Best alfresco dining in London

Take in some fresh air and fresh flavours at one of London's best alfresco restaurants.

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.

1. 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)

2. Boundary 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.

Prices from £26.00 Book now

3. Coq 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.

Prices from £41.00 Book now

4. The 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.

Prices from £26.00 Book now

5. Dalloway Terrace

Dalloway Terrace's spring and summer 2018 display featuring flowers and bee decorations. Image courtesy of Dalloway Terrace — Dalloway Terrace's spring and summer 2018 display. Image courtesy of Dalloway Terrace

Settle down for all-day, seasonal specials surrounded by flowers and foliage at Bloomsbury hangout Dalloway Terrace. A haven for Instagrammers due to the stunning seasonal displays on its outdoor terrace, this modern British restaurant is an alfresco hotspot year-round, thanks to blankets, furs and heaters during the cooler months. Read More

6. 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

Prices from £32.00 Book now

7. Sargeant's Mess

The interior of Sargeant's Mess. Image courtesy of Sargeant's Mess.

Take in stunning views of Tower Bridge as you dine on modern British classics on the outdoor terrace at Sargeant’s Mess. In an ideal position sandwiched between Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, this relaxed all-day venue serves up the likes of haggis Scotch egg, London smoked salmon and toad in the hole. Read More

8. 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.

9. The 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.

Prices from £26.00 Book now

10. Sushisamba

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.

11. Canary 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.

12. Heddon 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.

13. Kingly 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.

14. Shad 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.

15. St 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.

16. St 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.

17. West 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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