We have updated our guide to the best outdoor restaurants in London – read on for a selection of our favourite alfresco dining spots.

London’s Best Outdoor Restaurants

From street-side terraces to river views and gorgeous gardens, read our guide to our favourite outdoor restaurants in London.

Chiltern Firehouse

The courtyard at Chiltern Firehouse is the perfect spot for your glass of rose on a summer evening or for a lingering brunch on a weekend.

Sit back on one of the comfy sofas or black and white wicker chairs and order oysters from the terrace’s dedicated Oyster Cart before settling in for the full menu.

Click here for further details.

River Café, Hammersmith

Widely regarded as London’s best Italian restaurant with great pedigree in the kitchen that has produced many successful alumni and imitations.

The River Café, with its minimalist, sleek design and light colour scheme that blend effortlessly with the riverside setting, creates an unforgettable dining experience.

The large outdoor terrace makes the River Cafe an excellent ourdoor dining option in West London.

Click here for further details.

The Devonshire

New Soho hotspot, The Devonshire, has opened its rooftop terrace and is now one the hottest tickets in town. You can’t book the terrace but if you’ve got a restaurant reservation, you can request a table on the terrace.

Founded by Oisin Rogers (ex-The Guinea), Charlie Carroll (founder of Flat Iron) and Ashley Palmer-Watts (ex-Fat Duck and Dinner by Heston), The Devonshire is a traditional pub downstairs, while on the upper two levels, you’ll find a wood-ember grill restaurant.

The Garden at The Corinthia

The Garden at The Corinthia is bringing the Med to London with André Garrett’s menu of Mediterranean classics, taking you on a journey from the centre of London to the shores of Italy.

The Courtyard has under floor heating and two fireplaces on either side, in case the weather turns a little chilly, as well as a bespoke humidor and terrarium style bar.

Click here for further details.

LPM Restaurant

Chic Mayfair spot LPM Restaurant & Bar’s alfresco terrace with transport you straight to the French Riviera.

Enjoy fresh Tuna Tartare and Oscietra Caviar, Tiger prawns marinated in green chilli and coriander or Pan Fried Sole With Mustard Grain and feel right in France on a Mayfair mews.

Kudu

Kudu is a fantastic restaurant in Peckham that you wished you had in your neighbourhood. The menu is influenced by the chef’s South African heritage with a wine list to match.

Standout dishes include the Kudu Bread, which comes with either melted cape malay, bacon butter or with melted seafood butter; and the onglet with hispi cabbage, enoki and truffled potato mousse.

There is a beautiful garden at the back of the restaurant for walk-ins. Click here for further details.

Isabel Mayfair

Isabel Mayfair, located on Albemarle Street, is ideal for long leisurely lunches or a pitstop after shopping on Bond St.

The terrace is the perfect place to people watch in Mayfair.

Sam’s Riverside

Sam’s Riverside restaurant, right by the Thames in Hammersmith, has a glass-enclosed outdoor space seating up to 32 with views of the river.

Try Oysters, Seafood platter, Grilled Cornish squid with chorizo, Devon lobster & crab roll, Hereford aged ribeye & chips, and the ever-popular Parmesan churros.

The Ivy Chelsea Garden

The Ivy Chelsea Garden is an all-day British brasserie serving dishes inspired by The Ivy restaurant in Covent Garden.

While the restaurant interior oozes glamour, the exterior is equally pretty.

The beautiful, large garden at the back for outdoor dining complete with a terrace and orangery is a perfect setting for breakfast, lunch or dinner in Chelsea.

Click here for further details.

Claridge’s Bar

Head to Claridge’s Bar Terrace for some classic Claridge’s cocktails such as The Flapper and Brook Street, as well as a new menu inspired by the Mediterranean. 

Highlights include beef carpaccio with rocket, a tuna tartare with tomato, lemon and olive and a spaghettini with a lemon cream sauce and red prawns.

Bookings are being taken for tables of up to four guests and tables will also be available for walk-ins on the day.

Luca

Surrounded by olive trees and jasmine, the terrace at Luca makes for a delightful summer spot in Clerkenwell.

Whether bathed in sunshine during the day or warmed by the open fire in the evening, it’s a great spot for an intimate reception.

The terrace is covered by a retractable roof and seats up to 18 people.

Zapote

Mexican restaurant and bar Zapote has launched its summer terrace, with prime outdoor seating on Leonard Street in Shoreditch.

Open from noon until 10pm, Zapote’s summer terrace will serve as an extension of its cocktail bar, with a new extended menu of snacks and small plates created by executive chef Yahir Gonzalez.

Jean-Georges at The Connaught

The Terrace at Jean-Georges at The Connaught offers Jean-Georges favourites such as black truffle and fontina pizza, crispy salmon sushi and Burrata salad with crushed rhubarb, kaffir lime, black pepper and basil.

Bookings are being taken for tables of up to four guests and tables will also be available for walk-ins on the day.

Avalon by The Melusine

Avalon by The Melusine has popped up at St Katharine Docks, from the team behind seafood restaurant, The Melusine.

There is a daily changing fish and seafood menu, which you can enjoy while suspended on the marina.

Start with oysters before moving on to an excellent menu of Scottish langoustines or Spider Crab before a whole fish (plaice, monkfish, seabass and more) to share with some sides.

There’s also Gin & Tonic bar for pre and post dinner drinks. Pretend you’re away in the Mediterranean feasting on excellent fish dishes!

Click here for further details.

SMOKESTAK

SMOKESTAK, the East London barbecue restaurant from chef and founder David Carter, has reopened its large south facing terrace.

Expect the restaurant’s signature smoked meats and a barbecue led menu.

In the evening, the terrace is heated and the bespoke canopy is cosily lit with festoon lighting.

The Wigmore Summer Terrace & Garden

The Wigmore tavern has launched The Wigmore Summer Terrace & Garden, just off Regent Street in The Langham hotel’s courtyard garden area.

The 75 capacity city garden will feature wooden benches and a pergola with climbing vines and fresh greenery.

The menu will include the XXL Stovetop three cheese & mustard toastie, Masala spiced scotch egg with dahl relish and a Buttered lobster roll, served with buttermilk onion rings. 

Click here for further details.

Padella Shoreditch

Pasta specialists Padella’s site in Shoreditch has a large terrace to the front of the restaurant.

Now you can enjoy their fantastic cacio e pepe and fettuccine with tomatoes on a terrace on a quiet back street in Shoreditch. Padella is excellent value for money as well.

Click here for further details.

Petersham Nurseries Covent Garden

Petersham Nurseries opened on Floral street in Covent Garden in the spring of 2018 with two restaurants.

La Goccia is a more casual Italian restaurant with open kitchen and wood fire oven, while The Petersham is a more elegant, refined Italian restaurant focusing on seasonal ingredients.

Floral Court, in the central courtyard between both restaurants offers alfresco dining from La Goccia and The Petersham.

Click here for further details.

The Princess Royal, Notting Hill

This new opening from Cubitt House has a stunning garden created by award winning designer Jinny Blom.

Guests can enjoy the full Princess Royal menu, from Chef Director Ben Tish, out in the 45 cover garden while enjoying a pint of cask ale from the bar. 

Order the Three Cheese Pizzetta Fritta with Burrata, Mascarpone and Fontina with Spring Truffle. Click here for further details.

Wild by Tart, Belgravia

Tucked away in Pimlico’s quaint Eccleston Yards, Wild by Tart was founded by friends Lucy Carr-Ellison and Jemima Jones who built a name for themselves as caterers to the fashion industry.

On their 24-seat terrace, guests can enjoy their relaxed menu (with many of the dishes designed for sharing), focusing on big flavours and sustainably-sourced ingredients.

Click here for further details.

Cecconi’s, Mayfair

Serving fine Italian food from the morning until the early hours, Cecconi’s is a perfect spot for all day dining in the sun, with a few sought after tables lining the street on the corner of Saville Row and Burlington Gardens.

Cecconi’s is great for outdoor dining in London where you can watch the world pass you by.

Click here for further details.

Harrods

Harrods has unveiled two standout terraces perfect for outdoor dining this summer. The Grill on Fifth, with a rooftop terrace, retractable roof, and heaters, serves expertly grilled steaks, creative cocktails, and offers sweeping views over Knightsbridge.

The Georgian, a recently restored space on the 4th floor, now features a terrace serving à la carte afternoon tea by day and an evening menu by acclaimed chef Calum Franklin. Both spaces combine elegance, comfort, and top-tier food, making Harrods a destination for stylish al fresco dining in London.

Click here for further details.

Granary Square Brasserie

Granary Square Brasserie will reopen its terrace with a jungle themed terrace, a series of carnival-inspired live DJ sets and entertainment, and a limited-edition cocktail menu for guests to enjoy as the days get longer and lighter.

The brasserie’s full menu will be available on the terrace. Click here for further details.

Dean Street Townhouse, Soho

Dean Street Townhouse serves classic British cuisine from first thing in the morning until the early hours.

Whilst the interiors are dark, cosy and seductive, the small but perfectly formed terrace is a delight in the warm weather, with the added benefit of being one of the best restaurants for outdoor dining in London right in the heart of Soho.

Click here for further details.

Chicama, Chelsea

Chicama is a modern Peruvian seafood restaurant on the King’s Road in Chelsea, sister restaurant to Marylebone’s Pachamama restaurant.

On summer days they open up all the doors bringing the courtyard to life with several quaint little table and chairs.

Click here for further details.

Seabird London

Located on the 14th floor of The Hoxton hotel in Southwark, Seabird has a large terrace with stunning views of the London skyline.

The Medittarannean menu specialises in seafood – there’s a raw bar, a huge array of oysters and an excellent cocktail list. Click here for further details.

Paladar

Latin American restaurant Paladar’s ‘secret’ courtyard garden is the place to be in Elephant & Castle this summer.

Chef Jose Rubio-Guevara has refreshed his menu with a selection of light and summery ‘tapas-style’ dishes, all of which are gluten-free.

The adjoining bodega will continue to sell wines and spirits from Paladar’s all-Latin American list at retail prices.

Click here for further details.

Kitty Fisher’s, Mayfair

With only one table for 4 or two tables of 2, bagging a table outside at Kitty Fisher’s isn’t easy but it’s worth the effort for a memorable long lunch in the sun on a quiet Mayfair street.

Click here for further details.

Rochelle Canteen, Shoreditch

Rochelle Canteen is located in the converted bike shed of the old Rochelle School, looking out to the trees of Arnold Circus in Shoreditch.

Rochelle Canteen was opened by Melanie Arnold & Margot Henderson in 2004. The menu includes dishes like skate & dulse butter sauce, roast brill with artichokes & aioli and pork Chop with braised turnip & anchovies.

There are a number of lovely tables outside for wamer days. Click here for further details.

Read our guide to some of our other favourite Shoreditch restaurants.

The Laundry, Brixton

The Laundry’s south-facing terrace offers the perfect spot for outdoor dining during the summer months.

With a complete terrace menu, guests can enjoy brunch as well as an all-day menu of antipasti, sharing and larger plates. Extensive wine and cocktail lists are also available.

The Laundry’s terrace is open from 8am, Monday – Friday, and from 9am on Saturday and Sunday. Click here for further details.

Pastaio

Stevie Parle’s popular pasta joint, Pastaio, on Ganton Street is an ideal place to head to for fresh pasta, Prosecco slushies and to soak up the summer vibes of buzzy Soho.

Double Standard

The perfect sun trap, the terrace at The Standard Hotel offers a casual space to enjoy chef Adam Rawson’s summer-inspired dishes and famous burgers.

Craft beers, wine and frozen and bottled cocktails will be available, as well as Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut minis from the terrace’s fun vending machine.

Click here for further details.

Colbert, Sloane Square

Inspired by the great French pavement cafés, Colbert is an informal, neighbourhood restaurant in Sloane Square from Chris Corbin and Jeremy King.

Colbert Restaurant follows its sister restaurants The Delaunay and Brasserie Zedel in being wonderfully atmospheric with the buzz of regular, happy diners.

Sit on one of the prized pavement tables and order from the menu of Parisian café stalwarts. Click here for further details.

Boundary Rooftop, Shoreditch

Boundary’s Provençal-style rooftop serves a light and fresh all-day menu, alongside a carefully curated coastal wine list and range of specialist gin and tonic cups.

The Rooftop at The Boundary also features in our guide to the best rooftop bars in London. Click here for further details.

Ham Yard, Soho

Ham Yard Hotel has a fantastic location in the centre of Soho – its location gives it a large courtyard where you can dine and drink alfresco in a very quiet spot (for Soho at least!).

The menu is modern European classics but it really is all about being able to have such a large outdoor space right in the centre of Soho. Click here for further details.

Courtyard Terrace at Rosewood London

The Courtyard Terrace at the Rosewood London offers an oasis of calm and serenity.

This summer, Rosewood London is bringing a taste of the South of France to London in partnership with with rosé wine estate Minuty.

Wildflowers

Wildflowers is a restaurant and wine bar in Belgravia. Tucked away in Newson’s Yard, the restaurant’s courtyard terrace is fully covered and offers an oasis in central London where guests can enjoy Mediterranean-inspired dishes surrounded by freshly cut flowers.   

Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross

Many of the restaurants at Coal Drops Yard, the new development behind King’s Cross, have excellent outside spaces, including The Drop wine bar.

On the outdoor restaurant front, there’s Parrillan, a part of Barrafina, and Plaza Pastor, the all-outside section of Casa Pastor for some great Mexican food.

Click here for further details.

The Stafford Courtyard

At the back of The Stafford hotel’s American bar you’ll find a sunny courtyard overlooked by the old stables (now hotel suites).

The Courtyard is now open all year round with umbrellas and heaters for chillier days. A perfect alresco spot in St James’s.

Sushisamba Covent Garden

Sushisamba London opened in Heron Tower in The City with fantastic views of London (along with Duck and Waffle).

The second site opened last year in Covent Garden, perched on top of Covent Garden Market.

This summer, diners can enjoy Sushisamba’s Japanese-Peruvian-Brazilian food right in the heart of Covent Garden with plenty of outdoor seating overlooking the piazza.

Click here for further details.

Scott’s, Mayfair

Scott’s is glamorous, exciting and makes a great night out, specialising in seafood and shellfish.

Scott’s is located on Mount Street, one of the most beautiful streets in London, and with a small selection of tables lining the street outside, it is easy to see why Scott’s is one of London’s most popular restaurants.

If you can’t get a table on the terrace or inside in the main restaurant, you may be lucky to get a seat at the oyster bar.

Click here for further details.

Keep reading for more suggestions of the best restaurants for outdoor dining in London…

Barrafina Drury Lane

One of the best Spanish tapas bars in London, now with 4 sites across the city, Barrafina Drury Lane is owned and operated by restaurateurs Sam & Eddie Hart.

The menu is a mix of contemporary and traditional tapas from all regions of Spain – Here you’ll find some big hitting dishes that you’ll want to come back for time and time again.

Barrafina’s Drury Lane outpost has a lovely wraparound terrace that makes you almost feel like you’re sitting alfresco in Spain.

Click here for further details.

Kutir

Kutir, the Indian restaurant from critically acclaimed Chef Rohit Ghai will be reopening its rooftop terrace overlooking Chelsea townhouses.

With space for 16 guests, the restaurant will be serving a dedicated terrace menu of Kutir classics and new spring dishes.

Michael Nadra, Primrose Hill

Michael Nadra Primrose Hill sits tucked away, below street level and parallel with the canal in Primrose Hill.

Inside, the space is split into three dining rooms, including a brown cobbled tunnel previously used as part of the canal, a small bar area and a lovely breezy garden terrace.

Click here for further details.

Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill

Bentley’s terrace holds up to 24 people, surrounded by glass panels to allow views up and down Swallow Street.

Famous for its oysters, the terrace at Bentley’s is the ideal spot to enjoy seafood and shellfish in central London.

Click here for further details.

45 Jermyn St

45 Jermyn St is ideal if you’re looking for that buzz, grandeur and glamour that only St James’s or Mayfair can provide. The bar, in particular, is a great spot for a Martini.

Now you can enjoy dishes such as beef wellington and their famous dessert floats from the terrace on Jermyn Street.

Click here for further details.

The Ritz Restaurant Terrace, St James’s

The Ritz Restaurant is widely thought of as one of the most grand dining rooms in the world, but you may not know that the restaurant also has a secluded terrace with views on to Green Park.

Guests can combine the grandeur of The Ritz with a beautiful outdoor dining option in central London.

Click here for further details.

The Albion, Islington

The Albion is a traditional English country pub in Islington, with the main attraction being its garden.

The French windows in the restaurant area open onto a terrace of over 450 sq metres, which can seat over 120 people for dining and drinking surrounded by herb beds, fruit trees and an original Georgian walled garden.

Click here for further details.

The Engineer, Primrose Hill

A Primrose Hill institution, The Engineer has a gorgeous terrace at the back of the restaurant.

Despite the ample dining space, the bar area is on the small side, but there is respite in the form of a back garden, which is an ideal spot for long summer lunches at one of the best outdoor pubs in London.

Click here for further details.

Yauatcha City

I’m a big fan of Chinese restaurant Yauatcha – their dim sum is some of the best in London in my opinion (those venison puffs!).

Yauatcha City, which features in our guide to the best restaurants in The City of London, is located on Broadgate Circle and features a large terrace from which to view the hoards of city workers meeting for after work drinks below.

It’s one of the best outdoor restaurant spaces in the City and available on walk-in only.

Click here for further details.

Le Pont de La Tour, Tower Bridge

Le Pont de la Tour has a beautiful riverside setting from which to enjoy its modern French menu, with a focus on seafood, and vast wine list.

The outside terrace is very popular in the summer as it has a superb view of Tower Bridge. Click here for further details.

Bleeding Heart, Clerkenwell

With a rustic look to match its location and history, the Bleeding Heart offers traditional French fare in a welcoming and intimate setting, but the real attraction in the summer is the large terrace, which brings a bit of Paris to the streets of Farringdon.

Click here for further details.

Angler Restaurant

At the top of South Place Hotel in Moorgate, Angler offers a seasonally changing menu from Executive Chef Gary Foulkes, with dishes including Cornish mackerel tartare, oyster cream, apple, shiso.

There is a retractable roof and some heaters for the colder summer evenings. Click here for further details.

Yasmin

Originally for members only, the rooftop restaurant and bar at the top of 1 Warwick has opened to the public with a new menu from Chef Tom Cenci focusing on Middle Eastern sharing dishes.

Bluebird Chelsea

Bluebird Chelsea has turned into the South of France for the summer with a collaboration with Maison Mirabeau.

Where better to order several bottles of rose and dream of being in Provence?

Meraki

Meraki is an excellent contemporary Greek restaurant in Fitzrovia.

The restaurant has a ground level restaurant and bar, counter-dining and two terraces.

Try the fantastic Santorini cherry tomato salad with capers and goats’ cheese and the Pastitsio (oxtail ragu, paccheri pasta, graviera cheese & truffle). Click here for further details.

Brooklands

Michelin-starred restaurant Brooklands at The Peninsula hotel has a large rooftop terrace, where diners can enjoy Claude Bosi’s cuisine with great views across Hyde Park.

Fiume 

Located in the Battersea power station redevelopment Fiume has views over the Thames from the large terrace where guests can enjoy chef Francesco Mazzei’s Italian cooking.

The food focuses on the Mezzogiorno region of southern Italy. Click here for further details.

Bluebird Café White City

The Chelsea stalwart has opened a sibling in the new White City development overlooking Television Centre.

The terrace is a great spot for evening drinks or to try dishes from the modern European menu. Bluebird Café White City has also launched a new brunch menu for the summer. Click here for further details.

Coal Office

Caravan Exmouth Market

The original Caravan restaurant is a relaxed and effortlessly cool setting on Exmouth Market in Clerkenwell.

When the weather warms up, the door and windows open and diners spill out into the street for one of the best outdoor restaurants in Clerkenwell.

Click here for further details.

The Marksman, Hackney

The Marksman is a pub and dining room on Hackney Road, focusing on the best of British food and drinks, with a menu inspired by the history of London.

The first-floor terrace is a great spot to sit outside to enjoy one of their excellent curries, pies or Sunday roast.

Click here for further details.

Trivet

For an alfresco lunch or dinner with Michelin-starred credentials, Trivet is top of the list.

The Bermondsey restaurant has an outdoor terrace which seats up to 25 guests. The sun-trap streetside square makes a perfect spot for an early evening glass of wine, chosen from a 450-strong list.

Brat at Climpson’s Arch

Chef Tomos Parry’s Shoreditch restaurant at Climpson’s Arch is now a permanent fixture. There’s a large marquee over the whole area, making it suitable for dining out in all weather conditions.

Enjoy dishes such as roasted chicken rice, whole Crab with hay butter, wood fired breads, grilled seasonal vegetables and fresh shellfish.

Sager & Wilde, East London

Featuring on our guide to the best wine bars in London, Sager & Wilde is a sleek wine bar with one site on Hackney Road and one on Paradise Row in East London.

The Paradise Row site has an excellent large terrace from which to enjoy a daily-changing selection of wines by the bottle or glass at reasonable prices.

Click here for further details.

The Terrace at Studio Frantzén’s

Studio Frantzén is a restaurant in Harrods from acclaimed Swedish chef, Björn Frantzén, who has two restaurants with 3 Michelin stars across the globe.

The Rooftop Terrace has a retractable roof, sweeping views over Knightsbridge rooftops and beyond, and a mix of lounge sofa seating, dining tables, high bar tables and stools, and the kitchen counter.

The Waterway

Since 2002 The Waterway has established itself as one of Little Venice’s favourite local restaurants and one of London’s best outdoor terraces with spectacular views overlooking the beautiful Grand Union Canal.

The terrace has been extended with a permament marquee, making the terrace at The Waterway a hotspot all year round.

Ivy Soho Brasserie

Occupying a central Soho spot on Broadwick Street, the Ivy Soho Brasserie offers the Ivy group’s classic British menu from breakfast until the early hours every day.

The large terrace is always buzzing with crowds enjoying an outdoor restaurant in a prime Soho location.

Click here for further details.

Harry’s Dolce Vita

Harry’s Dolce Vita, a throwback to 1950s and 60s Italy, located next to Harrods in Knightsbridge offers a classy casual-ity often difficult to achieve.

Now you can enjoy dishes such as fried zucchini flowers, Harry’s Tagliolini – gratinated tagliolini pasta, served at the table from its own copper saucepan – and veal Milanese from the beautiful terrace.

German Gymnasium

This summer guests at Grade II listed restaurant, German Gymnasium, will offer dishes and a terrace transformed by flowers.

Featuring edible blooms throughout, the specially-designed menu offers fresh and floral dishes and a range of cocktails comprising edible flowers, fresh fruits and floral infusions.

Click here for further details.

Antidote Wine Bar & Restaurant

If you’re looking for an outdoor restaurant near Carnaby Street, try Antidote’s pavement dining.

With an extensive list of organic and biodynamic wines, the restaurant offers small plates and a selection of cheese and charcuterie. Click here for further details.

12th Knot

Sea Containers London’s rooftop bar, 12^th Knot, has launched its new summer terrace in partnership with Bombay Sapphire Premier Cry.

There is a monthly Rooftop Disco series set to the backdrop of fabulous views across the Thames, and a curated menu of twists on classic retro 70’s inspired cocktails using Bombay Sapphire Premier Cru.

Nobu London Portman Square

Nobu Hotel London Portman Square has opened its ‘Serenity in the City’ summer terrace with Champagne Laurent-Perrier! 

Reflecting on the Japanese concept of wa, meaning harmony, Nobu Terrace is offering guests a unique Nobu and Champagne pairing menu located in a quiet corner in Marylebone.

The Coach, Clerkenwell

Outdoor Restaurants in London

If you liked this guide to the best outdoor restaurants in London, why not read our guide to the best pub gardens in London, best brunch in London, the best cocktail bars in London or the rooftop bars in London?

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