Some restaurants sell themselves on the food, others on the view. Rarely do you find one that does both with equal flair. Solaya restaurant, perched high on the 25th floor of art’otel London Hoxton, manages to pull off that elusive balance. With panoramic skyline views, prices that won’t make you faint, and a menu curated by Michelin-starred chef Kenny Atkinson, it’s already making waves before its first birthday.
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Views Worth Every Bite
London isn’t short on rooftop restaurants flaunting skyline glamour, but Solaya offers more than a backdrop for selfies. With its circular layout, the dining room delivers 360-degree views of the city. On clear days, you can follow the curve of the Thames, catch the Shard shimmering in the distance, and even spot the cranes that prove London is always a work in progress. Two balconies extend the spectacle outdoors, perfect for private hires or just cocktails at sunset. It’s cinematic dining — the kind Londoners often dismiss as “for tourists” but secretly crave.
The magic shifts with the time of day. At lunch, floor-to-ceiling windows flood the room with natural light, turning tables, banquettes, and even a plate of steak tartare into sunlit centrepieces. As evening falls, the city lights take over, reflected across the glass walls while the atmosphere becomes softer, more intimate. Designed by Digital Space, the interiors balance elegance and comfort — plush blue seating, quilted banquettes, and a glowing wine wall set the tone. The result is a space that feels polished but never pretentious, equally welcoming to City professionals in suits and Shoreditch creatives in trainers.
Lunch Above the City
While dinner may draw the glamour shots, lunch is where Solaya truly shines. Bathed in daylight, the restaurant feels open, energising, and unmistakably Mediterranean in spirit. The menu caters to both light and hearty appetites: refined plates like scallop crudo or steak tartare for a quick midday fix, or richer options like grilled sirloin and lobster for those who treat lunch as the main event. Pair it with a crisp white wine and suddenly the office feels a lifetime away.
Here’s the real surprise: the prices are refreshingly reasonable given the view. Unlike many skyline spots that charge a premium for the panorama, Solaya keeps things accessible without compromising quality. For City of London professionals, it’s a no-brainer — efficient enough for meetings, impressive enough for clients, and enjoyable enough to justify staying past office hours. For Shoreditch locals, it’s even better. What could have been another overpriced rooftop is instead a stylish yet approachable escape, one that feels as welcoming as it is impressive. Solaya makes lunch above the city not just possible but downright irresistible.
A Chef with a Vision
At the heart of Solaya is Kenny Atkinson, a Michelin-starred name already celebrated for House of Tides and Solstice in Newcastle. Solaya is his first solo London project, and it feels personal. His love for Mediterranean cooking shines through: dishes that channel sunshine, bold flavours, and conviviality.
Day-to-day, the kitchen is run by Head Chef Nicola Losquadro, who ensures the execution matches Atkinson’s vision. The concept is deceptively simple: flavour-led plates, seasonal ingredients, and minimal fuss plating. What you see on the plate might look straightforward, but the balance of flavours reveals a chef who knows restraint is a craft of its own.
Sunshine on a Plate: The Solaya Menu highlights
Let’s talk dishes. Because Solaya isn’t just about lofty views — it’s about food that sticks with you long after you’ve left.
Steak Tartare with Confit Yolk
This was my opening act, and it set the tone. The tartare was finely seasoned, rich with umami, and crowned by a confit yolk that lent silkiness. Paired with crisp sourdough toast, it redefined a classic. This is a dish that makes you stop mid-conversation to say, “Wow.”
Scallop Crudo with Heritage Tomatoes
Fresh, vibrant, and delicately sweet, the scallops paired with ripe tomatoes captured everything Mediterranean food should be: simple, sun-ripened, and refreshing. The kind of dish that makes you want to book a holiday — or at least another lunch reservation.
Grilled Native Lobster
Few plates scream “occasion” quite like lobster. Here, the lobster is grilled to perfection, its richness lifted by subtle seasoning that lets the meat speak for itself. It’s indulgent without being heavy, a celebration of the sea on a Shoreditch skyline.
Grilled Sirloin
For heartier appetites, the grilled sirloin delivers in spades. Tender, juicy, and robustly flavoured, it’s exactly what you want when your lunch break needs to double as a mood-lifter. Add a glass of red and suddenly the work emails feel far away.
Crème Brûlée
The French classic is notoriously hard to perfect, but Solaya gets it right. A satisfyingly crisp caramel lid gives way to silky custard underneath. Sweet, creamy, and elegant — a reminder that sometimes the simplest desserts are the best.
70% Dark Chocolate Terrine
If the crème brûlée is elegance, the terrine is decadence. Rich, velvety, and unapologetically intense, this dessert isn’t messing around. Dark chocolate lovers will be in heaven, spoon in hand, refusing to share.
Together, these dishes showcase the range of Solaya’s menu: vibrant starters, indulgent mains, and refined desserts that deliver balance rather than excess.
Drinks to Match
Of course, the food needs worthy companions. Solaya doesn’t disappoint here either. The cocktail list reads like a Mediterranean travelogue. The Orange Spritz, with Lillet Blanc and citrus, is a refreshing nod to summer afternoons, while the Fleuille de Figuier Penicillin is smoky, bold, and sophisticated, thanks to bourbon, fig leaf honey, and ginger.
The wine list is equally adventurous. Beyond the usual French and Italian heavyweights, it highlights unexpected regions like Greece, Slovenia, and Croatia. A crisp white from Santorini with scallop crudo? Perfect. A Croatian red with grilled sirloin? Inspired. It’s a chance to explore without needing a sommelier certification.
A Taste of Sunshine
In a city where weather is unreliable and skyline restaurants often disappoint, Solaya brings a breath of Mediterranean warmth to Shoreditch. With panoramic views, impeccable food, thoughtful drinks, and prices that won’t terrify you, it delivers on its promise of “sunshine on a plate.”
Whether you’re a City professional escaping the office, a Shoreditch local after a stylish lunch, or a diner looking for a memorable evening with views, Solaya hits the mark. It’s a restaurant that reminds you why dining out should always be an experience, not just a meal.
So, the next time you’re craving steak tartare with a side of skyline magic, you know where to book.