Last Updated on May 26, 2026
Panoramic Views and Fine Dining at Floor 32
4.7 out of 5.0 stars
Since being built, The Shard has become an iconic building in London. An invitation to try out new dishes at the Aqua Shard Restaurant, thirty-one floors above ground level, was an invitation I couldn’t resist, even though I’m afraid of heights. To my delight, it wasn’t at all scary, allowing me to enjoy wonderful panoramic views of London, accompanied by delicious food and excellent service.
Periodically, Aqua Shard holds curated evenings to showcase its artisan suppliers. On this occasion, it was the turn of family-run Bethnal Green Fish Supplies, who pride themselves on the quality of their fish, which they prepare to order and supply ready to cook.
Executive Chef Mark Abbott loves his profession, as is evident in the menu he has created. He learnt his trade at two-star Michelin Midsummer House in Cambridge and is well into his second year at the Aqua Shard. We were treated to some new seasonal dishes specially created for the à la carte menu. Each is paired with an accompanying wine.
Aqua Shard covers the whole of the thirty-second floor. You are swept in a lift to the thirty-first floor, and then it’s one short flight of stairs to the restaurant above. The evening started perfectly for me with a glass of NV Veuve Clicquot as we congregated around the bar. The ideal way to acclimatise while also providing time to enjoy the surreal atmosphere of being very high up. We were virtually in the clouds, if there were any, and yet surrounded by recognisable buildings along the skyline.
The meal started with cured Scottish Gurnard served with a violet potato and cucumber salad, which had a burnt lemon gel and watercress dressing. Alongside this were served large, freshly baked, warm, crunchy sourdough rolls made from fermented lentil and heritage grain.
Grilled and glazed Cornish octopus followed, with a cod’s roe emulsion and tomato and fennel salsa. A glass of Spanish wine a 2024 Galician Albariño, Pazo Señorians, Rias Baixas accompanied it.
Abbott showed us how he stuffed the Newlyn John Dory, our main platter with St George mushrooms, before roasting the fish in the oven. Served on a bed of broccoli purée and pickled shallots with a red wine reduction, steamed English asparagus, and new season Jersey Royal potatoes were on the side. A glass of French Burgundy, a 2024 Chablis, Les Chanoines, D. Laroche, was served with it.
Dessert was described as an English-style outdoor rhubarb Alaska: a rhubarb and vanilla parfait with a ginger-poached rhubarb compote encased in a delicate yet crunchy pink peppercorn meringue. A 2025 Asti Moscato, Tenuta Olim Bauda from Piedmont in Italy, finished our gourmet meal.
Aqua Shard’s à la carte menu includes meat, fish and vegetarian options which follow the seasons with ingredients sourced with sustainability at its heart from trusted local partners.
The Shard looks as if it’s constructed of glass from floor to ceiling. I would recommend the Aqua Shard as a ‘must’ visit place for a meal, although it’s also possible to enjoy its atmosphere and views over a cocktail or two.
Aqua Shard
Level 31, The Shard,
31 St Thomas Street,
London SE1 9RY.
020 3011 1256
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Looking for something different? Check our review of Shiro, another restaurant from the Aqua group, in the heart of the City.
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