London's Best Restaurants for Eating Outdoors

There is no real need to rush indoors this autumn thanks to these restaurants who offer covid secure outdoor spaces. 

When the weather forecast says “rain”, take a look at our guide of the best places in London that offer superior shelter and to dine alfresco.

 

Primeur

 

 

 

With the doors wide open, Primeur offers an indoor and outdoor dining experience at the same time. The setting of a former Green Lanes motor garage is undeniably cool, and the attention to menus and interior detail tell you you’re in for a contemporary foodie experience. 

 

Brat

 

 

 

Brat is taking residency at Climpson's Arch courtyard this winter. The Courtyard is covered with a marquee structure which provides a roof and insulation for the unpredictable British weather. Join them to test their delicious grilled mushrooms and wood fired breads.

 

Padella

 

 

 

A stylishly small pasta bar Padella now has a new outdoor seating at Borough Market. It's around the back of the restaurant in the market itself and under shelter, so you can sit outside and eat pasta in rain or shine. 

 

Dishoom Shoreditch

 

 

Vegan Indian restaurant Dishoom Shoreditch gets it right. This truly unique restaurant has a veranda with a retractable roof. It’s not fully outdoors, but it's one big step forward from pavement crowds.

 

Bluebird

 

 

 

The Bluebird Café offers a sanctuary from the bustle of the King’s Road. The conservatory-style glass roof and plants inside, make you feel refreshed. If you want to get some fresh air, there’s a massive courtyard with fake grass, umbrellas and garden-style furniture serving a Mediterranean menu. 

 

Petersham Nurseries Cafe

 

 

 

Petersham Nurseries Café is a place of beauty, an emporium of goods, a celebration of the seasons. Dine within this magical glasshouse restaurant, brimming with fragrant bougainvillea and jasmine and enjoy seasonal Italian food inspired by their own kitchen garden. This is no ordinary garden-centre restaurant, so reservations are essential. 

 

Casa & Plaza Pastor

 

 

 

The team behind Barrafina have got into the al fresco mood. Casa Pastor is in the enviable Coal Drop’s Yard location in a massive industrial setting with the added benefit of a huge courtyard (Plaza Pastor) to draw the crowds.The terrace-only restaurant is entirely outdoors, but covered by a roof. You can enjoy Mexican dishes including tacos, ceviches and sharing plates.

 

Dalloway Terrace

 

 

 

Named after one of the most famous characters, Mrs Dalloway from Virginia Woolf’s The Hours, Dalloway Terrace is an indoor-outdoor space that offers an oasis of calm within the Bloomsbury Hotel. Located a few steps away from Covent Garden and Oxford Street, Dalloway Terrace features a magical atmosphere and stylish design, created to reflect Bloomsbury’s 20th century literary and artistic ambiance. All tables are protected by retractable roofs and walls.