Outside tables with a view of Tower Bridge Outside tables with a view of Tower Bridge

The best outdoor restaurants in the City

Jessica Dellow, Content Writer UK, Thatsup Jessica Dellow, Content Writer UK, Thatsup
Jessica Dellow

Nothing quite beats dining alfresco on a sunny summer's day in the heart of the capital. The busy city streets thrum with people sipping and feasting outside, filling the air with that warm, fuzzy, nostalgic feeling you only really get at this time of year. Luckily, whether you work in the City of London or you're just visiting, there are plenty of restaurants with outdoor seating to help you make the most of the alfresco season. A fair few of these spots even cater to the cooler months, so you don't have to worry too much about the unpredictable British weather. Here's where to head when you're on the hunt for outdoor restaurants in the City.

  1. Alfresco in the City
    1. 1
      Aviary Skyline views
    2. 2
      Madison Go for the skyline views
    3. 3
      Los Mochis Fusion with a view
    4. 4
      Applebee's Seafood caught within 48 hours
    5. 5
      Seabird Oysters with a view
    6. 6
      Coppa Club Insta-worthy igloos
    7. 7
      Smokestak Classic smokehouse vibes
    8. 8
      Nobu Bar Japanese vibes
    9. 9
      Crispin A laid-back gem for alfresco dining.
    10. 10
      Bar Douro The flavours of Portugal
    11. 11
      Boundary Year-round alfresco dining
    12. 12
      Caravan Open-air hangout in the City
    13. 13
      Brasserie Blanc French alfresco ambience
    14. 14
      1 Lombard Street High-end alfresco vibes

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Alfresco in the City

The best outdoor restaurants in the City

Aviary Rooftop Restaurant & Terrace Bar – Outdoor restaurants in the City
Aviary Rooftop Restaurant & Terrace Bar
Aviary Rooftop Restaurant & Terrace Bar – Outdoor restaurants in the City
Aviary Rooftop Restaurant & Terrace Bar
Aviary Rooftop Restaurant & Terrace Bar – Outdoor restaurants in the City
Aviary Rooftop Restaurant & Terrace Bar
Aviary Rooftop Restaurant & Terrace Bar – Outdoor restaurants in the City
Aviary Rooftop Restaurant & Terrace Bar
Aviary Rooftop Restaurant & Terrace Bar – Outdoor restaurants in the City
Aviary Rooftop Restaurant & Terrace Bar
Aviary Rooftop Restaurant & Terrace Bar – Outdoor restaurants in the City
Aviary Rooftop Restaurant & Terrace Bar
Aviary Rooftop Restaurant & Terrace Bar – Outdoor restaurants in the City
Aviary Rooftop Restaurant & Terrace Bar
Aviary Rooftop Restaurant & Terrace Bar – Outdoor restaurants in the City
Aviary Rooftop Restaurant & Terrace Bar
Aviary Rooftop Restaurant & Terrace Bar – Outdoor restaurants in the City
Aviary Rooftop Restaurant & Terrace Bar
Aviary Rooftop Restaurant & Terrace Bar – Outdoor restaurants in the City
Aviary Rooftop Restaurant & Terrace Bar

Aviary

Skyline views

This stylish rooftop restaurant on the 10th floor of the Montcalm Hotel offers a peaceful place to wine and dine high above the City and Shoreditch. You'll get to enjoy stunning skyline views from its south-facing heated terrace as well as a menu of seasonal British dishes made with top-quality local produce, plus excellent cocktails, English gins, and an impressive wine list. Oh, to top to all off, there are chic interiors designed by Russell Sage Studio.

Madison – Outdoor restaurants in the City
Madison
Madison – Outdoor restaurants in the City
Madison
Madison – Outdoor restaurants in the City
Madison
Madison – Outdoor restaurants in the City
Madison
Madison – Outdoor restaurants in the City
Madison
Madison – Outdoor restaurants in the City
Madison
Madison – Outdoor restaurants in the City
Madison
Madison – Outdoor restaurants in the City
Madison
Madison – Outdoor restaurants in the City
Madison
Madison – Outdoor restaurants in the City
Madison

Madison

Go for the skyline views

Madison's rooftop terrace is one of London's most iconic outdoor dining spots,  located on the penthouse spot of One New Change, with uninterrupted views of the historic St. Paul's Cathedral and beyond. This spot takes inspiration from the lively New York dining scene, serving high-end plates and brunch classics, as well as fancy cocktails. It's all about glamour and Insta-worthy skyline vistas.

Los Mochis

Fusion with a view

Los Mochis excels in delicious Japanese and Mexican fusion dishes, like sushi and tacos, served in a bright, bold space filled with colourful art. You'll find them perched high up on the ninth floor, where you can soak up the sweeping views of the city from inside and on the terrace. It's also where you'll find Europe's largest rare tequila and mezcal collection, plus excellent cocktails and a tasting menu for those who want to try a bit of everything. 

Applebee's

Seafood caught within 48 hours

Applebee's in Borough Market is a family-run seafood restaurant and fishmonger, serving super fresh, sustainably sourced seafood within 48 hours of catching it. It's not long been renovated and also features a small outdoor area that overlooks the bustling Borough Market. Enjoy the menu that changes based on the day's haul or opt for the sharing platter for a real treat.

Seabird

Oysters with a view

Seabird offers sweeping city views from the 14th floor, as well as London's longest oyster list, and a seafood-led menu of small plates, sharing dishes, and a raw bar. Its chic terrace is lined with tall plants and rattan furniture and features a retractable roof, making it ideal for all weathers.

Coppa Club

Insta-worthy igloos

Coppa Club is famous for its riverside terrace, complete with views of Tower Bridge and The Shard. It's decked out with fairy lights, plants, and iconic private dining pods which turn into wintry igloos come Christmas time. It's a lovely spot to enjoy pasta, pizza, seafood, and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, alongside a solid selection of wines and cocktails.

Smokestak

Classic smokehouse vibes

Smokestak brings bold barbecue dishes to Shoreditch with its open kitchen and smoky vibes, where the aromas of slow-smoked meats drift out onto the street – particularly lovely if you're dining alfresco out front. It's the perfect spot for brisket, ribs, and a smoky Negroni right next to bustling Brick Lane.

Nobu Bar

Japanese vibes

Nobu's hype is well-deserved. This stylish venue delivers Japanese fine dining at its finest. Indulge in Nobu's iconic Bento boxes, featuring highlights like their renowned miso black cod and baby tiger shrimp with three sauces. While many flock here for some of the city's best sushi, the cocktail menu is definitely worth a try, too.

Crispin

A laid-back gem for alfresco dining.

You'll find Crispin at the edge of Spitalfields, where its outdoor seating spills onto a quiet corner. Here, the food is seasonal European small plates, while the drinks menu leans towards natural wines. You won't miss this one thanks to its eye-catching triangular structure , but really it's all about the delicious local produce you'll find inside.

Bar Douro City Bar Douro London Bridge
Bar Douro City
bardouro.co.uk/restaurants/city
Bar Douro London Bridge
bardouro.co.uk/restaurants/london-bridge
Bar Douro City Bar Douro London Bridge

The flavours of Portugal

Bar Douro is a modern Portuguese restaurant with locations in both Liverpool Street and London Bridge. Both venues boast outdoor terraces that offer a lush space to tuck into authentic Portuguese small plates and explore their award-winning, all-Portuguese wine list. Feast on everything from smoked sausage to salt cod while soaking up the sunshine alfresco.

  • 1 Finsbury Ave, The City/City of London 85B Southwark Bridge Rd,, Southwark
    Bar Douro City
    1 Finsbury Ave, The City/City of London
    Bar Douro London Bridge
    85B Southwark Bridge Rd,, Southwark
  • Bar Douro City
    bardouro.co.uk/restaurants/city
    Bar Douro London Bridge
    bardouro.co.uk/restaurants/london-bridge
    Bar Douro City
    020-737 805 24
    Bar Douro London Bridge
    020-737 805 24
  • Bar Douro City Bar Douro London Bridge

Boundary

Year-round alfresco dining

The heated rooftop at Boundary Shoreditch is open year-round, meaning you can get your alfresco fix whatever the season. Enjoy wining and dining with panoramic city views and tuck into a Mediterranean menu in summer and Alpine fondue in winter. It's stylish and spacious, and ideal for leisurely business lunches, evening drinks, or even a weekend stay in one of the rooms below.

Caravan

Open-air hangout in the City

If you're looking for a casual, foolproof breakfast, brunch or lunch vibe, then Caravan never disappoints. Here you can enjoy casual outdoor seating and an all-day menu of brunch favourites like various things on toast, sourdough pizza and grain bowls. There's also bottomless filter coffee for an extra caffeine hit.

Brasserie Blanc

French alfresco ambience

Raymond Blanc's Brasserie Blanc on Threadneedle Street in the City has a lovely outdoor seating area where you can enjoy classic French dishes like steak-frites, plus wines sourced straight from French producers. It's a relaxed but elegant spot for alfresco dining with a Gallic twist right in the heart of the capital.

1 Lombard Street

High-end alfresco vibes

1 Lombard Street is located just across from the Bank of England, where it's best known for its iconic Dome Bar and delicious British cuisine. It also boasts an impressive wine list and outdoor tables for sunny days when you want to enjoy outside dining – perfect for people-watching or unwinding in the heart of the City.

Outdoor restaurants in the City – About the guide

The best outdoor restaurants in the City- Our guide to the best outdoor restaurants in the City is updated regularly. If you know of a great al fresco restaurant in the City that we haven't featured in our guide, feel free to get in touch. Please let us know if you see any mistakes in our guide to the best restaurants with outdoor seating in the City. Have you visited any of the places mentioned in the guide? Don't forget to write a review on Thatsup.

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At Thatsup, we have extensive experience of guiding our readers to a city’s hidden gems. Since 2008, our editors have been writing insightful guides covering restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and hairdressers, among other things. Our guides consist of carefully selected tips based on our local knowledge and are regularly updated with the help of our focus group, where we collectively discuss selections and content. We are constantly working to inspire and provide you with the best possible experience, no matter where you are or what you are looking for.