Summer Restaurants In London

A gem for date nights and catch-ups with mates alike, Lost Society Battersea rustles up a lip-smacking array of European dishes and some very snazzy cocktails. Both are certainly best enjoyed within the sunshine-ready courtyard.

Sitting high above the City, Aviary Rooftop Bar & Restaurant brings you one of the capital's most sought-after dining destinations. Stake out a seat in the sun and feast on a meal befitting the views, with options including the likes of oysters, steak and dark chocolate ice cream.

As we Brits jump at any chance to soak up the sun, you can bet that rooftop hangout Wagtail Rooftop Bar & Restaurant is a popular plot. Found 10 floors up, this summer restaurant in the City of London is ideal for laid-back lunches, sunset cocktails and romantic dinners with a splendid backdrop.

A rustic yet elegant spot in Canary Wharf, The Gun's outside dining area brings you some of the best views of the O2 Arena in the whole city. Alongside lip-smacking seasonal British plates, an excellent wine list and top-notch cocktails, you can enjoy the sights of the river flowing past you.

Aqua Kyoto is one of the best outdoor restaurants in Central London. They've transformed the iconic rooftop terrace into a yacht-inspired space full of vintage trunks and polished wooden panelling, in partnership with Beluga Vodka, complete with sushi, Japanese-inspired cocktails and bubbles. Head up high to catch soaring sights and tuck into the likes of prawn and shisho tempura or chicken karaage.

After the perfect summer restaurant? Look no further than Whitcomb's in Leicester Square. This gorgeous French Mediterranean fine dining eatery offers up a fantastic range of food and drink, which can be enjoyed in its swoon-worthy terrace space.

Sitting in the shadow of Tower Bridge, this neighbourhood restaurant fronts a lovely outside terrace that's perfect for sunny days. Get stuck into the relaxed menu of pizzas, sandwiches and street food-inspired bites while you lap up the stunning views of the river.

A top choice of London restaurants this summer, thanks to its stunning, multi-tiered outdoor space. Expect welcoming vibes and a sleek look at Devonshire Terrace, alongside European menus washed down by cocktails - ideal for date night.

Looking for a delicious summertime date venue in Brixton? Check out this buzzy apericena bar serving up regional specialities from the Maremma – the wild coastal region in southern Tuscany. Il Maremmano is all about adding a new twist to the traditional Italian aperitivo, offering small plates that are more casual than dinner, but still substantial enough to fill you up; we're talking goodies like green anchovy and butter crostonis, parmesan biscuits as well as salumi boards. And the best part? You can wash all the delicious tapas down with a cocktail or a glass of Tuscan wine from a hand-picked, independent producer on their gorgeous outdoor terrace.

Docked down in Hackney Wick, this old Dutch boat has found a new lease of life as a bar and restaurant. Snag yourself a seat on the deck of Barge East or in the sunny garden on-land for an afternoon spent enjoying craft beers and a selection of internationally inspired dishes.

When the sun shines, IL Bacino's terrace becomes a top pick for summer dining in London. Located by scenic Tobacco Dock, it's a beautiful spot to enjoy light, fresh Italian plates like tomato and pesto focaccia, mixed seafood salads, and crisp green salads.

Pair your meal with a refreshing cocktail or chilled wine for an effortless summer vibe in East London.

If you're one the hunt for rooftop restaurants in London, then 14 Stories should be working its way up your list. With a lush, foliage-covered alfresco terrace, the bar and eatery is sorting you for skyline views, seafood platters and handcrafted cocktails.

Wander through the verdant gardens at Crossrail Place to find Pergola on The Wharf sitting prettily with beautiful interiors, DJ nights, cocktails and brunch parties. It's one of the best hangouts to spend your summer in the capital.

A spiffing spot when the sun decides to shine, Smith's Bar & Grill flaunts a sprawling sun-soaked terrace right on the banks of the Grand Union Canal. Stop by for a summer salad, juicy burger or thirst-quenching cocktail.

If you're looking for the best outdoor restaurants in London, Madison is a fabulous choice. Its award-winning rooftop terrace provides unbeatable views of the skyline, which offers the ultimate backdrop for munching on sirloin steak, burrata or marinated salmon.

Nestled on a quiet, small street in Mayfair, El Pirata is a vibrant tapas restaurant that transports you straight to the heart of Madrid. Embracing the spirit of 'la familia', this beloved spot has been serving Mediterranean cuisine and an impressive collection of 100 wines for three decades.

There's a sunny outdoor terrace and a European feel to enhance your summer meal out.

When it comes to terrace restaurants in London, Sabine Rooftop Bar really blows it out of the water. With St Paul's Cathedral on its doorstep, it provides unbeatable views of the capital's landmarks, not to mention enticing small plates, like Cajun-spiced roast potatoes and mac 'n' cheese bon bons.

Coq D'Argent is certainly up there as one of the best rooftop garden restaurants in London. This particular landscape changes with the seasons, plus proudly presents a picturesque, sky-high terrace alongside a droolworthy array of French eats.

When the sun comes out in London, Coppa Club Tower Bridge truly comes into its own as an essential summer dining destination. The restaurant's breezy, indoor-outdoor layout captures the carefree essence of a European holiday, making it a dream spot for long, bright days. The light-filled brasserie flows effortlessly onto the riverside terrace, allowing you to dine on fresh, seasonal fare while enjoying a cool breeze off the Thames.

The summer-friendly menu is packed with bright options, from vibrant superfood salads with avocado and edamame to fresh line-caught tuna and light pastas. Paired with a refreshing, icy functional juice or a crisp glass of white wine, it provides a picture-perfect setting to celebrate the very best of a London summer.

Boasting a huge outdoor terrace that's perfect for the summer months, Cottons in Vauxhall is a vibrant Caribbean restaurant that looks out over the Thames. Expect laid-back vibes, reggae beats and a cracking selection of rum cocktails here, alongside a delicious menu of curried lamb shank, jerk chicken wings, sweet potato fritters and much more. Even better? You can also get your hands on a three-course bottomless brunch on Saturdays for just £34.50 per person.

Flaunting a bohemian-inspired Tulum Terrace, Rotunda is a top choice when it comes to summer restaurants in King's Cross. This waterside outdoor space offers views of the Regent's Canal, alongside summer dining packages and BBQs galore.

On the hunt for cheap outdoor restaurants in London? Pergola Brixton is the place to go. While sitting on its sunny rooftop terrace, grab yourself a £5 margarita on a Thursday or hit up a bottomless party come Saturday. You can expect to chomp on award-winning wings here, as well as Mexican-inspired fare such as tacos, or a loaded bun from Black Bear Burger.

If you're familiar with Clapham Common, you'll know it's jam-packed come the summer, so to escape the dry grass and picnic hoardes? Head to No 32 The Old Town. With brunch, classic cocktails and a view of the common, the rooftop is a top spot to grab a meal with friends.

A Darwin and Wallace beauty set in the heart of Wimbledon, 601 Queen's Road celebrates alfresco dining in London. The summery restaurant promises pretty tables, crafted cocktails and a classic menu of international yet British-steered dishes.

Looking to eat alfresco? Book into The Terrace at The Royal Horseguards Hotel.

Nestled beside Whitehall Gardens, it's a peaceful escape right in the heart of Westminster. Among its glorious greenery, you can tuck into seasonal dishes that celebrate the best of British produce. We're talking Hereford ribeye steak, Tamworth pork belly and traditional fish and chips.

To make your outdoor dining a truly royal affair, look no further than The Orangery at Kensington Palace. The Orangery was commissioned by Queen Anne as a lavish greenhouse for her beloved orange trees and built back in 1704, but now stands as a pillar of history that's ideal for summertime afternoon teas, ribeye steak and The Palace Pie - a dish of braised lamb shoulder and beef rib with Sommerset cheddar mash and a rich red wine jus.

For those of you seeking out summer restaurants in East London, Queen of Hoxton should be your next port of call. Flaunting a massive rooftop terrace that's no stranger to the sun, it's the ideal plot to tuck into mouthwatering BBQ goodies washed down with creative cocktails.

A top-notch pub and restaurant loved by Londoners in-the-know including celebrities like Ed Sheeran, The Devonshire is the place to be for top-notch food and drinks with a British twist. What's more, with covered seating, lush greenery, and stunning views of Central London, their rooftop terrace is the ideal spot to indulge in a crab salad and sip on a glass of bubbly after a long day of retail therapy or work.

Sky Garden's restaurants in London are a sight to behold. Perfect for admiring the city from above on a summer's day, it has a number of different places to eat, all of which are as equally pleasing to the eyes as they are the palate, with the views to match.

Summer restaurants don't come any sexier than Kapara, run by head chef Eran Tibi whose history includes experience under Ottelingi's wing. This stunning Israeli eatery is spread over multiple floors and is adorned with crystal chandeliers and plush pastel furnishings. Outside you'll find a beautiful terrace, ideal for relaxing in come warm evenings. The menu delivers the cuisine of Tel Aviv and a hedonistic style of dining, with plates like braised beef hummus and 1kg tomahawk steak with brown butter. To drink, it boasts its own house beverage, the Naughty Gazaz, made with small-batch syrups, alongside other creative cocktails. 

An oasis of delightful calm, this summer restaurant in West London brings you some effortlessly cool decor, tasty food and an innovative drinks menu. On top of that, No. 197 Chiswick Fire Station's pretty courtyard offers a dreamy destination to soak up some sunshine.

No ordinary Fuller's Pub, Founders Arms is an epic example of the stunning views available to you hungry folk near Southbank. Overlooking the Thames, in sight of St Paul's, it's a top spot to grab craft pints and British classics with magical scenery in tow.

Sylva is a vibrant, independent restaurant nestled in Folkestone Gardens, close to Deptford and New Cross. With a menu inspired by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, the focus here is on fresh, seasonal ingredients that celebrate the flavours of nature.

Committed to sustainability, Sylva works with local businesses, uses second-class produce, and upcycles its interiors.

Summer restaurants in London Bridge? Vinegar Yard is perfect for alfresco drinking and dining. This summer, the sprawling space will be slinging out refreshing drinks to pair with street food from the likes of Nanny Bill's, Nik's Kitchen and Baba G's.

With an enormous outdoor terrace, El Vino's Blackfriars location has got your post-work drinking and dining all wrapped up. Grab a table and tuck into a selection of delicious tapas and sharing boards, along with a glass or two from the extensive wine list.

Here to harness the very best of the great outdoors, The Culpeper features its own allotment and fresh gastro plates alongside views of the City. So if you're looking for the best restaurants to eat outside in London? This one's a must-visit.

Their British woodland theme celebrates the 17th-century botanist Nicholas Culpeper, flaunting lots of herbs, trees and ferns growing around you. This also inspires their menu, both in the food and the cocktails.

Contemporary Chinese restaurant Tattu might be best-known for its blossom-filled interiors, but did you know they have a gorgeous terrace too? Think alfresco dining and theatrical cocktails in collaboration with Laurent-Perrier, ranging from lychee and coconut flavours to cucumber, thyme and blood orange. A host of delicious dishes are also available, such as lobster dumplings with a bisque puree for dim sum and wok-fried Angry Bird chicken from their two or three-course Taste of Tattu menus.

This summer, Soutine, the chic Parisian-style café and restaurant in St John's Wood, teams up with with artist-led design studio Amuse La Bouche to tranform their outdoor terrace. Expect a gorgeous pink polka dot theme, inspired by classic Parisian café culture. There'll be cushions, tableware and decorative details sporting Amuse La Bouche's signature design, as well as a new drinks menu created in partnership with Fever Tree.

Their cocktails include a Rosé Spritz, made with pink grapefruit and rosé wine, a Bon Bon Spritz with Fever-Tree Rhubarb and Raspberry tonic, alongside a Lemon Swizzle with Ketel One vodka and Sicilian lemonade. Plus, you can get your hands on a seasonal dessert special, as well as takeaway picnic hampers sold in limited-edition collectible tote bags designed by Amuse La Bouche.

Located in the heart of Mayfair, Il Gattopardo offers a luxurious Italian dining experience in a setting inspired by 1960s Italian cinema, complete with retro furnishings, soft lighting, and leopard-themed design touches - hinting at the translation of the restaurant's name. The restaurant is operated by the acclaimed group behind Amazónico and COYA, and showcases a menu of sophisticated Italian classics with a modern twist.

Its standout elements include a conservatory-style terrazza with retractable roof, perfect for summer. With early praise from critics and diners alike, Il Gattopardo has established itself as a must-visit destination for lovers of Italian cuisine.

Nikkei hotspot Bamboo Mat in Stratford is inviting you to enjoy some seasonal delights on its summer terrace. To begin, tempt your tastebuds with Maldon oysters alongside a signature cocktail: from the Roku gin and sake-based Yuzu Blossom to the Peruvian Pisco Sour, there's something for everyone. Don't miss out on the ceviche mix platter either, or the sashimi affair featuring the highest grade yellow tail, seabass and salmon. What's more, every Friday and Saturday night, DJs will set the alfresco scene with sets from 5pm onwards. 

All-day bistro and wine bar The Laundry is a Brixton favourite, where you'll find their terrace packed out in the glorious sunshine. The restaurant is from Melanie Brown, the woman behind Specialist Cellars just around the corner, specialising in locally sourced produce and meals with Antipodean flare. Think good, honest cooking across beef and chilli meatballs with pomodorini ragù on toast for brunch or the likes of pea and shallot ravioli in lemon sauce off the all-day menu.

Exuding all the edginess of NYC's slick restaurant scene, Seabird is a gorgeous South London pick. Resting atop The Hoxton's Southwark hotel, it has seafood classics, brunch specials and great wine, not to mention unbeatable views to round it all off.

Looking for delicious Italian food and cocktails this summer? Then take a seat on the terrace at The Italian Greyhound, a stylish restaurant bar in Marylebone. Here, you'll watch the world go by in a foliage-adorned space, while enjoying refreshing drinks aplenty.

On the menu, find everything from lamb ragu pappardelle to charred broccoli and nduja pizzas or whole grilled sea bass. Stick around for dessert too, as their pistachio and amaretto tiramisu is heavenly.

Housed within an 18th century and Grade II listed Georgian mansion, which has been a landmark of the city since 1758, Brunswick House is still filled with antiques while also overflowing with plants. This produce-led restaurant also has a gorgeous outdoor space for the summer, ideal for tucking into dishes like cod collar in suya butter with grapefruit and brown shrimp alongside white asparagus with cured egg yolk.

With restaurants in Kensington, Chelsea, Mayfair and Belgravia, Chucs is a gorgeous Italian restaurant serving up top-quality dishes across the city. Each of their venues boasts a beautiful outdoor terrace where you can look out over these gorgeous neighbourhoods while sipping on alfresco drinks. And this summer they're really pushing the boat out, as they've partnered with Malfy Gin to create a bespoke set of exclusive cocktails on their Spritz along the Riviera menu - all priced at £13. Think Riviera negronis with grapefruit, lemon and watermelon blends and rose gin mixed with elderflower cordial, found at every location - although you'll find a unique cocktail at each of the four destinations as well.