Guide to restaurants with secret outdoor areas in London

Maria G's is a sophisticated restaurant that exudes retro Mediterranean vibes. This elegant Kensington spot offers Italian-inspired cuisine made using the freshest produce, with a creative and dynamic kitchen team at the helm. The menu changes daily so there's always something new to try. Dine on the outdoor terrace by the river for a home-away-from-home feeling; it feels more like a close friend's private garden.

No 197 Chiswick Fire Station is a trendy all-day venue boasting a contemporary design and a secluded terrace decorated with pretty trailing vines. It's committed to sustainability, offering coffee during the day and cocktails in the evening. The menu highlights classics like brunch, burgers, and mains such as rotisserie chicken.

Paladar is a colourful Latin American restaurant serving the freshest gluten-free dishes alongside innovative cocktails. The space is bright and vibrant, reminiscent of somewhere you'd find on that side of the world. Although the inside is lovely, there's also a lush outside secret terrace adorned with hanging plants, parrot sculptures, and raw brick with hanging artwork. It's drenched in natural sunlight but is weatherproof, thanks to clear roofing.

My Neighbours the Dumplings is a family-run restaurant specialising in traditional hand-rolled homemade dumplings. Choose from their menu of meat and veggie dumplings and a selection of dim sum dishes, like their iconic sesame prawn toast. There's also a sake bar for drinks and a cute secret outdoor garden ideal for an intimate, cosy dinner.

Juliets Quality Foods in Tooting has established itself as a beloved local spot for top-quality food and coffee. The café is kitted out with weathered wooden floors and exposed brick walls, but it's the menu that people really flock here for. It's chock full of brunch dishes, like eggs and smoked eel on toast and homemade cornbread. They serve both hot and iced coffees and offer a selection of wines and groceries for takeaway. If you're in the know, you might be familiar with their walk-in-only outdoor terrace, which is perfect for an intimate lunch soiree.

Mazi, renowned for its contemporary Greek cuisine, offers a chic yet rustic dining experience with a menu filled with innovative dishes, such as delicacies served in jars, like cod roe mousse or deconstructed pastries, and plenty of vegetarian options. For a really cosy dining experience, choose to enjoy your meal on their intimate outdoor deck decorated with vines and lanterns.

The Gunmakers in Clerkenwell may be unassuming from the outside, but the interior seamlessly blends traditional with contemporary. The heated and covered garden is decorated with plants, palms, and hanging lamps, adding a touch of natural charm. There's food from the renowned Mexican brand Tigre Tacos, best enjoyed in the plant-filled garden.
 

La Goccia is a beloved Italian dining destination in Covent Garden that lures in diners with its enchanting vibe. It's crafted by the Petersham Nurseries team so you can expect elegant surroundings and a bar adorned with individually cast bronze leaves. Guests can choose between the dynamic restaurant with open kitchen views or the peaceful outdoor terrace surrounded by lush greenery. Private dining and special events like flower arranging or pasta-making sessions add to the appeal.

Led by the team behind The Clove Club, Luca is a favourite spot for top-notch cuisine set in a modern and welcoming setting. Headed by chef Rob Chambers, the restaurant specialises in crafting Italian dishes using premium British ingredients. The space offers an airy indoor dining room, a chic bar area, and an elegant outdoor terrace filled with climbing plants and exposed brickwork – but it's worth noting that this is only available for private events.

The Axe is a laid-back pub in Stoke Newington that has been a local favourite since 2017. Its welcoming atmosphere and delicious food and drinks have guests coming back for more. But really, it's their little, cosy garden that has earned them a reputation in Stokey. It boasts wooden decking, trailing vines, and covered areas for when the rain hits.

Authentique is the brainchild of four French friends who came together thanks to a shared passion for artisanal food and drinks. It boasts an impressive selection of more than 30 wines available by the glass and over 700 by the bottle, best paired with a cheese and charcuterie board. They also have a little patio out the back that you might've missed if you've been before.

Peckham's family-run Kudu is all about refined South African dishes made with love, blending innovative flavours with European inspirations. Their seasonal menus (which change regularly) feature dishes like peri-peri duck hearts, English asparagus with goat's curd, and the beloved South African snack, biltong. If it's sunny, opt to dine in their small, cosy garden area, where you'll find just a handful of seating with blankets for when the temps drop.

Granary Square Brasserie, a prestigious member of the Ivy Collection, oozes elegance and sophistication. Located in King's Cross, this restaurant features lavish interiors and a welcoming outdoor terrace. Feast on British staples, including dishes like shepherd's pie, fish 'n' chips, and veal sirloin, complemented by bespoke cocktails. Weekends come alive with lively music from DJs. The outdoor terrace overlooks the rest of Granary Square. and is filled with tropical-like plants and cosy seating.

You wouldn't know it from the street or even glancing a few floors up, but The Culpeper is more than just your regular local boozer. The multifaceted venue spans four floors, starting with a ground floor pub, then a first floor English bistro, followed by comfy accommodation on the second floor, and finally a garden on the rooftop. They grow herbs and veg there for use in the kitchen and bar, but you can also take advantage of nice weather and relax with a drink or the set lunch menu.

Rita's in Soho champions bistro-style dining with a modern American twist, spotlighting British seasonal produce and low-intervention wines. This vibrant restaurant delivers a fresh perspective on contemporary dishes influenced by diverse cuisines, and gets pretty popular. It hides a charming outdoor area in the courtyard in the back, where you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of Soho.