Top-Ranked Al Fresco Eating and Drinking Spots in London
Top Outdoor Dining Spots to Enjoy London's Summer
London comes alive during the summer, and there's no better way to experience it than al fresco dining. Here are some of the city's top outdoor bars and restaurants that offer a range of atmospheres, from casual pubs with sunsets to upscale rooftop dining and stylish cocktail bars.
Cavo Restaurant (Central London near Tottenham Court Road) is a dog-friendly rooftop terrace accessed by a gold lift. It's perfect for weekend brunches, rooftop drinks, and an affordable pre-theatre menu.
The Castle, Islington is a proper pub with a suntrap rooftop, partially covered, making it a popular spot for summer drinks in Islington.
The Culpeper, Aldgate East boasts a hidden rooftop bar and kitchen garden with set lunches around £35 per person.
Julie’s, Holland Park is a celebrity hotspot with a stylish 34-cover terrace serving high-end dishes like lobster soufflé and lobster & caviar toast.
The Terrace at Royal Horseguards Hotel, Whitehall offers a secluded garden terrace with seasonal dishes, elegant cocktails, and views over the London Eye. It's dog-friendly with comfortable wicker sofas and blankets.
Jin Bo Law, City of London is a rooftop bar known for its cocktails, live DJs, and sophisticated surroundings, making it an ideal spot for outdoor drinking in the City.
The Berkeley’s Rooftop, Knightsbridge is inspired by Italian beach clubs, offering Mediterranean sharing dishes, pizzas from a rooftop oven, and a vibrant cocktail bar atmosphere.
If you're looking for a more casual dining experience, Trivet Terrace, a street-side terrace in Bermondsey, offers a lighter menu during warmer months. The hot tongue bun and funky wines selected by sommelier Isa Bal are popular choices.
For those seeking a unique dining experience, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal's outdoor terrace is right on Hyde Park. The menu offers quirky takes on British classics like fish and chips, coronation chicken, and Eton mess. The chef's famed Meat Fruit dish is also available here.
Toklas is a trendy restaurant located near Covent Garden, The Thames, Trafalgar Square, and more must-visit attractions. Toklas' terrace is open late and has sturdy canopies and heaters to extend the al fresco dining season.
The Berkeley's rooftop bar is known for its Med-inspired atmosphere, striped loungers, and pool overlooking Hyde Park's canopy. It offers Italian-inspired cocktails, sharing cheese and cured meat plates, fresh salads, and pizzas from a rooftop pizza oven.
Joia Rooftop in Battersea offers a modern take on Iberian-Portuguese favorites and features an upbeat mix of Afro, Latin, and Balearic House music. Stand-outs at Joia Rooftop include the Zircao Margarita, a frozen treat featuring Ojo de Dios Espadin mezcal, Altos tequila, mango, Cointreau, and smoked paprika.
Soleil by Claude Bosi, next to Brooklands by Claude Bosi at The Peninsula London, offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu with grilled fish, meats, light salads, and a seafood platter. Rose is also available.
Finally, The River Cafe in Thames-side Hammersmith is routinely named as one of London's finest restaurants. While seating on the terrace is on a first come, first serve basis for inside bookings, it's worth the wait for a taste of their delicious Italian cuisine.
1 Hotel Mayfair's Dovetale Summer House has transformed its courtyard-style outdoor area into a Montauk-style terrace, offering lobster rolls, ice cream sundaes, and DIY frozen margs until the end of August. Some outdoor terraces and rooftops in London have adaptable features such as umbrellas, retractable roofs, and wooly blankets to ensure comfort for all guests.
- The Cavo Restaurant, located near Tottenham Court Road, offers an affordable pre-theatre menu, making it a perfect spot for al fresco dining, especially on their dog-friendly rooftop terrace.
- For a unique dining experience, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal's outdoor terrace, situated right on Hyde Park, offers quirky takes on British classics and the chef's famous Meat Fruit dish.
- At Toklas, a restaurant near Covent Garden, The Thames, Trafalgar Square, and more must-visit attractions, the terrace is open late with sturdy canopies and heaters to extend the al fresco dining season.
- The Terrace at Royal Horseguards Hotel, Whitehall, offers a secluded garden terrace with seasonal dishes, elegant cocktails, and views over the London Eye, all while being dog-friendly and comfortable.
- Joia Rooftop in Battersea, known for its modern take on Iberian-Portuguese favorites, features an upbeat mix of Afro, Latin, and Balearic House music, and stand-outs at Joia Rooftop include the Zircao Margarita.
