It would take you months, if not years, to sample the goods at all of Canary Wharf’s restaurants, bars and cafes; we’ve recently enjoyed mallow, Hawksmoor, bread&truffle, Six By Nico and The Ivy in the Park. Its 80+ culinary hotspots, new and established, all have their own unique stories to tell, especially given that the array of cuisines ranges from Caribbean and Chinese to vegan and Vietnamese, via French, Italian, Mexican and more.

Summer is the perfect time to soak up views and rays in tranquil, waterside al fresco spaces in every Wharf dining district, as well as luxuriating in leisure time at popular social entertainment venues. Read on to find out why Canary Wharf’s restaurant offering is eclectic and enticing enough to satisfy every palate.

Foodie favourites: the best places for superlative cuisine

At Six By Nico – in a gorgeous spot right by Eden Dock – your taste buds will thank you for relinquishing control; its six-course tasting menus, presented with paired wines or cocktails, are centred around intriguing themes like Murder on the Midnight Express. Locating the kitchen in the heart of the restaurant allows diners to marvel at the creation of inventive dishes in real time.

Look to the east for brilliant, brazen flavours that leave a lasting impression. At ROKA, eat while admiring the skyline or chefs working their magic at the open robata grill. Larger groups can dine outside on a Japanese-style terrace overlooking Canada Square. Din Tai Fung has opened its first east London eatery, specialising primarily in Taiwanese food with influences from other Chinese cuisines, and with a beautiful private dining room. It is renowned for xiao long bao; each dumpling passes through a 40-minute, hand-crafted process. Exclusively available at Canary Wharf are two new dishes: beef tenderloin with broccoli and mouth-watering chicken in a spicy sauce.

Dishoom

The Ivy In The Park terrace

Two names synonymous with authentic Indian flavours now call Canary Wharf home. At Dishoom – with an expansive interior and charming terrace – its delectable Bombay cuisine, from okra fries and jackfruit biryani to its signature black daal, can be sampled at any time of day. Kricket proudly combines British ingredients with the flavours and aroma of India in its warm, welcoming space on North Dock, with sister bar SOMA found right next door.

If you want to savour meat of the highest quality, you’re spoilt for choice. At Hawksmoor Wood Wharf, found in a striking floating pavilion with a 120-seat waterside bar, staff will be delighted to tell you that steaks come from cattle with stress-free lives and natural diets. At Blacklock, enjoy a leisurely lunch or evening feast in a welcoming, atmospheric spot in Frobisher Passage under the railway tracks; you’ll be transported back in time to 17th century chophouses.

mallow

Roe

At Roe – sister to the acclaimed Fallow St James’s and FOWL, with a large south-facing terrace – marvel at what ‘conscious culinary creativity’ can taste like, with seasonal ingredients taking centre stage. mallow, sister to the famous Mildreds (which opened on Greek Street in 1988), is proud to be 100 per cent plant- based, creating flavoursome dishes made with lots of ingredients sourced from sustainable local businesses.

Better al fresco: the best places to eat & drink outside

The moment Canary Wharf’s tapestry of terraces and beautiful outdoor spaces open, we rush to enjoy them; somehow a chilled cocktail or fresh salad tastes even better in the fresh air. The benefits of eating al fresco are well-documented, from connecting with nature and your dining companions to boosting vitamin D levels and encouraging a welcome break in routine. At Crossrail Place, surrounded by the waters of North Dock, allow time for a walk through the spectacular Crossrail Place Roof Garden before settling down at the dock-facing Big Easy and Pergola On The Wharf. At Fairgame, its terrace has outdoor bars, deck chairs and, of course, a prime view of the enormous, iconic hook-a-duck, floating happily in North Dock. If you’re strolling quayside, you’ll pass a number of enticing waterside pitstops, ranging from Lina Stores and Notes to Ippudo and Ole & Steen.

Eden Dock

Pergola on the Wharf

Stroll across to the calm surroundings of Eden Dock; from the area’s charming restaurant and bar terraces, watch bright hats bobbing along as the open water swim season restarts. You’ll want to take your time at Humble Grape; sample some of its 450 world-class wines, small plates on the side, and buy your favourites to take home. No. 35 Mackenzie Walk’s spacious, south-facing terrace is the place to be at any time of day, although chilled craft beers and cocktails after work will taste even better when soundtracked by a live DJ on Thursday and Friday evening.

Hawksmoor terrace

Drinks in Cabot Square

Also in the heart of Canary Wharf are Caravan, with a big terrace which is the perfect spot for people-watching, whether you’re enjoying smoothies and breakfast bowls or sourdough pizza and cocktails, and The Ivy in the Park. Here, right by gorgeously green Canada Square Park, which plays host to many events during the summer, enjoy a lively atmosphere on not one but two verdant terraces. Overlooking the fountains of Cabot Square is Boisdale of Canary Wharf; its Hine Bar & Garden Terrace – with awnings and heaters for year-round enjoyment – hosts talented DJs every week for popular music nights, and regular appearances from Jools Holland. Brother Marcus has just opened on South Colonnade, with its signature weekend brunch (until 4pm), mezze, cocktails and Greek-focused wine list plus, new for Canary Wharf, ‘souvla and skewers’ cooked over an open-fire grill.

Emilia’s Crafted Pasta

Feels Like June

Wander through Jubilee Park to Wood Wharf; on Water Street’s floating pavilions, Marceline’s terrace is dock-level, making being outside on summer evenings even more appealing. Just down the road, soak up the Californian vibes at Feels Like June, whatever the weather, during happy hour cocktails – an Alfama Sunset, anyone? Explore the peaceful riverside boardwalk before devouring a modern European feast at Roe on its beautiful terrace overlooking South Dock, Indian delights outdoors at Dishoom or homemade pasta and gelato at Emilia’s Crafted Pasta; gaze out over South Dock and the striking architecture of Canary Wharf ’s newest neighbourhood.

The more the merrier: the best places for group dining

If everyone fancies something different to eat, make a beeline for street food destination Wharf Kitchen where there’s plenty of seating and lively, colourful décor. Tantalise taste buds with iThai’s modern take on the tastes of Thailand and, at Biang, with dishes that marry Chinese and Western flavours to great effect; don’t miss the hand-pulled noodles and secret- recipe chilli sauce. Thunderbird’s fried chicken is second to none, and the same goes for the souvlakis and gyros found at Pittagoras, and the South American fare at Argentinian Grill (is it the best homemade chimichurri in London?). Foodies will love snapping shots of the vibrant Poke House and Indi-Go bowls.

For groups who gravitate towards Japanese food, head to Crossrail Place via the Adams Plaza Bridge; kids love to run the full length of its bright geometric interior, designed by Camille Walala and part of the Children’s Art Trail (which you can download from canarywharf.com). Sticks’N’Sushi goes all out for youngsters; appealing bento boxes, with chicken meatball ‘sticks’ (skewers), cucumber sushi rolls and the all-important chocolate fish, will win over even the fussiest eaters. Ippudo is similarly welcoming of families and groups, serving up steaming bowls of ramen and donburi, and so is Island Poké, also in Crossrail Place; encourage youngsters to try the traditional Hawaiian dish of marinated raw fish served over rice with delicious toppings.

Maybe it’s because they love bambinos or because their homeland is replete with delicious ingredients; either way, the Italians know how to keep everyone happy. We’re yet to meet a child who doesn’t like pasta, so introduce the whole family to the real deal at Emilia’s Crafted Pasta, where dishes are prepared with a respect for the techniques passed down by Italian nonnas, as well as for the science and art behind pairing pasta shapes with the perfect sauces. Afterwards children can burn off steam in Harbour Quay Gardens.

If you hanker after the finest American food, Big Easy delivers: barbecued lobster and steak, Louisiana-style, alongside burgers, brisket and ribs, epic milkshakes and ice cream floats. With a single-minded focus on doing one thing, and doing it exceptionally, Patty&Bun serves burgers like you’ve never had before – and the entire family will be demanding a repeat visit. Look out for artworks en route; Wood Wharf is home to the Knot sculpture which, thanks to its mirrored surface, is perfect for pulling funny faces!

Brother Marcus

Emilia’s Crafted Pasta

Children will love watching chefs toss the pizza dough at Franco Manca and Zizzi before sliding their creations into huge ovens (bonus points at the latter for the fact that they bring out colouring, crudités and pasta crisps before anyone has the chance to get hangry). Wagamama’s pan-Asian menu has mini versions of grown-up favourites like yaki soba and chicken katsu, sauce on the side and – parents rejoice – kids’ orders come out first. Wahaca is just as appealing, with tacos hot off the tortilla press and 200 ingredients freshly prepared every day. Buen provecho!

Fun and games: the best places for experiential leisure

More than ever, we’re seeking novel, fun, in-person experiences which allow us to interact with others in a way we can’t at pubs and bars, especially for non-drinkers; Canary Wharf has a diverse range of experiential leisure venues which allow exactly that.

If you’re up for shuffleboard, Electric Shuffle delivers that and much more; more being sourdough pizza paddles, flatbreads, sliders and skewers, plus cocktails ranging from salted caramel espresso martinis to frozen slushies, served from a gorgeously chic bar. To brunch or not to brunch isn’t even a question here; why wouldn’t you want to enjoy drinks, bottomless pizza and shuffleboard at the weekend?! Over at Fairgame, sustenance is taken just as seriously; sample some of London’s best street food vendors and visit a Bumper Bar to enjoy, Fairgame promises, killer cocktails, frozen margs, small-batch artisanal spirits, spritzes and London-brewed craft beer.

When you’re choosing to see the latest film or a cult classic, rejoice in the luxurious confines of the Everyman Cinema and take your indulgent fill of sharing plates, burgers, hot dogs, pizzas, sundaes and more, including (of course) popcorn. If you’re reconnecting over a game of padel, there’s Ace Bar at Padium for an immediate energy boost, in the form of high-quality protein shakes. You might be tempted later in the day by its beer or wine too… At Flip Out, for kids, there’s a simple menu of hot dogs and snacks to keep hunger at bay after an energetic session.

For those immersing themselves in a world of interactive clay target shooting, Clays not only promises to bring the best of the British countryside to the heart of the city; guests can also make the most of its spectacular bar, private room, expansive heated outdoor terraces and treehouse-style DJ booth. Here, the sharing plate and cocktail menus have, impressively, been curated by culinary director Roger Olsson, formerly of five-star London hotels The Dorchester and The Ritz.

Golfer or not, newcomer Pitch makes sure everyone will feel welcome, and well-fed. Head straight to JIYŪ, its modern Asian restaurant and bar, for everything from dumplings and spring rolls to jackfruit jungle curry and kimchi smash burgers, or to one of the two bars where late-night drinks are enhanced by live DJ sets. For those booking a social bay, enjoy your golfing session with food, drinks and great music too. At THE CUBE, players are encouraged to recharge between challenges with burgers, wings, nachos or pizza, plus drinks from one of its bars.

To find out more visit canarywharf.com