London’s best outdoor dining

Alfresco dining is back – and, hopefully, the sun will soon follow suit. Because you can now eat in glorious gardens, revamped rooftops, secret suntraps, tranquil terraces, and concealed courtyards: there’s almost too much choice (and alliteration). To help you decide, we’ve selected our favourite spots for supper in the sun below – and if you want Mayfair-specific recommendations, check out our guide to Mayfair’s best outdoor dining as well.

The Belvedere, Holland Park

As the sun starts to set over Holland Park, herons swoop over its gushing fountains, luxuriating in the lavender-scented air as well-dressed couples stroll back from the opera. And that’s your view from the terrace at The Belvedere – a red-bricked, bonsai-filled restaurant that somehow feels like the castle at the top of Jack’s infamous beanstalk. Its food is worthy of a palace, too – creative Italian dishes clearly cooked with care. Try the raspberry granita-topped oysters, veal ragu (a lighter take on the classic Bolognese), and a freshly baked, soul-warming blueberry tart.

Rosewood London, Holborn

Offering a tranquil reprieve from Holborn’s busy streets, Rosewood London’s terrace feels like a secret garden. And this summer, it’s taking l’art de vivre one step further – by transporting you to the French Riviera through its latest aptly named pop-up, Villa Minuty. Serving coastal-inspired plates washed down with a never-ending flow of well-loved wines, it definitely does what it says on the bottle. For the most Provençal experience, pair the Rose et Or with the red mullet en papillote.

The MAINE, Mayfair

Nothing says ‘summer in the city’ like sliding into a sunlit booth at an ivy-smothered orangery-cum-terrace. But that’s what this concealed courtyard behind Hanover Square brings to the table – as well as New England classics like oysters served with soft shavings of horseradish. Other MAINE attractions: a brioche roll filled to the brim with lobster and creamy lemon aioli, and tender, sticky short ribs drooling with a treacle-like honey mustard glaze.

Peggy Jean, Richmond

A vision in pastel parasols, the latest addition to the Daisy Green empire serves Aussie-style dishes from a restored Jesus College Oxford barge. It’s moored near The Ivy Café in one of Richmond’s prettier spots, and the vibe is decidedly like an Aussie beach club – especially in the sun. To eat, it’s an all-Aussie affair from brunch to dinner, and you can also order fist-sized, rainbow-coloured lamingtons to takeaway, courtesy of sister brand, Radio Lamington.

Terrazza at Il Gattopardo, Mayfair

We’ve been waiting for Il Gattopardo’s summer garden room to open since the ‘60s-inspired Italian restaurant arrived last year. And that day has come: the team have officially rolled back the retractable glass roof and the Terrazza is open for (leopard-printed) business. The new, summery menu includes a Neoplitan seafood stew, ham and mascarpone tortellini, and chargrilled prawns with Taggiasca olive and tomato sauce. Our tip? Stop by the bar for an afternoon basil mojito – or late-night limoncello negroni.

La Poule au Pot, Belgravia

Nothing feels more French than sitting on the roadside with a glass of red – except when you do so at La Poule au Pot. Often vying with Clos Maggiore for the title of ‘London’s most romantic restaurant’, it’s been serving the same French favourites since 1962 – although, in recent years, several plant-based options have appeared alongside classics such as cassoulet and boeuf bourguignon. Stay late – the people-watching is excellent.

Jurema at The Mandrake Hotel, Fitzrovia

When you imagine an urban oasis, you’re probably picturing something like The Mandrake Hotel. Jasmine and passionflower are draped from almost every surface, and if you look up, there’s a greenery-filled glasshouse for private dining. Cocktails are ethnobotanical (try the Mangosteen if you like a spicy margarita), and dishes are Mexican-leaning and seafood-heavy, such as grilled octopus and sea bass ceviche.

Petersham Nurseries, Covent Garden

This flower-filled courtyard is undoubtedly one of the prettiest in London – and it’s home to not one but two restaurants, plus a bar, deli, wine cellar and florist. Come for a long, lingering dinner of small sharing plates at La Goccia, preceded by aperitivo at the adjacent bar (the negroni sbagliato is a must, made with Petersham’s own prosecco). Make sure to leave plenty of time to browse the shop and deli for flowery wares to enhance your own space.

Dinings SW3, Chelsea

Something about this pleasant little Japanese restaurant makes you feel like you’re on holiday – even if, as the name indicates, you’re not far from Knightsbridge. It’s concealed down a mews and has a garden that feels like a quintessential West London courtyard complete with plant-smothered walls and wicker chairs that match your chopsticks. To eat, it’s seafood-heavy sushi – although the wagyu, topped with flecks of caviar and preserved spiced yuzu, is also unmissable.

The River Café, Hammersmith

One of the few London restaurants that can truly be described as iconic, the River Café draws a crowd even on grizzly days. It’s been stretched across the same Thames-facing lawn since 1987; you come here for seasonal Italian dishes and the unmistakable feeling of being on holiday. Of the extensive menu, the freshly made pasta is always a good idea – as is that second glass of rosé in the sun.

Bingham Riverhouse, Richmond

This boutique hotel-cum-members’ club-cum-riverside restaurant wears many hats. But none quite as appetising as when chef Vanessa Marx dons her award-winning chef’s hat. After securing your spot on the wrap-around terrace with the Thames trickling past the riverbank below, sit back and relax as Marx and her team serve up seasonal dishes that showcase the best of British produce – like the melt-in-your-mouth catch of the day from Brixham fish market, and a powerful chocolate mousse topped with Blackthorn flaked sea salt.

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