There are restaurants you visit for the food, and then there are restaurants you visit for the entire experience.CÉ LA VI London has always fallen firmly into the latter category.
Perched high above Paddington Square with panoramic views stretching across London’s skyline, the rooftop destination has quickly established itself as one of the capital’s most exciting places to eat, drink and celebrate. Equal parts restaurant, cocktail bar and late-night social hub, it has become known for combining elevated dining with the kind of atmosphere that encourages guests to stay long after dessert.
This summer, CÉ LA VI London is entering a new culinary chapter.
Led by newly appointed Executive Chef Elton Zaka, the restaurant has unveiled a bold new Spring/Summer menu inspired by modern Asian flavours, seasonal ingredients and globally influenced techniques. We were invited to experience the menu at an intimate private dinner hosted within one of the venue’s exclusive private dining spaces, and it quickly became clear that this is far more than a simple seasonal refresh.
The Journey Begins Before You Reach The Restaurant
Part of what makes CÉ LA VI London feel special is the sense of arrival.
Hidden above Paddington Square, the venue isn’t immediately visible from street level. Instead, guests step into a sleek lift that ascends towards the skyline, creating a sense of anticipation before you’ve even seen the dining room.
On the evening we visited, the experience began with cocktails and entertainment, including a magician who effortlessly moved between guests, setting a playful and relaxed tone for the night ahead.
As London’s rooftops continue to multiply, creating a memorable arrival has become increasingly important. CÉ LA VI understands this perfectly. Every part of the experience feels considered from the moment the lift doors open.
The views, unsurprisingly, are spectacular. London’s skyline unfolds around you in every direction, creating a backdrop that instantly transforms an ordinary dinner into something more memorable.
A Menu Inspired By Family, Travel And Heritage
Before dinner began, guests were introduced to Executive Chef Elton Zaka, whose passion for food proved immediately infectious.
With more than 19 years of international culinary experience and previous roles at renowned restaurants including Nobu Old Park Lane, Amazónico London and SUSHISAMBA London, Chef Elton brings an impressive culinary pedigree to CÉ LA VI. Yet despite the global influences running throughout the menu, his inspiration remains deeply personal.
Speaking about the dishes, he explained how many of the flavours, techniques and ingredients stem from his Greek heritage and memories of cooking alongside his family growing up. What emerges is a menu that feels both technically accomplished and emotionally connected.
Rather than creating dishes designed purely for visual impact, there is a clear focus on flavour and storytelling throughout.
Every plate arrives with purpose.
Modern Asian Flavours Designed For Summer
The new CÉ LA VI London menu embraces everything you want from summer dining.
Freshness sits at the centre of the experience, with vibrant ingredients, bright flavours and dishes designed for sharing across the table.
Throughout the evening, every course felt carefully considered. Bold without becoming overpowering. Complex without becoming inaccessible.
Highlights from the new menu include dishes such as Baby Squid with strawberry kimchi, shiso and Chinese cabbage, alongside Stone Bass Ceviche with avocado, kalamansi and red onion. Elsewhere, Tuna Tataki with ponzu, cashews and black rice pops showcases the restaurant’s ability to balance texture and flavour beautifully.
The menu also features dishes including Yellowtail Sashimi with lemongrass sauce and green chilli, Wagyu Tataki with gochujang and maple syrup, Duck Bao Buns and Beef Tartare with soy-cured egg yolk, all reflecting Chef Elton’s contemporary approach to modern Asian cuisine.
What stood out most throughout the dinner was how fresh everything tasted.
Every dish felt vibrant and alive. Flavours were layered thoughtfully, ingredients tasted seasonal and there was a sense of restraint that allowed individual elements to shine.
This is a menu built for summer evenings, rooftop views and long conversations over multiple courses.
Wine Pairings That Elevated Every Course
A great menu becomes exceptional when accompanied by the right drinks.
Fortunately, the sommelier team at CÉ LA VI delivered exactly that.
Each course arrived with a carefully selected wine pairing, designed to complement rather than compete with the food. Every pairing felt intentional, enhancing flavours while allowing the dishes themselves to remain the focal point.
It is often easy for wine pairings to feel overly formal or instructional. Here, the experience felt relaxed and enjoyable, guided by genuine expertise rather than ceremony.
The result was a dinner that flowed seamlessly from one course to the next.
More Than A Restaurant
Part of CÉ LA VI London’s appeal is that it refuses to be defined solely as a restaurant.
As the evening progressed, it became increasingly clear why the venue has become one of London’s most talked-about rooftop destinations. The combination of skyline views, sophisticated cocktails, vibrant energy and polished hospitality creates something that sits comfortably between fine dining and nightlife.
It is equally suited to date nights, celebrations, client dinners or simply those evenings when you want a dining experience that feels slightly more elevated than usual.
The atmosphere carries an energy that many rooftop restaurants struggle to achieve. Stylish without becoming intimidating. Luxurious without feeling exclusive.
Why CÉ LA VI London Should Be On Your Summer Dining List
With its new menu, CÉ LA VI London feels more confident than ever in its identity.
Chef Elton Zaka’s influence is evident throughout, bringing fresh energy, personal storytelling and globally inspired flavours to one of London’s most exciting rooftop restaurants. Combined with exceptional service, thoughtful wine pairings and some of the city’s most impressive views, the result is a dining experience that feels perfectly suited to the season ahead.
For those searching for one of the best rooftop restaurants in London this summer, CÉ LA VI London continues to deliver exactly what modern diners want.
Exceptional food. Outstanding cocktails. Skyline views.
And now, a menu that gives guests every reason to return.
Book here.
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