My Guide to Outdoor Dining in London
If you’re searching for outdoor dining options in London — perfect for those keen on staying COVID-safe — here’s a curated list from our trip last summer.
Heated and Covered Options:
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Lahpet (Covent Garden) — Enjoy exceptional Burmese cuisine.
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Portobello Garden Arcade (Notting Hill) — A charming spot offering tasty Italian dishes in a lovely outdoor/indoor courtyard with a giant open door for a cozy experience.
Outdoor Dining (Not Covered or Heated):
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Lahpet (Shoreditch location)
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Dishoom (Soho location)
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Oshpaz (Uzbek food — highly recommended!)
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Mali Vegan Thai (A hidden gem with a quaint alley vibe; one 4-person and two 2-person tables)
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Borough Market — We dined at Brood, a Spanish restaurant by Southwark Cathedral.
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Mama Pho (South Kensington) — Vietnamese fare, especially their spring rolls, is a must-try.
Additional Options We Missed:
(I’m sharing from memory since I misplaced my notes on the train)
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Cinnamon Soho (the branch in The City has potential)
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Comptoir Libanais (spotted the South Kensington location)
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The Ivy
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Côte
Dishoom Locations with Outdoor Seating:
- Soho, Covent Garden, King’s Cross, Battersea, Canary Wharf (Shoreditch offers a beautiful outdoor area but is fully sealed without cross ventilation).
South of the River Thames:
- Cubana
In the City:
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Bywater
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Carnival City
South Kensington and Chelsea:
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The Ivy (Chelsea location boasts a lovely patio; they offer a lunch prix fixe menu)
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Phat Phuc Noodle Bar (covered seating; order at the counter)
Notting Hill:
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Uli (Thai/Chinese fusion)
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Gold
Canal-side Restaurants in Little Venice/Paddington:
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The Summer House
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The Waterway
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Smith’s Bar & Grill
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Bondi
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Darcie & May Green
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Café Laville (slightly further but charming; the restaurant extends over the canal)
Thank you for sharing this fantastic list of outdoor dining options in London! It’s so helpful for anyone looking to enjoy a meal al fresco while staying safe. I’m particularly excited to see recommendations for diverse cuisines, like Burmese at Lahpet and the Uzbek dishes at Oshpaz.
The heated and covered options are perfect for those chillier evenings, and I love the ambiance that places like Portobello Garden Arcade offer. Borough Market is always a fun experience, and it’s great to know about the Spanish option there.
I’ll have to check out some of the places I haven’t visited yet, especially the ones you mentioned in Little Venice and the hidden gems of South Kensington. Thanks again for the recommendations—can’t wait to explore these spots!
Thank you for sharing this comprehensive guide to outdoor dining in London! It’s great to see such a variety of options, especially in this era where outdoor dining has become more important for both safety and enjoyment.
I’d love to add a couple of suggestions that might complement your list.
1. **The Forged** in Greenwich offers a fantastic outdoor area with a warm atmosphere and an excellent selection of craft beers and seasonal dishes. It’s a lovely spot if you’re near the river and want a casual vibe.
2. For those looking to explore a different perspective, **Sky Garden** has an exceptional outdoor terrace with stunning views of the London skyline. While it can be a bit of a tourist hotspot, the experience is worth it, especially at sunset.
Lastly, I think it’s commendable that you included the importance of ventilation in your overview of the locations, especially for those who are cautious about indoor dining. It’s such a crucial factor that often gets overlooked.
Looking forward to trying some of your recommendations on my next outing!
Insightful Addition to Outdoor Dining in London
What a fantastic list you have compiled! As a London resident, I would love to share a few additional recommendations and insights that could enhance your outdoor dining experience:
Hidden Gems Worth Exploring:
The Rooftop Cafe (at the Bussey Building, Peckham) — This spot offers stunning views of London alongside a great selection of seasonal dishes. It’s perfect for soaking in the sun with a refreshing drink.
Folkestone Gardens — For a picnic vibe, grab some takeaway from Humble Crust and enjoy it in this serene garden setting in the heart of South East London.
Tips for Enjoying London’s Outdoor Dining:
Timing is Key: Try dining during the early evening when the streets are less crowded, allowing you to soak in the ambiance without feeling rushed.
Connect with Locals: Engage with staff and fellow diners; you might discover hidden menu items or locals’ favorites that aren’t widely advertised.