London’s Best Restaurant Terraces & Gardens

Wondering how to celebrate the sunshine in London? Make the most of the warmer weather with an al fresco meal. Many of the capital’s restaurants have open-air terraces – from riverside retreats to botanical greenhouses and rooftop hotspots overlooking the city skyline. Here we round up the best outdoor restaurants in London, where you can soak up the sunshine while tucking into everything from Mexican to Italian and Peruvian.

Al Fresco Dining: Best Outdoor Restaurants in London

Hyde Park Garden at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park

The two Michelin-starred Dinner by Heston will be closing its doors in January 2027 – but before that, be sure to check out its stylish summer terrace. Returning this April is Hyde Park Garden, set within the hotel’s private garden and offering sweeping views of London’s Royal Parks. The menu includes the return of Blumenthal’s signature Chips and Fish experience, a decadent sharing spread featuring two beer-battered haddock fillets, triple-cooked chips, a fresh lemon salad and an array of dips, sauces and sides. Diners can also try famous dishes like the legendary Meat Fruit, or opt for afternoon tea bites of savoury and sweet light bites – with new scones gracing the menu this year. To drink? Wine from Château d’Esclans, the vineyard behind Whispering Angel, alongside a selection of spritz cocktails. Open until September 2026

Oriental Hyde Park, 66 Knightsbridge Mandarin, 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA, mandarinoriental.com

Wildflowers

This charming Belgravia restaurant is opening its summer terrace on 2 May, just in time for the Bank Holiday weekend. Tucked away in Newson’s Yard and surrounded by greenery, the covered courtyard feels like an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Enjoy Mediterranean-inspired plates like red prawn tartare with Stracciatella, pistachio and blood orange; cuttlefish arroz al horno with crisp pork jowl; and fior di latte gelato with olive oil for dessert. In the evenings, head there for wine and snacks such as Wildflowers focaccia and Iberico paleta. 

Newson’s Yard, 57 Pimlico Rd, London SW1W 8NE, willdflowersrestaurant.co.uk

Padella Soho

Is there anything better than a plate of pasta in the sunshine? We think not, particularly if you’re at Padella – up there with the capital’s top pasta joints. The newly opened Soho branch is home to its own 18-seat terrace, where you can tuck into signature plates of pici cacio e pepe, pappardelle beef shin ragu, and spinach tagliarini with nettles. Pair with cocktails like the Padella Martini or an Aromatic Spritz made with prosecco, raspberry leaf and apricot liqueur.

2 Kingly St, Carnaby, London W1B 5PB, padella.co 

Jurema Terrace at The Mandrake, Fitzrovia

If you’re looking for a bit of respite from hectic London life, The Mandrake’s Jurema Terrace is a botanical haven tucked away in Fitzrovia. It’s a beautiful space surrounded by suspended jasmine, passion flower and luscious foliage, serving a menu of South American-inspired dishes from YOPO restaurant – think grilled octopus skewers, yellowtail sashimi and smoked ricotta ravioli. Ring in the summer with a bottle of Minuty or try signature cocktails like the Patchouli Margarita, made with lychee, St Germain elderflower and Pisco.

20-21 Newman St, London W1T 1PG, themandrake.com

Panzer’s, St John’s Wood

All north London foodies know about Panzer’s, the 80-year-old deli in St John’s Wood known for its gourmet produce spanning everything from artisanal cheeses to baked goods and coffee. But it’s not just a shop: you can also sit and have lunch on the lively little terrace. Try one of the signature smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels or treat yourself to a London-style pizza from Circus, like the Devil(ish) made with smoked mozzarella, spicy pepperoni and chilli maple drizzle – best washed down with a glass of wine. Look out for the programme of events too, which range from fermentation workshops to supper clubs and live jazz. 

13-19 Circus Rd, London NW8 6PB, panzers.co.uk

Towpath, De Beauvoir

This cult favourite perched beside Regent’s Canal is the go-to spot for an al fresco lunch in De Beauvoir. They don’t take bookings, but those who manage to nab a table will be treated to delightful small plates from head chef Laura Jackson. The hand-written blackboard menu changes often but you might enjoy the likes of aubergine parmigiana with salad, crispy lamb with hummus and pine nuts or a grilled cheese sandwich alongside a few glasses of wine. A great spot for breakfast too.

42 De Beauvoir Cres, London N1 5SB, towpathlondon.com

Forza Wine

There are now three branches of wine and small plates bar Forza Wine dotted across the capital – including one at the National Theatre on the South Bank. But the original Peckham branch remains our favourite, offering unparalleled views of the city from its rooftop. It’s where South East London’s trendy crowd flock to on sunny Saturday afternoons, with an Italian-inspired menu on offer featuring dishes like burrata with pink peppercorns, cauliflower fritti, grilled flatbread and bavette with spinach and fennel. There’s a wide range of affordable wine to sample, but be sure to try a frozen picante too – dangerously good.

The Rooftop, 133A Rye Ln, London SE15 4BQ, forzawine.com

The Laundry, Brixton

Your best bet for outdoor dining in Brixton? The Laundry, an all-day restaurant on Coldharbour Lane with a large, covered terrace. It’s well-suited to long weekend lunches featuring snacks of Perello olives and pork croquettes ahead of mains such as Thai-style chicken salad, steak frites or duck confit. Alternatively, stop by on Monday to Friday from 5 – 7pm to make the most of L’Apero, where cocktails are on offer for just £8.

374 Coldharbour Ln, London SW9 8PL, thelaundrybrixton.com

Fallow, St James’

Jack Croft and Will Murray’s Fallow is all about innovative, eco-minded cooking which spotlights the best of British produce. Set in the heart of St James’, it’s home to a wraparound terrace lined with foliage – and decked out with blankets and heaters to keep you warm into the evenings. Sip one of the famous oyster shell martinis alongside signature plates like the bold smoked cod’s head with Sriracha sauce.

52 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4RP, fallowrestaurant.com

The Garden At Corinthia London

Tucked away in the five-star Corinthia London hotel, you’ll one of the capital’s most idyllic outdoor restaurants. Partially covered, it’s open year-round, with seasonal makeovers: currently the restaurant is channelling a Mediterranean-inspired look created by the hotel’s in-house florist FLOWERBX, featuring orange and white striped seats, pink bougainvillea and colourful tableware. The menu feels equally sunny, with starters of yellowfin tuna tartare (delightfully fresh and made tableside), confit tomato tart, and spring minestrone, ahead of mains like cacio e pepe, risotto frutti di mare, and Cornish place with fennel and green olive sauce. Whatever you order, pop a pizzette on the side (our top pick is the nduja, mozzarella and oregano number) as well as some thyme roasted potatoes. And save some space for dessert: the tiramisu is lighter than usual, and the perfect way to end your meal. Pair with summery cocktails like the Primavera Spritz, a twist on the Aperol Spritz, and the Garibaldi, made with Campari, lychee juice and pink grapefruit juice.

10a Northumberland Ave, London SW1A 2BD, corinthia.com

Rotate by Jimmy, Southbank

Jimmy Garcia’s seasonal Southbank pop-ups are always fun, but we’re especially excited about the new summer concept launching this April. Rotate by Jimmy sees rotisserie chicken take centre stage, carved to order with crispy golden skin, alongside dishes like charred cauliflower, truffle fries, tomato and basil salad, and charred corn ribs. Tuck in while soaking up the riverside views, cocktail in hand – or book out one of the weather-proof cabanas, available for groups of up to six guests.

Queen’s Walk (opposite Skate Space), South Bank, London, SE1 8XX, sevenrooms.com

The Brasserie at The Arts Club

The Brasserie is the heart of Mayfair hotspot The Arts Club, serving Mediterranean-inspired fare from brunch through to dinner amid stylish surroundings. But in the summer, the place to be is on the terrace, an idyllic space that’s perfect for long, leisurely lunches. Members and their guests can enjoy plates of fresh pasta, salads and seafood alongside fine wines and cocktails, and in the evenings meals will be accompanied by music from acoustic guitarists.

40 Dover St, London W1S 4NP, theartsclub.co.uk

JOIA

Perched atop the stylish art’otel overlooking Battersea Power Station, JOIA is a buzzy rooftop bar and restaurant. Inspired by the rooftops of Lisbon, it offers sweeping views of the city, with a menu of British and Iberican dishes created by head chef Henrique Sá Pessoa and his team. Begin with nibbles of crispy broad beans and padron peppers ahead of small plates like Iberico ham croquetas, seabass ceviche, and pan con tomate. Next, move onto larger plates including piri piri chicken with romesco sauce, tuna with ponzu glaze and black sesame mayo, and octopus with black aioli. Enjoy alongside cocktails like the Zircao Margarita, a slushy-style drink made with mezcal, mango and Cointreau, or the Rubi, a fruity mix of vodka, strawberry, peach and jasmine soda. The bar is particularly idyllic come early evening, when the sun sets over the iconic pillars of the Power Station, with live music and DJs providing the soundtrack.

15th Floor, 1 Electric Blvd, Nine Elms, London SW11 8BX, joiabattersea.co.uk

Dalloway Terrace

One of the capital’s most Instagrammable outdoor restaurants is Dalloway Terrace, the flower-bedecked balcony of the Bloomsbury Hotel. Covered and heated, it’s popular year-round, but it’s particularly idyllic on a sunny day. Visit this spring to try seasonal dishes like burrata with heritage tomatoes, asparagus and pea risotto, and crab linguine, paired with wine and cocktails.

16-22 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NN, dallowayterrace.com

Beaverbrook Town House

With just five tables, it’s not easy to get a spot on the terrace at Beaverbrook Town House. But those who do will be rewarded with a delectable spread of sushi and Japanese-inspired small plates, paired with rose and cocktails (the Sloane Martini is a must). An extension of the hotel’s Sir Frank’s Bar and The Fuji Grill, the stylish space is decked out in tones of pastel pink, turquoise blue and sunshine yellow, overlooking pretty Cadogan Gardens. Dogs are also welcome.

115-116 Sloane St, London SW1X 9PJ, beaverbrooktownhouse.co.uk

The Hari Garden Terrace

Come summer time, The Hari’s Garden Terrace transforms into a Mediterranean-inspired suntrap oasis, surrounded by crawling ivy. Enjoy sharing plates of truffle arancini and calamari, or larger plates of cheese burgers and falafel wraps, alongside art-inspired cocktails, wine and champagne. Set under a retractable glass roof, it’s suitable for all weathers, though naturally it’s particularly idyllic for long lunches in the sunshine.

20 Chesham Pl, London SW1X 8HQ, thehari.com

Coppa Club

Whatever the season, us Londoners can’t seem to get enough of Coppa Club’s riverside igloos. They’re back with a new spring look – think woven wicker chairs, bamboo lanterns and linen throws beneath suspended botanicals. Fitting six people, the igloos offer an à la carte menu with a selection of seasonal European dishes: sharing platters of seared garlic king prawns, fresh pasta and sourdough pizzas all feature.

3 Three Quays Walk, Lower Thames St, London EC3R 6AH, coppaclub.co.uk

Petersham Nurseries

Dine beneath a canopy of bougainvillea, vines and jasmine at Petersham Nurseries Cafe, a greenhouse-style restaurant in Richmond. Since it was founded in 2004, it has led the way in eco-friendly dining, with much of the produce coming from the organic family farm in Devon. Seasonal menus are inspired by Italian cuisine, focusing on simple, fresh dishes presented beautifully. 

Off Church Ln, Petersham Rd, Richmond TW10 7AB, petershamnurseries.com

Angler, South Place Hotel

Perched atop South Place Hotel, Angler’s 40-seat west-facing roof terrace boasts lovely views of the city. Chef Gary Foulkes heads up the Michelin-starred kitchen, which serves up a fish-focused menu of dishes like Cornish turbot with scallop stuffed courgette and Dorset crab with bouillabaisse sauce.

South Place Hotel, 3 South Pl, London EC2M 2AF, anglerrestaurant.com

The River Café

A true London stalwart, The River Cafe has remained largely unchanged since Ruth Rogers and Rose Gray launched it back in 1987. Perched beside the Thames in Hammersmith, it’s an endlessly glamorous spot serving Italian fare, with its own dreamy riverside terrace. The menu is seasonal, though some signature dishes remain constant, such as the chargrilled squid with chili and rocket, and the Chocolate Nemesis dessert. Easily one of the best outdoor restaurants in town.

Thames Wharf, Rainville Rd, London W6 9HA, rivercafe.co.uk

Rail House Cafe

While in the past Victoria hasn’t been much of a foodie destination, these days it’s brimming with great places to eat. This is mainly thanks to the new Nova development at Sir Simon Milton Square, a culinary hub with an array of outdoor restaurants and bars which flood onto the central promenade. One of these is Rail House Cafe, the younger sibling of Fitzrovia’s Riding House Cafe. With cosy cushions and a mix of small and large tables, this terrace is an ideal al fresco dining spot whether you’re after brunch, lunch or dinner; healthy or indulgent.

8 Sir Simon Milton Sq, London SW1E 5DJ, riding.house

The Ivy Chelsea Garden

It would be wrong not to include this ever-popular Chelsea haunt, one of the prettiest outdoor restaurants in town. Come rain or shine, few places beat The Ivy’s idyllic English garden, a spacious botanical haven decked out with flowers and foliage, plus a glasshouse available for private dining. Enjoy Ivy classics like the shepherd’s pie, chicken milanese and traditional fish and chips, or pick from the plant-based menu (think Malaysian curry and spicy jackfruit salad), alongside a wide array of wines and cocktails.

195 197 King’s Rd, London SW3 5EQ, theivychelseagarden.com