Oblix at The Shard

High in the sky above the sweeping London landscape sits Oblix, one of a handful of restaurants in tourist magnet The Shard. Boasting truly stunning views of the capital, alongside a menu of “first class” food, it has long been a favourite among SquareMeal readers.

At Oblix, moody modern aesthetics (the reception desk is in almost complete darkness) soon give way to truly stunning panoramic vistas. Owner Rainer Becker is better known for Asian-themed Zuma and Roka, but Oblix is more firmly rooted in Western gastronomy. The menu kicks off with snacks and small plates, including a decadent and crisp truffled flatbread which is topped with shavings of pancetta and flakes of ricotta. Elsewhere, try springy crispy squid pepped up with chilli and lime, or perhaps a super fresh and creamy lobster and clam linguini.

Sizeable mains come from the in-house Josper grill, rotisserie and wood-fired oven – think steaks in various sizes served alongside thick-cut chips and helpings of rich mac ‘n’ cheese, and a tender helping of duck with a crispy skin, dipped in a vibrant mango sauce. For pudding, the dessert platter is surely the only way to go, featuring miniature versions of Oblix’s entire dessert menu, including a bar of chocolate topped with crunchy bourbon ice cream, and a fluffy slice of New York cheesecake.

If dinner reservations prove hard to book, Oblix also offers a weekend brunch menu complete with an extensive dessert station, and a luxe Sunday lunch featuring the likes of lamb rump with puy lentils, parsley and mint. For the budget minded, a “good value” set lunch menu offers an affordable way in.

One of six restaurants and bars in towering skyscraper The Shard, Oblix is a contemporary restaurant which champions carefully sourced British produce, with much of the menu cooked on a rotisserie grill. The restaurant has a double identity and is split between two distinct spaces; Oblix East is home to a bar and informal dining, while Oblix West acts as the main dining room.

If you are visiting East, you can expect to enjoy either lunch, dinner or weekend brunch in a setting that boasts awe-inspiring views of east London and employs a muted colour scheme of browns and natural woods which let those views do the talking. The à la carte features dishes such as caramelised pork skewers with crispy shallots or a Wagyu beef burger topped with cheese and truffle mayonnaise. The menu is also more accessible than that of West, with diners able to enjoy a starter and main course for £28 per person.

On the weekends, Oblix East serves a three-course brunch, with the option to add bottomless wine or Champagne. Starters to share include a charcuterie board or salt cod croquettes, while main courses see seafood linguine and grilled baby chicken pepped up with garlic and rosemary.

For more formal dining, head to Oblix West. Here, you’ll find a buzzy open kitchen by the entrance and a chic dining room in which you can enjoy lunch, dinner, afternoon tea or a classic Sunday roast. On the regular menu, you’ll find dishes such as crispy octopus with sweet peppers and black olive mayonnaise, or perhaps wild mushroom orzo pasta with Spenwood cheese and black truffle. There is also the option to order from the grill – think a selection of steaks and whole lobster slathered in garlic butter.

If you’re worried about the intimidating prices at Oblix, opt for the Elevator Lunch (starter, main and side for £40), or visit for afternoon tea, when you’ll find classic finger sandwiches served alongside freshly-baked scones.