If you’re looking for a unique restaurant experience, there are plenty of London al fresco dining spaces. From rooftop terraces to outdoor patios, there are options for everyone. So grab a bite to eat and enjoy the fresh air while you take in the sights and sounds of one of the world’s most vibrant cities.
London Al Fresco Dining
What could be better than enjoying a delicious meal outdoors in great company? For Spring and the Summer months, here are the best London al fresco dining suggestions and outdoor restaurants.
If the weather won’t play ball, some of these London outdoor restaurants also have heaters and blankets, although let’s hope we don’t need those for quite a while. This list of al fresco London restaurants is in alphabetical order for ease of use.
1. Coppa Club
One of the best outdoor restaurants in London, Coppa Club in Tower Bridge has friendly service, well executed dishes, stylish decor and a fantastic view of The Shard and HMS Belfast.
This popular eatery is one of the most Instagrammed restaurants in London, thanks to its private dining igloos. Coppa Club also have several more eateries outside of London, for example in the riverside village of Sonning-on-Thames.
Address: 3 Three Quays Walk, Lower Thames St, Tower Bridge, London EC3R 6AH, United Kingdom
2. Coq d’Argent
We love a good rooftop restaurant and Coq d’Argent is one of the nicest in London. With great views over the City, this has a huge roof terrace with plenty of room between each table. There are also plenty of parasols to give you shade from the sun.
Le Coq d’Argent do some great value set menus. They specialize in classic French dishes and fresh seafood platters.
Address: 1 Poultry, London EC2R 8EJ, United Kingdom
3. Dalloway Terrace
One of the most romantic restaurants in London, Dalloway Terrace is located within the Bloomsbury Hotel in Fitzrovia. This beautiful London restaurant has the advantage of a canopy cover, meaning that you can dine outside in all weather.
There are also heat lamps and blankets, so this is a popular London al fresco spot all year round.
Address: 16-22 Great Russell St, Fitzrovia, London WC1B 3NN, United Kingdom
4. Jones Family Kitchen
Tucked away in Eccleston Yards near Victoria, you’ll find some stylish boutiques, a co-working space and Jones Family Kitchen. This stylishly decorated restaurant has a spacious outside terrace surrounded by lush greenery.
The atmosphere in this Belgravia hotspot is very relaxing and the friendly service reflects the fact that this is a family run business. Jones Family Kitchen are known for their steaks. Try the onglet or rump steak with chips and chimichurri.
Leave some room for the white chocolate cheesecake with lemon curd. One of our favourite places to eat outdoors in London!
Address: 7-8 Eccleston Yards, Belgravia, London SW1W 9AZ, United Kingdom
5. Le Pont de la Tour
This is one of the best al fresco locations in London with uninterrupted views of the Thames and Tower Bridge. The former tea warehouse has a light and airy bar which mixes up great drinks.
Le Pont de la Tour also has a cosy restaurant with outdoor seating on a pedestrianized riverside street. They offer some keenly priced set menus and the classic French cuisine is a treat.
Address: 36D Shad Thames, London SE1 2YE, United Kingdom
6. Number One Park Lane Terrace
Close to Hyde Park Corner, enjoy a delicious meal at Number One Park Lane Terrace. Part of the InterContinental London Park Lane, this charming terrace has blankets and heat lamps to keep you nice and toasty whatever the weather.
This year, MasterChef: The Professionals 2020 winner Alex Webb is the resident chef at Number One Park Lane from 3 May to 28 July. His British-inspired sharing plates are a real treat.
Start with his Dad’s bread and salted whipped butter of which 50% of the profits are being donated to the Roy Lancaster Lung Cancer Foundation. For starters, we recommend the yellow tail tuna tartare in a prawn cracker, English wasabi; and the Lake District Farmers’ smoked beef tartare, caviar, salted egg, crispy rice paper.
For mains, the Black cod with Champagne sauce makes a change from the usual miso cod. Vegetarians will love the Charred English asparagus with a lemon dressing, girolles, wild garlic and wood sorrel. A great side dish is the Slow-cooked butter and thyme potatoes is topped with shaved Parmesan at the table.
Candy floss is a fun dessert, and we also enjoyed the homemade cinnamon doughnuts with a choice of raspberry, dulce de leche and popping candy. Accompany your meal with English sparking Hattingley Valley wine and English rose cider from Sandford Orchards.
Address: InterContinental London Park Lane, 1 Park Lane, London W1J 7QY, United Kingdom
7. OXO Tower Restaurant
Did you know that the OXO Tower is one of the first examples of advertising in London? This wasn’t allowed on public buildings at the time so when the tower was built in the 1920s, the architect Albert Moore cleverly incorporated a reference to the OXO beef cube into the design.
These days its a smart restaurant, rooftop bar and brasserie with a mean line in ice creams. Make sure to try the charcoal one, it’s actually very tasty.
Address: Barge House St, South Bank, London SE1 9PH, United Kingdom
8. Rochelle Canteen
This hidden gem in East London has a secret garden located within a former school. Find the discreet doorbell and enter an airy courtyard where you can enjoy the daily changing menu and seasonal produce.
Rochelle Canteen is open from Monday to Sunday for lunch and Wednesday to Saturday for supper.
Address: 16 Playground Gardens, London E2 7FA, United Kingdom
9. Sea Containers London Terrace
For dining al fresco in London, the South Bank is a great choice. One of our favourite London outdoor dining spots is Sea Containers Terrace.
Open throughout the Summer, it’s the perfect spot in which to enjoy a chilled glass of Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé. The large terrace is part of the luxurious Sea Containers hotel and has superb views of the Thames and St Pauls.
Feast on cod loin, skirt steak and Summertime faves. We like the whole grilled seabass with herbs and lemon. An Eton Mess with strawberry coulis makes for a refreshing dessert.
Decorated in vibrant tones of yellow, complete with a telephone box, it’s a very Instagrammable London restaurant. The terrace is open from Wednesday to Sunday until October. You can pre-book indoors however you can’t book outdoor tables in advance, they are on a first come first served basis.
Address: 20 Upper Ground, South Bank, London SE1 9PD, United Kingdom
10. Tavolino Bar & Kitchen
With a fantastic location on the Southbank and views of Tower Bridge, Tavolino is an Italian restaurant with a gorgeous outdoor terrace. They make their own bread and pasta on the premises each day.
You’re sure to find dishes that you’ll enjoy on the rustic Italian menu. Head chef Louis Korovilas learnt to appreciate Italian cooking from his godfather, Giorgio Locatelli.
For dessert, we can’t resist the homemade tiramisu, as well as the gelato and sorbet. Accompany your meal with a glass of Italian wine or a mini apericini such as iced sgroppino from the bar-top slushie machine or a mini negroni cocktail.
Address: 2 More London Riverside, London SE1 2DB, United Kingdom
11. The Ivy
Specializing in British dishes with a contemporary twist, The Ivy is known for its stylish decor and great food. There are several branches of The Ivy with lovely outdoor terraces in London, such as:
- The Ivy Chelsea Garden – charming orangery and terrace on the King’s Road.
- The Ivy City Garden – spacious indoor and outdoor seating close to Liverpool Street Station.
- The Ivy Tower Bridge – a popular Tower Bridge restaurant with great views of the River Thames.
12. The Petersham Covent Garden
The sister restaurant to the original Petersham Nurseries Café and Teahouse in Richmond, this is the perfect place to enjoy small plates and Mediterranean dishes on sunny days. Located in the heart of Covent Garden, The Petersham has a stylish indoor dining room as well as a charming outdoor space.
There’s a great wine list and classic cocktails, making this a good dinner date option.
Address: 2 Floral Street, London WC2E 9FB, United Kingdom
13. The Saatchi Gallery Bar & Brasserie
If you like a bit of culture with your cuisine then this chic terrace is the place for you. Just off the King’s Road, one of the most famous London streets, it’s part of the Saatchi Gallery.
You don’t need to be visiting the gallery to eat here though. The Saatchi Gallery Bar & Brasserie by Searcys is open to all and the terrace is lovely in warm weather.
They focus on seasonal ingredients and the interior is as attractive as the exterior, with vaulted ceilings and modern artworks galore. The giant shoe sculpture is very quirky.
In Conclusion: London Al Fresco Dining
London is a city that’s constantly buzzing with energy, and there’s no better way to experience it than by enjoying a meal outdoors. From intimate al fresco dining experiences in hidden courtyards to sprawling rooftop terraces with views of the cityscape, these are some of the best places to eat al fresco in London.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable London al fresco dining experience, be sure to check out one of these spots! Have you had a chance to try any of these outdoor terraces?
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Thanks for the tip, Anouk, I’ll definitely try to visit Harry’s Bar in Venice. It sounds so atmospheric!