The Best Restaurants in London With Outdoor Seating

Firstly let’s take you to Heddon Street, where Casa do Frango Piccadilly’s terrace boasts it’s very own stage showcasing live music, open 7 days a week. On the menu, their iconic piri-piri chicken of course, alongside an all-Portuguese drinks list, including an exclusive summer cocktail menu in collaboration with Per Se (the summery Portuguese aperitif made with 24 botanicals; sunny Southern Europe in a bottle). The curated live music programme will see acts performing weekly on the Heddon Street terrace on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, and Sunday afternoons. Ranging from jazz to Cuban Merengue, including Jesus Cutino’s Trio, whose dynamic and playful repertoire ranges from the popular Latin classics to the latest hits in the styles of Salsa, Son, Merengue and Reggaeton.

Offering a truly unique experience, Barge East can be found on the River Lea in Hackney Wick. Built into a Dutch barge that’s over a hundred years old, the restaurant was one of the country’s best-rated restaurants in 2019 and continues to build its impressive reputation. The outdoor seating is decorated with atmospheric festoon lighting and with beautiful views over the water, offers a very romantic setting. The moderately priced menu is a mix of modern British and European flavours, but for the best experience, head down on a Sunday to try their traditional roast.

Tucked away between Great Eastern Street and Commercial Street, Casa Shoredtich is a vibrant oasis and well-needed respite from the bustling city. Set over two floors, the restaurant also has a lush terrace which has been recently extended and offers both sunny and shady spots for alfresco dining and summer drinks. As with the Heddon Street terrace, here they are also offering the Per Se special summer cocktail menu, best enjoyed alongside a piri-piri feast, with a fun list of drinks that reflect the light, colour and essence of Souther Portugal. A well-guarded secret, Per Se offers hints of cardamom, orange, Jamaican pepper and Portuguese hops; on the menu… the Per Se Spritz is simply mixed with São Domingos sparkling wine and soda; the Fiery Caipirinha is made with Aguardente de Cana, lime and a chilli-mango cordial; and the Pineapple Rum Collins is made with Eminente 3yr rum, Liquor Beirão, lime juice, pineapple & almond soda.

Found in the bustling Brixton Village, as well as various other locations around the city, Eat of Eden is an excellent choice for al fresco dining south of the river. With an entirely vegan menu inspired by Caribbean and European flavours, the restaurant is passionate about offering food made with love. A great spot to visit with friends, the seating can be found both inside and outside the market space. With delicious individual meals also available, be sure to try the sharing platter, which gives you the chance to try a little bit of everything.

Boasting one of the biggest beer gardens in South London, the Duke of Edinburgh, between Brixton and Clapham, is a huge hit during the summer. With tables spread out across a large outside area and the train line running just overhead, this is a great place to spend a Saturday afternoon with a group of friends. Instead of the usual pub food offering, you’ll find the extremely popular White Men Can’t Jerk pop-up, cooking up their take on traditional jerk recipes and even a weekly jerk-inspired Sunday lunch.

An east London staple, Smokestak is a mouth-watering barbecue joint with an ample outside area, offering a huge selection of grilled and wood-smoked meats. The restaurant also offers a selection of four dishes for a very reasonable price, meaning you’ll have plenty of opportunity to try the whole menu.

This Michelin-star restaurant on the rooftop of the South Place Hotel offers guests unparalleled views of the city as well as excellent locally sourced seafood. With a menu put together by the lauded executive chef Gary Foulkes, it makes the most of seasonal offerings and specially selected produce. From the outside terrace you’ll be treated to an excellent look at the city’s skyline, with a retractable roof and heaters meaning you can have an amazing experience all year round.

One of the best dining spots in London, the Greenhouse, in the heart of Mayfair, gives guests an upmarket outdoor experience. Currently holding two Michelin stars, the restaurant serves a selection of exquisite French cuisine put together by some of the best chefs in the city. As the name suggests, the outdoor seating is set amongst an impeccable green space; it also features original artworks by acclaimed sculptor Emily Young. This restaurant is definitely one of the pricer options on our list, but is a great choice if you’re looking for something special.