I remember a meal (large group of us, late at night, celebrating a friend's birthday) with poor service in the less formal section last summer. The more formal (though not stuffy) half is in a completely different league. You get world class food and (slick) service, with stunning riverside views. The South Bank setting provided additional buzz to lift the spirits. This restaurant is a real asset for London. read more

I am lucky to have this restaurant right near to my place of work and have had a few meetings meeting in the Girll area of the restaurant. As has been publicised on all other reviews the views out across the river are stunning especially in the summer at night time as you can imagine. I have had fish both times i have visited the Skylon Grill and can't fault the swordfish and tuna that was served. As you would expect from a restaurant of this calibre the service is excellent and restaurant feels spacious. I would recommend asking for a window seat when booking but these can be quite close together as everybody asks for these. I am heading there again tomorrow night for my first dinner service experience so watch this space. read more

Just fancy enough without being overbearingly snobby. It's a single large room, very high-ceilinged so as not to be too noisy. There's a bar in the middle, a "grill" on one side (quite a fancy restaurant on its own) and a fine dining area on the other side. I was at the grill; we were lucky enough to have a table for four right by the window at night, offering great views out over the Thames and the South Bank. Cocktails were nice but very expensive. Food was pricey but portions varied; all were good quality and well-presented. My endive salad was balanced and acted as a true appetiser, getting me ready for more. My pork belly was very large and succulent. One of my companions had a steak that they said was very good too. Two others had a fish dish that - while tasty - was a bit on the skimpy side. For dessert I had the best apple tartin I've ever put in my mouth. Overall it's a really good restaurant for dates and special occasions, if not regular visits. read more

It is quite hard to resist popping into Skylon after visiting the NFT. The biggest draw of this place is the view. The bar resides on the second floor of the Royal festival hall and gives a stunning panoramic view of the Thames. I've only ever drank beer or champagne so wouldn't know how good the cocktails are here. It is always super busy so I recommend arriving before people finish work if you can. Two more negatives are that the staff wear really ugly uniforms and the toilets are miles away. read more

This restaurant is very much a case of Marmite; either you like it or you don't. For London-style prices, you don't get London-sized portions, in that the prices are fairly costly, but the servings are paltry compared to other local eateries. If the portions were bigger, then they'd reflect the price, and I'd be giving this review at least another star, possibly even 2. I'm guessing the portions are to try and make it look like a hip place to be, where fashionistas and celebrities would attent, eat a lettuce leaf, and say they're full, but I'm 6'2", 182lbs, and hungry. Aside from that though, the venue is well decorated, and the staff are always polite and helpful, even if they do sometimes seem to be darting around in a bit of a day-dream. As for the food, it's not overly tasty, but if I was really hungry, I'd consider eating there in a real tight pinch. read more

Skylon is a must see place in London. The cocktails and the view are not to be missed. Soak up the 1950s style and imagine you are in a swanky film. Get there at the right time on the weekend and you can just watch the river and enjoy the view of London's skyline from Skylon. However, for a Coeliac it poses problems. Having bar snacks with cocktails is tricky as the staff are unaware of what the coating is or whether it contains gluten. Their light snack bar menu has limited options although the meat platter is pretty safe if not a bit - well on the meaty side. Lunch and dinner is also challenging. And gluten free diets for Coeliacs aside if you're not a fan of minimalist food - jog on somewhere else. Why have we reviewed it at all? The atmosphere is unlike any other bar in London and the decor is amazing right down to the staff's space age uniform. You wish that you'd dressed up to lounge around sipping Martinis. Must see: the view Must try: the amazing cocktails Who to take: a date you want to impress Wish: they did more gluten free options. read more

Wonderful place for special day! Good view and you will definitely enjoy the everning lights around River Thames. The rib eye steak is so tasty that I will never order it in Angus Steakhouse. read more

Skylon - Rib Eye! - Modern European Near Me - London, XGL

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A winning combination of ambience, service and location. At least three separate pieces of great customer service: charm at the host stand; pleasant and relaxed at the bar, which was crowded and busy; exceptional in the restaurant, including moving us from a nice table on the banquette to a fabulous table by the window. And this review is NOT about the view. Which is exceptional itself. The wine was great: Veuve Clicquot and an excellent Chassagne-Montrachet. And the food was also delicious: as my guest, my cousin put it: "Thank you so much for such an amazing, enlightening and all round fab night. And YUMMY dinner!!!" She's vegetarian; the menu didn't look helpful but the servers adapted and her pasta was surpassing. My scallops and duck were outstanding. And the 'amuse Bouche', a white tomato soup, was foamy and ridiculously good, And yes, it would be worth it, just for the view. And in at sense it seems that this restaurant is a notable exception to the rule that the better the location or view, the worse the food.... I will be back. Often. And yes, the view is amazing... read more

The Southbank Centre divides opinion architecturally, but it's brutalist exterior is a disguise for a softer, more rounded interior, with polished wooden banisters, high ceilings and functional light fittings reminding you of the primary schools of your youth. It was here that we gathered to toast a friend's 40th birthday at the upper level Skylon restaurant. A carefully selected table at the window afforded us splendid views over the Thames and the north bank. We were well attended by the sommelier and our waiter, with the first round of drinks swiftly arriving at our table. Nicely at ease now, we perused the menu, having decided already to eschew starters to make room for a potential dessert option. The tasting menu looked very appealing, but requires a full wallet, so we plumped for a la carte options from a menu stacked with fish dishes - I selected the Mallard option and we added a couple of carbohydrate side dishes - thick cut chips and mash. It did feel a little odd to see chips hiding on our table alongside the notably more sophisticated main dishes. All four of the main dishes were well received, although my mallard choice was definitely the most substantial in volume. The dessert choice was now a requirement, rather than a luxury! As it was a birthday, there was an extremely well decorated chocolate sauce plate for our guest of honour - a touch of class there. Glasses of champagne, a bottle of red, four mains and desserts took us slightly north of £250, so it's not cheap ears by any stretch of the imagination, but it's a price worth paying for fabulous fare, splendid service and a super setting. One for a special occasion. read more

Amazinnnggggg! The ambience, service and FOOD was out of this world! Can't even say anything else lol, just go there!

I was taken for dinner here by someone with lots more money than me (my dad). Despite being ill-equipped to deal with the attentive waiter service (chair pulling out and whatnot) I had a great time. The food was amazingly tasty, and exactly what you want from a restaurant -there was no way I could have cooked most of it myself. My starter was a squid & chorizo risotto with a very tasty parmesan sauce which was theatrically poured around my plate after it had been served. We didnt book, so we weren't by the window but it's probably worth doing so as the views were amazing. And there was a week night deal which gave you 2 courses for £30 (if memory serves). Go here if you're looking for something special and like fancy grub. read more

Had dinner here last night. This restaurant certainly has beautiful views. We had a table by the window and it was lovely to watch the colours change on the Thames as the light went down. We had the pre-theatre menu which had a fair amount of choice for that type of menu. The food was a bit disappointing though. Maybe it was because of the reviews this place received when it first opened but I expected something a little more exciting. We had fishcakes as main course which were adequate but the fries my friend ordered as a side were slightly soggy. The deserts were much better. My pear and chocolate tart with Guinness ice-cream was the perfect size and very good. Given the food and despite the service (which was good - helpful but unobtrusive) and the views, I thought it was slightly overpriced for what it is. The bar area was buzzing when we left and it's definitely somewhere I would go back for a drink if on the South Bank. read more

The place's got vibe and the location is respectable, I luckily had a "window" table and i have to say the view is quite nice especially this time of the year with the Christmas market "broadcasting" right next to you. The service was decent and the waiters were funny, where it falls incredibly short is the food... I want to go out for dinner to have something that i hardly can cook at home... The food was just average, something i could probably get in a TGI Friday... One other thing that bothered me very much is the fact that the restaurant restrooms are in fact the Theater's restroom (dirty and crowded like a gas station toilette). All in all i wouldn't go back, pity though...another London missed opportunity of a great restaurant. read more

I went to this delightful restaurant last year for my birthday with big and little people of my family. It was absolutely lovely, the food was amazing particularly my gnocchi started. But what made it so lovely was the fuss the waiter and the manager made of both me (the birthday girl!) and my 6 yr old niece who loved getting dressed up for the occasion! It's in a great location and I would defo go again. read more

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views a joke you're just looking at trees and pavement, servers just rush you through the whole experience, wasn't allowed to even order a starter without ordering a main course within 10 minutes of sitting down, don't get the cod it tastes like dishwasher the plate just went through. they are simply pretending to be something they are not, i get the pompous attutide if you've got a Michelin star or a great view but its all a big grand facade. if you're paying that kind of money go somewhere else I recommend the shard if youre gonna splurge, where you get great service and an actual view, and not having to pretend its worth it . read more

I gave this restaurant 5 stars because of its value. The food is first rate. The service is first rate. The location is outstanding. It's a fine dining experience in almost anyone's book. But the pre-theatre menu is such a bargain for the combination of quality and service and location. The a la carte menu is priced appropriately, so if you're not doing the pre-theatre price, you'll pay what you would expect. But what a gem of a restaurant for tourists looking to have a nice dinner near the south bank, or for someone trying to save a few quid on a nice dinner experience (that's me!). read more

Warning. I maybe a bit biased here as the first dinner that i had in Skylon was a part of one of the better evenings i have had in London in-spite of being alone. Skylon has one of the finest locations among restaurants that i have visited in London. Its in the Southbank centre and offers a stunning view of the Thames and of the Somerset House across the river. I was in the Royal Festival hall for a London Philharmonic Orchestra concert ... and i liked their a-la-carte steak menu and so i went in. It was almost closing time and so they only had the post-theatre menu on offer. Really !!! Can't i get the entrecote ??? ... i pleaded with the waitress. She was sweet enough to recheck with the kitchen staff, who curtly repeated the negative message. So i ended up with the £19 post-theatre 2 course menu (£22 for 3 courses), while sitting alone at a window-side table. I ordered the foie gras chicken liver parfait with toast for starter. It was possibly because i was having foie gras after quite some time, but it tasted really good ... and went very well with the glass of white wine that i had ordered. The chicken liver was perfect. For the main course i had onglet steak (what did you think ? ... i wouldn't give up on the meat, would i ?) with potatoes and spinach. What i got was a rather large portion. I went with the cook's recommendation and ordered it medium-rare, rather than the well-done that i normally prefer. Boiled spinach seemed to be a rather odd accompaniment for a steak ... but the combination was excellent and so i won't complain. My only complain against skylon is the lack of access to its a-la-carte menu. I had returned another day in afternoon, before the theatre, and i was told that at that time they were serving only the pre-theatre menu (which is identical to the post-theatre menu) and that the a-la-carte menu would be available only after the theatre starts. So between the pre and post matinee shows and the pre and post evening shows, that leaves only a precious few hours when you can have their proper dishes. I strongly recommend Skylon over all the chain restaurants nearby if you want to have a meal around the Royal Festival Hall. I will surely go back. read more

Excellent food in a great location. It delivers exactly what it promises, good food, in a upscale atmosphere with premium drinks and a feet view. Wait for a table by the window if you have time. The braised pork was marinated well and very succulent. The mushroom risotto was a dream. The welcome, reception, ordering and food delivery was spot on, the only negative was the check, which came more than 30 minutes after we finished dinner... But we were happy to enjoy the view and were thrilled with the meal. read more

The food is great. I believe the Chef is Finnish/Swedish, hence lots of the interesting dishes/bar snacks. Meat balls, herrings, etc etc. I prefer the bar tables, where you can order bar snacks, as opposed to a three course meal. I've eaten in the main restaurant, which is a bit more formal and v. expensive. But, you get what you pay for.. good quality food. I love the location of this restaurant in the Festival Hall, overlooking the river thames with a partial view of the London Eye. I'd almost forgotten to mention the cocktails.. excellent, esp. Mai Tai! My only criicism is that the staff are toooooooooooo attentive, which is annoying. Constantly being asked if everything is ok and can I get you anything else. read more

I had high expectations coming into this place. I knew it was going to be pricy so I was prepared. My wife's pork was good, and her potatoes were cold. I ordered the steak. It came out burnt, almost black which washed out 90% of any steak flavor, not to mention somehow it was cold. I didn't want to say anything because I didn't want to waist another 30 minutes waiting for another steak. I ate it and paid my overpriced bill. Wouldn't go here again. I guess you have to experience it for yourself. read more

The location is great, as mentioned in previous reviews. But you can spend time in the Festival Hall without going to Skylon. However the food at Skylon was inconsistent. My starter was amazing but my entree was overcooked. The dessert was again good. read more

Very elegant restaurant with wonderful food. The only problem that I saw was that the restaurant, while very elegant, is bordered by a very popular bar. The noise does carry into the restaurant. I would say that while it makes a great impression for a business meeting it probably isn't great for a romantic dinner. The food and service were impeccable. Serving size reflects nouveau cuisine styling the taste leaves you wanting more. Well the upshot is that there are golden arches down the walk for the after bar treat. read more

Grest ambience location and food. We were a small group and had champagne, starter and main and a few bottles if wine. The quality was great and with a good choice as well. Good wine list and great service. Perfect to celebrate professional occasions and stay for a drink at the bar. A bit pricey but we did have a lot of food and drinks! read more

This restaurant is located on the second level of the south bank centre with a lovely view of the southbank area and the Thames. Although I must say even though they have full length windows the river view was somewhat limited due to the overgrown trees on the bank. The restaurant is divided into 2 sections, the bar & grill area and the restaurants area. I was in the restaurant area. I must say the service was excellent, the staff were extremely attentive and friendly. The food were delicious but the serving size was a bit on the small side. Highly recommended. read more

Love the view and the pricey drinks. Didn't get any food here because it was pricey and we had already ate. I still think it's worth any price for the view. Very posh! read more

Skyon was really disappointing. We expected an 'event' evening, we got over salted food, a bottle of wine that seemed to mysteriously empty after we had consumed just one (normal sized) glass each and service which though pleasant was scatterbrained in the extreme. A pity as the view is perhaps the best in London. read more

Very average - basically an overpriced gastropub with worse-than-pub service. Menu has only things like fish and chips, bangers and mash, burgers- but with some wine it'll cost you £50+. Try one of the more fun, cheaper and equally good places in the area. read more

Great views of the Thames, shame about the rest. Went for set lunch and food is nothing that bowls you over. The only good thing was the dessert of lemon meringue tart, which had a strange small marshmallow on top for decoration (not really necessary as did not any interesting element to the dessert). Service is shockingly slow and not very attentive - they even took 10mins to bring the bill after two reminders. May recommend this place for a drink and views, but don't bother with food. read more

This is one of my favourite restaurants in London, and one I always recommend to visitors from abroad. The food is good, and the views of the Thames magical, especially at dusk. When you book, ask for a window seat they won't guarantee it, but if you don't ask, you won't get. They regularly participate in Evening Standard special offers currently three courses with wine for £19. A recent lunch from the Festival of Britain menu enjoyed gravadlax, then a superb cod with chick peas and chorizo, reminiscent of a cassoulet, with a smoky flavour. Cod cooked to perfection and properly filleted. Pud of mango cheesecake was ok, but no discernible mango flavour. With coffee and a pleasant Chilean Sauvignon, we paid £31 per head inc. tip. Bargain. read more

BIt of a mixed opinion of the delightful Skylon. On the one hand, it's near my work and offers wine, cocktails, teas, and virgin cocktails (aka beautifully blended juice drinks) which are heavenly. On the other hand, however, the second you cross that threshold, several minions, skirted or trousered, come up to you to see whether they can help you. I'm here, I'm looking around, I am obviously either looking for a table, or a person. How big of a leap of faith can it be to offer to find me a table, perhaps? Or if I actually talk to you, and tell you I'm looking for a table for two for drinks, do give me somewhere to sit down. Pointing me to a single bar stool next to a large person that I'd be consistently bumping into, when you have two separable four-person tables going free, is not acceptable. Well. Not for me, anyway. Either you help, or you sit in your corner and try to look decorative. Got it? So Skylon earns itself a few stars for the drinks menu, loses a few for well staff. And gains a bonus one (or half a one?) for having nice semi-addictive nibbles that come with the drinks, as well as (the massive cherry on top) for bringing glasses of water! read more

We got into London kinda late in the afternoon, so there wasn't much we could do. We hit up the London Eye before it closed and headed over to Skylon for dinner. Really nice place. Seemed to be full of people going for a bite after work and a few people on dates. Not touristy at all. food was very well done. I had butternut squash risotto. It was very good. Great views. Very nice staff. Would go back next time I am in London. read more

Visited twice within one week - once for dinner and yesterday for lunch. We had a window table for lunch which made the whole experience absolutely delightful. At dinner we were right at the back by the staff desk and it was very noisy and a bit too frenetic there. The food is good and the service very professional. Really lovely setting especially if you get a table in the window. read more

Excellent food but service was slow. It could just be because I am an American that I thought the service was too slow... But that is what is keeping it from 5 stars. I was waiting on the server to come back serval times though out our visit. Empty glasses needing filling, wanted to order more food, plates not cleared for sometime... But food was perfectly prepared. read more

I booked Skylon for a pre theatre dinner. Attentive service all round and good food. We had a vchr for 3 courses and a glass of wine, but were then told we were entitled to a bottle. Result! The restaurant looked really nice in the evening when it got darker - warm colours, candle light, nice view.. read more

Not the easiest place to get to from a station, yet being next to the Thames, it's not like it was an unpleasant walk from Waterloo East. The restaurant was oozing with sophistication and although incredibly busy for a week-day evening, it didn't spoil the atmosphere as a group. The cocktails were divine, with an array of multi-alcoholic, multi-coloured concoctions to choose from. Dinner was lovely too. For the main I chose a succulent, melt-in-your-mouth steak, with mash potato. Dessert was a chocolate torte. I've never seen better views from an eatery; I could look right across to St Paul's. Thankfully I didn't pay for anything as I'm sure my share would've cost a day's wages, but I highly recommend this place, if you can afford the prices. read more

I visited Skylon regularly when it first launched and I was very impressed with it every single time. Recently though I'm disappointed to see the quality go downhill fast and the prices getting increased beyond reasonable. On the positive side: - The view is premium and one of the best in London. - Tables are well-spaced. - The staff are always polite and professional On the downside: - The staff seem `too busy` all the time which means they dump the food on your table and then are off to do the next table. There's no attention to any of the diners. - The cocktails are more than 50% ice which is disappointing. - The wines are over-priced for what you get. - However, my main gripe is that for the 3-course fixed price of £45 you expect the best. Unfortunately this has not been the case for the last few visits: I've found the food to be served cold, portions getting smaller, and when I quizzed why my fish was so salty I was surprised to hear "because it lives in the sea". I suspect more likely that the chef had an accident. Either way, I don't expect sub-standard food for that kind of price. I like to use Skylon as a `special occasion` restaurant but when you consider the quality of the food for the price they charge there are many better options in London to choose from. read more

This place has the best view in London! It's in the Southbank centre and faces the Thames. It has huge glass windows that look onto the river and is the perfect place for a fancy cocktail or a posh dinner I love sitting at the bar sipping a fancy drink, it is a truly special place. The food isn't cheap but it's worth it after all you are paying for a great location, view and excellent service. The restaurant compromises of two parts: the grill, which is easy food like soups, burgers, fish, pasta etc and the restaurant area which is more upmarket and also more expensive offering fancy dishes such as Smoked wild pacific halibut, globe artichokes, charlotte potatoes and tapenade jus. read more

Went to Skylon for our wedding anniversary & had a very good evening. Obviously the view over the river from the tables by the big windows are one of the main attractions of coming here, so it was a little disappointing to not be offered one of these tables, but c'est la vie. The food was really good - I'm afraid I was a little conservative & went for the steak, but it was very nicely done & plenty big enough for me. Good cocktails pre-meal & we eventually got to move to a window table for our coffees at the end of the evening once the clientel had thinned out a bit. read more

Get a window seat and you're laughing, wonderful views and for the money the food was pretty impressive. great for for a first date!

I just love Skylon, from the wonderful views across the Thames and the decor, to the snappy little uniforms the staff wear. Meals are always delicious, tho' I confess I've never opted for the expensive "dining area". We always eat in the less formal, "London Eye" side of the restaurant. The drinks are pricey and a bit of a disappointment - cocktails could really be a little more generous and not so overstuffed with ice. However, the staff are always gracious, I love the atmosphere and as I've already said, the kitchen do a great job. read more