Summer’s here, so let’s find The Best Al Fresco Dining Spots in London. London boasts so many incredible outdoor restaurants. When the sun is out and the temperatures are high, what better way to enjoy summer than to head to a rooftop or garden restaurant and relish some of the best food and drinks that London has to offer? Check out this list of our favourite al fresco restaurants in your neck of the woods.
The Best Al Fresco Dining in London: Central London
What to expect: With 360-degree views of London’s skyline, The Nest at Treehouse will be a real crowd-pleaser. The Nest’s terrace is partially covered and provides heating and warm blankets on days that are a little bit cooler. Enjoy the stunning view with lush pillows and endless foliage!
What to eat: Expect sharing plates like meze platters or chargrilled king prawns with a satay dipping sauce and Asian pickled vegetable salad.
What to drink: Ditch the traditional Bellini for a kumquat and coconut Bellini, with Moët and Chandon, coconut, and kumquat.
Where: 14-15 Langham Place, W1B 2QS
What to expect: If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Central London, have a stop at YOPO at The Mandrake. This relaxing and serene restaurant is moments away from Oxford Circus, great for winding down with small plates and refreshing cocktails.
What to eat: With a twist on South American cuisine, try the ceviche with prawn, cucumber, and coconut aguachile or the sharing tacos with pasilla chile pork, corn, and roast onion.
What to drink: The Mangosteen cocktail has Patron Silver Tequila infused mangosteen and hibiscus, chipotle agave, jalapeño vinegar, grapefruit soda, and chilli.
Where: 20-21 Newman Street, W1T 1PG
The Best Al Fresco Dining in London: North London
What to expect: This outdoor restaurant is located on the Chapel’s Bar terrace in Islington, and provides a roof and heaters – perfect for the inconsistent British weather. For £40 per person, expect a boozy brunch with unlimited prosecco and two courses.
What to eat: This Italian-inspired restaurant has an array of mouth-watering dishes, such as steamed mussels with fregola and lemon or lobster and crab tortellini with arrabbiata sauce.
What to drink: Try the Sicilian Collins, with Sicilian lemon gin, Cointreau, and citrus
Where: 29 Penton Street, N1 9PX
What to expect: Great for people watching and feeling the social buzz around you, Hicce is in the centre of King’s Cross Coal Drops Yard. Hicce offers wood-fired cooking by Chef Pip Lacey, who was a finalist in 2017’s Great British Menu.
What to eat: Try the chicken thigh with girolles, sweetcorn, and summer truffles or the cod cheeks with, clams, cider tempura broccoli, and apple.
What to drink: Cool off in the city heat with a cucumber and elderflower spritz, with Ketel One botanical cucumber and mint, Belsazar dry, elderflower, and frizzante.
Where: Unit 102, Stable Street, N1C 4DQ
The Best Al Fresco Dining in London: East London
What to expect: Skylight Rooftop has food stalls offering everything from Asian to American cuisines. A great spot to take friends, Skylight Rooftop offers game nights such as pétanque and croquet and comedy nights, which can be booked online.
What to eat: Skylight offers several food and drink stalls on the rooftop, have a few bites from each stall to get the full experience!
What to drink: What better way to cool off in the heat than a cold beer?
Where: Tobacco Dock, Pennington Street, E1W 2SF
What to expect: Michelin-starred Angler sits seven floors high at South Place Hotel, in the middle of the City’s skyscrapers. Angler is great for a romantic date overlooking the City’s skyline or for pre- or post-drinks with friends.
What to eat: Try the Glazed Berkshire pork cheek or the Day-boat turbot for a special occasion!
What to drink: Check out Angler’s expansive wine list or ask your server to recommend what’s best.
Where: South Place Hotel, 3 South Place, EC2M 2AF
The Best Al Fresco Dining in London: South London
What to expect: What better way to take in Tower Bridge’s stunning views than south of the river at Le Pont de la Tour? Apart from the wow factor of this al fresco dining, Le Pont de la Tour boasts a delicious French-inspired menu.
What to eat: Go the traditional French route and try the Steak Frites, which is dry aged with béarnaise sauce. Don’t forget to check out their dessert menu afterwards!
What to drink: Share a French wine by the bottle with friends!
Where: Butlers Wharf, 36d Shad Thames, SE1 2YE
What to expect: The Laundry is in the heart of Brixton and offers a large terrace space with plenty of tables – great for large groups! Umbrellas, heaters, and blankets are provided, making it a great spot year-round.
What to eat: A modern twist on the classic British cuisine, try the sausage roll with chilli spice and fennel, accompanied by tomato chutney.
What to drink: Stick to a British classic and try the Summer Negroni, featuring London Dry Gin, Pimms, and Campari.
Where: 374 Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8PL
The Best Al Fresco Dining in London: West London
What to expect: Stanley’s is a new restaurant located off King’s Road, with an English garden vibe to it. Stanley’s showcases the best British ingredients by focusing on British season produce. This contemporary restaurant is great for a Sunday meal.
What to eat: Try the Citrus Brined Chicken, with torched summer beans and chicken butter – perfect for Summer!
What to drink: Have a glass of English sparkling wine to enjoy the proper English experience.
Where: 151 Sydney Street, SW3 6NT
Granger & Co
What to expect: This Australian restaurant is a great spot after a day of walking through Chelsea’s shops. This casual al fresco dining spot is wonderful for people-watching and soaking up the sun.
What to eat: Share small plates with friends, such as the ricotta hotcakes or sweetcorn fritters.
What to drink: Cool off with a passion fruit Caipiroska, including vodka and passion fruit
Where: 237-239 Pavilion Road, SW1X 0BP
Loved exploring alfresco dining in London? Check out our blog on the Shoreditch food scene here.
