This month we all have our sights set on the best London restaurants with outdoor seating. Scattered across the capital – from beneath the skyscrapers of the city, to the beautiful streets of Belgravia; London has a vast selection to discover, which is overwhelming at the best of times!
You’ll be pleased to know that we’ve mapped out the best restaurants with outdoor seating London, for each and every one of you. From fancy al fresco fine dining to canal side catch ups and a taste of España in the city; read on to discover the socially distanced terrace, perfect for you this spring.
Table of Contents
1. Chameleon, Marylebone – For garden style get-togethers:
Launching on Friday 23rd April on Marylebone road, Chameleon is the new kid on the block that celebrates food, music, and entertainment. With a Tel Avivian mezze style menu and al fresco dining, enter via a speakeasy style entrance and wander through their flower market and into a glamorous outdoor lounge. Come 21st May, the new restaurant will then launch nine individually styled ‘Greenhouses’ to drink and dine in.
www.chameleon.london
IG:@chameleonlondon
2. El Pirata, Mayfair – Gorgeous London restaurants with outdoor seating:
el-pirata-london-terrrace – London’s Best Outdoor Terraces
Mayfair’s El Pirata is one of London’s long-standing and much-adored tapas bars and restaurants offering a slice of España in the city. Expect high-quality Spanish dishes and wines it’s a places to eat in London, served by friendly and personable staff in an informal setting.
Located between Green Park and Hyde Park, you’ll feel like you’re in Murcia, Madrid or Málaga. Specials include Secreto de cerdo Iberico (succulent Iberian pork) as well as traditional tapas dishes ranging from seafood and light bites to hearty paellas.
www.elpirata.co.uk
IG: @elparatamayfair
3. The Berkeley Beach Huts, Knightsbridge
Inspired by the iconic seafronts of Whitstable and Southwold is the ‘Berkeley Beach Huts’. Leading with irresistible seafood paired with retro classics, choose from lobster, freshly shucked oysters, five-star scampi, and octopus that celebrate the British staycation. This brilliant beach hut menu will spill out across their terraces and on outdoor countertop dining so they can cater to as many of you seafood-lovers as possible.
www.the-berkeley.co.uk
IG:@the_berkeley
3. Champagne Bar by Searcys, St Pancras – For bubbles and champagne
One of our top favourite London restaurants with outdoor seating: home to Europe’s longest Champagne Bar, St Pancras by Searcys is the perfect spot to meet with friends under the iconic arches of St Pancras.
Looking out to panoramic views of the magnificent station, the spacious 98-metre bar is decked-out with terrace seating and individual leather booths which seat up to six and come complete with ‘Press for Champagne’ buzzers. With an extensive list of champagnes and wines, the bar will be serving a new Searcys Bubble menu, featuring a trio of champagnes paired with small plates, as well as the Staycation Afternoon Tea, served in a stylish suitcase!
www.stpancrasbysearcys.co.uk
IG:@searcystpancras
4. La Poule Au Pot, Belgravia – For French fanatics
This charming French restaurant in London on Ebury Street Belgravia will be re-opening its outdoor terrace to diners. Adorned with dried flowers and candlelit tables, this classic French Bistro is the perfect spot to eat delicious food in an authentic atmosphere of the recreation of ‘paysan’ France. La Poule Au Pot is widely considered one of London’s most romantic restaurants and has been voted London’s ‘best for romance’ in Harden’s guide for the 9th year running. Oui to that!
www.pouleaupot.co.uk
IG:@lapouleaupotrestaurant
5. The Refinery Bankside, Southwark – Best London restaurants with outdoor seating for Aperol Spritz
In the heart of London’s Bankside on Southwark Street is The Refinery Bankside with its bright al fresco terrace that is ideal for an Italian style aperitivo, moments from the Tate Modern. Soak up the central London sunshine from morning ‘til night, enjoying everything from a morning coffee through to dinner and late-night cocktails.
The Refinery Bankside – London’s Best Outdoor Terraces
www.drakeandmorgan.co.uk/the-refinery-bankside
IG: @therefinerybankside
6. Cinnamon Kitchen, Battersea – Best for curry catch ups
Situated in one of London’s hottest new drinking hotspots at the Battersea Power Station is Cinnamon Kitchen’s latest outpost. With views of the nearby Thames, the restaurant’s socially distanced outdoor tables are ideal for catching up with curry.
A new wave of culinary innovation and experimentation to London, Cinnamon Kitchen has established itself as one of the finest modern Indian restaurants in London. They continue to challenge the status quo by fusing the spices of the subcontinent with the finest British ingredients and culinary traditions to create modern dishes that remain classic and timeless.
www.cinnamon-kitchen.com
IG:@thecinnamoncollection
7. The Parlour, Canada Square – For a botanical blow out
A stone’s throw from Canary Wharf station and located in the Park Pavilion on Canada Square is The Parlour – a botanical themed bar & restaurant that offers itself up as the ideal spot for unwinding within its floral inspired setting. This month, their stunning al fresco terrace, complete with its own bar is the ideal location to enjoy an afternoon catching with friends over great food, fine wine, and creative cocktails.
www.drakeandmorgan.co.uk/the-parlour
IG:@theparlourbarlondon
8. José Tapas Bar, Bermondsey – A tipple over tapas and London restaurants with outdoor seating
José Tapas Bar based in Bermondsey Street has built a cult following as the go to place for the best tapas. Over the past decade, their loyal customers, along with many first-time guests, continue to fall in love with their friendly atmosphere that transports visitors to the vibrancy of Spain.
Serving a daily changing menu written on the blackboards along with 50 Spanish wines & sherries all served by the glass. Whilst we may not be able to travel it promises a truly authentic Spanish experience.
www.josepizarro.com
IG:@josepizarrorestaurants
9. The Happenstance, St Paul’s – For postcard views
Ensuring you really know which city you’re in, head to The Happenstance in the heart of the City on Paternoster Square, home to a beautiful all-weather terrace overlooking St Paul’s – one of London’s most iconic landmarks. Catch up with friends and family with postcard worthy views whilst you sip on signature cocktails and enjoy an array of moreish dishes from sharing boards, to fresh salads and loaded burgers.
www.drakeandmorgan.co.uk/the-happenstance
IG:@thehappenstancebar
10. London Shell Co aboard The Grand Duchess, Paddington – London restaurants with outdoor seating over the canal
Whilst we may not be able to travel, London Shell Co has an alternative. Aboard their canal boat The Grand Duchess, enjoy a holiday atmosphere with the launch of their nautical outdoor deck on the Regents Canal.
With a new seafood summer menu complete with seasonal ingredients and super fresh seafood, The Grand Duchess will offer the option for takeaway fish & chips and seafood rolls, ready to relish along the canal.
www.londonshellco.com/the-grand-duchess
IG: @londonshellco
11. The Sipping Room, West India Quay – For a waterfront oasis
An oasis amidst the corporate jungle of Canary Wharf is The Sipping Room. Designed to transport you to a place far removed from its concrete surroundings, unwind on its expansive Thames-side terrace and enjoy creative cocktails from the dedicated outdoor bar. They even have the option for cosy blankets and hot water bottles for those cooler evenings.
www.thesippingroom.co.uk
IG:@thesippingroomlondon
12. Devonshire Terrace, Liverpool Street – Outdoor Seating & Dome Dining:
Moments from Liverpool Street Station, Devonshire Terrace is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Drink and dine al fresco with family and friends on the sophisticated yet welcoming terrace with its beautiful glass domed roof to protect you from the elements.
The perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine, leisurely lunch, or boozy brunch.
www.drakeandmorgan.co.uk/devonshire-terrace
IG:@devterrace
13. Pantechnicon, Belgravia – One of the best London restaurants with outdoor seating:
Dine under the stars on the Nordic roof garden at Pantechnicon on Motcomb Street. Home to a playful celebration of Nordic and Japanese creativity and craftsmanship, relax overlooking views of the beautiful streets of Belgravia.
When it comes to the food, tuck into flavours inspired by a fusion of Nordic and Japanese cultures with dishes using traditional cooking methods with locally sourced UK ingredients.
www.pantechnicon.com
IG:@_pantechnicon
14. Cinquecento, Notting Hill Gate – For a pizza party
Looking for one of London’s best Italian restaurants? Cinquecento is a family run authentic Neapolitan pizzeria which has just announced a third location in Notting Hill Gate to include al fresco dining with fresh avocado bruschetta to fried Montanari pizzas.
True pizza aficionados, having worked at both Franca Manca and Santa Maria, since day one it has been their dream to apply their knowledge and experience to establish London’s best Neapolitan pizzeria. This makes them your go to pizza experts this year.
www.cinquecentopizzeria.com
IG:@cinquecentopizzeria
Best Italian Restaurant’s London – London’s Best Outdoor Terraces
15. Prairie Fire BBQ, Wood Lane – For American ales
Soak up the sunshine at Prairie Fire BBQ’s urban beer terrace that spills down either side of their restaurant and taproom in the Wood Lane railway arches. Take your pick of 16 taps that showcase the best of British and American craft as well as an ever-growing range of bottles and cans.
For those who have been missing cocktails and are searching for london restaurants with outdoor seating, you can quaff Aperol Spritz and Margaritas as well as some all-American classics like boilermakers, micheladas and picklebacks.
Meanwhile, tuck into an authentic Kansas City style BBQ where you can choose from a selection of slow-smoked favourites such as 16-hour oak smoked USDA brisket, applewood-smoked pork and chicken, roadside-style smashed burgers and more.
www.priarefirebbq.com
IG:@priariefirebbq
16. Mariage Frères, Covent Garden – For tea on the terrace
This month luxury French tea emporium, Mariage Frères’ will open its chic Tea Terrace for al fresco dining and drinking in Covent Garden. Serving refreshing iced teas, chilled champagne and cocktails; it is their picture-perfect afternoon teas that take centre stage. Mariage Frères’ tea offering is the largest on the planet: a selection of over 800 references from 36 tea-producing countries with every type of tea represented.
www.mariagefreres.com
IG:@mariagefreresofficial
17. Aquavit London, St James’s Market – For a Scandi supper:
For some Michelin mastery is the Nordic-inspired restaurant Aquavit. With a spacious terrace that is situated in quiet corner moments from Piccadilly, catch-up over a cocktail or two whilst browsing Head Chef Jorjon Colazo’s Scandi menu of langoustine bao buns and traditional Swedish meatballs.
Sister to the Michelin-starred Aquavit New York, fresh, clean flavours with healthy ingredients are presented neatly on plates. Suitably Scandinavian, sample some of the finest Nordic cuisines, in the heart of our very own city.
www.aquavitrestaurants.com
IG:@aquavitlondon
There you have it. Our expert round up of the best London restaurants with outdoor seating so you can roam across London this summer in style. Let us know what y0u think inside the comments. Did we miss anywhere amazing that we can add?
Founder of Eating in London
