The lovely outdoor dining terrace at The River Café (Photo courtesy The River Café)
With beautiful summer weather beckoning, outdoor dining in London is back on the menu. From riverside views to lush gardens and the perfect private outdoor dining spot, here are five of our favourite sun-kissed terraces for eating and drinking alfresco in London. For those planning a trip to the UK, London Perfect is your go-to for stylish London vacation apartments, ideal for relaxing after you’ve enjoyed some delicious food and drink around town. Some even sport their own balconies and terraces for soaking up the rays.
The River Café
An iconic restaurant for outdoor dining in London, The River Café has been whipping up fantastic Italian food since 1987, with a gorgeous, plant-fringed, shaded garden terrace offering riverside views in Hammersmith. Founded by chef-owners and cookbook writers Ruth Rogers and the late Rose Gray, it’s located in a heritage brick industrial building strikingly converted by Ruth’s husband, architect Richard Rogers. Menus change seasonally and feature tasty dishes such as ravioli with zucchini flowers, buffalo ricotta and mint. The indulgent Chocolate Nemesis cake is a must and there’s an impressive list of regional Italian wines. Chef Jamie Oliver got his start here. Thames Wharf, Rainville Road, Hammersmith, W6
Outdoor garden dining at Petersham Nurseries (Photo courtesy Petersham Nurseries)
Petersham Nurseries
Outdoor dining in London doesn’t get more appealing than the sensationally styled Petersham Nurseries. Offering a slice of country life in the city, its original, family-owned venue is in south-west London’s Richmond district, with a newer sister space in more central Covent Garden. Both team elegant, Italian-inspired menus with bohemian antiques, eclectic decorative pieces, natural foliage, plants and flowers. Richmond hosts Petersham Nurseries Café, The Teahouse and popular Garden Afternoon Tea, alongside a lifestyle and homewares store, and nursery and garden shop. Covent Garden is home to The Petersham eatery, Italian restaurant La Goccia and its bar, plus a deli and wine shop. Church Lane, off Petersham Road, Richmond, Surrey; 1-2 Floral Court, Covent Garden, WC2
The perfectly tucked away dining terrace at Davies and Brook (Photo courtesy Davies and Brook)
Davies and Brook at Claridge’s
Swiss chef Daniel Humm opened Davies and Brook, his first restaurant outside the US, in late 2019 at Mayfair’s esteemed hotel Claridge’s. This one-Michelin-starred restaurant serves classic fried chicken and duck, honoring seasonal, local ingredients, but also celebrates seafood and fish from the UK’s wild coastlines. The made-to-share D&B Seafood Plateau brims with native lobster, oysters, prawns, Scottish scallops and Cornish crab. Black cod is another highlight. Choose between à la carte, tasting menus and snacks. There’s a refined, art-adorned indoor dining room, and a beautiful, slim, hedge-lined terrace. Covered and heated, it’s ideal for savoring seafood with a glass of rosé, Champagne or a seductive spritz. Claridge’s, Brook Street, Mayfair, W1
Summer outdoor dining perfection at Parrillan (Photo by Greg Funnell courtesy Parrillan)
Parrillan
Boasting a wonderful covered and heated outdoor terrace, Parrillan produces flavor-packed Spanish snack plates with views of Regent’s Canal. Part of heritage-modern shopping and dining destination Coal Drops Yard near King’s Cross, this alfresco, rooftop terrace bar and grill restaurant is run by the crew behind neighboring Barrafina, renowned for Spanish food. Guests can cook meat, seafood and vegetables on their own parrilla mini-grills at the table, served alongside hearty rice dishes and tasty sides. Drinks also skew Spanish, with wines, cocktails, sherries and sparkling Cavas by the glass or bottle. The pretty, plant-dotted terrace offers tables for two for a romantic dining option or tables and banquettes for groups. Coal Drops Yard, Sable Street, NI
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La Terrazza di Eataly
Londoners were high fiving when famous Italian food hall Eataly launched its first UK branch near Liverpool Street Station this April, offering market-sourced deli produce alongside must-visit Mediterranean restaurants. Inspired by romantic Italian summers, La Terrazza di Eataly, the Terrace Restaurant and Bar, is the most alfresco of the venues for sun-kissed outdoor dining in London. Open year-round, it serves seasonal Italian dishes for the table alongside a cocktail menu by Aperol. Think share-friendly small plates, fresh pasta, pizza and salads, plus dreamy desserts. Order some Italian wine, beer, a Negroni or an Aperol Spritz to sip on the terrace with friends. Chin chin! 135 Bishopsgate, EC2
