We will be in London next week. I would like your thoughts as to if we should go to the OXO Tower for dinner one night. I have looked online and see that there is a restaurant, a brasserie and a bar. It looks expensive, but the view of London shown in the pictures looks like it might be worth it. The other thought that I had was having dinner elsewhere, but going to the bar. We are trying to keep costs at a minimum, but I think a romantic dinner somewhere would be nice. What do you think? If not the OXO Tower, what would you recommend? Thank you.

I haven't been for a couple of years - the restaurant side is expensive --but has been very good in the past. The Brasserie side is cheaper --and has the same amazing views.

Since the bar was redone it now has the good views too. Me -- I'd probably opt for the Brasserie unless you wanted a splurge. If you went to dinner elsewhere, by the time you got to the bar, all the good tables/seats would be full and the views semi-obscured.

I've never been up the Oxo Tower ( subbing for David in the innuendo department), but I quite like the bars and restaurants in Butlers Wharf for views and decent dining. In particular, The Chop House and Chop House Bar, both of which have great views of the river and Tower Bridge.

Nearest tube is Tower Hill. Cross Tower Bridge and basically, you're there.

Thank you for your replies! RM67 - the Chop House looks really nice. It is just the type of place I was hoping to find.

The Portrait Restaurant at the National Portrait Gallery has a pretty good view over central London (though not of the river). Fairly pricey (£35-45 each including wine) but a memorable experience.

http://www.npg.org.uk/visit/food-and...restaurant.php

I ate at the OXO brasserie in November. The food was very good and the service impeccable (the waiter was French).
I'd met a friend at the bar for drinks and we decided to stay for lunch based on what we saw people were eating and great view!
Cost for two lunches (we both chose the 'specials' which included a free drink) plus cocktails beforehand was around 50 pounds.

I went on a Thursday and my friend recommended booking for weekends (Fri- Sun) as it gets very busy.

Thank you for the recommendations. It will give us some nice options. I had planned to go to the National Portrait Gallery on Thursday evening since they have late hours so Gordon_R’s recommendation is great. Thank you all again!

You are most welcome.

Come back later and tell us how you found it.

If you care for a contrarian view: I think Oxo Tower is overpriced and (arguably) overrated.
I don't know one local who cares for food who would go there.
If you want a great meal, your options in London are endless. If ou state your preference of cuisine style it would be easier to help you.
The view from Oxo, though, is pretty good.

Here's the OXO brasserie lunch menu. http://c726.r26.cf2.rackcdn.com/OXO%...Jan%202012.pdf

hsv, I do know a few locals that care about food that have on occasion eaten there. Agree it's mainly about the view but the cocktails are also very good.

I've been there maybe 8 or 9 times over the years (w/ different management/menus) and at least 1/2 have been w/ locals.

Is it my very favorite restaurant in London - no. But it is a decent restaurant w/ incredible views. I try to eat there maybe once every 12-18 months.