The capital is coming in strong when it comes to alfresco dining venues. With everything from riverside eateries to quirky neighbourhood spots and rooftop gems that promise to keep you toasty this season, there's plenty to choose from. See for yourself with our guide to the best restaurants with outdoor heaters in London. Now, all you need to do is gather your pals.
Last updated on 27th February 2023
Cool decor and craft beer than you can throw a stick at; Mercato Metropolitano is a top spot for those after covered outdoor dining in London. The beloved Elephant and Castle food hall is fighting off the chilly weather with heated lamps dotted around their outdoor space.
A gorgeous bar and restaurant on Southbank, Marsha is home to two heated outdoor terraces. Grab a table at street level for the chance to chow down on chicken while looking out over Gabriel's Wharf, or head up to their covered balcony for river views and cocktails.
Hammersmith's Kindred has got to be one of the best restaurants with outdoor heaters in West London. Situated just a stone's throw away from the statin, the spot has a sleek outside terrace and a selection of delicious menus.
With fruity cocktails, vibrant interiors - and exteriors for that matter - and South American nosh, Barrio is transporting you away from the streets of London. Gather the gang and revel in the summertime tunes over a bottomless brunch.
The Builders Arms is a Chelsea staple, famed for its classic, yet gastro approach to pub grub. Get cosy under one of their heaters and indulge in a traditional Sunday roast with a plethora of drinks to match.
One of the best places with an outdoor heater in East London has got to be JuJu's Bar & Stage, a fun drinking, dining and party spot in Shoreditch. Along with seasonal cocktails and craft brews, you'll also find a Pan-Asian menu and a tonne of tableside entertainment.
Not only does Paradise By Way of Kensal Green host a range of cool events, but it's also home to an adorable outdoor snug. Get down here for an unforgettable feast of smoked aubergine, lamb rump and sticky toffee pudding.
The Union Bar is one of the best paces to eat in Chiswick, whatever the weather. With its spacious outdoor terrace, this popular spot offers pretty views to enjoy as you feast on seasonal specials, with heaters at the ready for when temperatures drop.
Barge East's garden is definitely in the running for the best restaurants with outdoor heaters in London. Located by the historic Dutch boat, this Hackney Wick haunt will have you eating seasonal food, made using produce from their own garden, as you sit along the river.
One of the best places to eat with heated outdoor seating in London. The Prince is the West Brompton hotspot fronting a gorgeous terrace area, ideal for dining with friends or enjoying a few quality cocktails with the other half.
Touting kitsch and retro decor both inside and out, Flight Club is adding some fun to your catch-up with friends. Enjoy some alfresco cocktails and pizza paddles at this darts den whilst sticking to government guidelines. We'd call that a bullseye.
The Grafton is a cosy pub with outdoor heaters in Kentish Town. Hunker down in this unique beer garden and you can indulge in award-winning ales, local craft beers on tap and plenty more with hearty British pub grub to warm your cockles while dining alfresco.
Just a stone's throw away from Leicester Square you'll find 28-50 Covent Garden, a swanky wine bar and kitchen. Relax in their alfresco den and sample your way through a range of bottles, light bites and sharing platters.
One of West London's most popular boozers, Aeronaut is more than ready for the chilly season, boasting a huge heated marquee and several cosy outdoor huts, perfect for a socially-distanced get-together.
Rooftop spot Aviary not only has outdoor heaters, but they're tucked away inside private igloos that are decked out with fluffy blankets and fairy lights. Expect to be tucking into chocolate or cheese fondue, British classics, mulled wine and seasonal cocktails, all while enjoying the view.
Looking for outdoor dining in West London? Check out the charming garden space at The Imperial Arms. Decked out in bold furnishings, with splashes of artwork and pretty foliage, this heated terrace is an absolute must for all seasons.
One of London's best outdoor restaurants with heating, Hush is an obvious choice for those of you after somewhere for a special occasion - that is, if you can find it. The floral gem is hidden in a lovely courtyard in the heart of Mayfair and boasts stunning alfresco dining.
An enchanting East London pub with a chic outdoor terrace, The Turks Head is bringing it out the bag for restaurants with heated outside seating. Better yet, it's also covered and has been prettily kitted out with greenery, making it the ideal setting for meals out with your mates.
A pint-sized pub tucked away in the quiet streets behind Queens Tennis Club, The Colton Arms is a charming place for outdoor drinking and dining thanks to its heaters. Keep things cosy with freshly poured pints and signature plates at this neighbourhood fave.
For an epic dining experience, check out The Green Room in South London for their wintry covered garden, fairy lights and plush blankets. They're also featuring outdoor heaters so you can stay late with mates over a few tipples.
Market Hall Victoria is one of the best restaurants in London with outdoor heaters, making it the perfect pitstop for cooler evenings. Head here for bites to eat from renowned street food vendors alongside delicious drinks with a view of the surrounding area.
This little firecracker is bringing cracking cocktails and Italian classics to Angel. Enjoy an afternoon of outdoor sips and bruschetta, arancini and tortelloni at The Chapel Bar, a real hidden gem.
A haven for heated outdoor dining in London, King's Cross is coming up trumps yet again with Drake & Morgan's alfresco options. For a stylish winter date night idea, meet your other half here for aesthetic cocktails and international grub.
Uniquely located overlooking Borough Market, Arthur Hooper's is one of our top picks for alfresco dining in central London. Expect sleek and modern interiors paired with a buzzing atmosphere and some of the finest Mediterranean plates in the capital.
The Parlour is keeping Canary Wharf commuters warm on their heated terrace. Meet your partner at the lush East London bar and restaurant for a lunchtime bite or swing by for some after-work drinks with colleagues.
Venture over to Balham where The Exhibit's offering up a trio of open-air seating options to see you through winter. Wrap yourself up in one of their blankets and take to the heated terrace for a chinwag over cocktails and a medley of yummy small plates.
Leicester Square Kitchen is a small plates restaurant with outdoor heaters in one of London's most iconic locations. Head here to graze on a blend of fusion Mexican and Peruvian dishes next time you're looking for an alfresco date night or after work catch-up.
Placing community at the heart of everything it does, The Signal is a charming British boozer in Forest Hill. In the mood for alfresco meals in the chillier months? Fear not as this place provides outdoor heaters that are sure to keep you nice and toasty.
Looking for restaurants with outside seating in West London? The Builders Arms is serving up heartwarming pub food and freshly poured pints for you and your family in their cute gastropub and on their outdoor tables.
Venture to Canary Wharf's Sipping Room where a spacious outdoor terrace awaits. Open seven days a week, the sophisticated riverside eatery promises sharing platters, burgers, salads and grilled meats galore.
May Fair Kitchen boasts a stylish terrace space with glowing warm heaters that are perfect for the colder months. Specialising in Italian cuisine, this sleek spot features relaxed seating and hanging lanterns that are sure to add extra ambiance to your nights out in Central London.
Just a hop, skip and a jump away from St Pancras station, Rotunda is a real winner when it comes to heated outdoor bars in London. The canalside beauty has a selection of deals to see you through the week along with a terrace filled with various high tables, sofas and group seating.
Looking for a pretty beer garden with outdoor heaters in Central London? The Duke of Sussex is a brilliant spot, offering its guests luscious green surroundings that'll take them straight out the city and into a lush oasis for dinners outside in cooler months.
A swoon-worthy hangout with views of the Grand Union Canal, Smith's Bar & Grill has a massive outside area for dining with friends. If their mouthwatering fare doesn't attract you then their daily happy hour is sure to do the job.
This winter, escape the grey skies and chilly weather at Lost in Brixton. The heated rooftop restaurant in South London is a plant-lovers dream with floral decorations covering the space, whilst food comes from a handful of first-rate local vendors.
When it comes to places for outdoor dining in London this Christmas, you could do a lot worse than The Hawk's Nest. The heated garden-style venue has space for 25 socially distanced tables of six and promises cocktails, craft beers, pizza and weekly events.
Found yourself south of the river? Then you've got to make a pitstop at Prince of Wales, where the heated terrace space is a cosy retreat for drinking and dining. Offering a hearty menu of gastro grub, this Putney pub is keeping you well fed and watered even if temperatures drop.
Not only is it one of the best street food venues in the city, but Vinegar Yard also has one of the largest winter terraces in London Bridge. Complete with heaters, an overhead canopy and table service, this place is a real gem for alfresco outings.
Along with a bustling location in Southbank, Ping Pong has some pretty gorgeous outside areas. With heaters and plush fur throws, it's a cosy venue to settle into while chowing down on delicious dim sum and zesty cocktails.
Handily located between Greenwich Park and the Royal Observatory, The Princess of Wales is a one-stop-shop for hearty grub and knockout roasts. Its extensive beer garden is also prepped and ready to go for all your eating and drinking needs.
The Arnos Arms is the North London boozer that is ready for all climes. Featuring a huge outdoor terrace which has been decked out with toasty heaters and covered with a trapezium roof, the quaint pub is ideal for springtime sipping.
With a fully-heated beer garden for all your alfresco drinking needs, this fun Brick Lane bar is making sure you still get facetime with your mates. Head over to The Apples and Pears for the chance to sink hot cocktails and steaming slices of pizza this season.
Aqua Kyoto boasts one of the best rooftops in London, so it comes as no surprise that they're ahead of the curve when it comes to restaurants for outdoor dining. Take in the views across Oxford Circus whilst nibbling on unique Japanese food.
Looking to keep warm while dining out? The King of Prussia is the Finchley pub with a gorgeous heated terrace, ideal for when the sun sets. The menu includes a huge range of handmade pizzas, with gourmet bar snacks and kids meals too.
Baja fish tacos, grilled hibiscus enchiladas and barbacoa lamb shank... Santo Remedio are cooking up authentic Mexican food from their vibrant London Bridge digs. Embrace the street food ethos on their outside tables and don't forget to try one of their potent margaritas.
No 32 The Old Town is raising the game on restaurants with outdoor seating in London. Just a few minutes walk away from Clapham Common, this spot has both a ground floor and rooftop terrace, along with a tasty menu of cocktails and comfort food.
The Lillie Langtry is a homely local pub in the heart of Fulham. Blending traditional and contemporary features, this place is just as homely outdoors as it is inside, thanks to its pretty garden furnishings and cosy heaters, ideal for winter drinking sessions.
La Goccia's bringing the heat to Covent Garden, quite literally, with their toasty outdoor seating. Spend an evening tucking into Italian dishes made fresh from their open kitchen or, if you're just after a cocktail, check out their daily 2-4-1 aperitivo hour from 5pm til 8pm.
Nordic-inspired cuisine is the meal of the day at this Michelin-starred restaurant. A perfect place for birthday celebrations with your nearest and dearest, Aquavit are sure to leave a lasting impression with their chic heated terrace and top-notch service.
On the hunt for the best places to eat outside in Camden? The Colonel Fawcett is a good old London pub keeping punters watered, fed and warm on its outdoor terraces. Whether you fancy some comfort food classics or just a few swifters, this is the spot for you.
A great shout for lovers of Italian food - in other words, everyone - Conchiglia is a charming family-run cafe with heated outdoor seating in Fitzrovia. Grab one of their outside tables to enjoy an evening of classic cocktails, pizza and pasta, while staying toasty.
Part of the legendary Strongroom recording studios, this bar and kitchen in Shoreditch is one creative escape for music fans in London. Hunker down under the heaters in their extensive beer garden and tuck into hearty burgers, toasted sarnies and plenty more.
A stunning East London restaurant, Mare Street Market are keeping you cosy on their fairy-lit terrace with a number of heated lamps. They're also running a digital order and pay system, meaning you can get your fix of brunch dishes, burgers and grilled goodies completely contactless.