Bōkan 39 Rooftop Review - london Restaurants | Christoff

Bōkan 39 Rooftop: London's Three-Level Sky High Experience

Where 2 AA Rosette dining meets panoramic views 39 floors above the Thames

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

The venue cleverly splits its personality across three distinct levels, each with its own character. The fine dining restaurant occupies the lower floors with an industrial dockyard aesthetic that marries rustic wood with steel bars and warm lighting – sophisticated without being stuffy. The gin bar on the 38th floor focuses on Docklands-inspired cocktails served in unique sharing vessels, while the crown jewel is the 39th-floor rooftop terrace where the real magic happens. The panoramic views spanning Canary Wharf, Olympic Park, and the Thames create an undeniably Instagram-worthy backdrop, particularly during golden hour. The industrial-chic design feels authentic rather than forced, with the vibrant space managing to feel both intimate enough for romantic dinners and spacious enough for business meetings. Sunday jazz sessions add a sophisticated soundtrack to the sunset cocktails, elevating the experience beyond typical rooftop fare.

Food & Drink

Executive Chef Rob M takes the cuisine seriously, earning those 2 AA Rosettes with signature dishes like seared scallops, Aberdeen beef tartar, and Welsh lamb cutlets alongside their legendary 50% butter mash. The modern European menu spans both tasting and à la carte options, with thoughtful vegan alternatives ensuring broader appeal. Mains range from £18-28, positioning it firmly in premium territory but not stratospheric. The kitchen clearly understands that diners expect more than just views at this price point, delivering sophisticated preparations that justify the setting. The bottomless brunch at £19 represents genuine value in London's dining landscape, particularly given the venue's calibre and location. Cocktails start at £8.50, which feels reasonable for Canary Wharf standards, especially when you factor in those Docklands-inspired creations served in sharing vessels.

Service & Experience

The venue operates with the professionalism you'd expect from a 2 AA Rosette establishment, though specific service details aren't extensively documented. The operation is clearly well-organised given the complexity of managing three distinct levels with different service styles. The restaurant offers both fine dining and more casual experiences, suggesting staff can adapt their approach accordingly. One notable service consideration is the walk-in only policy for the rooftop terrace, which could mean hour-long waits during peak times. The venue is wheelchair accessible with seasonal adaptations for terrace service, showing attention to inclusivity.

Value for Money

At £18-28 for mains and £8.50+ for cocktails, Bōkan sits in premium territory but delivers accordingly. The 2 AA Rosette standard and those panoramic views justify the pricing, particularly when compared to other high-end London dining experiences. The £19 bottomless brunch stands out as exceptional value – rare to find such quality at this price point in Canary Wharf. For special occasions, the semi-private hire starts at £100 per person, while full venue hire requires a £7000 minimum spend, putting it within reach for corporate events or significant celebrations. The three-level experience means you're paying for versatility – fine dining, cocktail bar, and rooftop terrace all under one roof.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Tuesday through Thursday from 5:30pm offers the best chance of securing rooftop terrace seating without excessive waits. Sunday jazz sessions during sunset provide the most atmospheric experience. The restaurant operates Friday-Saturday lunch (12-2:30pm) and Tuesday-Saturday dinner (6-10pm), with Sunday brunch (12-2:30pm). The bar extends later – until midnight Tuesday-Thursday and 1am Friday-Saturday.

What to Focus On

Don't miss Chef Rob M's signature seared scallops and that legendary 50% butter mash. The Aberdeen beef tartar and Welsh lamb cutlets represent the kitchen's modern European strengths. For drinks, explore those Docklands-inspired cocktails in sharing vessels – they're clearly a point of pride. The £19 bottomless brunch offers exceptional value if you're visiting weekends.

Christoff's Insider Tips

The rooftop terrace is walk-in only, so arrive early or be prepared to wait during peak timesGolden hour timing (around 5:30pm on weekdays) provides optimal lighting for photos and better seating availabilityThe venue spans three levels with different vibes – start at the restaurant level and work your way up for the full experience

The Final Verdict

Bōkan 39 Rooftop succeeds where many London rooftop venues fail – by taking both the food and the experience seriously. The 2 AA Rosette standard isn't just marketing speak; it's evident in Chef Rob M's sophisticated modern European cuisine. Yes, you're paying for those panoramic views, but you're also getting legitimate fine dining and expertly crafted cocktails. The three-level concept works brilliantly, offering everything from intimate fine dining to vibrant rooftop socialising. The walk-in only rooftop policy can be frustrating, but the quality across all levels makes it worth the potential wait.

Christoff's Rating:

8.2/10

Perfect For:

couples seeking a memorable date night with spectacular viewsbusiness professionals looking to impress clients in Canary Wharfspecial occasion diners who want both excellent food and Instagram-worthy moments

Bōkan 39 Rooftop

Bōkan 39 Rooftop

Christoff's Take

Bōkan 39 Rooftop: London's Three-Level Sky High Experience

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Food & Drink

Service & Experience

Value for Money

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

What to Focus On

Christoff's Insider Tips

The Final Verdict

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Bōkan 39 Rooftop

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