April 6, 2026
The spotlight is well and truly on outdoor restaurants this summer. Time to pack away those joggers and secure a place at one of London’s al fresco dining treasures. Think hidden courtyards, floral terraces, and lemon groves. Sounds good, right? Here are some of my favourite picks, dust off that diary and book a date for a spot of stylish al fresco dining in London. And remember pre-booking is essential!
Outdoor Dining in London
Petersham Nurseries
This is an all-singing and dancing venue, Petersham Nurseries in Covent Garden includes two restaurants, a bar, a deli, florists, a shop and a wine cellar. Both restaurants offer Italian cuisine, La Goccia more casual, and The Petersham a more refined Italian restaurant focusing on seasonal ingredients.
The splendid central courtyard between both restaurants offers alfresco dining complete with romantic floral installations, oversized terracotta pots, and elegant garden tables and chairs.
Petersham Nurseries | 1 Floral Street | Covent Garden | WC2
Dalloway Terrace
The not-so-secret hidden Bloomsbury hangout is named after one of the literary neighbourhood’s most famous characters, Mrs Dalloway from Virginia Woolf’s The Hours. An Instagrammer haven due to its stunning seasonally changing cascade of flowers, this Spring expect cornflowers, daisies, and pampas grass for s nature-inspired installation.
Enjoy the modern British brasserie fare as you escape from the chaos of the city at one of the prettiest terraces in London. The all-year-round al fresco spot with its retractable roof in summer plus heaters and fur blankets in winter will have you returning again and again.
Dalloway Terrace | 6-22 Great Russell Street | Bloomsbury | WC1
Chiltern Firehouse
The leafy monochrome courtyard tucked away in Marylebone is the ideal spot for al fresco eating and drinking. For cooler evenings there is an outdoor fireplace to keep you cosy and the fully rainproof awning is ready for the British weather. Once settled indulge in the terrace oyster cart or wood oven pizza along with one of their coveted cocktails.
Chiltern Firehouse | 1 Chiltern Street | Marylebone | W1
Alto by San Carlo
Transport yourself to the Italian lemon groves in Tuscany at Alto. The Italian restaurant and rooftop sanctuary are home to a stunning al fresco terrace and bar. Perched atop one of the world’s most prestigious department stores – Selfridges. it comes complete with a retractable rooftop and fairy lights when night falls.
Alto serves up authentic Italian classics as small plates, designed to share. Shopping and delicious food in one place, what more can you ask for?!
Alto by San Carlo | Selfridges | 400 Oxford St | Marylebone | W1A 1AB
Hush Mayfair
Tucked away in the heart of busy Mayfair down a quaint, cobbled lane is a beautiful hidden courtyard. The entrance is always adorned with a floral arch and the terrace is covered in a canopy of flowers. Seasonally changing Hush never fails to impress. Enjoy terrace dining in central London with a brasserie menu and cocktail in hand
Read More: Hush Mayfair – London Restaurant Review
Hush Mayfair | 8 Lancashire Court | Mayfair | W1S 1EY
Hicce
This modern British restaurant is led by Great British Menu winner Pip Lacey. Located on the upper concourse at Kings Cross’s trendy Coal Drops Yard. It’s a vibrant spot for people watching and enjoying shareable plates cooked over a wood fire, one of their specialities.
The bar offers beers from Hackney Brewery, biodynamic and organic wines, and great cocktails including some creative non-alcoholic versions.
Hicce | Coal Drops Yard | Stable Street | Kings Cross | N1C 4DQ
Circolo Popolare
If you’re in the mood for Sicilian vibes head to Circolo Popolare’s terrace, large enough to seat around 60 people. Like her older sister Gloria in Shoreditch, expect to see an exuberant interior design with lots of foliage, terracotta pots, pretty parasols, and fairy lights.
Indulge in all the pizza and pasta and Aperol spritz. Fans of Carbonara have cameras at the ready as it’s served at the table from a giant pecorino wheel.
Circolo Popolare | 40-41 Rathbone Place | Fitzrovia |W1T 1HX
German Gymnasium
Head to Kings Cross for German cuisine at the modern Grand Cafe, German Gymnasium. In its former life, the fully functioning gym was also the venue for the first National Olympic Games in 1866. Today sit back and enjoy traditional dishes like schnitzel, Black Forest gateau, or apple strudel. Pass your eye over the veggie offerings, they’re very tasty too.
German Gymnasium | 1 King’s Blvd | Kings Cross | N1C 4BU
Coq D’Argent
The penthouse restaurant at the top of No. 1 Poultry offers spectacular panoramic city views from its heated terrace. The stylish roof terrace and beautifully manicured garden are the perfect setting for the French restaurant. The menu features all the French classics with a contemporary. For the dessert fans, order the Pomme, you won’t be disappointed.
Coq d’Argent | 1 Poultry | EC2R 8EJ
Jurema Terrace
The laidback cabana-style terrace on the first floor of the very cool Mandrake Hotel is a hidden evergreen sanctuary. Walking through the oasis of hanging passionflower and jasmine plants towards the wooden shack-style bar on arrival will trick you into thinking you’re on holiday.
Hire a private cabana or enjoy the surroundings on the chic rattan furniture whilst you sip on bespoke cocktails and South American-inspired dishes.
Jurema Terrace | Mandrake Hotel | 20-21 Newman Street | Fitzrovia | W1
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