Oxo Tower Restaurant

Situated on London's South Bank rising over the River Thames - Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar & Brasserie is a luxe dining destination where modern British and Mediterranean cuisine are met with sparkling vistas of the city.

The dramatic 8th floor bar and dining room is an unusual space beginning with the shuttered ceilings and extreme blue hued lighting. With glass spanning the walls and ceilings entirely it is as if you are dining in an opulent greenhouse. But actually a blue house. The gaping, angular windows provide a beautiful view out to St. Paul's Cathedral. 

The ultra modern, almost futuristic looking space is heralded by a long all-white bar with a curved edge. Towering white vases contain Poinsettia plants. Tables are set in white linens with handsome leather u-shaped chairs. 

Tricia had dined here back in 2008 and had a feeling another fantastic experience was store if we returned. She did not steer us wrong! We were greeted warmly by maitre'd as we stepped in off the elevators, she took our coats and umbrellas and showed us a seat at the bar area where we ordered cocktails.

We were seated before they arrived and so they swiftly followed in our footsteps. True to form, the Aperol based sparkling libation caught my eye. Combining my favorite orange liquor with Mandarine Napoleon, crushed peach, passion fruit and a charge of Prosecco the Riveria (£13.50) appeased but at a lofty price point.

Tricia chose the Black Libertine (£9.95) made with crushed fresh blackberry, Drambuie Liquor and lime juice. It came overflowing with ice and seemed slightly challenging to drink. Forgoing an appetizer since our late lunch (almost an early dinner) of fish and chips kept our appetites at bay, we jumped right into the mains. Apparently, where fish is concerned, I could not get enough this trip. My Cornish Stone Sea Bass with black risotto, baby squid, sea purslane and lemon oil (£27.50) presented with every element perfectly in its place. The dusting of salts and sea purslane across the white canvas were eye catching. 

This blue lighting - not so much! I thought the black and white photos were easier on the eyes in some instances.

This was an expertly seared piece of Cornish sea bass. The generally mild fish benefited from a simple preparation, where delicately crisp and toasty skin gives way to buttery, lemony, flaky flesh.

Squeaky clean squid tentacles mingled with strips of nicely sautéed haricot verts over a compact and generous portion of jet-black risotto. I typically come across squid ink in pasta form, but I relished its heightened flavors as it absorbed the tender rice. Building from the briny seafood essence, there's an understated richness, a subtle murky deep sea flavor with a complex mouthfeel that fulfills a high honor of complimenting that beautiful fish.

Tricia ordered the Roast and braised wild duck with goats curd, cinnamon dumpling and coriander caramel (£25.50). Benefiting from a flawless preparation and a unique flavor profile, Tricia loved it all except the caramel topping. It felt like the chef was taking a risk with this element of the dish!

Our interactions with the waitstaff at Oxo Tower were interestingly enough, all over the map. Our first server at the bar was highly engaging and genuine, his bright personable nature was followed up by one-note table service; which was mostly courteous and timely. Towards the end, one server became all too fussy and his presence felt slightly imposing. (Hovering, awkward conversations, unsolicited advice.) And was that just a poor attempt at an upsell or is he genuinely concerned that we only ordered one small dessert to share? (Giving him the benefit of the doubt.) Once we were presented a tiny dessert of Hazelnut parfait with poached pears and lemon verbena (£8) his gesture made a little more sense. Despite the fact that I thought it could have been double the size, it was absolutely lovely.The parfait was ultra creamy, complimented by a crumbly lemon verbena cookie, soft delicately poached pears, a crunchy caramel nougat and plated alongside cute little meringue teardrops. Above all, the menu showcases a wide variety of beautifully prepared dishes, executed precisely and in harmony with exciting ingredients. Detractors claim you pay for the view, can you blame them? Even if you likely are (hello $20 cocktail) the food rises to the occasion. If you are looking to splurge or celebrate a special evening in London, allow contemporary British cuisine at Oxo Tower Restaurant to entice you.

Oxo Tower Restaurant

Barge House St, 

London SE1 9PH, 

United Kingdom