The background

Following successful openings in Mayfair, Manchester and Miami, Gordon Ramsay has expanded his Lucky Cat empire to new heights – literally. Perched in 22 Bishopsgate, London’s highest restaurant above sea level, Lucky Cat Bishopsgate opened its doors in February, alongside Restaurant Gordon Ramsay High, the second outpost of his three-Michelin-starred Chelsea flagship, and a Gordon Ramsay Academy powered by HexClad.

Inspired by the vibrant dining culture of Asia, Lucky Cat embraces a sharing-plate concept, drawing influences from across the continent. However, the menu leans heavily towards Japanese cuisine, with an impressive selection of sushi and tempura. With its sleek interiors, innovative cocktails and panoramic City views, this latest addition to Ramsay’s portfolio promises a dining experience as stylish as it is indulgent.

The space

At 8 metres per second, I ascended 22 Bishopsgate in Europe’s fastest lift to arrive at level 60, home to Lucky Cat, which offers dazzling views of London’s skyline. Russell Sage Studio, which designed the restaurant, went to great lengths to minimise reflections in the glass, ensuring London’s skyline is illuminated in all its glory. With a main dining room that boasts full-height windows, you practically feel like you could be teetering off the edge of the building. 

The Lucky Cat Bar, 22 Bishopsgate

The restaurant’s design is as spectacular as the views it offers. The Lucky Cat bar is backlit by a striking orange panel stacked high with sake bottles and rare Japanese whiskies, while table lights give the restaurant an intimacy that otherwise would be lost considering the high ceilings and gaping windows. With a live DJ set every night of the week and an open sushi kitchen, the restaurant has an excitable buzz. Russell Sage himself described the space as an “adult playground in the sky”, and the ambience brings this vision to life.

The food

I began the evening at the Lucky Cat bar, where the cocktail menu – curated by Julian Cox, vice president of global beverage strategy – is as creative as it is enticing. Classic drinks are given a pan-Asian twist, with ingredients like shiso syrup elevating the Okinawa margarita and an umami-forward option adding depth to the martini selection. Both are excellent. Meanwhile, the signature Lucky negroni adds an element of chance, with guests rolling a dice to determine their bespoke blend. With a late-night license until 3am from Thursday to Saturday, the bar isn’t just a pre-dinner stop – it’s a destination in its own right.

At the table, a maneki-neko chopstick holder awaited, setting the tone for the meal ahead. Sushi was the natural place to start. While the California roll is nothing extraordinary, the sashimi selection stood out – the fish was undeniably high quality, boasting a rich, fatty texture that paired beautifully with the sharpness of the soy sauce.

Another Okinawa margarita in hand, I moved on to the main courses, each packed with bold, carefully balanced flavours. The Iberico pork chop was perfectly tender, its richness cut through by the acidity of kimchi-pickled gem lettuce for a sharp contrast. The egg-fried rice, mixed tableside, was indulgent and generous, serving as the ideal accompaniment to the Thai-baked stone bass, bathed in a fragrant green curry sauce. These dishes weren’t just well executed, they showcased inventive ingredient pairings, from sweetcorn and mussels with the stone bass to XO sauce adding umami depth to the fried rice. Every element felt intentional, resulting in a meal that was as exciting as it was satisfying.

The bill

For £230 (including service), I shared two sushi dishes, two sides and four mains – more than enough for a generous meal. Cocktails were priced at around £20 each, on the expensive side but well crafted. For a more affordable option, Lucky Cat Bishopsgate’s Express Lunch Menu is great value, with two courses for £29 or three for £34, available Monday to Friday from 11:30am to 5pm.

The verdict 

As I descend in the lift from the 60th floor to ground level, it feels like stepping out of a James Bond film – the restaurant’s glamour and spectacle still lingering in my mind. Lucky Cat Bishopsgate is a sleek, sophisticated and effortlessly stylish addition to the City’s dining scene. With an innovative menu of Asian-inspired dishes and expertly crafted cocktails, it delivers more than just a meal – it’s an experience designed to impress, from the first sip to the final bite.

Lucky Cat Bishopsgate, Floor 60, 22 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AJ; gordonramsayrestaurants.com/lucky-cat-bishopsgate