12 best outdoor restaurants and summer terraces to visit in London

In a very unusual turn of events, London lately has been very sunny, hot and cloud-free. This, in turn, has resulted in the ideal weather for a trip down to your nearest rooftop bar, outdoor terrace or restaurant for a nice summer cocktail or a lovely al fresco meal. The combination of good food, free flowing drinks and impeccable weather truly makes for some of life’s simplest pleasures. Here, we list some of the best outdoor restaurants and summer terraces in London for you to take advantage of the next sunny day in the city.The Ninth, Charlotte Street

The Ninth, chef Jun Tanaka‘s Michelin-starred restaurant on Charlotte Street, is welcoming guests to a relaxing oasis in the heart of Fitzrovia. The restaurant’s 18-seater terrace is the perfect spot for leisurely lunches or al fresco dinners to make the most of the summer sunshine. Guests can enjoy fresh and seasonal Mediterranean-inspired sharing plates, from grilled baby chicken with feta, roast peppers, tropea onion and courgettes to wild garlic risotto and crème fraiche and pain perdu and tonka bean ice cream.Sachi, Knightsbridge

Sachi has launched a modern Japanese brunch every week from 12-5pm to take advantage of the restaurant’s gorgeous rooftop terrace in Knightsbridge, London. An ideal way to kick off a Sunday, starters are all shared and include split tuna belly with spring onion and salmon handrolls with avocado. This is followed by a choice of mains, from black cod, marinated with plum honey, baby chicken with koji yuzu and beef tenderloin steak. To finish, three desserts will be shared amongst the group: homemade strawberry ice cream with a Japanese wafer with rhubarb jam, rice dumpling with sesame and soy sauce and a Japanese fish-shaped cake with dark chocolate sauce. Nobu Bar & Terrace, Shoreditch

Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch has brought the serenity of a Japanese Garden to the heart of East London, as it transforms its Nobu Bar & Terrace into a natural oasis adorned with Japanese heritage plants. New for the summer is a botanical cocktail menu, showcasing a creative blend of florals, herbs, and spices reflecting sun-soaked days. For those looking to indulge in some nibbles on a weekday, the terrace offers an al fresco lunch menu every weekday. On weekends, the garden retreat transforms into a lively summer brunch destination as Nobu’s bottomless brunch goes al fresco for the first time. Brunch goers can enjoy edamame & padron peppers with mint miso to start before indulging in a Nobu signature dish with choices such as black cod miso, rock shrimp tempura, salmon dry miso, grilled beef balsamic teriyaki and more. Alongside this, guests can experience unlimited access to crispy rice, assorted sushi and sashimi, Nobu taco bar and a handroll station.Luca, Clerkenwell

LUCA, the Michelin-starred modern Italian restaurant, is home to a secluded, foliage-filled, weather-proof terrace in the heart of Clerkenwell. Surrounded by olive trees and jasmine, diners can relax into an idyllic Italian escape and feast on seasonal plates that showcase head chef Robert Chambers’s interpretation of modern Italian cuisine. Chambers observes the traditions of Italian cooking but breaks the rules a little with British twists, to deliver a menu of modern classics. From 7 to 26 April, LUCA will also serve the Spring Chef’s menu on the terrace, allowing guests to directly book onto the terrace, which is otherwise not open to reservations.CUT, Park Lane

CUT by Wolfgang Puck in 45 Park Lane is one of the premier fine dining restaurants in London. And from 4 June, guests can enjoy a gorgeous al fresco meal in the restaurant’s outdoor terrace, CUT Out. Returning with a theme of ‘spritz and seafood’, this year’s terrace celebrates the vibrant flavours of the coast paired perfectly with a refreshing selection of spritzes. The new terrace menu, curated by executive chef Elliott Grover, features a refined selection of seafood dishes perfect for summer dining, alongside some of Wolfgang Puck’s signature dishes like the spicy tuna lemon sushi roll and soft shell crab sushi roll, “Fish ’n Chips” with sakura tartar sauce and Wolfgang’s renowned crab cakes. Guests can also enjoy a selection of snacks including oyster on half shell with Japanese ponzu and marinated tapioca pearls, smoked black cod tacos with cilantro aioli, spicy mango salsa and julienne cabbage amongst others.Amélie, Knightsbridge

Amélie, the Provençal restaurant in the Pantechnicon has just unveiled its sun-soaked terrace in collaboration with Miraval. Tucked away on Motcomb Street, the terrace brings together the charm of the south of France with lavish London flair. Guests will settle in for a Miraval takeover where they can sip on ice-cold glasses of drinks from the acclaimed brand. They can pair this perfectly with the new lunch menu, consisting of French favourites such as garlicky escargots and steak frites with unlimited fries and potato rösti topped with crab & caviar. Before finishing the meal guests will indulge in an exclusive raspberry rosé sorbet or Amélie’s tableside velvety chocolate mousse garnished with Miraval’s organic extra-virgin olive oil. The scene is set for a long, leisurely lunch with magnum pours of Muse de Miraval to be enjoyed throughout. Kioku by Endo, Westminster

Kioku by Endo, the fine dining rooftop restaurant inside Raffles London at the OWO has unveiled its summer terrace. Perfect for some delectable Japanese cuisine alongside some beautiful views of the London skyline — as well as some of the city’s most iconic landmarks — this is one outdoor terrace you wouldn’t want to miss. This restaurant is the brainchild of Michelin-star chef Endo Kazutoshi. We highly recommend trying the sashimi and nigiri platters as they are dishes that will leave you wanting more.Roka, Charlotte Street and Mayfair

Roka, the acclaimed Japanese robatayaki restaurant with four sites across the capital, is home to two al fresco terraces at its Charlotte Street and Mayfair venues. In the spring and summer months, the elegant, verdant terraces offer the ideal setting to enjoy the robata-grilled meats, immaculately presented sushi and sashimi, and well-executed desserts that Roka is known for, alongside wines, sakes and well-made cocktails.Paper Moon at The OWO, Westminster

Paper Moon inside The OWO in Westminster opened in 2023 and quickly became one of the most sought after Italian fine dining destinations in the city. Offering Milanese charm, warm hospitality, and authentic cuisine in one of London’s most iconic settings, Paper Moon invites guests to experience old-school Italian charm. The menu is a celebration of traditional recipes passed down through generations, featuring classic Milanese dishes alongside signature flavours from across Italy. The restaurant has also unveiled a sun-soaked terrace within the OWO for anyone looking for the perfect summer dining spot.Il Gattopardo, Mayfair

Nestled in Mayfair’s Albemarle Street, behind the main dining room of Il Gattopardo lies a hidden gem open to all of those looking for the perfect spot to enjoy la dolce vita: the Terrazza. Complete with trellised walls, climbing vines, and a retractable roof, and accents of the restaurant’s signature leopard print, the Terrazza is the perfect spot to enjoy an aperitivo under the evening sun. The restaurant has also unveiled a cocktail menu inspired by a day in Italy. Familiar flavours like Campari, Limoncello, and Italicus are reimagined alongside tonka bean, fig marmalade, and coffee foams. There is also a Coffee Negroni, which adds Cuban rum and coffee foam to the much loved Italian classic.Rosewood London, Holborn

Rosewood London has collaborated with Grey Goose to open a summer terrace in the hotel’s beautiful courtyard. La Terrasse is a hidden oasis for leisurely lunches, vibrant spritzes and elegant evenings. The menu highlights seasonal French classics such as sole meunière and moules marinières, alongside Grey Goose-paired cocktails including the alpine-inspired Mont Blanc Martini and the refreshing Spritz à la Pêche. With design touches inspired by Jardin du Luxembourg and a retractable roof for all-weather dining, La Terrasse is open daily throughout the summer.La Môme at The Berkeley, Knightsbridge

La Môme at The Berkeley, the Riviera inspired restaurant in the heart of Knightsbridge, is a prime location for perfect sun drenched lunches. The terrace has been meticulously designed to evoke the relaxed glamour of the Côte d’Azur. Think lush Mediterranean flora, stylish furnishings, and an inviting atmosphere for lunch, dinner and cocktails under the London sky. Sip on delicious cocktails as you sample some of the vibrant flavours of Provence, made using the finest seasonal ingredients. From light, refreshing starters to sumptuous mains, every dish is crafted to complement the al fresco setting.

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