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



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Conchiglia

Nestled within Fitzrovia, Conchiglia is an authentic Italian restaurant championing all things dough since 2008. The kitchen also whips up a range of classic plates and antipasti, including crispy calamari and bruschetta to be enjoyed in its outdoor seating area that's inspired by the coasts of Amalfi. Head down to this warm and inviting eatery, with flowers bursting from the ceiling, to snap up its brunch bonanza deal where you can sip an Aperol spritz and eat pizza, pasta or a sharing platter for £55 per person. 

In Horto

Situated in London Bridge, In Horto is the ideal summer restaurant, with its thatched roof, warm light fixtures and hexagon tiled flooring. Surrounded by gorgeous greenery and an open kitchen, the venue has delicious sharing-style food - think padron peppers, roasted artichoke flower with gremolata, charcuterie boards and braised lamb with harissa vegetables, alongside glasses of wine. But that's not all, as this eatery uses locally sourced ingredients to create their plates, extending to their moreish desserts, like the chocolate mousse with honeycomb and salted caramel ice cream.

Madison

One of London's most iconic rooftops, Madison is home to spectacular views of St Paul's Cathedral. Hosting raucous bashes throughout the year, this Manhattan-style restaurant promises electric vibes and luscious dishes straight from the wood-fired Josper oven. Wander up to this slinky location, decked out with cute blue checkered chairs and trees, for your new favourite weekend bottomless brunch where you can wolf down two courses for £29. Feast on lobster and truffle mac 'n' cheese or Italian eggs Benedict alongside free-flowing bubbles or mimosas for an extra £35 each.

The Petersham

Out of all the outdoor restaurants in Covent Garden, The Petersham certainly trumps them all in the pretty department. This gorgeous setting is adorned with flowers and inside boasts Genoese chandeliers. Its garden changes with the seasons, so by winter expect twinkly fairy lights and in the spring? Narcissus and hyacinths lead the way. Munch on some excellent local fare here, like organic Haye farm short rib, along with a wide range of drinks, such as white, red and orange wine. 

Aqua Nueva

Located in the heart of London is Aqua Nueva, a restaurant whipping up flavoursome Spanish small plates to be enjoyed inside in its mosaic-tiled space or on its scenic rooftop. There's also the opportunity to get involved with a scrumptious bottomless brunch come the weekend, as well as signature cocktails, like the the Spanish Flip, whipped up with Orujo de Hierbas, egg and Peychaud's bitters. If you're looking to branch out, opt for this eatery's experience menu for £60 per person. It includes decadent courses like Gamba Alistada red prawns and sea urchin with caviar and oyster leaves. 

Smiths of Smithfield

One of London's best outdoor restaurants with a rooftop, Smiths of Smithfield is serving up prime cuts and locally sourced produce across four levels. Head up to the top floor where you'll find great views, heaters for the cooler months and evenings, and an array of palm trees. This Grade II-listed building has evolved to become an atmospheric dining destination, whipping up burrata topped with butternut squash and pickled walnuts to start, then South Coast plaice alongside clams for mains. To finish, there are pudding cocktails like a lemon meringue pie martini. Mmm. 

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.

Leicester Square Kitchen

3 Plates Pre-Theatre Dinner Menu - £28 and 5 other offers

Leicester Square Kitchen is serving up a stunning fusion of Mexican and Peruvian cuisine in an iconic part of the capital. Head to one of the best-located outdoor restaurants in Central London for alfresco dining and the chance to graze on small plates under cosy glowing red heaters. It's the ideal location if you're inclined to a bit of people-watching before heading off to the theatre. Its pre-show set menu costs only £28 for three courses, some of which include crispy duck and pomegranate with papaya chilli dressing, plus grilled wagyu and chorizo chilli cheese sliders.

London Bridge Rooftop

£6 APEROL SUNDAY

What's better than a scrumptious meal in the sunshine? One with incredible views, obviously. Cue London Bridge rooftop, offering jaw-dropping sights of The Shard, right in the heart of the city. If you're looking to chow down on some juicy burgers, this space is for you. The bacon smash burger is an in-house fave, featuring two patties topped with American cheese, aioli, ketchup and mustard. Better yet, there'll be cocktails like a Sunshine Amaretto Sour and Aperol spritzes, plus DJs playing beats to keep the good times rolling.

Wagtail

Enjoy Weekend Bottomless Brunch At Wagtail and 1 other offer

Can you think of a better side dish to your meal than breathtaking views of the City? Over at Wagtail, one of the most stunning rooftop restaurants in London, this venue boasts two terraces, one of which is decked out with opaque igloos for you to cosy up in and sip cocktails, like the Indigo, made with vodka and beetroot shrub. Share a charcuterie board paired with sourdough, or nibble on cured steelhead trout gravadlax while you lap up being on top of the world, quite literally. 

Aqua Kyoto

Aqua Kyoto has transformed its rooftop terrace into the most stunning dining destination. It's adorned with blooms, vibrant colours and a glowing sun; making it a divine spot to dig into scrumptious sushi with drinks pairings. Saturdays see its weekend brunch in full swing, with DJs playing tunes and sushi platters including spicy tuna maki plus octopus tempura with tosazu dressing up for grabs. Sip on free-flowing cocktails, like a Yuzu Spritz, and tuck into tasty Japanese fare for £88 per person.

The Restaurant At Sanderson

Pair your meal with a mint and jasmine rose spritzer out on The Restaurant At Sanderson's picturesque alfresco terrace, complete with marbled tables and a fab view. Not only will you get a sunny oasis to catch up with your mates in, but also the chance to munch on some brilliant fare. The breakfast includes golden pancakes topped with crème fraîche and maple syrup paired with fresh juice or coffee. Come evening, you'll be able to inhale the likes of saffron risotto (£23), red prawns straight from the grill (£35) and ribeye steak (£45). 

Vinegar Yard

With a bunch of different street food traders and bars touting beers, wines and cocktails, Vinegar Yard is the top pick for fuss-free fare and drinks outside. Round up your mates and head to London Bridge for laid-back alfresco bites while gazing up at iconic, towering buildings like The Shard. You'll be able to choose from a diverse range of grub, thanks to vendors Baba Gs, Nanny Bills, Bad Boys Pizza Society and Untitled Sandwich Shop, to name a few, and wolf down hand-pressed burgers and Neapolitan slices.

Arthur Hooper's

For outdoor dining, Arthur Hooper's is one of our top picks in London Bridge. The sleek and stylish restaurant specialises in all things Mediterranean, from colourful salads with chicory and blood orange to fresh pasta dishes, like pumpkin tortellini drizzled in sage butter, as well as top-notch charcuterie to share. It offers a front-row seat to the bustle of Borough Market, where you can eye up your next venture and clink a glass of wine to it, or the pisco-based cocktail, In Trouble.

One Tower Bridge

An eating and drinking destination with views of the bridge like no other, One Tower Bridge has a whole range of restaurants and bars up for grabs. Whether you fancy a gourmet Indian meal from culinary giants Gunpowder, a Thai feast (hello, drunken noodles) courtesy of Rosa's, an Italian bite to eat in Vapiano or an evening spent sipping on bubbles at Prosecco House, this area has got you covered.

Dalloway Terrace

If you've ever logged on to Instagram, chances are you'll have seen Dalloway Terrace's stunning plant-adorned walls and picture-perfect interiors. Part of the Bloomsbury Hotel, it's offering elegant alfresco afternoon teas for £55 per person (or £70 if you upgrade to Champagne) and tasty brunch plates galore. Snap up two courses for £38, including a healthy banana split or a native lobster roll. The main menu is a treat too, and offers something for everyone, such as Portland crab fresh linguine or a 16oz rib of beef to share.

Seabird

After outdoor seating restaurants in London? A slice of paradise, Seabird is known for its extensive oyster list and happy hour (think £3 a pop from 3pm 'til 6pm, Monday to Friday) among other things. Perched atop The Hoxton, this dining den boasts an epic rooftop space with sprawling views over major city attractions. It offers a relaxed dining experience, surrounded by palm trees and rows of sofas with plump cushions, as well as a coastal escape from the roaring city below. The menu takes inspiration from Southern Europe, featuring small plates like an octopus roll and dressed crab on toast, along with larger dishes such as whole lobster rice if you're feeling indulgent.