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.

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





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.
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Royal London House, 22-25 Finsbury Square, Shoreditch
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Website
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Aviary Rooftop Restaurant & Terrace Bar
020-387 340 60 - Read more on Thatsup





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.
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Rooftop Terrace One, New Change, The City/City of London
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Website
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Madison
020-369 351 60 - Read more on Thatsup
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.
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100 Liverpool St, The City/City of London
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Website
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Los Mochis London City
020-722 525 02 - Read more on Thatsup
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.
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5 Stoney Street, Southwark
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Website
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Applebee's
020-740 757 77 - Read more on Thatsup
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.
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40 Blackfriars Road, South Bank/Southwark
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Website
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Seabird
020-790 330 50 - Read more on Thatsup
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.
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3 Three Quays Walk, Lower Thames Street, The City/City of London
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Website
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Coppa Club Tower
020-801 692 27 - Read more on Thatsup
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.
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35 Sclater St, Shoreditch/Tower Hamlets
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Website
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Smokestak
020-387 317 33 - Read more on Thatsup
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.
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22 Portman Square, Marylebone
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Website
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Nobu Bar Portman Square
020-398 858 88 - Read more on Thatsup
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.
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Pavilion on The Corner, White's Row, Shoreditch/Tower Hamlets
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Website
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Crispin London
020-805 001 23 - Read more on Thatsup
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.
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1 Finsbury Ave, The City/City of London 85B Southwark Bridge Rd,, SouthwarkBar Douro City
1 Finsbury Ave, The City/City of LondonBar Douro London Bridge
85B Southwark Bridge Rd,, Southwark -
Bar Douro City
bardouro.co.uk/restaurants/cityBar Douro London Bridge
bardouro.co.uk/restaurants/london-bridgeBar Douro City
020-737 805 24Bar Douro London Bridge
020-737 805 24 -
Bar Douro City Bar Douro London Bridge
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.
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2-4 Boundary St, Shoreditch
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Website
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Boundary Shoreditch
020-772 910 51 - Read more on Thatsup
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.
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22 Bloomberg Arcade, The City/City of London
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Website
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Caravan City
020-395 755 55 - Read more on Thatsup
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.
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Threadneedle Walk, 60 Threadneedle St, The City/City of London
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Website
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Brasserie Blanc
020-771 094 40 - Read more on Thatsup
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.
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1 Lombard Street, The City/City of London
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Website
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1 Lombard Street Bar & Restaurant
020-792 966 11 - Read more on Thatsup
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