London loves a spot of alfresco dining when the temps heat up. While sizzling days are few and far between in the capital, the city’s dining scene is fit for all seasons and occasions, with dreamy rooftops, summer terraces, lively beer gardens and riverside destinations for a sun-soaked meal near the Thames. From romantic date night destinations to casual hangouts, the best outdoor restaurants in London promise a memorable time.
An American barbecue spot offers dramatic cityscape views in Canary Wharf. A secret garden serves swoon-worthy Italian plates in Covent Garden. At a Soho hotel, izakaya-style fare and sake add Japanese elegance to a rooftop escape.
There are plenty of warm and welcoming alfresco dining spots in the Big Smoke. Read on for a guide to the best outdoor restaurants in London to book right now on OpenTable.
The best outdoor restaurants in London for warm days and sunny vibes – read on for a guide
For streetside negronis and sharing plates – visit Bar Crispin in Oxford Circus
The streetside terrace at this tiny Kingly Court wine bar (a sibling to Crispin in Spitalfields) is the stuff of legends. Diners fill the compact space to enjoy the buzzing atmosphere and sumptuous natural wines. Bar Crispin offers an enviable menu by head chef Fabien Spagnolo (of Frenchie and Pollen St Social). Order seasonal sharers such as the fried prawn sando with chilli and crab mayo, crispy polenta with aioli, seafood ragout on toast and sea bream crudo garnished with leek and potato sauce.
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For one of the best rooftop bars in London – try Madison Restaurant in St Paul’s
Madison Restaurant has quickly established itself as one of the best outdoor dining spots in London, thanks to impressive views across The City and an American menu heavily influenced by the food scene in New York. The New York brunch comes in two or three courses and serves dishes like chicken and waffles alongside bottomless bubbles, mimosas or Aperol spritz. Expect a wide variety of dishes at Madison, such as tapas boards, teriyaki seabass, lobster and truffle mac and cheese, aubergine parmigiana and a selection of steaks. And let’s not forget the Instagrammable views, which cover landmarks such as St Paul’s and The London Eye.
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For one of the best canalside restaurants in east London – visit Grow in Hackney
Grow is an inviting cafe and bar tucked in Hackney Wick, boasting pretty views of the River Lea. Tables overlooking the water have a warm and playful vibe thanks to colourful bunting. The menu leans Middle Eastern with dishes such as confit garlic hummus, grilled chicken shish kebab, and housemade falafel. Grow’s generous Mediterranean spread is served on the cafe’s canalside garden terrace or greenhouse (made from upcycled bus shelters). Add regular live music and spoken word performances and you’ve got a quirky outdoor escape.
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For one of the best Italian restaurants in London for outdoor dining – book at Emilia’s Crafted Pasta at St Katharine’s Docks and Canary Wharf
At St Katharine’s Docks, restaurants and shops are set against the soothing backdrop of a marina featuring quaint boats and luxury yachts. One of the area’s standout spots is Emilia’s Crafted Pasta, where you can grab an outdoor table and take in water views while digging into smoked salmon carbonara, slow-cooked béchamel bolognese, or the housemade ravioli. At the Canary Wharf outpost, tuck into handmade pasta and creative cocktails with views over the canal, Harbour Quay Gardens, and stunning skyscrapers.
📍 St Katharine’s Docks — Check availability
📍 Canary Wharf — Check availability
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For one of the best outdoor wine bars in London – book at 28-50 Marylebone in Marylebone
The quaint outdoor section at this French-inspired bar and restaurant offers a scenic place to watch the world go by. Flower baskets and plant pots surround diners, creating an easygoing atmosphere. 28-50 Marylebone boasts an impressive wine list featuring wines by the glass, carafe, and bottle, as well as Collectors Lists that include fine wines from private collectors. Pair the vino with an ever-evolving menu of sharing plates including oysters, chorizo, charcuterie and cheese boards, and tapas platters. As for the mains, tuck into beef tartare with truffle hollandaise, seared scallops with beetroot and coconut, bucatini cacio e pepe, pan-fried salmon with crispy potatoes and cabbage tapenade and some top-notch steak frites and finish off on a refreshing note with a scoop of homemade ice cream and sorbet.
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For one of the best pub gardens in south London – try The Angel Oak in Peckham
The Angel Oak is a Peckham gem, thanks to its spacious outdoors, filled with twinkling lights and bright yellow furniture. The laid-back vibes make it an ideal location for a casual drink with your crew or a sit-down meal in the sun. Internationally inspired pub grub includes thousand layer potato skewers with roasted garlic aioli, toasted crumpets with oyster mushrooms and Cornish pork rillettes with pickles and roast potatoes. For something more substantial, get the tomato and mozzarella filled gnocchi, the steak sandwich with onion rings, the chicken kiev with green beans and fries or the pie of the day. During the summer the pub fires up the outdoor kitchen for sun-soaked barbecues and pints. Crowds flock here on Sundays for fluffy Yorkshire puddings and tender roast meats.
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For one of the best outdoor terraces for BBQ – book at Big Easy in Canary Wharf
Big Easy is a top spot for diners craving a taste of Americana, thanks to its iconic barbecue fare. There are four Big Easy locations in the capital—in Covent Garden, Chelsea and Stratford—but the most scenic outpost is in Canary Wharf. Here, diners can feast on sweeping views of London’s skyscrapers and house-smoked meats, such as juicy Texan brisket and Carolina-style pulled pork. There’s also blues music playing in the background, adding to the soulful Southern American vibes.
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For one of the best restaurants with a view in London – don’t miss The Rooftop in St. James’s
Outdoor dining is the undeniable focus at The Rooftop on the seventh floor of Trafalgar St. James. Indoor dining is available, but diners really come to sit outside and are happy to pay the higher price for the alfresco experience. An outdoor table at The Rooftop offers picturesque views of Trafalgar Square alongside a globally inspired menu that changes seasonally, with dishes including cider-poached chorizo and smoky aubergine with coconut tahini.
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For charming alfresco dining in the heart of London – visit La Goccia in Covent Garden
La Goccia — owned by the Boglione family of Petersham Nurseries fame — is a Central London spot with a renowned al fresco dining scene. Its charming outdoor courtyard full of tables flows into the verdant Floral Court, shielded from the hubbub of central London. The menu is all about sharing plates, with must-orders including signature fried chicken, grilled squid, and wood-fired chicken with lemon and sage butter—all the offerings taste even better outdoors.
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For one of the best Japanese restaurants in London for outdoor dining – try Aqua Kyoto in Oxford Circus
Aqua Kyoto is a slick izakaya that offers a rare chance to take central London scenes from a stunning West End rooftop, covered with plants and decorative lights. Savour Edo-style sushi while taking in views of the London Eye and the bustle of Oxford Circus below. As the sun sets, sip on cocktails infused with Japanese flavours such as wasabi, and graze on bar snacks including crispy rock shrimp tempura, tuna tataki with fermented tomato and shiso sorbet, chicken karaage with yuzu mayo, and maki rolls.
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For brunch on a rooftop – don’t miss Radio Rooftop in Covent Garden
From the Shard and St Paul’s to the London Eye and Big Ben, all of London’s greatest hits are visible from Radio Rooftop. This buzzy spot on the 10th floor of the ME London building offers a seasonal locally-sourced menu with dishes such as lobster tacos, short rib sliders, chorizo sausage rolls, mushroom croquetas, fried chicken and watermelon salad. Don’t miss the signature brunch experience featuring omelettes, French toasts, pancakes or truffled orecchiette with a glass of cava. It’s a popular place for the post-work crowd: Diners often dance between tables to an upbeat playlist while bartenders pop bottles of champagne.
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For a special occasion – book at 8 at The Londoner in Soho
8 at the Londoner is an elegant rooftop overlooking the city’s iconic skyline. Three breathtaking spaces dotted with minimal Japanese accents add to an effortlessly cool ambience. The food here is modern Japanese fare. Choose to lounge at the main bar, where you can peruse the a la carte menu, full of izakaya-style dishes such as beef tataki and lobster tempura. Or sit at the captivating Shima Garden, an additional outdoor area that offers a different menu which includes gyoza tacos. Diners looking to take advantage of the 8’s extensive drinks menu can choose from Japanese whisky, sake, and creative cocktails, such as the jasmine and yuzu margarita.
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For one of the most stunning secret gardens in London – visit Stanley’s in Chelsea
At Stanley’s, diners are transported to an idyllic English country garden. Outdoor spaces covered in lush greenery and white flowers give al fresco dining here a dreamy vibe. The courtyard is always covered and heated (along with the Orangery and Dining Room), making this an ideal year-round spot. Expect a seasonally driven British menu, which could feature savoury doughnuts with lardo and curd, whipped chicken liver paté served with walnut ketchup and brioche, roasted cod, Gloucestershire pork with saffron risotto and peppercorn rib eye with Jerusalem artichokes. Cap things off with an Elderflower Collins, the restaurant’s signature botanical cocktail.
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For one of the best Thai restaurants in London with riverside views – try Kinkao in Isle of Dogs
With views over the Thames to Greenwich, Kinkao’s riverside location in the Isle of Dogs makes it an ideal alfresco spot. The menu showcases southern Thai flavours. Options such as sua rong hai (beef marinated with herbs), served on a hot stone plate, and pad kee mao (spicy fried fresh rice noodles) are favourites. Pair the flavourful plates with Thai beers or cocktails including the signature rum punch or Thai daiquiri, a riff on the traditional.
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Shekha Vyas is a London-based reporter, writing about business, lifestyle, and food. Follow her on Instagram at @shekhav or on TikTok at @tastingbritain.
Alfresco dining is the perfect way to get into the summer spirit after the long winter months. These amazing London terraces, rooftops and bars are ideal to visit when the weather warms up and the mouthwatering menus make them great to return to all year-round. Whether you’re looking for sophisticated fine dining or a relaxing drink with friends, the best outdoor restaurants in London await.
Book your table now at OpenTable at the best outdoor restaurants and terraces in London.
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