When it comes to beautiful restaurants, we’ve seen just about everything. Between sky-high rooftops, queue inducing bars and Instagrammable pink palaces, London’s got it all. But taking things back to basics, these stunning alfresco spots are touting impressive menus, award-winning cocktails and hidden green spaces without the crowds. Take a look at our list of gorgeous courtyards and secret garden restaurants in London as you escape the masses with something off the radar.
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La Terraza
La Terraza by Ibérica is the Canary Wharf oasis that's transporting you to 1950s Spain. We're talking olive green hues, dishes cooked on the Josper grill and live DJs every Wednesday and Thursday. For you thirsty lot, take your pick from cocktails, craft gins, imported wines and a special selection of sherries.
Get a taste of old-school Marbella.
No 197 Chiswick Fire Station
Sure, you might know this West London favourite for its all-day breakfast offering and impeccable interior, but did you know that No 197 Chiswick Fire Station is also fronting a lovely outdoor space? Head out to the sun-soaked courtyard for your next round of after-work drinks, weekend catch-ups or a Sunday roast session.
Looking for restaurants with beautiful gardens in West London? We’ve got you sorted.
La Goccia at The Petersham
Though it’s located right in the heart of the West End, you could easily miss La Goccia. Uncover Italian-inspired small plates, wood-fired dishes and botanical cocktails in a hidden space. Whether it's a sunny day or a chilly evening, you can expect candlelit tables and outdoor heaters to light up the space.
Dine alfresco among magnolia and foliage at this restaurant with outdoor heaters.
The Mandrake
A quirky hotel with a few well-hidden secrets, The Mandrake is housing ethnobotanical cocktails at Waeska bar, delicious food at in-house restaurant YOPO and a jaw-dropping courtyard in the form of Jurema. Just moments from the bustling Oxford Street, this luxury hotel is a dreamy space aiming to transport you to a tranquil oasis.
Discover one of London's finest hidden restaurant courtyards.
Annabel’s
Known for its exclusive guestlist and Insta-worthy frontage that changes with the seasons, members’ club Annabel’s might have slipped your secret garden radar. But we’re here to change things, taking you (virtually) inside the imposing plot. Wrap your lips around tuna tartare, buttery lobster and all kinds of cocktails in spectacular surrounds here.
One of the best gardens in London is also one of the most difficult to get into.
Untitled
Concealed behind Kingsland Road cocktail bar Untitled, the Moon Garden is perfect for alfresco dining and drinking. Head to Dalston where resident chef Kirk Haworth is behind a menu of plant-based food, while the drinks list spans heather flower negronis, cachaca milk punches, and a sake-tipped New Moon.
Cocktail fiends will love this one.
Kudu
An Instagrammable spot, Kudu’s terrace is a proper plant lover’s dream. The Peckham restaurant is rustling up a menu of South African plates and classic cocktails. Think spiced biltong, scorched mackerel tartare and confit sea trout washed down with palomas and rhubarb margaritas.
For a secret garden brunch in London, discover the sexy than Kudu.
Native at Brown’s
A firm fixture at Browns’ flagship London store until the end of 2023, Native brings its Michelin-starred cooking to the West End. Expect seasonable, sustainable cooking such as the ‘fish fillet’ which matches ray cheeks, brown crab rarebit and seaweed tartare sauce with plant-based brioche on a seaweed plate. You’ll want to book ahead for this one.
Get to know one of the best secret places in London.
Granary Square Brasserie
Transforming King’s Cross into a flora-filled destination, Granary Square Brasserie has gone green for this year’s outdoor dining area. If you like the sound of leafy décor and floral installations paired with cocktails, poached eggs, chargrilled halloumi and chocolate bombes, then this North London favourite is the place for you.
This luscious terrace is hidden in plain sight.
For more outdoor inspo, consult our guides to London's best rooftop gardens and sign up for our newsletter here.
