London’s best restaurants for outdoor dining

What’s the vibe? Converted from the bike sheds of an old Victorian school, this unassuming canteen for Shoreditch creatives (and others) was opened by Melanie Arnold and Margot Henderson in 2004 and has since become one of the capital’s most reliable restaurants. 

Why go? This chilled-out alfresco space is at the mercy of the elements, but whatever the weather, you can depend on the kitchen for a daily menu of colourful yet homely dishes featuring seasonal ingredients.

What's the vibe? A local al fresco landmark with food to match, Brian Danclair's heaving Caribbean spot in Brixton Village market, with half the ‘outside’ tables under cover and the rest on the patch by Coldharbour Lane is known for its effervescent service and reggae tunes.

Why go? The tables are mostly communal and the food is bold, memorable stuff; codfish fritters, reggae wings (juicy chicken slathered in tangy, peppery, tongue-tingling tamarind sauce, plus a pile of sweet crushed pineapple) and curried mutton, rice and peas, green beans and chutney. Vegetarians are also in luck, at the start of 2024, Danclair opened the neighbouring Veg & Tings. 

What’s the vibe? Breakfast on the towpath overlooking the Regent’s Canal near Whitmore Bridge is a terrific way to start the day, and once you’ve bagged a table you may be tempted to linger for hours, especially if the sun is shining. 

Why go? This self-consciously low-key café has always been a favourite with passing dog-walkers, runners and cyclists, who stop off for coffee and snacks, light-as-air cakes and rustic but skilfully cooked hot lunches.

What’s the vibe? Absolutely delightful, actually. The award-winning café at the Garden Museum in Lambeth has a small but lush alfresco garden courtyard. 

Why go? It’s open for lunch daily and for dinner on Tuesdays and Fridays and head chefs Harry Kaufman (previously at St John Bread and Wine and Lyles) and George Ryle (Padella and Primeur) make seasonal sensations – think smoked eel and tomato starters and whole lemon sole mains with mussels and sea beets. 

What's the vibe? A delightful deli on Bonnington Square which specialises in Italian produces and simple, delicious daily lunches and seasonal sandwiches. A real gem and proper community hub. 

Why go? For the regular, super varied supperclubs that take over the outdoor terrace. Think; Belgian al fresco feasts, chefs from the likes of Sessions Arts Club, and slap-up pizza parties. Keep an eye on their Instagram for updates and news. 

What's the vibe? Toklas is the first restaurant venture from the founders of Frieze art fair and magazine, Amanda Sharp and Matthew Slotover, and it sits within the brutalist 180 The Strand building, also home to their offices and a cutting-edge art gallery. It's named after Gertrude Stein’s life partner, Alice B Toklas. Impossibly chic, in other words. 

Why go? For simple, unfussy food on a massive 2,500-sq foot terrace designed artfully by Miria Harris. There's lots of foliage and head chef Chris Shaw is in charge of the kitchen, serving the likes of monkfish and rosemary skewers, and nroad beans with rocket, mint and pecorino salad. House wine comes with artwork by Turner Prize-winning Lubaina Himid. Told you it was chic. 

What's the vibe? Very, very posh. This is the Twickenham outpost of storied Mayfair seafood spot Scott's.

Why go? For the frankly gorgeous terrace, which looks out over the Thames, as well as a big budget menu of oysters, crab, caviar and plenty of Champagne to wash it all down with. You'll need plenty of cash to splash, we recommend you do so on lobster thermidor. 

What’s the vibe? Upmarket but relaxed, offering arguably the best outdoor seating in the swish King’s Cross development Coal Drops Yard. There's also a similarly sweet terrace at Parrillan's Borough Yards location on the other side of the river. 

Why go? DIY Spanish cooking on a parilla (grill) is what you’re here to do. The seafood, from shimmering scallops to fabulously fresh red prawns, is stunning. Try the Lagarto Ibérico, the best-value dish on the menu, and don't forget some pan con tomate. You’ll think you’re on actual hols. 

What's the vibe? A delightful terrace by the manic Vauxhall Cross gyratory. Wait, come back! Despite its chaotic location, you'll have no idea you're in one of London's most brutal interchanges when you're sat in this stunning walled-in garden. Open during the summer months, this secret space is perfect for incognito catch-ups.

Why go For the fabulous food as well as the bohemian charm, darlings. Chef Jackson Boxer cooks up a seaonal storm from this Georgian mansion, which backs onto antiques yard Lassco. You've never eaten anywhere quite like it.

What’s vibe? Peckham is hardly short of rooftop bars but Forza Wine’s fifth-floor views and spectacular menu make it a stand-out spot. 

Why go? Delights like braised duck leg, plums, bay and thyme will await you at your high-rise dinner and drinks sesh, as will crisp cauliflower fritti and aioli and oozy burrata.  

What's the vibe? Brixton's Laundry has long since stopped steaming your sheets, but you may want to get steaming here in a different way; by sipping summery spritzes on their sizable terrace.

Why go? Food here is bistro-perfect, with breakfast served until midday (later on weekends) and then offering classics such as prawn cocktail, panzanella salad, bavette steak, and a big ol' Sunday roast, too.

What's the vibe? The latest incarnation of the storied Holland Park bistro, with chef-patron Owen Kenworthy (Brawn, The Pelican) doing unfussy but elegant French brasserie faves. Ignore the martini trolley at your peril. 

Why go? To feel very, very west London on the boho chic terrace which spills out onto the paved, pedestrianised Portland Road. 

What’s the vibe? This grand Covent Garden offshoot of Petersham Nurseries in Richmond has a splendid courtyard for that genuine outdoor vibe, complete with trees, plant-filled urns and other horticultural paraphernalia. 

Why go? For slow food you’ll want to eat fast. The Petersham prides itself on seasonal produce and quality ingredients, all shot through with classy Italian flavours. 

What's the vibe? Trivet has immpecable pedigree. Jonny Lake and Isa Bal were The Fat’s Duck head chef and head sommelier, and naturally have already scored a Michelin star for this London Bridge beauty.

Why go? On a sunny day their delightful backstreet terrace comes to life, across from the glorious 19th century Guinness Court. There's a special summer terrace menu too, featuring a punchy hot tongue bun with anchovy and pickles, confit lobster claw, and the most elegant chicken wings we've ever encountered. 

What’s the vibe? This secluded, foliage-filled terrace is one of London’s best kept secrets. The terrace is surrounded by olive trees and jasmine plants that will make you feel like you’re on an idyllic Italian getaway.

Why go? There’s a retractable roof and an open fire for the chilling evenings. Food wise think: Parmesan fries, burrata with winter tomatoes and olives and n’duja and rigatoni pasta with pork sausage ragù. In 2023 Luca won its first Michelin star, if you need any more convincing. 

What's the vibe? This hallowed Holland Park venue dates back to the seventeenth century. It's right in the middle of the park itself and was, once upon a time, the summer ballroom for Holland House. It's now found its final form; a very fancy Italian restaurant.

Why go? To sink decadent Tuscan food (lobster linguine, pear pizza with gorgonzola and pecans, or black fig and ricotta salad) while doing your best Sophia Loren impression on the tantilising terrace. The true meaning of parklife. 

What’s the vibe? Essentially, a carpark in Dalston with a very lovely covered terrace and a live fire restaurant from chefs Andrew Clarke and Daniel Watkins.

Why go? For an innovative barbecue menu that’s not your run-of-the-mill bangers and burgers menu. Try small plates such as beetroots with sweet and sour dill dressing, beetroot purée, pickled blueberries and sorrel and grilled leeks with pistacho romesco. Alongside the food, there are special edition beers brewed each month by 40FT to pair with the menu.

What's the vibe? A chef's chef, Tom Sellers' in-house restaurant at 1 Hotel Mayfair, sees the two Michelin-starred Restaurant Story fella overseeing a menu of Euro-inspired bangers. 

Why go? Moules-frites and steak-frites are always on special, but pork chop, sea bass and lamb rack will also scratch your culinary itch. The hidden terrace is a treat, with a copper fireplace and pergola, so you're protected from any unwanted April (or May, or June, or July...) showers. 

What's the vibe? Posh as anything, this old school seafood spot boasts a 60-seater terrace tucked away from nearby hectic Piccadilly. Slurp oysters on the street and feel like the fanciest folk in town. 

Why go? The mighty Richard Corrigan's in charge of the food, so even if the sun's decided to pop behind a cloud, you're in for a treat.

What's the vibe? A Peckham small plates menu inspired by South Africa, Kudu's best kept secret is not their punchy flavours, but their 20-seat hidden garden.  

Why go? A combination of bragging rights and the chance to neck some onglet with hispi cabbage, all cooked to perfection on the braai (a South African barbecue). 

What's the vibe? A determinedly al fresco Southwark spot that's pretty much a big patio, with plants hanging from wooden rafters and a fancy brick oven in the corner where much of the Mediterranean menu is crafted.

Why go? The food is fabulous. Earthy and bountiful, it offers the kind of hearty spread you would expect Monty Don to tuck into after a hard day tending to his dahlias. Think burrata, fig with cherry molasses and crab meat in charred baby gem. 

What's the vibe? A much-loved Jewish deli that's been doing roaring buisiness in St John's Wood since 1944. Out on the terrace you'll find elderly widows rubbing shoulders with foodies making the trek across town for Panzer's sublime smoked salmon.

Why go? Head down early in the morning for an al fresco slap-up breakfast featuring their famous smoked salmon with a toasted bagel, cream cheese and pickles. A London landmark. 

What’s the vibe? This stylish outdoor terrace is a lush, green oasis tucked away from busy King’s Cross. Kick back and relax at one of the city’s coolest hangouts while you enjoy classic cocktails, snacks and hearty fare such as hot dogs, burgers and fish and chips.

Why go? For the boozy bottomless brunches on Sundays. Or, for their signature Aperol slushies to cool you down.

What’s the vibe? Despite its name and riverside location, the River Cafe’s gorgeous gardens are what make dining alfresco here such a treat. To snag an outdoor table, request one when booking and you’ll either eat under the awning on the heated terrace, surrounded by fruit trees, herbs and edible flowers, or in the garden amid shady trees on neatly trimmed lawns.

Why go? It’s an iconic London spot that’s been open since 1987 and the menu is a study in seasonal Italian deliciousness, with some ingredients sourced direct from the growing patch.

What’s the vibe? Local families, joggers, dog walkers and visiting foodies all love this park café, not only for its commitment to top-quality ingredients and local producers, but also for its charming domed pavilion and acres of outdoor space.

Why go? The peaceful views face Victoria Park’s west boating lake – all very serene until someone’s kid runs over your foot with their scooter. Yes, this is yummy-mummy territory.

What's the vibe? Ham Yard Hotel spills out into its own private courtyard in the summer season, serving up big ticket dishes; roast whole John Dory; lamb rump with sheep's milk labneh; chicken schnitzel with fried hen’s egg and smoked haddock and trout fish cake with poached egg and hollandaise.

Why go? Dine beside a giant sculpture by artist Sir Tony Cragg and imposing oak trees in this chilled-out corner of Soho. Also, don't forget to visit the Shucks oyster cart, where shellfish is half-price during ‘Oyster Hour’ every Wednesday to Sunday, from 5-6pm.

What’s the vibe? Occupying what was once a not-so-beautiful laundrette, this sibling of Islington’s Primeur is also the kind of neighbourhood hangout where the menu is scrawled on a blackboard, the small plates are modish and fish is a strong suit. 

Why go? To eat alfresco on the Provençal-style terrace, surrounded by olive trees and rug-strewn wooden blocks.

What's the vibe? You might be surprised to hear that there is a relatively quiet corner of Soho, and it's here on Manette Street – the terrace of OTT pasta and pizza spot Daroco.

Why go? It's an outrageous spot, perfect for anyone who wants a big, dumb fun night out or messy lunch on the southern fringes of Soho.