Best Outdoor Restaurants In London

Rain, snow or shine? From rooftop restaurants to riverside spots and beer gardens, the capital can cater to any dining occasion, whatever the weather. Whether you're looking to eat in Soho's finest, hitting up Hackney for pizza or keeping it classy with a date in Mayfair under heaters and blankets, we've created a guide to the best outdoor restaurants London has to offer.

Last edited by Kiera Chapman

Last updated on 11th March 2024



13 results for your filters


The Terrace by Megan's (Clapham Common)

Night Cap. and 3 other offers

When it comes down to alfresco dining in Clapham Common, The Terrace by Megan's is a real winner. Not only is the outside space adorned with pretty greenery, a cool archway and twinkling fairy lights, but it's also the ultimate backdrop for Mediterranean eats. Brunch is served until 3pm and offers some tummy-rumble-inducing dishes like Turkish eggs on a bed of garlic yoghurt and pittas loaded with fried buttermilk chicken. Happy hour runs from Monday to Friday, 4pm 'til 7pm where you can bag two cocktails for £15. 

No 1 Duke Street

If you're searching for beautiful places to eat outside in the capital, look no further than No 1 Duke Street. The Richmond restaurant is dishing up sustainably sourced scran and house cocktails in their elegant courtyard complete with wooden decking and dainty, white patio chairs. This pretty eatery offers a tempting brunch, featuring buttermilk pancakes topped with smoked salmon and harissa cream cheese, as well as a selection of small and large plates, such as mini Cumberland sausages or halloumi burgers. 

The Refinery, Bankside

One of the best places to eat outside near Waterloo, The Refinery is the ultimate post-work pitstop or weekend hangout. It's a striking spot right from the get-go, thanks to its vibrant tropical plants, bright orange flowers and stripy deckchairs scattered out front. Sip on quality cocktails like an Aperol spritz and fine fizz at this good-looking outdoor restaurant, and delve into a few plates from their international menu. Nibble on spiced cauliflower bites or British calamari with chipotle mayo, then share a Napoli flatbread topped with sundried tomatoes.

Lost in Brixton

Happy Hour and 2 other offers

One of the best outdoor haunts on our list, this spectacular rooftop site is helping you make the most of the spring and summer. Head over to Brixton Village and spend an evening on their flower-filled terrace, complete with tasty food such as Mexican fare from Nopalito. Think slow-cooked beef tacos and delish rice bowls. There's also cuisine from Hong Kong courtesy of Three Uncles, plus Jalisco will be whipping up burritos. Drinks-wise, cocktails are aplenty here, with tipples such as the ginger beer-based Cuban Cracker and the Clementine Margarita up for the sipping. 

The Little Orange Door

Double Down

With a picture-perfect terrace overlooking Clapham Common, The Little Orange Door is a beaut haunt for an alfresco brunch or outdoor cocktail date. Sip on picantes and share a charcuterie board with aged parma, fennel salami and spicy sausage while watching the buzz of South London's streets. Happy hour lasts 'til 9pm on Wednesdays plus Thursdays, and 8pm on Fridays - swing by before then to nab a seat among the plants and bright orange chairs to make the most of 2-4-1 on tipples. 

Peckham Arches

For those of you who fancy a bit of fresh air and tasty eats south of the river, Peckham Arches has got the space for you. Head along to its sprawling, multifunctional outdoor area to sink your teeth into enticing food after musing around its very own art gallery. Inhale Italian fare like pizza topped with 'nduja and chilli, mushroom and truffle arancini balls and tiramisu for dessert, before tipping back a few fresh pints.

Mercato Metropolitano Elephant and Castle

A hub of all things eating and drinking, Mercato Metropolitano is a wonderland of food in Elephant & Castle. Not only does it have a wealth of vendors catering to all your cravings, but it also has a pretty expansive selection of outdoor spots to choose between. Grab a bench and sink your teeth into Neapolitan pizza from Fresco, Vietnamese bao buns provided by Wrap Mi Up or slurp some serious noods at Ramen Impossible. If you're feeling thirsty, there's plenty of choice from BeBeMe's bar and wine shop to Badiani, the iconic Italian gelato and coffee haunt.

The Cyclist

The Cyclist is offering South Londoners the chance to top up their tans with its outdoor seating. Head on over to the neighbourhood favourite for gastro grub made with seasonal ingredients and refreshing tipples this summer. The menu features many small plates, such as roasted cauliflower croquettas with mustard mayo, as well as hearty mains such as 28-day-aged sirloin steak alongside a confit tomato and triple-cooked chips. As for drinks? Expect to find classics such as negronis and espresso martinis in addition to signature concoctions like The Antidote, made with pineapple and lemon.

Bussey Rooftop Bar

Both a watering hole and sky-high restaurant, Bussey Rooftop Bar is a famous Peckham destination for drinks and pizza above the city. It's a gorgeous den, boasting a pergola draped in lush foliage and jaw-dropping views of the city. Food is provided by pizza giants Share A Slice, who sling out bubbly crusts topped with 'nudja or pumpkin. Head there for a feast paired with crisp cocktails, like a raspberry jam whisky sour, as you overlook the skyline from this tropical oasis. 

Vagabond Northcote Road

From tapas plates in the summer to cosying up on the covered winter rooftop terrace, Vagabond is a wonderful all-around restaurant, perfect for wine with your housemates or a super special date night with your one and only. Take a seat outside surrounded by warm, wooden panelling and adorned with fairy lights, then tuck into a charcuterie board between you. Or, opt for a selection of small plates, like fried whitebait alongside homemade tartare sauce or chorizo with a signature Vagabond red wine reduction.

Jalisco

Chow down on a bunch of delicious Mexican bites over at Jalisco. Not only can you tuck into jam-packed burritos, which at breakfast are filled with scrambled eggs and hash browns, authentic tacos and some of the best margaritas in town, but you can also do it while soaking up the sunshine thanks to the outside seating at this Brixton joint. Customise your own enchilada or quesadilla by opting for fillings like chipotle chicken, rosecoco beans or fish fillet marinated in chimichurri to name a few of the fab options this cracking venue provides. 

Gremio de Brixton

If the sun is shining, there's nothing better than enjoying some mouthwatering alfresco drinks. So, why not head to Gremio de Brixton at The Crypt in St Matthews Church, for some tapas plates and lip-smacking bevvies in its eye-catching outdoor dining space? Complete with exposed brickwork and intimate lighting, this haunt is the ideal hangout for a conversation starter, let alone fabulous dishes such as slow-cooked pork belly with crackling, fried squid accompanied by citrus aioli, plus cinnamon sprinkled churros and gooey chocolate dipping sauce for dessert.

Exhibit

Bottomless Dinner and 5 other offers

A beast on the Balham brunch scene with a terrace to envy most, The Exhibit is a must-try for those looking around South London for something to eat. Here you can soak up a contemporary space that hosts top-notch happy hours (nab 2-4-1 on cocktails every day from 4pm 'til 7pm), quizzes and epic parties. Gather your mates and head to this hotspot for a bottomless brunch at just £35 per person where you can inhale fried chicken and waffles, plus eggs royle, or visit in the evening for its mac 'n' cheese bites and spicy prawn rolls.