Summer is upon us in London, and with it comes the insatiable craving for al fresco dining.
Fortunately, the city’s best spots have answered our prayers, giving us a plethora of outdoor bars and restaurants to descend upon when the temperatures rise.
While a summer in the British capital is infamously unpredictable, the city’s best terraces and rooftops adapt with skill, and are often tweaked to fit all forecasts, with the likes of umbrellas, retractable roofs and even wooly blankets in some cases.
From amazing views at swanky rooftops to hidden gardens over in the leafy west, these are the must-visit outdoor restaurants in London.
The Berkeley Rooftop
The Berkeley’s rooftop bar is a genuine slice of the Med in the middle of Knightsbridge (when the sun shines, at least), with striped-lounger-fringed pool overlooking Hyde Park’s canopy.
This year’s offering, Capri in the City, brings a menu of Italian-inspired cocktails created in partnership with Malfy Gin – get a negroni and don’t miss the shaved gin granita. For food, there’s sharing cheese and cured meat plates, fresh salads, and pizzas direct from the rooftop pizza oven. During the day, the rooftop is open to hotel guests only, but come evening, the public can head up too.
Trivet Terrace
During the warmer months, Bermondsey favorite Trivet opens up its cute street-side terrace. With it comes the special Trivet Terrace Menu, designed to offer lighter, more casual plates (as opposed to the more formal a la carte offering inside, for which the restaurant secured its two Michelin stars).
The hot tongue bun, with its lick of anchovy mayo and tangy blackcurrant sauce, has become a must-order, as has a glass of whatever funky wine sommelier Isa Bal has open that day.
1 Hotel Mayfair, Dovetale Summer House
Until the end of August, Dovetale has transformed its courtyard-style outdoor area into an enticing Montauk-style terrace. Think: driftwood-covered walls and Hamptons-inspired coastal trinkets. On the menu, there’s lobster rolls, ice cream sundaes and DIY frozen margs.
Soleil by Claude Bosi
Brooklands by Claude Bosi, perched at the top of the The Peninsula London, grabbed headlines when it swiftly went straight in at two Michelin stars in 2024. While revered for its posh fine dining (French styles, British ingredients), what many are less aware of is the fact it has a very inviting neighboring terrace: Soleil.
Inspired by the south of France, the menu has a distinctly Mediterranean feel: there’s grilled fish and meats, light salads and a showstopper seafood platter. Naturally, there is rosé aplenty, too.
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal’s pretty outdoor terrace might not have the city-sweeping views of London’s rooftop bars but, thanks to its location right on Hyde Park, it has a pretty special backdrop of its own.
Open for lunch during the day and snacks in the evening, the menu takes cues from the main Heston Blumenthal restaurant inside, with quirky takes on British classics: fish and chips, coronation chicken, and Eton mess. And yes, the chef’s famed Meat Fruit dish is on offer. Wash it all down with a glass (or two, or three) of Château d’Esclans’ rosé.
The River Cafe
Routinely named as one of London’s finest restaurants, Ruthie Rogers’ beloved Italian is a beacon for summertime dining – and a seat on the terrace is as coveted as any in the city.
Slightly removed from the center of town in Thames-side Hammersmith, the restaurant has pulled city hot shots and locals alike since 1987 who flock for its generous seasonal dishes. Be warned though, you can’t book the terrace and inside bookings are graced with an al fresco table on a first come, first serve basis. Good luck.
Toklas
A stone’s throw from Covent Garden, The Thames, Trafalgar Square and more must-visit attractions, Toklas is a trendy little restaurant, gathering revere for its fresh, fun menu (European-inspired, old-school ‘starter, main, dessert’ format). Inside is cool and vibe-filled, but outside beckons with a colorful, plant-filled terrace, open ‘til late.
Unlike lots of London’s outdoor restaurants that run for summer only, Toklas’ stretches the joy of al fresco dining for as long as possible with sturdy canopies and heaters.
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Joia Rooftop
Spanish chef Henrique Sá Pessoa made his London debut with a modern take on his Iberian-Portuguese favorites at the Joia Rooftop. The Battersea haunt oozes summer time cool with an upbeat mix of Afro, Latin and Balearic House setting the scene for playful cocktails and an ever-popular array of slushies, as the sun sets against the city skyline. Stand-outs include the Zircao Margarita, a frozen treat featuring Ojo de Dios Espadin mezcal, Altos tequila, mango, Cointreau and smoked paprika.
