These days it’s hard to imagine the capital’s skyline without The Shard, so you may be surprised to know that the iconic building only opened seven years ago. The 95-storey high all-glass building now houses the highest viewing platform in London and a fleet of diverse, upmarket bars and restaurants. With its unique pyramid shape, The Shard stands out from the skyscrapers around it as a reflective and uplifting beacon in the city. It quickly shot onto the London dining scene and is now one of the most highly rated destinations for both locals and tourists.
The Shard’s establishments are spread across different levels of the building and the highest five offer 40-mile panoramic views across the city, while the lowest is on the ground floor. Beyond their spectacular views, they’re all pretty unique and special. From plush lounges serving artisan cocktails to a swanky sports bar and the best dumplings in the city, each has its own curated vibe and flavour.
Whether you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate a special occasion or simply want a taste of the high life, The Shard has something for you. We’ve put together an all-encompassing guide to make sure you’re in the know about all of The Shard’s restaurants and bars.
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How Many Restaurants are in The Shard?
There are currently six Shard restaurants and bars in total – Aqua Shard, Oblix, Hutong, Bar 31, TĪNG, and GŎNG, however, a more accurate number might be seven. Oblix at The Shard has two separate dining areas, each with its own dynamic experience. The suitably named Oblix West gives diner’s views of West London, while Oblix East looks out onto the East.
Which Shard Restaurant has the Best View?
Although each restaurant in The Shard has exceptional vistas, there’s one that’s widely accepted as having the best views in the building – Aqua Shard. Sitting on Floor 31 means it’s not the highest restaurant in the building (TĪNG takes that title on Level 35), but the design and layout give you that sublime feeling of dining in the clouds. The floor-to-ceiling glass walls stretch to double-height, engulfing you in the magnificent skyline stretching as far as the eye can see. No matter what table you’re seated at, Aqua Shard is guaranteed to make you feel on top of the world.
What is the Best Restaurant in The Shard?
Asking what is the best restaurant in the Shard is like asking what is the best music in the world. At the end of the day, it comes down to your individual taste and what you’re looking for. Are you going on a romantic date to celebrate an anniversary? Are you taking Grandma out for afternoon tea at the Shard to celebrate her birthday? Each restaurant and bar at the Shard has its own feel and offers an entirely different experience.
To help you choose the right spot, we’ve put together a concise roundup of every restaurant and bar in the Shard so that you can properly prepare for your trip to one of London’s most exciting city landmarks.
What are all The Shard Restaurants and Bars?
Aqua Shard
It’s hard not to feel on top of the world when you enter Aqua Shard. From its split level dining room and floor-to-ceiling windows, it exudes class. Many people agree that Aqua Shard has the best views of all six establishments. Using only seasonal, best-of-British ingredients, the kitchen produces top-notch dishes like truffled leek veloute, Hereford beef tartare and exceptionally fresh seafood main courses like poached cod and sea bass. For the full culinary experience, the Chef’s seasonal tasting menu gives diners four courses of innovative British cuisine with a backdrop of London that will take your breathe away.
Aqua Shard also serves up lavish breakfast, their famous Aqua Shard afternoon tea, and fantastic brunches. Imagine nibbling on your croissant, sipping a mimosa while basking in the sunrays streaming through the Shard’s enormous windows. We can think of worse ways to start your day.
Address: Level 31, The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 9RY | Opening times: Mon-Thurs 7am-1am, Fri 7am-3am, Sat 9am-3am, Sun 9am – 1am | Cuisine: British | Brunch? Yes | Afternoon tea? Yes | Sunday lunch? No
Oblix
Despite its stunning vistas and grand location, Oblix is a surprisingly relaxed restaurant. Located on the 32nd floor of The Shard, Rainer Becker’s Oblix offers two unique experiences both of which teeter over the London skyline.
Oblix East is the vibey cousin, hosting DJs and live music and serving an impressive range of culinary cocktails. It’s the more casual of the two and offers decadent weekend brunches and sunset parties.
Oblix West, on the other hand, is the restaurant’s more formal dining space and delivers Rainer Becker’s signature style of classy, fine urban dining. Rotisserie lovers will be in heaven and those after a lush afternoon tea or Sunday roast will have their expectations exceeded. Visit for the best of British fare from their wood-fired oven and charcoal grill or for a slice of the city’s best New York cheesecake.
Address: Level 32, The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 9RY | Opening times: Daily 12am – 11pm | Cuisine: NY Grill | Brunch? Yes | Afternoon tea? Yes | Sunday lunch? Yes
Hutong
Hutong at The Shard is the sibling to the Hong Kong original and boasts the same iconic Chinese red lanterns adding to the overall moody lighting and feel. For the discerning diner, Hutong offers an eclectic mix of Sichuan and Northern Chinese dishes. And get this – they have eight different types of dumplings to choose from.
Hutong’s cuisine is inspired by the dishes served in the imperial palaces of Peking and all dishes are based on the “Lu school” cuisine of Shandong Province. It may be pricey but the food and service are outstanding, while the dinner and signature lunch menu artfully captures the subtlety and ingenuity of Northern Chinese cooking. Feast on roasted Peking duck, Sichuan-style deep-fried lobster and some of the most masterful dim sum in the land while you sip on wine from an extensive global wine list. At the end of your meal, head over to the traditional wishing tree which invites you to make a wish for the future. This is special occasion dining at its most magical.
Address: Level 33, The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 9RY | Opening times: Lunch: Mon-Fri 12-2.30pm, Sat-Sun 11.30am-3.30pm; Dinner: Mon-Sun 6-10.30pm | Cuisine: Sichuan and Northern Chinese | Brunch? No | Afternoon tea? No | Sunday roast? No
Bar 31
Despite its name, Bar 31 is set on the ground floor of The Shard. It’s the most casual of the Shard restaurants – an upmarket deli meets vibey sports bar. Expect a beautiful setting, high ceilings, long glass countertops and a laid back ambience. On Friday and Saturday evenings the venue lights up with live music and flowing drinks, making it the perfect spot to unwind with friends.
Bar 31 offers a wide range of local beers and spirits, as well as affordable wines, champagnes and top-notch pizzas and bar snacks. If you’re looking for the ultimate after-work hangout where you’ll rub shoulders with other trendy professionals, then this is it. Although it is a classy bar, it’s not too glam or pretentious and delivers respite from the typical tourist trail. Bar 31 is warm, buzzing and filled with life.
Address: Bar 31, The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 9RY | Opening times: Tues-Fri 11am-11pm, Sat 11am-12am | Cuisine: Classic bar snacks | Brunch? No | Afternoon tea? No | Sunday lunch? No
TĪNG
The name TĪNG was derived from the Chinese word for ‘living room’, which reflects the casual yet elegant style of this restaurant. Discover a delicious, local dining experience, celebrating fresh ingredients sourced from suppliers at neighbouring Borough Market. The Shard’s 35th floor restaurant is divided into two parts: the lounge and the restaurant. The restaurant is the pricier option, serving up a selection of modern European dishes (think stone bass in XO sauce, rabbit terrine and beef fillet). The lounge is the more casual option and serves a pan-Asian menu featuring salmon teriyaki, chicken satay and pad thai. The space is sophisticated and subtle, with an open-plan finishing deck offering a glimpse into the kitchen’s lively buzz. Whether you choose the lounge or the restaurant area, you can be certain that you’ll receive sleek service alongside awe-inspiring views of the city.
Address: Level 35, The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 9RY | Opening times: 6.30am-11pm daily | Cuisine: European & Pan-Asian | Price: 3 courses for £55 in the restaurant; £15 for a small plate and £40 for a main in the lounge | Brunch? No | Afternoon tea? Yes, from £52
GŎNG Bar
Got a taste for adventure? If you’re looking for a real experience in the clouds, then head to The Shard’s highest bar, which also holds the title of the tallest hotel bar in Western Europe (ok so this is a bit of a niche feat, but a feat nonetheless). With views stretching across London and beyond, you simply can’t beat sundowners at GŎNG Bar. Fantastic views aside, its allure lies in its luxurious interiors, which are a seductive mix of marble countertops, sexy red barstools and voluptuous couches. Its name derives from “dougong” which is a traditional Chinese architecture that makes use of interlocking wooden brackets, which you’ll see featured at the bar. There are three separate spaces at GŎNG Bar divided into intimate chambers that house a champagne bar, a cocktail bar and an infinity pool. Feeling snackish? Order sushi rolls, tuna tataki or any other Asian-inspired bar snacks
Address: Level 52, The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 9RY | Opening times: Mon-Sat 12pm-1am, Sun 12am-12pm | Cuisine: Pan-Asian inspired | Brunch? No | Afternoon tea? Yes
I am an experienced writer specializing in travel, food, weddings, and well-being. Continuing my nomadic lifestyle I am currently based on the beautiful island of Malta.