Jump to: Central | North | South | East | West
For days of glorious spring sunshine, knowing a good alfresco place to eat is invaluable. Here's our guide to London's loveliest spots for outdoor dining (including options for if the weather's not all that reliable). If you want more - check out our guide to London's rooftops.
Central London
Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar & Brasserie
South Bank - Barge House St, London SE1 9PH
With an A-grade location by the Thames, this classic London restaurant has unrivalled views across the river with particularly good vistas towards St Paul's. That makes it a great space to go with friends from out of town who'll really appreciate the riverside setting. Or you could book a table here simply to remind yourself what a beautiful city this is.
Promoted listing
Lilibet's
Mayfair - 17 Bruton St, London W1J 6QB
Running the whole length of the building, the terrace at Lilibet’s is covered and properly set off from the pavement, so it feels more like an extension of the restaurant than an alfresco add-on. It’s a lovely spot to sit and order some of their amazing anchovy eclairs, seafood platters and a chilled glass of Chablis. The people-watching opportunities in this part of London are also very much on point.
Follow on Instagram: @lilibetsmayfair
Carbone
Mayfair - 30 Grosvenor Square, London W1K 6AN
Mario Carbone, Jeff Zalaznick and Rich Torrisi (of the Major Food Group behind Carbone) don’t do things by halves. And when they launched the London outpost of their Carbone empire, they made sure that it also had one of the largest terraces - or street salon as they’re dubbing it - in the city. Overlooking Grosvenor Square, diners can enjoy the famous spicy rigatoni vodka or crudo options alongside a bottle chosen from their 10,000-strong cellar.
Follow on Instagram: @carbonerestaurants
The Garden at Corinthia London
Westminster - Whitehall Pl, London SW1A 2BD
This hidden-away gem can be found next to the hotel’s lounge, where afternoon tea is served. This courtyard space is open year-round (fireplaces at both ends help with that) and is covered with flowers. On the menu here, you'll find a lobster roll, grilled rib eye and larger sharing plates like a whole rack of lamb.
Rainproof? Yes - the bespoke canopy covers the entire courtyard.
Follow on Instagram: @corinthialondon
Toklas
Temple - 1 Surrey St, London WC2R 2ND
Tucked down a side street off the Strand, this well-reviewed restaurant has a mammoth terrace that's super useful to know about. Enjoy a seasonal Mediterranean menu where dishes can include tonnarelli with Portland crab and chilli or hake croquettes. Make sure to save room for their excellent desserts.
Rainproof? Yes, there's a canopy and heaters (if needed).
Follow on Instagram: @toklas_london
Circolo Popolare
Fitzrovia - 40-41 Rathbone Pl, London W1T 1HX
This is a Big Mamma restaurant, tucked in behind the restaurant on Rathbone Square, and the terrace at Circolo has had as much detail lavished on it as the restaurant's interiors. Strewn with lights and furnished with plants, it's perfect for pasta and plenty of Prosecco.
Rainproof? Ish - there are parasols and heaters
Follow on Instagram: @bigmamma.uk
Dalloway Terrace
Fitzrovia - 16-22 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NN
Probably one of London's most instagrammable outdoor spaces, the terrace here is redesigned every season to keep it looking as fresh as a daisy. Afternoon teas are particularly popular and the retractable awning means you'll be protected from showers too. This year, Dalloway Terrace are teaming up with Silent Pool gin for summer cocktails.
Rainproof? Yes
Follow on Instagram: @dallowayterrace
Ham Yard
Soho - 1 Ham Yard, London W1D 7DT
A rarity in central London, the titular 'yard' here is an oasis tucked away from the traffic of Soho and Piccadilly. Created by the bombing during The Blitz, the space is now a super place on a sunny afternoon or evening - if you can get a table.
Rainproof? All tables have some covering, but if you get the ones nearest the hotel under the canopy you're best protected there.
Le Pont de la Tour
South Bank - 36D Shad Thames, London SE1 2YE
One of the classics of the south bank of the Thames, this restaurant's terrace has unparalleled views of Tower Bridge. Just be prepared to have passing tourists giving you jealous looks as you toy with your crab and melon salad in the sunshine. This year, they've also chandes part of the terrace into a riverside beach.
Rainproof? Really only the row of tables closest to the restaurant.
Follow on Instagram: @lepontdelatourldn
Bentley’s
Mayfair - 11-15 Swallow St, London W1B 4DG
Richard Corrigan’s oyster palace, just off Piccadilly, has a large terrace (covered and heated if needed) on Swallow Street where you can enjoy heaped seafood platters. Finish off with a Bentley’s coffee made with Frangelico and Baileys.
Rainproof? Pretty much - bar a few tables on the edge, everything else is covered.
Follow on Instagram: @bentleysoysterbar
Dovetale
Mayfair - 1 Dover Yard at 1 Hotel Mayfair, London W1J 8DJ
Tom Sellers' restaurant at this Mayfair hotel features one of those impressive alfresco spaces that really blurs the whole indoor/outdoor lines. On a cold day it's an enticing space, on a warm one it's the must-have section to dine in. Definitely somewhere to go to order up one of their DIY ice cream knickerbocker glories.
Rainproof? Yes, there's a retractable roof and the open fireplace also creates a focus on cooler evenings.
Follow on Instagram: @dovetalelondon
Forzawine at The National
South Bank - National Theatre, Upper Ground London SE1 9PX
Forzawine's wraparound terrace at its restaurant at the National Theatre boasts glorious views over the river. It's the perfect spot to grab a cocktail and work your way through their compelling menu of small plates. They've also expanded to a second level, called Forza Taps, with cocktails, natural wine and ice-cold beers on tap.
Rainproof? There's a combo hard roof and canopy so the tables closest to the wall should be fully rainproof.
Follow on Instagram: @forzawine
Scott’s
Mayfair - 20 Mount St, London W1K 2HE
The terrace at this Mayfair establishment has long been a spot where you'll find yourself sitting downwind from unrepentant smokers like Ronnie Wood or Charles Saatchi and getting your photo taken by passing paparazzi.
Rainproof? The canopy offers protection from a light shower
Follow on Instagram: @scottsmayfair
Weezie's
Belgravia - 14-15 Eccleston Yards, 21 Eccleston Pl, London SW1W 9AZ
Tucked away in Eccleston Yards, this hot new pizza wine bar has been drawing the crowds in since day one. So it’s just as well that they have an impressively capacious terrace that they share with their sibling business Amie Wine Studio next door. Pounce on a table here and you could spend the afternoon enjoying their very quaffable house rose along with an array of thin crust pizzas, loaded Torres crisps and must-have confit garlic dough bites.
Follow on Instagram: @weezieslondon
North London
Fink's at Clissold House
Stoke Newington - Stoke Newington Church St, London N16 9HJ
Now that it’s summer, FINK’S Clissold House is not only an excellent North London place to pitch up for alfresco breakfasts and lunch, but it’s also going to be a space to dine in till dusk. If you manage to secure an outside table on the terrace of their Grade II Listed Georgian building overlooking Clissold Park you can enjoy sharing plates, loaded crisps and a selection of focaccia pizza slices with wine and beer. As for the envious looks from other Stokey residents, well those come for free.
Follow on Instagram: @finks.london
Coal Drops Yard
King's Cross - Stable St, London N1C 4DQ
There are multiple handy places for alfresco dining in Coal Drops Yard in King's Cross. There's Mexican food from the under-cover Plaza Pastor and one of the best alfresco options is Barrafina spin-off Parrillan. Head further north and there are even more alfresco options, with Mare Street Market and Bubala having extensive spaces.
Rainproof?: Pretty much - from the cantilevered rooftop at Parrillan to the terrace at Plaza Pastor you'll find plenty of places to dine here protected from the elements.
Rotunda
King's Cross - 90 York Wy, London N1 9AG
Only visible from the canal, this capacious riverside terrace is accessed through Rotunda which you'll find inside King's Place. They always go big on a BBQ theme for the summer and both the lamb and beef come from their own farm (although there's plenty of plant-based options too). There's live music and this year's drinks are in partnership with Roebuck Estates, an English sparkling wine.
Rainproof? The main terrace isn't, but if you get a table closest to the window you'll be under the overhang which is pretty sheltered.
Follow on Instagram: @rotundalondon
Frederick's
Islington - 106 Camden Passage, The Angel, London N1 8EG
The narrow frontage of this Camden Passage restaurant gives no hint of what's to be found at the back. One of London's great garden restaurant spaces, part of it's laid out in patio but there are also mature gardens too. It's popular as a wedding space though, so check ahead to see if it's booked out.
Rainproof? Yes, they've usually got a marquee in the garden and much of the terrace can be covered.
Follow on Instagram: @fredericks_n1
Red Lion and Sun
Highgate - 25 North Rd, London N6 4BE
This Highgate gastropub's garden is always a winner in the summer and they've got a huge marquee over its front garden at other times of the year. Strewn with fairy lights and dotted with olive trees and ferns, the back garden is particularly pretty at night. Throughout summer they also have soft serve and slushies from a shack at the front.
Rainproof? Yes, in the front garden, but not at the rear.
Follow on Instagram: @theredlionandsun
Bistro Sablé
Islington - 63–69 Canonbury Rd, London N1 2DG
What was once Smokehouse has been relaunched as classic French restaurant Bistro Sablé. The fantastic carden space remains, shielded from the road by greenery. Pate en Croute and one of their rotisserie chickens, with something from their extensive wine list would make for a great summer's day here.
Rainproof? The cover only goes up in the colder months
Follow on Instagram: @bistrosable.
South London
Pyro
Southwark - 53B Southwark St, London SE1 1RU
Baráki by Pyro is the courtyard bar at Chef Yiannis Mexis’ Borough restaurant but that doesn’t really prepare you for just how massive this alfresco terrace is. The menu out here is a souvlaki-tori-focused one, which is Yiannis’s Greek take on Japanese yakitori. A plate of skewers and an ice-cold spritz here and you could be forgiven for thinking you were in some sunny Med spot rather than tucked under the railway arches.
Follow on Instagram: @pyro.restaurant
Trivet
London Bridge- 36 Snowsfields, London SE1 3SU
There aren't two many two Michelin-starred restaurants where you can eat outdoors, making Trivet a perfect place for a top-tier alfresco experience. The terrace isn't bookable but they're very happy to move you outside if there's a free space when you arrive.
Rainproof? Yes, there's a pretty large canopy covering most of the terrace.
Follow on Instagram: @trivetrestaurant
Darby’s
Nine Elms - 3 Viaduct Gardens, London SW11 7AY
Part of the Robin Gill empire, you approach the terrace via stepping stones across ponds inspired by New York’s High Line park and it’s a super spot for a platter of Dooncastle oysters and a chilled glass of wine.
Rainproof? Yes there's a canopy over their 20-seat terrace
Follow on Instagram: @darbyslondon
Garden Museum Cafe
Lambeth - 5 Lambeth Palace Road, London SE1 7LB
If a restaurant at a museum devoted to horticulture doesn't have a nice alfresco space we should all go home. Luckily, there's a choice of outside dining at this excellent space at the Garden Museum in London. There's a summer terrace, but we prefer the garden courtyard atrium, which is a real alfresco haven.
Rainproof? Around the edges and under the parasols you'd be protected.
Follow on Instagram: @gardenmuseumcafe
Seabird
Southwark - 14th Floor, 40 Blackfriars Rd, South Bank, London SE1 8NY
This high-rise restaurant has a huge outside terrace overlooking a great swathe of the South Bank. Although all those rattan chairs and palms make it look more like Miami than Southwark. Order up a flamboyant cocktail while you pursue the mainly seafood menu.
Rainproof? There is a retractable roof, but at these heights, you're going to get a little damp if it really rains.
Follow on Instagram: @seabirdlondon
East London
The Black Eel
Dalston - 41 Kingsland High St, London E8 2JP
Your eyes are not deceiving you, there really is a boat in the middle of this Dalston pub garden for you to sit in with a bunch of mates. This recently revived gastropub is an absolute tardis of a place and there are no clues to the size of the outdoor space from the street frontage. And the food here is good; think pea and mozzarella croquettes, amazing cheeseburgers (the bone marrow mayo is to die for) and huge chicken schnitzels.
Follow on Instagram: @theblackeel
Ibai
Smithfield - 90 Bartholomew Close, London EC1A 7BN
It’s one of the best steak restaurants in London, with foodies drawn by the deserved reputation of its Galician Blond steak all the way from Pontevedra in Northern Spain. But what you might not know is that Ibai also has a rather large terrace that’s set in from the road, offering a tranquil spot to dine in, in the heart of the City. We can’t think of a nicer place to kick off with some Cinco Jotas jamon and crisps and a nice cold glass of Txakoli.
Follow on Instagram: @ibai_london
Luca
Clerkenwell - 88 St John St, London EC1M 4EH
At the back of this now Michelin-starred Clerkenwell Italian, you'll find a foliage-filled terrace filled with olive trees and jasmine - there's even an open fire for chillier evenings. It can be used by walk-ins or booked for private dining.
Rainproof? Yes, there's a retractable roof
Follow on Instagram: @luca.restaurant
Brat at Climpson's Arch
London Fields - 374 Helmsley Place, London E8 3SB
This is the alfresco-only second helping of Tomos Parry's restaurant. There's a massive marquee over the whole area, making it suitable for dining out in whatever the weather. Dishes include roasted chicken rice, grilled steaks, flatbreads and more.
Rainproof? Yes, completely
Follow on Instagram: @brat_climpsonsarch
Coq D'Argent
City - 1 Poultry, London EC2R 8EJ
Taking up a huge space on the top floor, this is one of the City's most famous alfresco spots. If you can grab a space here on a busy weekday lunchtime, you've done a good job. Also, make sure to find your way onto the lawn out at the back with great views of the City.
Rainproof? Pretty much - there are a lot of parasols and heaters.
Follow on Instagram: @coqdargent
CRATE Brewery
Where: Unit 7 Queen's Yard, Hackney Wick, London E9 5EN
If you can grab one of the coveted outdoor seats at this Hackney brewery, you'll want to stay there all night. You can work your way through the beer and match it with their stone-baked pizzas. Their newer Canary Wharf space also has a big terrace.
Rainproof? Depends where you're seated. There is a covered section, but there are a fair few tables unprotected.
Follow on Instagram: @cratebrewery
Rochelle Canteen
Shoreditch - Rochelle School, Arnold Circus, London E2 7ES
Once you've actually found your way in, which is harder than you'd expect, nabbing a table out in the walled garden at the original Rochelle Canteen feels like a total blessing. Enjoy super seasonal cooking by owners Melanie Arnold and Margot Henderson in this East London oasis.
Rainproof? Yes, there are umbrellas over the tables outside
Follow on Instagram: @rochellecanteen
West London
Pollini at Ladbroke Hall
South Kensington - 79 Barlby Rd, London W10 6AZ
One of West London’s best secret restaurant gardens, the bamboo garden at Pollini at Ladbroke Hall is a leafy oasis that was designed by Chelsea Flower Show winner Luciano Giubbile. Here you can enjoy the full menu from chef Emanuele Pollini’s main restaurant, alongside the Giardineto menu - a classic pizza menu with the very best of toppings from San Marzano tomatoes to wagyu bresaola.
Follow on Instagram: @pollini_ladbrokehall
Canal
Westbourne Park - 1b Woodfield Rd, London W9 2BA
As the name suggests, this Westbourne Park restaurant is right on the Grand Union Canal. They’ve made the most of their waterfront position with a large south-facing terrace that’s perfect for watching the world (and canal boats) go by. So if you’re looking for somewhere to sit with an excellent choice of cocktails on tap, and a New York bistro-style menu, then this ticks all those boxes.
Follow on Instagram: @canal.canal.canal
Pippin's
Earl's Court - 1-15 Templeton Pl, London SW5 9NB
Pippin’s is a neighbourhood restaurant serving modern British dishes with chef Liam Newman (ex-Holborn Dining Room and The Ledbury) in charge. Part of the Miiro Templeton Garden, its secret weapon is the beautiful private garden at the back of the hotel, easily one of the best alfresco spaces in this part of town.
Follow on Instagram: @pippinsrestaurant.
Gold
Notting Hill - 95-97 Portobello Rd, Notting Hill, London W11 2QB
If you like the idea of alfresco more than the reality, then this enclosed courtyard space with a retractable roof is the place for you. More of a restaurant with the roof taken off on sunny days, this Notting Hill establishment is perfect for England’s unpredictable weather. The menu features lots of dishes cooked over wood fire to give you that BBQ vibe.
Rainproof? Yes, the garden room has a proper roof to it.
Follow on Instagram: @goldnottinghill
Ivy Chelsea Garden
Chelsea - 195 -197 King's Rd, London SW3 5EQ
An Instagrammer's dream spot (and popular with the Made in Chelsea crew too), the Ivy Group brought in an award-winning designer to create the space at their King's Road restaurant. There's a covered upper terrace and a cosy firepit when the weather's not all that, but really it's just an evergreen dream out here.
Rainproof? There are parasols but they won't really stop a drenching.
Follow on Instagram: @the_ivy_collection
Manicomio
Chelsea - 83-85 Duke Of York Square, London SW3 4LY
Tucked in away from the roar of supercars down the King's Road, Manicomio has an expansive terrace on Duke of York Square with room for 100 diners. Whether you're nibbling on truffled gorgonzola crostini or settling down for a larger bowl of great pasta, this is a lovely spot (plus the whole restaurant has had a recent refurb).
Rainproof? Extra large parasols cover pretty much all of the terrace.
Follow on Instagram: @manicomio.chelsea
Ognisko
Knightsbridge - 55 Exhibition Rd, London SW7 2PN
It's hard to think of a more pleasant way to spend an evening than downing ice-cold shots of vodka under the billowing canopy of Ognisko's terrace, looking out over Prince's Gardens, while pondering what kind of pelmeni to have.
Rainproof? Yes, the outside terrace marquee is huge.
Follow on Instagram: @ogniskorestaurant
The River Cafe
Hammersmith - Thames Wharf, Rainville Rd, London W6 9HA
As long as you don't think about the bill, sitting out on the banks of the Thames enjoying the super Italian food here really is a case of 'life doesn't get much better than this'.
Rainproof? A mixture of parasols and awnings should keep off a lot of the rain.
See also: The River Cafe Cafe (an offshoot next door) also has a great terrace nd is decidedly more affordable.
Follow on Instagram: @therivercafelondon
Sam’s Riverside
Hammersmith - 1 Crisp Rd, London W6 9DN
Making full use of its riverfront location by Hammersmith Bridge, this large terrace with room for more than 30 diners is serving up a seafood menu with oyster platters and dressed crab on offer. Order some frozen margaritas, watch the boats go by and all will be well with the world.
Rainproof? There are some parasols...
Follow on Instagram: @samsriversidew6
Stanley's
Chelsea - 151 Sydney St, Chelsea, London SW3 6NT
This Chelsea restaurant makes the most of its large courtyard space which is inspired by an English country garden. There are two large parasols that keep the banquette seating dry and they also have inbuilt heaters to keep you warm and toasty. It's a lovely spot for English burrata with peas or an Eton mess with brown sugar custard.
Rainproof? Yes, extra-wide parasols keep most of the rain off.
Follow on Instagram: @stanleys_chelsea_
Also see
The Hot Dinners guide to summer
Subscribe to hear the latest from Hot Dinners
