The best outdoor restaurants in Richmond

Peggy Jean is a floating outdoor restaurant in Richmond, set on a restored Oxford college barge and operated by the Daisy Green Collection. Moored on the Thames with views of Richmond Bridge and Riverside, it offers a romantic setting – especially come sunset – and relaxed beach club atmosphere. The menu features Aussie-inspired dishes, including fresh seafood, grilled meats, and a popular bottomless brunch on weekends. The boat is equipped with heaters in case of a drop in the temperature, too.

Rock & Rose in Richmond blurs the line between outdoors and indoor with lush floral decor, big glass doors that are open wide on warm days, and an eclectic, charming atmosphere throughout. The highly Instagrammable restaurant serves an international and inclusive menu, offering everything from crispy duck salad to vegan burgers and Sunday roasts, with eye-catching cocktails to match. With private dining spaces, dazzling interiors, and regular drinks offers, it's a stylish local crowdpleaser.

Helmed by an award-winning chef, Riverhouse focuses on seasonal menus that celebrate top-quality British produce and sustainable sourcing. The Richmond restaurant offers outdoor seating on a secluded riverside terrace overlooking the Thames, letting guests soak up the sun as they enjoy an elegant yet relaxed dining experience. Indulgent afternoon teas and traditional Sunday roasts are also served in this picturesque setting.

One of the prettiest spots for outdoor dining in Richmond is found at a garden centre. The Petersham Nurseries Restaurant serves seasonal delicacies inspired by their kitchen garden in a quintessentially British setting that seems hundreds of miles away from London's concrete jungle. The greenhouse, decked out with bougainvillea, vines, and jasmine, is one of the most charming eateries you'll find in the city, not just Richmond.

The second location of Mayfair's glam celebrity hotspot occupies two floors, with a marble-topped champagne and oyster bar dominating the ground-floor dining room. The upper floor features an opulent bar and restaurant area, while the riverside terrace offers al fresco dining with views of the Thames. The menu revolves around fresh, expertly prepared seafood delicacies such as Robata-grilled octopus, roasted lobster, and blackened miso salmon.

The Richmond branch of Gaucho, the socially conscious Argentinian steakhouse group founded in the 1990s, boasts one of the finest riverside locations in the area. The scenic restaurant features a terrace with one of the oldest plane trees in London, not to mention the sweeping views of Richmond Bridge and Petersham Meadows. You can enjoy a wide range of expertly grilled steaks and other South American delicacies while you take it all in.

Outdoor Richmond restaurant Stein's serves up heaps of summery Bavarian vibes, along with armfuls of fresh, authentic Munich lagers. There's nothing fancy about it and it more or less lives and dies by the weather – the seating area is just beer tables by the river. When the weather is favourable, however, the atmosphere is unbeatable, especially once the platefuls of bratwurst, pretzels, and other German delicacies start piling up on the table.

Tapas Brindisa serves a tempting selection of authentic Spanish tapas, from Padron peppers to grilled specialities and charcuterie boards. To drink, there's a carefully curated list of Spanish wines, sherries, and cocktails, perfectly complementing the vibrant flavours. The Richmond restaurant boasts a sunny outdoor terrace overlooking Richmond Riverside and the Thames.

Peppe is a charming Italian tavern with a rustic feel and inviting outdoor seating in a quiet garden. Chef Peppe brings his Sicilian roots to life through a menu of traditional recipes, featuring everything from freshly made pizzas and pastas to flavourful meat dishes and Sicilian seafood. The warm, homely atmosphere makes it a popular spot for authentic Italian dining in Richmond.

The Marlborough is a cosy pub located near the entrance to Richmond Park, known for its inviting interiors and one of the best beer gardens in Richmond, complete with a covered pergola. The rustic setting complements a menu of refined seasonal dishes, including a popular Sunday roast. The bar offers a wide range of drinks, with alcohol-free options available too.