When the weather's fine, spend a leisurely lunch or relaxed dinner at one of London's many outdoor eating places. From rooftop terraces and riverside balconies to hidden courtyards and outside restaurants in parks, there are plenty of places to eat outdoors in London. Some even stay open during winter, when blankets and heaters make for cosy spots.
Take a look at our pick of the best outdoor restaurants London has to offer.
Bleeding Heart Bistro
Feel as though you're in the South of France as you soak up the sun at Bleeding Heart Bistro's large courtyard in Farringdon. Choose from a range of rustic French classics and daily specials, alongside a selection from the wine list (from predominantly French wineries, of course)
Read MoreBoundary Rooftop
Soak up the sun at Boundary Rooftop, which boasts a large rooftop terrace, with an outdoor bar, a grill restaurant, and a designer garden with grape-producing vines. The 360-degree views take in Canary Wharf, The Gherkin and the rooftops of east London. The terrace also has a weatherproof pergola, allowing it to stay open all year.
Read MoreCoq d’Argent
Enjoy panoramic views over the City of London from Coq d'Argent's penthouse position at the top of No. 1 Poultry. The venue's stylish roof terrace and beautifully manicured gardens make it the perfect upmarket alfresco destination. Once you've taken a few photos, choose from a menu of classic French dishes with contemporary flavours.
Read MoreThe Courtyard Terrace at Rosewood London
Unwind with a cocktail and delights from the grill or seafood counter at The Courtyard Terrace. This alfresco extension of Holborn Dining Room in Covent Garden can be found in the serene Edwardian inner courtyard of Rosewood London, and is the perfect spot for an intimate open-air dinner.
Read MoreDalloway Terrace
River Café
Taste some of the most authentic Italian food in London at Michelin-starred River Café. The menu at this Hammersmith eatery changes daily, but don't miss the eatery's signature dessert: the decadent chocolate nemesis cake. For a real taste of the Mediterranean, visit during the summer months and sit outside in this pretty riverside garden restaurant in London
Read MoreSargeant's Mess
Serpentine Bar & Kitchen
Watch the world go by from the banks of the Serpentine in Hyde Park at Serpentine Bar & Kitchen. Sit out on the waterside terrace and enjoy an outdoor brunch in London, wood-fired pizza and British classics such as fish and chips. A pop-up barbecue and gin bar opens during the summer months; while there's also a selection of lighter bites, from sandwiches to ice creams.
Read MoreThe Summerhouse
Feast on fish and chips, fresh seafood or summer salads in this canalside seafood restaurant in the heart of Little Venice in west London. Eat alfresco on the banks of the canal in this nautical-themed restaurant, washing the seasonal food down with rosé wines, refreshing cocktails and jugs of Pimm's.
Read MoreSushisamba
Book a spot at one of the best restaurants with a view in London. From Sushisamba's terrace, which is perched on the 39th floor of 110 Bishopsgate, you'll be able to see London landmarks for miles around as you sample fusion cuisine combining flavours from Japan, Brazil and Peru.
Read MoreCanary Wharf
Dine riverside or dockside at Canary Wharf's outdoor eateries. Whether you're enjoying modern British fare with views across the river to The O2 at Scoff & Banter, snacking on dim sum at Royal China or getting stuck into a meaty Argentinean steaks at Gaucho, this Docklands area is the perfect spot for fresh-air-loving foodies.
Read MoreHeddon Street
Explore peaceful Heddon Street In the heart of London's West End. This pedestrianised foodie hub is home to a wide variety of outdoor restaurants, including North African cuisine at Momo, Gordon Ramsay's Heddon Street Kitchen, French brasserie Aubaine, and Italian delights at Piccolino. Sit outside and enjoy pavement dining among the palms and olive trees.
Read MoreKingly Court
Sit down to a bite to eat from one of Kingly Court’s glut of eclectic eateries in its charming courtyard off Carnaby Street. Among the foodie destination’s venues with outdoor seating are Shoryu Carnaby, Whyte & Brown and seasonal light meals at Wright Brothers Soho, so you could be enjoying everything from ramen to British classics.
Read MoreShad Thames
Relax with a riverside location and fantastic views of Tower Bridge at Shad Thames, an idyllic outdoor dining destination near London Bridge. Choose from fine French food at Le Pont de la Tour; roasts and classic British dishes at Butler's Wharf Chop House or pub fare at All Bar One.
Read MoreSt Christopher's Place
Head just off Oxford Street and you'll find St Christopher's Place's eclectic mix of bars, restaurants and coffee shops. The area boasts one of London's largest concentrations of pavement dining. Enjoy cakes, pastries and savouries at Euphorium, ramen at Bone Daddies or Turkish fare at Sofra.
Read MoreSt Martin's Courtyard
Seek out this open-air courtyard in the heart of Covent Garden, which offers a range of outdoor dining options, including lively Bill's Restaurant, Indian street food gem Dishoom, Jamie Oliver's Jamie's Italian, Thai eatery Sudathai and Mexican Cantina Laredo. This is a great spot to relax and refuel after a day of shopping in the West End.
Read MoreWest India Quay
Find the perfect table beside the waterside at West India Quay, an alfresco dining hub near Canary Wharf. Enjoy modern British food and premium rums at the Museum of London Docklands' Rum & Sugar restaurant; or sit on the terrace at Manhattan Grill, where you can sample fresh fish from nearby Billingsgate Fish Market.
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