These are the best restaurant terraces in London

After what felt like the longest ever winter, Londoners are finally being rewarded for their patience with blue skies and warm weather. To celebrate, we’re trading basement bars and cosy pubs for sun-soaked terraces that epitomise the art of al-fresco. From urban hideaways to breezy riverside destinations, these are the best outdoor restaurant terraces in London.

Escape from the hustle and bustle of central London at one of London's most exclusive al fresco dining destinations, Mandarin Oriental's Hyde Park Garden. Nestled within the lush greenery of London's finest Royal Park, it offers stunning views and world-class cuisine, courtesy of the hotel's two Michelin star restaurant, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal.

Despite its tourist-trodden Strand location, the raised Toklas terrace feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of central London. Potted plants and colourful chairs transport diners to sunnier climes – which is fitting given the restaurant’s Mediterranean-leaning menu, which features summery staples such as scallop crudo and Amalfi lemon sorbet.

A recent addition to Chiswick's dining scene, the Hound is a contemporary gastropub built within the walls of a Victorian police station. During the summer months, the pub's outdoor courtyard, complete with a retractable glass roof is the place to be, or else nab a spot on its sunny south-facing front terrace.

This summer, you wouldn’t be mistaken for confusing the Scotts Richmond Terrace with a botanical garden, as a partnership with Silent Pool Gin has brought the traditional English garden to your riverside dining table. There is no better way to enjoy a dozen Jersey oysters, yuzu-dressed yellowtail sashimi, or an array of shellfish bathing in garlic butter than framed within a sheltered nook of wisteria-draped pergolas, citrus trees, and wildflowers. It is the suntrap we are all desperately searching for, and with its retractable roof, it offers a slice of the outdoors even on slightly dubious weather days. The Thames below offers ample people-watching opportunities and can be paired with an equally floral concoction such as The Bee’s Knees or The Silent Bloom Spritz for the ultimate enjoyment of Richmond’s offerings. It provides all the shelter without sacrificing a glimpse of the British summer, because, as we all know, if you blink, you’ll miss it.

The much-loved terrace and al fresco dining experience isn’t something reserved only for the summer months. In the heart of the City, you’ll find The Outpost at Brigadiers, the newest and most stylish winter terrace to enjoy those autumnal evenings. There’s no need for woollen layers, as the covered and heated Outpost caters for up to 28 seated guests, come rain or shine. To mark its recent launch, Brigadiers has unveiled a bold new winter drinks menu to complement its signature Indian barbecue and warming spices. Expect generous servings of Masala Mulled Wine, poured tableside from a traditional samovar urn, or indulgent cups of Indian Coffee topped with masala-spiced chai cream. Don’t let the colder seasons stop you from enjoying the city’s outdoor splendour, ideally with a warm drink in hand.

Over 125 years since it was established, J. Sheekey remains one of London’s best-loved seafood restaurants. But the West End institution refuses to rest on its laurels, regularly upping the ante to entice regulars and visitors alike. This season, it has unveiled a striking new summer terrace in collaboration with English sparkling wine pioneer Nyetimber. Enjoy Nyetimber’s award-winning sparkling alongside classic British seafood dishes, from fresh Jersey Oysters to a generous shellfish platter brimming with prawns, mussels and more.

On a sunny London day, there are few better places to be than The River Cafe’s iconic Thames-side terrace. Its white tableclothed tables are unreservable, making the thrill of securing one all the more satisfying. Start with a chilled glass of frizanti and no matter which of Ruth Rogers’ pared-back Italian dishes you order, be sure to leave room for the famous Chocolate Nemesis.

The grand dame of Mayfair’s Mount Street has been serving up British seafood specialties since 1851. The sun-dappled terrace is the place to see and be seen, and with only 28 seats (all unreservable), it’s consistently in high demand, no matter the season.

Hotel restaurants can be hit-and-miss, but Dovetale, the restaurant at 1 Hotel Mayfair, is a hit full stop. Helmed by two Michelin-starred chef Tom Sellers, it dishes up elevated takes on modern classics, like a cheeseburger with smoked pickles and lamb cutlets with sheep’s yoghurt and wild garlic. The light-filled outdoor terrace is the perfect setting for a long lunch with a side of people watching.

With its mirrored ceiling and punchy interiors, Daroco’s 120-seat dining room is a maximalist’s dream. But outside on the foliage-fringed terrace, the vibe is more laidback, perfect for long, languorous lunches that will make you forget you’re in central Soho. Gather your closest friends and settle in with a selection of fresh pastas and wood-fired pizzas to share – plus a bottle or two of rosé, and don’t dare leave without sampling Daroco’s signature tiramisu.

British summertime is nothing without the obligatory barbecue, yet with the often unpredictable weather and the failings of so-called grill connoisseurs, it can frequently fall short of expectations. Parrillan, however, offers a welcome alternative, as the terrace reopens with an exciting new menu of seasonal dishes designed around the essence of Mediterranean summer and sociable cooking. Graze upon your selection of para picar, whether that be Padrón peppers or the croquette of the moment, before the tabletop grill appears and the cooking begins, without the complications. Perhaps you’ll try your hand at squid with ajillo, simple yet essential green asparagus, or the must-order Lagarto Ibérico with mojo verde. It is everything dining should be: fun, flavourful, and entirely on your own terms. Bulk it out with one of their seasonal arroz dishes, but enjoy it all with a side of cava, patatas bravas, and a terrace lined with olive trees.

What’s better than sipping champagne and slurping oysters in the sunshine? Not much, if we’re honest. Do just that at Bentley’s Oyster Bar and Grill, a stalwart of Piccadilly’s Swallow Street since its inception in 1916. The covered terrace is open year-round, but come in the spring or summer to experience it in all its glory. Settle in with a bottle of something crisp and white and tuck into some of the capital’s best wild seafood, from Cornish fish stew to Lobster Thermidor.

Tucked away in the back streets of Dalston, Acme Fire Cult is a live-fire restaurant (sorry, cult) centred around the art of barbecue. The kitchen is situated on the outdoor terrace, allowing guests to watch the chefs at work on the grill, while sipping beers from next-door brewery 40FT and enjoying dishes like coal roast leeks with pistachio romesco and Highland Bavette with seaweed-peppercorn sauce.

For a slice of the Mediterranean smack bang in the centre of Battersea, make your way to JOIA Rooftop, where panoramic views of the city serve as a backdrop for enjoying Iberian small plates and sunset cocktails. This season will also see the return of JOIA’s popular slushies, including the Zircao Margarita and Amestista Caipirinha – essential summer sipping.

Hidden away in the backstreets of Shoreditch and accessible only by ringing a buzzer on the garden gate, Rochelle Canteen gives off a distinctly in-the-know vibe, yet remains understated and unpretentious. Its charming terrace is the sort of place that makes you feel as if you’re on holiday – even if you’ve only travelled 30 minutes on the Overground. The menu changes daily but expect simple and unfussy veg-forward dishes like violet artichokes with peas and lardo.

The elegance of Belgravia meets the charm of Provence at Amélie, a recently opened Mediterranean-inspired restaurant on stylish Motcomb Street. This summer, the restaurant has partnered with Miraval to launch a Côte d’Azur-inspired terrace experience. Guests can while away an afternoon or evening on the terrace, sipping on chilled Miraval Rosé and tucking into French classics like garlicky Escargots and Steak Frites.

Rosewood London, in collaboration with GREY GOOSE has unveiled an alfresco escape within its stunning Belle Époque-style courtyard. La Terrasse by GREY GOOSE brings the spirit of the south of France to central London, with menu highlights such as moules marinières finished with Chablis, shallots and Beurre de Normandie; a salade Niçoise with confit tuna; and sole meunière accompanied with a seaweed and pickled cucumber salad. To wash it down, there will of course be a selection of bespoke GREY GOOSE cocktails – think crisp, refined Martinis, vibrant botanical concoctions and refreshing spritzes.

Set over two floors in Belgravia's iconic Pantechnicon building, SACHI is a contemporary Japanese restaurant that specialises in robata and sushi dishes. When the weather is fine, you'll want to nab a spot on SACHI's rooftop terrace. Come for brunch on Sundays or enjoy sake cocktails as the sun goes down. On Thursday evenings, Sake Sunsets takes place, with two-for-one sake cocktails from Akashi-Tai between 4pm and 7pm.

Everyone’s favourite London institution has taken note of the changing seasons and responded with the opening of its Garden Room on the doorstep of Hyde Park Corner. Hidden away amongst lush greenery, you may need a porter to guide you there, but once discovered, the covered retreat offers respite from the frenetic pace of London, from noon cocktails through to late-night drinks. Settle into an armchair for a lunchtime grilled steak sandwich accompanied by a Port Wood Manhattan, or take your pick from a collection of rare Cuban cigars paired with an aged Cognac. There’s even a club sandwich served post-10:30pm, making it one of the capital’s best-kept secrets for settling in for the evening without sacrificing the pleasures of a terrace.

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