Updated September 2021
Outdoor dining in London is just one of the many things that makes the city so great. Whilst we’re finally embracing a life free of Covid restrictions, many of us are still preferring to meet outside for added peace of mind and an extra level of safety. However, as summer ends, are you worried about the cold? Fortunately, that’s why outdoor heating exists, so grab your coat and let’s get out of the house – here’s our edit of the best outdoor restaurants and bars in London to add to your ‘must-visit’ list.
Outdoor Restaurants
Dishoom (Shoreditch)
Source: Pinterest/Flighthotelcompare
A favourite with most Londoners, Dishoom pays tribute to the famous Irani cafes and Bombay street food offerings. With eight locations throughout the UK, (five in London, three others in Edinburgh, Manchester and Birmingham), it’s the Shoreditch branch which provides the best outdoor dining, with a terrace restaurant which instantly transports you to the streets of India – sadly without the weather. Whether coming for a quick weekend brunch or a full-blown evening out, you’ll want to book this one in advance – queues can get pretty long.
Price point: ££
Plaza Pastor (Coal Drops Yard)
Mexican food of the tastiest order, enjoy a seriously tasty Margarita alongside some tacos, guac, tostadas and plenty more. Plaza Pastor is situated in the highly accessible area of Coal Drops Yard, perfect for meeting friends from all areas of London. Plus, there’s plenty of other bars around to try, so you can indulge in a post-feast nightcap.
coaldropsyard.com/plaza-pastor/
Price Point: ££
Piccolino (Heddon Street)
Source: piccolinorestaurants.com
Enjoy a taste of Italy in the bustling streets of Mayfair with Piccolino’s Heddon Street branch. Serving amazing fresh seafood, as well as classic pizza and pasta dishes, there’s something for everyone on this menu. When it comes to the location, it couldn’t be better. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street, the outdoor seating is kept warm with plenty of heaters, and there’s a real city atmosphere on this street filled with restaurants with outdoor drinking. Did somebody say nightcap? By 10pm, of course.
Price point: ££
Chiltern Firehouse
Source: squaremeal.co.uk
Located in Marylebone, Chiltern Firehouse is a celebrity favourite when it comes to outdoor restaurants, so if you’re hoping to get a glimpse of the rich and famous – this is your best bet. Us? We’re more about the food on our plate. In a converted fire station, its terrace area is often deemed as one of London’s most stylish outdoor restaurants. Due to Covid, Chiltern Firehouse is offering a more limited menu of classic favourites, but we feel that just makes the decision process even easier.
Price point: £££
The Lighterman
Source: Facebook / The Lighterman
Overlooking the picturesque Regent’s Canal and right in the middle of Granary Square, The Lighterman has a gastropub feel with a contemporary edge. Serving anything from burgers to salads (the former for us, please), it boasts two outdoor areas, one casual section perfect for a couple of drinks, as well as a panoramic terrace area looking over Kings Cross, making it one of the best restaurants in London with a view.
Price point: ££
Cinnamon Kitchen
Source: Facebook / Battersea Power Station
Time to cross the river and head all the way to Battersea Power station. A busy, fashionable area with many restaurants, bars and activities on offer, Cinnamon Kitchen is the real jewel in the crown. Enjoy modern Indian dining in a relaxed location; we recommend the nine-course tasting menu if you fancy a bit of everything, and it even comes with a free drink.
Price point: ££
Dalloway Terrace
Source: Facebook / Dalloway Terrace
For lovers of literature, it’s all about Dalloway Terrace if you’re looking for places to eat outside. Attached to the infamous Bloomsbury Hotel and named after the celebrated Virginia Woolf character and novel, you may have to book four weeks in advance for this one – but we can assure you it’s worth it. For £35 per person you could enjoy an Afternoon Tea, or jump right in with the al fresco dining menu and enjoy incredible food at an even more incredible location. Did we mention it’s a great spot for crafting the perfect Instagram post?
Price point: ££££
Sager + Wilde Paradise Row (Bethnal Green)
For cool, relaxed vibes and a meal you’ll be thinking about for months after, head to Bethnal Green – Paradise Row more specifically. With an exceptionally tasty burrata, pappardelle pasta and plenty of other Italian offerings, enjoy sitting out on the terrace in the sun, then head to Mother Kelly’s next door for a craft beer or glass of wine after.
Price point: ££
Bars
If you’re hoping for a more relaxed vibe or are simply craving a top quality cocktail, we’ve got your back. Discover some of our favourite outdoor bars (they serve food too, so you won’t go hungry).
Boundary Rooftop & Grill – We couldn’t not mention one of London’s many rooftop bars, could we? Take in the views of Shoreditch with your favourite drink, and even a bite to eat. If you want to make a weekend of it, you could perhaps stay in the Boundary Hotel.
Price point: £££
Mercato Metropolitano – One of the best food markets in London, Mercato is a great option for groups which tend to prefer a variety of cuisines. Offering food from all corners of the earth, there’s also plenty of bars dotted around to keep your thirst quenched.
Gordon’s Wine Bar – Made for purveyors of fine wine, you wouldn’t believe this popular spot is just off The Strand. Enjoy a glass (or bottle) in this wine bar with outdoor seating whilst sat on the terrace with friends. Feeling peckish? Their selection of cheese and bread pairs perfectly with your drink.
