The Best Restaurants in London for Alfresco Dining
There’s nothing like a spot of alfresco dining to whisk you away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Even more so when the sun decides to shine, making it the perfect weather to sit back, relax, and enjoy the world of outdoor seating. Luckily, London is packed with sun-soaked terraces, charming riverside cafés, rooftops, balconies, and secret courtyards - and to save you searching for where to go, we’ve got you (un)covered with the best of the best. If you're craving even more time in the sun, then download Bindy Street for the hottest summer spots of 2023.
1. The Tamil Prince
On the surface, The Tamil Prince looks like an innocent spot for a cocktail or two. But walk through its doors, and you’ll find an in-house kitchen that serves spicy Southern Indian small plates and homemade mango ice cream - all served in a laid-back garden with wicker-style chairs. Oh, and about that cocktail? They’re offering a Masala twist on the classic Bloody Mary, but we’ll leave that for you to decide.
Location: 115 Hemingford Rd, London N1 1BZ
2. The Mandrake Hotel
If you’re looking to escape the city buzz, then you might want to check out The Mandrake Hotel - home to not one, but two beautiful and award-winning courtyards. Set over two tiers, there’s the spacious courtyard overhung with drooping vines and creepers, and the relaxed terrace above. Settle in and enjoy dishes from their South American-inspired restaurant YOPO, plus botanical-themed cocktails.
Location: 20-21 Newman St, London W1T 1PG
3. Bleeding Heart Bistro
Once the crime scene of an infamous 17th century murder, the Bleeding Heart Bistro is a lot tamer than it sounds these days. Especially when they’ve decked out their venue with vintage French posters and vineyard sculptures to create a serene ambience. This leading French bistro is also home to a large 60 seater courtyard, and with 350 wines on their list, hosts the perfect place for a spot of alfresco wine and cheese.
Location: 7 Bleeding Heart Yard, Greville St, London EC1N 8SJ
4. Toklas
If Wes Anderson was looking for a film location in London, this would be the place. Situated amongst the upper layered buildings in Surrey Street, Toklas is a Mediterranean restaurant with an old-school, Edwardian Baroque house design. Its aesthetic wicker-chaired terrace overlooks the old Strand underground station (which opened in 1907) with a weekly menu of mouth-watering plates and traditional sweet treats to tuck into.
Location: 1 Surrey St, Temple, London WC2R 2ND
5. Coal Office, Kings Cross
Situated against Kings Cross’s iconic canal, Coal Office is serving up Middle Eastern fare on their leafy rooftop terrace. The fauna doesn’t stop there, with vibrant dishes such as Lamb Mesachen being presented with aesthetic, edible purple flowers too. Better yet? The serene ambience makes it the perfect place for intimate date nights and casual get-togethers with loved ones.
Location: 2 Bagley Walk, London N1C 4PQ
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6. Pantechnicon
Sit back and settle in at Pantechnicon, home to a beautiful rooftop garden and lavish out-front terrace. Since its debut in the West End, the cafe and restaurant has specialised in Nordic and Japanese cuisine, alongside an extensive selection of international wines, which you can enjoy whilst admiring the London scenery (the earthy, wooden furniture is no less pleasing to look at, too).
Location: 19 Motcomb St, London SW1X 8LB
7. Kudu
For the plant-lovers out there, Kudu’s outdoor area is nothing short of a lush green wonderland. The Peckham restaurant is also serving up a dream with beautifully presented South African plates and endless palomas and rhubarb margaritas to enjoy. Settle in and name a lovelier garden, we'll wait…
Location: 119 Queen's Rd, London SE15 2EZ
8. River Café
What’s in a name? The River Café answers that question, with a beautiful riverside location. Since opening 30 years ago, their outdoor seating has become a staple for seasonal Italian cuisine and crisp white wines - and it’s pretty hard to not feel like you’re on vacation here.
Location: Thames Wharf, Rainville Rd, London W6 9HA
9. Peggy Jean
The vibe is French Riviera, but with an Aussie twist - set on a pretty-in-pink, parasol-filled boat. Located on the Thames beside Richmond’s beautiful riverside, this restored barge is home to a cosy dining room below deck, two alfresco terraces, and a couple of clay-baked pizza ovens. Bottomless brunch anyone?
Location: The Boat, Bridge Boat House, Riverside, Richmond TW9 1TH
10. Barrafina, Drury Lane
Situated on the edge of Covent Garden, Barrafina is offering Spanish tapas so tasty it’s earned a Michelin-Star. What’s also award-winning? Their bookable outdoor terrace, home to a collection of sun-soaked tables with the best street views - and a seriously swanky wine list - marking it the best of their venues.
Location: 43 Drury Ln, London WC2B 5AJ
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11. Circolo Popolare
Coming from the people behind the infamous Gloria, Circolo Popalare is bringing a fun and bustling atmosphere from inside its wine-stocked walls to its lavish outdoor terrace - which seats up to 60 people. Serving up a twist on Italian classics, like carbonara in a pecorino wheel and citrusy lemon pies, this alfresco spot needs to be booked in advance.
Location: 40-41 Rathbone Pl, London W1T 1HX
12.Tavolino
Pappardelle, Aperol Spritz, and a riverside view? Look no further than Tavolino, a scenic Italian restaurant overlooking London’s iconic Tower Bridge and River Thames. Take a seat in the green wicker chairs, indulge in some Sicilian-inspired antipasti and drink in the scenes vacation-style - with a tantalising tipple, of course.
Location: 2 More London Pl, London SE1 2RR
13. Untitled
Specialising in Asian-fusion plates, Untitled is a hidden gem located in the heart of creative Dalston. Its unique space has three distinct dining areas, including a communal table for some serious networking and socialising time. But we’re not here to fawn over the delicious menu alone as their courtyard is like something out of a fairy tale. The blue-hued lighting and modern white stalls makes the perfect alfresco spot to enjoy a post-dinner and innovative cocktail.
Location: 538 Kingsland Rd, London E8 4AH
14. Kricket White City
Tucked away in White City, Kricket's secret and spacious outdoor terrace is the perfect place for some peace. Expect a view of the redeveloped BBC Television Centre, with their dreamy Anglo-Indian small plates, moorish sweet treats and spiced cocktails more than making up for the lack of London skyline.
Location: 101 Wood Ln, London W12 7FR
Looking for even more one-stop outdoor destinations? Instead of searching the skies, check out our curated Rooftop Bars for some swanky alfresco dining with a killer view.
Continue enjoying these vacation vibes… or check out these 6 Greenwich Gems that don’t feel like the city.
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