From the team behind Mildred’s, Mallow is a 100% plant-based restaurant bringing you seasonal, sustainable food. Inspired by cuisines from the world over, the menu offers unique, innovative dishes that are guaranteed to impress even the most stubborn of meat eaters. Tuck into jambalaya arancino, wild mushroom tortelloni and so much more. 12 Park Drive, Wood Wharf E14 9ZW
British – From Farm to Fork
16. Blacklock
This award-winning steak restaurant is nothing short of a meat-lover’s dream. Gorge on decadent dishes such as pig’s head on toast, and steak sarnies, accompanied by delectable sides like beef dripping chips, chicory pear and stilton salad and bread and gravy (you know it makes sense). Whilst meat is most definitely their forte, veggies will still be well looked after with offerings such as barbecued British halloumi and creamy mushrooms on toast. What’re more, guests at the Canary Wharf restaurant can enjoy exclusive wines and cocktails at the large bar area, as well as special dishes only available at that branch. 5 Frobisher Passage E14 4EE
17. Boisdale
Few things will make you feel more glamorous than slurping an oyster and sipping a drink, overlooking the magnificent city skyline at Boisdale, the UK’s largest whisky bar. After savouring a pre-dinner drink, make your way to the Hine Garden Bar and Terrace for some exquisite Hebridean shellfish and Scottish smoked salmon. Adding that final magic touch to an already magnificent meal, you can enjoy live jazz, soul and blues whilst you dine. 1 Cabot Square E14 4QT
18. Fish Game
Fish Game was dreamt up by renowned restaurateur Roberto Costa, and as indicated by the name, this sustainable British restaurant specialises in two things. The menu celebrates Britain’s diversity, bringing you exciting creations using the finest produce from the land, sea and sky. Cooked using ash and charcoal, their exceptional small plates and starters include dishes such as rabbit croquettes and trout and lobster bisque. And to follow, you can feast on irresistible main plates such as sweet and sour duck, mussels and ribeye off the bone. 14 Water Street E14 5GX
19. Hawksmoor
There’s nothing like a beautiful surrounding to elevate an (already quite spectacular) meal. And whilst Hawksmoor’s dry-aged sustainable beef is nothing short of show stopping, eating it in the setting of Wood Wharf’s eco-friendly floating pavilion will take your dining experience to the next level. 1 Water Street E14 5GX
20. Six By Nico
Gone are the days where tasting menus were exclusively available to those with cash to burn. British chef, Nico Simeone’s affordable, themed tasting menus change every six weeks, bringing diners a magical experience inspired by a theme, destination or memory. Previous menus range from ‘The Chippie’ to ‘Catalonia’, with a ‘Street Food’ menu in the works for this winter… Chancellor Passage E14 5EA
