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.

The 28-seater terrace at iconic Indian restaurant Brigadiers is a veritable oasis in the heart of the City, as ideal for post-work pints and barbecue small plates as for long, languorous lunches. There are screens for match-day viewing, plus partial heating and covering to ensure excellent alfresco vibes whatever the weather.

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.

An opulent continuation of the beloved Mayfair original, Scott's Richmond is a riverside oasis that honours its stunning natural surroundings. This summer, in collaboration with Bombay Sapphire, the rooftop al fresco dining space is being reimagined as a botanical garden terrace inspired by the untamed beauty of British wildflowers. An all-new cocktail menu will feature drinks like the Sgroppino, made with Bombay Sapphire Gin, lemon sorbet, sugar and prosecco, as well as Time for Tea, crafted with Bombay Sapphire Gin, Earl Grey tea, Demerara, and Peychaud’s bitters.

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.

Perched above the leafy back streets of Notting Hill, Casa Cruz’s balcony terrace is an intimate al-fresco hideaway where you can enjoy modern European dishes, elegant wines and classic cocktails amidst lush green foliage. In the summer months, it’s the place to be – just ask the likes of Taylor Swift, Cate Blanchett and Kate Moss.

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.

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