The best outdoor restaurants in London

Paladar brings Latin American flavour and colour to Elephant and Castle, complete with a lush, plant-filled garden that's made for outdoor dining. The space feels relaxed and welcoming, with friendly staff, vibrant art and a menu of fresh, gluten-free dishes designed for sharing. Order a few small plates, sip on a pisco or mezcal cocktail and enjoy the calm, green surroundings that make this spot one of the area's loveliest places to eat al fresco.

A Soho staple since 2010, 40 Dean Street truly comes into its own in summer, when its pavement tables make it one of the busy neighbourhood's prime outdoor dining destinations. Guests can enjoy the buzz of Soho's streets while lingering over drinks or tucking into Italian favourites such as pasta and pizza. The warm, family-run atmosphere extends to four-legged friends as well.

Tucked away in Belgravia, The Jones Family Kitchen boasts one of the best terraces in London – a spacious and serene outdoor area that's perfect for lingering over you meal, soaking up the sun, and observing the goings-on in Eccleston Yards. The restaurant serves award-winning steaks, among other meaty delights, with expertly mixed cocktails and fine wines to accompany the food. The terrace can also be hired for big groups.

Kitty Fisher's has a handful of seats out front, which are ideal for soaking up the Mayfair vibes with a cocktail in hand when the sun decides to show up. The inside's cosy and candlelit, but on a good day, nothing beats lingering al fresco. The food makes the most of British classics with a slice of Spanish influence, while drinks are playful with names like The Hanky Panky.

Cora Pearl, a modern British spot in Covent Garden, pairs its chic green-toned décor and marble bar with the option of al fresco dining on the terrace. The menu puts a refined spin on hearty British favourites such as lamb rump and pork chops, blending comfort with sophistication. Guests can also enjoy well-crafted pre-theatre menus and indulgent Sunday roasts.

Offering a modern take on traditional Indian cuisine, Zoya Grill & Lounge is a stylish King's Cross restaurant whose bold decor leaves a lasting impression. The food is memorable as well, ranging from house specials like the citrus-infused Zoya chicken to classic options like thalis and curries, all complemented by a selection of cocktails, wines, and other premium drinks. Zoya also offers al fresco seating to take full advantage of those nice spring and summer days.

Dalloway Terrace is known for its elegant setting that's the ideal backdrop for al fresco dining. Choose from a number of menus, including the classic afternoon tea. You can also enjoy alcoholic drinks and cocktails. Here you'll discover a restaurant filled with blooming flowers and a refined English atmosphere.

At Aqua Neuva you can share modern Spanish tapas whilst taking in impressive city views from the rooftop. This is a space to enjoy various menus on the two terraces set high above Regent Street. These include brunch and pre-theatre options, all with impressive and uninterrupted views of London's famous skyline.

La Famiglia has been bringing Tuscan food and hospitality to Londoners since 1966. Diners are greeted with a warm welcome and, if you're lucky, you can get a table in the courtyard set amongst olive trees and herbs. Family photos hang on the walls and the menu is full of Tuscan classic dishes.

Enjoy outdoor drinks or meals with stunning views of the city skyline at Aviary. This rooftop bar and restaurant specialises in creative botanical cocktails and serves a menu of seasonal British dishes made using artisan ingredients sourced from around the country. There's a contemporary indoor area as well as the spacious terrace.

Luca has a strong presence on the London restaurant scene thanks to its modern Italian cuisine and high quality British ingredients. As well as an airy dining room and bar, the restaurant has an attractive terrace in a cobblestoned courtyard that’s a picturesque setting for an al fresco meal. Private bookings are required to use the Mediterranean-style terrace.

Richmond’s new water-top dining destination is a restored former barge on the Thames that combines Oxford College Boat race charm with beach club relaxation. You can lounge around on board or on the accompanying pontoon, taking in the views of the river and the surrounding area. When you’re feeling peckish, you can grab a freshly baked pizza from Peggy Jean’s dual clay ovens or a grilled specialty such as tomahawk steak, while weekends are aimed at the bottomless brunch crowds.

Islington restaurant Smokehouse offers diners an elevated take on barbecuing. The menu has global influences and there's an extensive choice of craft beers. The interior feels rustic and airy with chalkboards and herb boxes. There's also seating outside on the pavement terrace or in the spacious leafy garden.

Stanley's takes you to an English country garden with al fresco dining in the courtyard. Surrounded by plants, flowers, and trees, you can sample British dishes with international influences in booths made from reclaimed wood. Think English burrata and citrus-brined chicken, alongside a broad choice of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Tavolino Bar & Kitchen serves classic Italian food alongside photo-worthy city views. Enjoy a quick meal of pizza or pasta or explore six traditional Italian courses, plus carefully selected wines and cocktails. The indoor dining area has large windows or you can opt for the spacious outside terrace and experience al fresco dining by the river.

Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill in Mayfair has been serving fine seafood since 1916, including their signature fish and chips. They also offer fresh oysters, steaks, and internationally-inspired dishes like spaghetti and gnocchi. The large heated terrace is particularly popular with diners and can seat up to 60 guests at a time.

Circolo Popolare is known for its distinctive interior that includes 20,000 bottles. If you prefer al fresco dining you can soak up the Sicilian atmosphere on the sophisticated outdoor terrace with lots of plants and leaves. The menu is updated regularly but offers Italian favourites like pizza and pasta. There's also a large choice of wine.

The River Café is a Michelin-starred riverside eatery offering laid back Italian cuisine and scenic views. Reserve a table in the café’s garden or heated terrace, surrounded by shady fruit trees for a relaxing al fresco experience. The food menu serves up Italian treats like risotto and linguine along with a broad wine list, and Sunday lunch is available too.

Rochelle Canteen is a discreet and cosy eatery housed in a converted bike shed in Shoreditch. The menu changes daily, offering seasonal meals drawing inspiration from British and European cooking. Its outdoor tables under a canopy mean you can enjoy al fresco dining with attractive views in all types of weather.

Toklas is a centrally-located restaurant, bar, and bakery that serves a daily-changing European menu. Options include risotto, salad, and fish and seafood. There's a modern indoor restaurant area as well as a large covered terrace. Enjoy a leisurely meal al fresco surrounded by potted plants.

Have a one-of-a-kind experience at Spanish restaurant Parrillan, where patrons grill their own food on the terrace using miniature table-side grills. Choose from a selection of vegetables, meat, and seafood, as well as desserts and sides. Parrillan also offers a Spanish-focused wine list. There's ample seating at this restaurant on the covered terrace.

Gunpowder offers modern Indian cuisine with dishes like Bengali beetroot croquettes and grilled Goan prawns. The outdoor terrace at the Tower Bridge location is spacious and staff can give you a blanket or hot water bottle if you start to get cold. Various menus are available throughout the day, including pre-theatre and feasting options.

Inspired by recipes from historical British cookbooks, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal promises unique flavours on the à la carte menu. The decor is inspired by history in a similar way. The manicured outdoor terrace is open during warmer months and gives you a great view into the kitchen, including the unique pulley system used for spit-roasting.

The ethos at Fallow is about creative and sustainable cooking, with the team having trained under Heston Blumenthal. This restaurant serves British cuisine, offering set weekday menus and Sunday roasts. Plant-based choices are available too. There's a modern indoor dining area and a comfortable heated pavement terrace for dining al fresco.

At Coppa Club you can take in views of The Shard and Tower Bridge from the spacious outdoor terrace whilst you enjoy favourite dishes like pizza, pasta, and seafood. Alternatively, have a unique al fresco experience in your own private pod. Plenty of wines and cocktails are on the menu too.

The Orangery at Number Sixteen offers a choice of refined menus, including afternoon tea. Enjoy your food in the classic indoor dining area or sit outside in the attractive garden. Lined with trees, the al fresco area is full of leaves and eye-catching sculptural details and hand-selected artworks.

Orrery is a Marylebone restaurant with its own bar, terrace, and epicerie. Serving up classic French cuisine, you can choose from a dedicated menu on the rooftop terrace or opt for a treat from the award-winning cheese trolley. Expect sophisticated dishes like Jerusalem artichoke risotto. There's also an extensive wine list and private dining available.

Try a modern take on Greek cuisine at Mazi. These innovative dishes are made for sharing and include on-trend jars with fillings like a deconstructed filo pastry or cod roe mousse. The intimate outdoor deck is an attractive backdrop for al fresco meals, decorated with hanging lanterns, vines, and plants.

Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar & Brasserie is known for its great views of the city. You can appreciate the scenery from inside or enjoy a meal al fresco on the large terrace. A range of menus are on offer here - choose from the brasserie menu for relaxed international cuisine or experience the main restaurant's fine dining.

Le Pont de la Tour is housed in a 19th century tea warehouse by the banks of the Thames and serves up classic French cuisine. The comfortable enclosed terrace offers impressive views of Tower Bridge that are the ideal photo opportunity. You can also book private dining and events spaces either inside or outside.

Enjoy seafood with a clear city view at Seabird, which boasts London's longest oyster list. Filled with palms and rattan furniture, you can eat al fresco on the spacious terrace with a retractable roof. This on-trend setting offers a menu that focuses on fish and has a range of signature cocktails to try too.

Rotunda Bar and Restaurant serves modern British cooking in King's Cross. Expect much-loved dishes with an international influences on the menu, including a Sunday Beef Club if you can't go without your weekly roast. The comfortable and spacious garden terrace offers scenic views of the canal whilst you enjoy a relaxed meal.

Frederick's in Islington focuses on warm and welcoming service whilst offering a menu of classic European dishes. Ample plant-based options are also available. Sit inside or enjoy an al fresco meal in the garden next to a neat and green lawn. Frederick's also offers private dining indoors and wedding catering.

Crate Brewery & Pizzeria serves up freshly prepared pizza, including a number of vegetarian varieties. Seated on outdoor picnic benches, you can complete your meal with river views, a buzzy atmosphere, and a regularly changing selection of Crate Brewery's beers. Here you can enjoy al fresco dining throughout the day and evening.

For sophisticated fish and seafood dishes in Battersea, check out Wright Brothers. This modern and airy restaurant serves market-fresh fish and has its own jetty with fab views of the Thames, enhanced with lights and bunting. There's an oyster bar, daily specials, and an international menu of recipes like fish pie and cod with chorizo. 

At Forza Wine in Peckham you can enjoy Italian dining and drinks with impressive rooftop views of the city. It's a chic and contemporary spot where you can pop along for natural wines and cocktails or sample the changing selection of small plates here. Expect bites like caesar salad, flatbreads, mussels, and deep-fried spuds.

Dine on street food by the River Lea at Barge East. This award-winning restaurant is a 125-year-old Dutch barge, but you can also kick back in the picturesque riverside gardens, one of the largest outdoor dining areas in the city. Inside it's seasonal set menus but outdoors it's laid-back dining and drinks.

Llewelyn's serves fine European cuisine in an intimate and romantic atmosphere. There's a crisp interior as well as an attractive outdoor dining area enhanced with leaves and florals. Menus for lunch and dinner change frequently but include the likes of grilled mackerel with pickled rhubarb and roast chicken with Jerusalem artichokes. Fine wines are served too.

Head to The Maine in Mayfair to try the distinctive cuisine of New England. The dining room has a classic look and is topped off with a sparkling chandelier. There's also a covered outdoor terrace with heaters and blankets available if it's cold. The menu features lots of fish and seafood, including lobster rolls and oysters, plus pasta and steak. Distinctive cocktails are also served.

On-trend eatery No 197 Chiswick Fire Station serves food all day in a venue that's full of striking contemporary design. There's also a whitewashed walled terrace with trailing vines and a secluded feel. Menus feature brunch dishes, burgers, and mains like rotisserie chicken, plus coffee and cocktails, all prepared with sustainable ingredients.

At Granary Square Brasserie you can eat in the lavish and colourful interior or out on the largest terrace in North London with plants and umbrellas. Part of the Ivy Collection, this stylish spot serves British favourites like shepherd's pie and fish cakes. There's also breakfast, weekend brunch, an affordable set lunch menu, and choices for kids.

Bleeding Heart Bistro has a bustling atmosphere and is full of French style, with white tablecloths and vintage posters. Outdoor tables are available all year round in the covered and plant-filled courtyard. There are à la carte and set menus with choices like foie gras terrine, braised rabbit leg, and tarte tatin. French and international wines are served here.

Casa Pastor comprises of colourful indoor and outdoor spaces for enjoying flavourful Mexican tacos. Sit on the outdoor terrace for an al fresco meal surrounded by green leaves or in the colourful interior with a tiled floor. A variety of classic taco fillings are available at this relaxed spot.

Neighbourhood bistro Clipstone is minutes away from Regent's Park and has an easygoing feel. It's a popular spot for lunch and dinner, with a homey interior as well as outdoor pavement tables. The restaurant does a set lunch and has an à la carte menu of seasonal European recipes. More than 100 wine varieties are available, including a list of single bottles.

Double Standard is an on-trend bar-restaurant in King's Cross, boasting a comfortable terrace and a laid-back atmosphere. Either inside or outside you can sample a wide range of drinks and cocktails, alongside contemporary dishes like burgers. There's also a Sunday bottomless brunch available.

Enjoy tapas in the heart of St Katherine Docks with a meal at Bravas Tapas. There are al fresco tables right next to the water as well as in the contemporary wood-panelled dining room. An eclectic range of tapas are on the menu from marinated anchovies or grilled octopus to Iberian pork belly and vegetarian croquettes. Wine and cava are available by the glass or bottle.

Vardo is housed in a circular pavilion. The venue has large windows and by ample outdoor seating in bustling Duke of York Square. Along with quality coffee, the restaurant serves a selection of seasonal dishes and crowd-pleasing international favourites, with great options for every meal of the day.

Originally launched in 1984 as just a caravan, Market Place Restaurant today boasts the biggest heated terrace in Chelsea and is a popular choice in sunny weather. Offering a varied menu of burgers, Mediterranean flatbreads, and bar snacks, the establishment frequently features happy hour specials on drinks. Additionally, it's available for booking for birthday parties and other private functions.

The Campaner, the London debut of the team behind Barcelona's famed Terraza Martinez, blends Spanish culinary roots with top-quality British produce, offering slow-cooked seasonal specialities and signature dishes like monkfish and lobster casserole. The spacious outdoor terrace offers a picturesque setting for al fresco dining, complete with views of the Grade II-listed Garrison Chapel.

With its idyllic canalside setting and sun-soaked outdoor seating, Towpath is all about the alfresco vibes. Despite praise from the likes of Keira Knightley and Tracey Ullman, it's far from a flashy celebrity spot, think of it instead as a laid-back café where you can enjoy excellent coffee and simple food for breakfast, lunch, or the occasional dinner, all while soaking up the waterside atmosphere.