Where To Dine Outside In Chelsea This Summer

London is basking in glorious sunshine at the moment, and there’s no better way to enjoy it than with an al fresco meal. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to outdoor dining in the capital, but Chelsea’s offering is particularly strong, with an array of pretty terraces and gardens dotted around the neighbourhood’s streets. We’ve picked out the best spots for outdoor dining in Chelsea.

Best Outdoor Restaurants & Terraces In Chelsea

Stanley’s

Found just off the King’s Road, Stanley’s is a picture of English countryside charm. It’s home to a pretty flower-bedecked courtyard with ample space for outdoor dining – and though it’s especially idyllic on warmer days, it’s covered in case the weather doesn’t play ball. The menu is a celebration of the best British produce, dictated by what’s in season. Right now, that includes the likes of asparagus with lovage and bottarga, wild garlic risotto, and roasted cod with sea beets and preserved lemon. Pair with cocktails like the Stanley’s Elderflower Collins, a refreshing summer drink made with English sparkling wine and cucumber, or toast to the summer with a glass of Coates & Seeley fizz.

151 Sydney St, London SW3 5UE, stanleyschelsea.co.uk

Bluebird

The courtyard of King’s Road stalwart Bluebird has long been a place to be seen. There’s always a buzz come summertime, when big screens show all the Wimbledon action and special themed drinks arrive on the menu. Pop in for breakfast – the menu includes everything from granola to French toast and a Full English – or visit on a sunny evening for nibbles and cocktails created in partnership with Mirabeau, like the Hidden Nectar, a mix of Mirabeau gin, passion fruit juice and crème de peches.

350 King’s Rd, London SW3 5UU, bluebird-restaurant.co.uk

Hans’ Bar & Grill

It’s always a delight to dine on Pavilion Road, which has a real neighbourhood feel with its artisanal shops and food stores, despite being just round the corner from Sloane Square. Head to Hans’ Bar & Grill, the charming eatery attached to the 11 Cadogan Gardens hotel, for all-day dining. The menu includes everything from cacio e pepe to rib-eye steak and salad bowls, plus brunch fare and Sunday roasts. There’s an extensive wine menu alongside seasonal cocktails like The Parasol, a blend of Laurent Perrier ‘La Cuvee’, St Germain, honey and lemon juice. 

164 Pavilion Rd, London SW1X 0AW, 11cadogangardens.com 

Vardo

Taking over a big portion of Duke of York Square, just beside the Saatchi Gallery, it doesn’t get much more Chelsea than Vardo. A project from the team behind Caravan, the restaurant is housed within an eye-catching stone and glass pavilion, which opens out onto a large terrace. Food is described as ‘no boundaries’, drawing inspiration from a variety of different cuisines: there’s everything from sourdough pizza to small plates of charred hispi cabbage, steamed cod dumplings and spiced cauliflower. This is the perfect pitstop for brunch or lunch before an afternoon of shopping – plus it’s a fun spot for people watching.

9 Duke Of York Square, London SW3 4LY, caravanandco.com 

The Ivy Chelsea Garden

When it comes to outdoor dining in Chelsea, it would be wrong to miss out The Ivy Chelsea Garden – arguably the area’s most famous al fresco restaurant. The luscious garden is blooming with flowers and foliage, with a covered orangery area for when the weather is looking unpredictable. Amid this picturesque setting, enjoy Ivy classics like the chicken milanese or the fish pie, or opt for something lighter like the gochujang aubergine salad, or the pan-roasted salmon with tenderstem broccoli. 

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

Colbert

Perched on Sloane Square, Colbert is an all-day restaurant inspired by Parisian cafes. Its terrace is looking ultra-chic at the moment thanks to a recent floral makeover spearheaded by textile brand Manuel Canovas and designer Colefax and Fowler. Here, you can dine from the regular menu, which draws on French cooking with dishes like escargots, steak tartare and duck confit with flageolet beans. Breakfast is also a highlight here, with kedgeree, Eggs Benedict, croissants and pancakes on offer.

50-52 Sloane Square, London SW1W 8AX, colbertrestaurant.com 

Polpo

There’s nothing better than a plate of pasta in the sunshine at Polpo, located in Duke of York Square. After making waves with its first Soho branch, the restaurant opened in Chelsea in 2009, focusing on Venetian sharing plates. Begin with octopus carpaccio and burrata with tomatoes followed by mains of beef shin rigatoni, fritto misto and pizettes. Better still, there’s Aperol Spritz available by the jug, alongside signature cocktails like the Fragola Sour, a mix of vodka, limoncello, strawberry and lemon.

81 Duke of York Square, London SW3 4LY, polpo.co.uk