Best al fresco restaurants in London
Make the most of the summer heat wave with Zipcar! Slap on a few more layers of sunscreen and discover London's vibrant culinary scene that becomes even more lively during warmer months. Enjoy delicious food and refreshing drinks in some of the best outdoor restaurants in the city:
CENTRAL LONDON
Circolo Popolare | Fitzrovia
A giant Italian trattoria located in the heart of the city. Surrounded by old black-and-white photos and old Italian film posters, you will experience an authentic Sicilian vibe. It’s the perfect location for a classic Italian family dinner of for an original English brunch with an Italian twist. When the sun comes out, a leafy Sicilian-styled terrace pops out of the restaurant to make you feel even more immersed in an Italian riviera.
Address: 40 Rathbone Place, Fitzrovia, W1T 1HX
The Mandrake | Fitzrovia
The Mandrake Hotel’s hidden courtyard is so beautiful, that they’ve won awards. The two-level courtyard is decorated with vines and any type of greenery that makes a unique atmosphere. There is also a relaxed terrace bar above, both of them are served with dishes from their South American-inspired restaurant YOPO, and ‘ethnobotanical’ cocktails. Worth the visit!
Address: The Mandrake, 20-21 Newman Street, London W1T 1PG
Café Boheme | Soho
Café Boheme does not have a terrace, but an irresistible cluster of small tables set around its corner of Old Compton Street, where you can spend all day drinking flavourful cocktails and listening to the live jazz performance floating throughout the windows.
Address: 13 Old Compton St, London W1D 5JQ
Petersham Nurseries | Covent Garden
Hidden just off Floral Street, a wonderful exclusive outdoor terrace will surprise you with the finest seasonal produce, quality ingredients and Mediterranean flavours. This venue houses two restaurants, plus a bar, deli, florists, shop and wine cellar. Indulge in a culinary journey through bright and warm Mediterranean regions, from the vibrant flavours of the Italian Coast to the rustic charm of the French riviera.
Address: Petersham Nurseries, Floral Court, WC2E 8JD
EAST LONDON
TT Restaurant | Shoreditch
This is a revamped Shoreditch spot, a modern east London restaurant with top-notch drinks and all things grilled. The rooftop is a permanent restaurant space that offers a dinner menu of seasonal, sharing plates and daily specials. The bar offers a cocktail lineup that pairs with the dishes and the season alongside draft beers and an extensive wine list. Eat like a local in this hidden gem.
Address: 17b Kingsland Road, London E2 8AA
Dusty Knuckle | Dalston
The al fresco seating at this Dalston bakery is way bigger than the bakery itself. On the walls, racks are filled with beautiful sourdough and rye loaves. The counter is piled with an array of different buns, brioches, savoury bakes and sandwiches filled with imaginative ingredients like porchetta with garlic purée. Since opening, the reputation for their fresh bakes, brick-thick sarnies and quality pizzas led to expansions that now include the entire car park. Don’t miss out on this secret find bakery
Address: Abbot Street Carpark, E8 3DP
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WEST LONDON
The River Café | Hammersmith
The River Café received its first Michelin Star in 1998 and has held on to it ever since. Inventive seasonal cuisine, fine wines and the airy riverside location are the key success of this restaurant. When it comes to cooking simply at a high level without theatrical Michelin decoration, there isn’t such a place as The River Café. It has been an institution of London’s food scene for decades and will continue to be for many more.
Address: Thames Wharf, Rainville Road, W6 9HA
The Ivy Chelsea Garden | Chelsea
This is a premier destination for outdoor dining! The restaurant is a 3,500-square-foot outdoor terrace and paved garden itself. Decorated with water fountains, sandstone firepits, marble tables and mosaic chairs that only walking in means experiencing al fresco dining at its finest.
Address: 195 -197 King’s Road, SW3 5EQ
Scott’s Richmond | Richmond
Their version of al fresco dining is a raised riverside balcony garden, with blooming flowers and offering breathtaking panoramas. With a great focus on ingredients, this will become your favourite spot where you can delight in fresh seafood and enjoy fine wines whilst overlooking the unparalleled Thames view. It’s like a little slice of the Riviera in West London.
Address: 4 Whittaker Ave, Richmond TW9 1TH
NORTH LONDON
Tranga | Newington Green
Unique local restaurant, tucked away from tourists' path. This undiscovered gem serves creative Spanish tapas, sherries and wine, in a bohemian-style dining room. Sit outside on a lovely sunny day and be pleased by delicious Galician food from the octopus to the paella, every bite will bring you to the heart of north Spain.
Address: 61 Newington Green, N16 9PX
Smokehouse | Islington
Critically acclaimed gastropub, Smokehouse has a lovely location in the heart of Islington. Their philosophy is to offer the most original and authentic smoked/grilled food in London. They work with the best farms in the UK and butcher the meat on-site. The wine list is an exclusive selection of carefully curated wines from small, family-owned vineyards and they also offer London's finest beer collection. Definitely a place to go especially on a sunny day to live the family atmosphere in the private garden.
Address: 63–69 Canonbury Rd, London, N1 2DG
SOUTH LONDON
OMA | London Bridge
A restaurant inspired by the Greek Isles very difficult to resist. OMA isn’t just another chic, semi-industrial space, the menu and the flavours are really straightforward and don’t stand on ceremony. The room has large windows that offer an immersive view of the bustling Borough Market. On warmer days, you can watch the market's vibrant activity unfold right before your eyes.
Address: 2-4 Bedale St, SE1 9AL
Seabird | Southwark
Located on the rooftop of The Hoxton Hotel in Southwark, the Seabird location will leave you speechless. Accessed by a discreet elevator, this rooftop gem offers stunning panoramic views. Seabird takes diners on a coastal escape for an unforgettable dining experience. Known for having London's longest oyster list and its impressive marble raw bar, you might find also some meat delicacies to satisfy your craving for rich flavours and hearty fare.
Address: 40 Blackfriars Road, SE1 8PB
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