The Best Outdoor Restaurants in London

One positive of the last few years is definitely an increase in outdoor dining, and Petersham Nurseries is up there with the best. This plant-filled, greenhouse restaurant feels as elaborate as it does low-key. Find delights such as pumpkin gnocchi, chargrilled monkfish and rabbit with tomatoes on their seasonal menu.

Have to try: Wild farmed tortellini with black truffle ricotta
Perfect for: Birthdays, Mother’s Day
Approx price for 2 people: Expensive £250 for 2 with drinks

Sister restaurant to the original ‘El Pastor’ in London Bridge, this uber cool Borough Drops Yard outdoor hangout, owned by friends who formerly lived in Mexico City, is hard to beat. Frozen margaritas on tap, tacos made in house and 24 hour marinated pork, you won’t want to leave this vibrant spot in a hurry.

Have to try: Tuna tostadas, short rib
Perfect for: A casual dinner
Approx price for 2 people: Medium £100-£150 for 2 (those margs add up!)

Located on the second floor of Marylebone’s picturesque high street, you’ll find French restaurant, Orrery. Far enough away from the noise and traffic and adorned by graceful olive and lavender trees – you could well be in any one of France’s charming villages. Opt for the beef medallion and potato purée or Jerusalem artichoke risotto, or try the best bits with a £125 tasting menu, plus £75 for wine.

Have to try: Seafood raviolo
Perfect for: Business lunch, friendly bite
Approx price for 2 people: Pricey- £150+ for 2 with bevvies

Unassuming, cool and spacious, Toklas has achieved what many restaurants only can with gaudy decorations, projecting the true epitome of ‘less is more.’ Their unadorned dining room confronts eager diners with one plain truth: the only decoration required is that on the plate. The weekly changing menu will scream innovation: hake with fennel & broccoli fialoro, mozzarella di bufala with tardivo, need we say more?

Have to try: Prune and hazelnut frangipane tart
Perfect for: Treating the parents
Approx price for 2 people: Affordable – £80 for 2 without drinks

If you love being in the thick of things, both Soho and Borough Market’s lively locations allow prime people watching as you guzzle down Sangria and Tapas. Bringing a true taste of Spain’s culture and hospitality, sharing is caring with this ample menu. Try the Iberian ham croquettes, squid ink black rice and padron peppers and don’t forget about one of their sharing boards too, charcuterie and cheese galore!

Have to try: Gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns!)
Perfect for: Unpretentious date night
Approx price for 2 people: Good value- £50-£100 for 2 depending on what you order

This Sloane Square, all-day dining spot is a true Southwest London gem. Whether you’re sharing small plates amongst friends or gifting your gut with their healthy ‘grains and bowls’, one thing’s for sure- if you walk past Vardot’s quirky circular restaurant, you’ll find it hard not to pop in and get a taste of the pie, more specifically, their indulgent maple pecan pie. Enjoy with a dessert wine or aperitif.

Have to try: Clay oven roasted turbot
Perfect for: Brunch with friends
Approx price for 2 people: Affordable – £80 for 2 without drinks

We might just have found one of the best al fresco restaurants in London. This Tower Bridge, Thame- side Italian restaurant and aperitivo bar, which made the 2022 MICHELIN guide, sees diners delving into appealingly plated bowls of pasta and traditional Italian flavoured pizzas. Choose from an array of wine’s from Italy’s finest hidden vineyards or sip on an icy cold negroni.

Have to try: Lasagna alla norma (veggie), chicken milanese
Perfect for: Weekend summer lunch
Approx price for 2 people: Decent, £80-£100 for 2

This green oasis will relax and cleanse your mind and transport you worlds away from London’s infamous ‘rat race.’ For starters, graze on salmon gravadlax and Dorset crab, or grab a daily special, depending on what day of the week it is. Fittingly, they offer a light seabass on Mondays, or a tomahawk steak on Thursday as the week inevitably gets more debaucherous.

Have to try: Tuesday’s ragout of heritage beef
Perfect for: Date night, a quiet drink
Approx price for 2 people: £150+ for 2, worth it for the vibe

I know what you’re all thinking … a pizza chain? But if Pizza Pilgrims is yet to make its mark on your palette, you’re going to be dough-ver the moon about this. Our favourite branch is hands down Canary Wharf, where the south-facing riverside courtyard provides optimum sun. Our favourite pizza is the burrata and pesto, add a little nduja for a spicy surprise.

Have to try: Salsiccia e Friarielli
Perfect for: Casual lunch and pizza lovers
Approx price for 2 people: Affordable – £40 for two

A playful fusion of Japanese and Nordic, this stylish floral haven overlooks Belgravia’s attractive rooftops. Fairly new on the rooftop scene, expect oysters and delights such as Orkney scallops and pulled pork croquettes. It’s a great spot to grab a cocktail if you get tired from shopping below. If you’re visiting for dinner, there’s a mean Line-caught Cornish monkfish with your name on it.

Have to try: Burrata and the Monkfish
Perfect for: Date Day
Approx price for 2 people: Expensive but make a day of it! £175 for 2 with drinks