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🍴 London’s Best Outdoor Dining Spots: 15 Alfresco Experiences You Can’t Miss

  • Writer: SwipeOnDeck
    SwipeOnDeck
  • Jun 23
  • 4 min read

Updated: Sep 6

London’s outdoor dining scene is in full bloom! From riverside cafés to hidden courtyards, there’s a perfect alfresco spot for every mood. Here are 15 of London’s top outdoor dining experiences—perfectly swiped, booked, and loved by Gen Z on Deck.


A customer with a bicycle waits at the rustic wooden counter of Towpath café, where two baristas are preparing coffee along Regent’s Canal.

Beloved by locals and chefs alike, Towpath is a low-key gem perched along the Regent’s Canal. With no reservations and a stripped-back menu that changes daily, it’s a walk-up-only affair. Expect sourdough buns, rich eggs, and exceptional coffee served to mismatched tables beside the water. Casual and nostalgic, it’s perfect for solo journaling or people-watching.


Brightly colored storefront of Fish, Wings & Tings in Brixton Village, featuring yellow and red signage, outdoor wooden seating, and a casual, vibrant vibe.

Bursting with flavour and Brixton energy, this no-frills Caribbean joint offers killer codfish fritters, jerk wings, and curried goat. The semi-covered outdoor seating spills into the bustling arcade. Loud, lively, and full of character, it’s ideal for budget-friendly group lunches or post-market bites.


Spacious, industrial-chic interior of Acme Fire Cult in Dalston with wooden tables, exposed ceilings, and an open kitchen in the background.

Housed in a converted car park next to 40FT Brewery, this is East London’s live-fire playground. Expect dishes like ember-roasted leeks and dry-aged beef with fermented sauces, served in a covered courtyard. The gritty, underground feel makes it perfect for foodies craving innovation with a side of craft beer.


🇮🇹 4. Italo – Vauxhall

Cozy interior of Italo café in Vauxhall with red-and-white chairs, wooden tables, deli products on shelves, and large windows letting in natural light.

This family-run Italian deli-meets-supper club is tucked in the peaceful Bonnington Square. Sit outside on the cobbles and enjoy mortadella sandwiches, fresh pasta, and the charm of local kitchen takeovers. A slice of southern Europe in SW8, it’s great for leisurely brunches or low-key dates.


Elegant and eccentric, Julie’s is a neighbourhood brasserie with a leafy terrace and a touch of ‘70s glamour. Lobster rolls, soufflés, and Sunday roasts are the stars, with a drinks list to match. Great for special occasions and celeb-spotting in leafy West London.


Set behind a brutalist façade near Somerset House, Toklas surprises with a modern Mediterranean menu and minimalist garden terrace. Think chargrilled squid, sourdough flatbreads, and negronis under olive trees. Chic but not showy, it’s a great choice for creatives and cultured catch-ups.


Outdoor terrace seating at Parrillan with wooden furniture, covered pergolas, and potted greenery, set under a sunny sky in King’s Cross.

A premium Spanish grill where guests cook their own cuts over mini charcoal BBQs. Located in Coal Drops Yard, it offers riverside energy, seasonal vegetables, and juicy Ibérico meats. Romantic and interactive, it’s perfect for date night or sunny lunches with flair.


Michelin-starred seafood in a sleek rooftop oasis. The retractable terrace features manicured greenery and elegant tables, making it an upscale option for business lunches or milestone dinners. Come for the Devon crab or Cornish turbot, stay for the skyline serenity.


Bright, glass-walled café with minimalist wooden tables and a garden view.

Nestled inside a former church, this tranquil café features a sun-dappled courtyard framed by stained glass and greenery. Menus are hyper-seasonal and ingredient-driven, focusing on dishes like grilled peach salads and flaky pastries. A true hidden gem, ideal for bookworms and peaceful lunchers.


Outdoor terrace with wicker seating, potted palms, and panoramic views of the London skyline.

With panoramic views of the Thames and London skyline, this rooftop is seafood heaven. Oysters, whole grilled fish, and seaweed martinis are served alongside cozy blankets and rattan chairs. It’s Instagrammable but genuinely good—best reserved for golden hour.


A modern Greek-inspired spot just above the bustle of Borough Market. With mezze dishes, wood-grilled meats, and a terracotta-toned ambience, OMA is casual elegance at its finest. Great for small group dinners or sunlit aperitivo.


Covered outdoor dining area with string lights, wooden furniture, and a transparent roof.

Tucked behind a hidden door in an old school, this foliage-laced courtyard serves unfussy British food with flair. The menu changes daily, but always feels like home. Quiet, off-grid, and effortlessly cool, it’s Shoreditch’s best-kept secret.


Spacious outdoor beer garden at The Woodman pub with wooden picnic tables, leafy greenery, and blooming potted plants under dappled sunlight.

This cozy North London pub boasts a large beer garden full of leafy shade, dogs, and locals. Their menu is full of elevated pub classics: burgers, roasts, and pies. Casual, friendly, and always buzzing.


Elegant riverside dining area at River Café with blue and white tables, lush trees, and a waiter setting up the space on a sunny day.

One of the capital’s most iconic dining experiences. The riverside garden is pure magic, pairing homemade pasta and wood-fired dishes with impeccable service. A pilgrimage spot for food lovers.


Famous for its igloos, Coppa Club sits along the Thames with picture-perfect views of Tower Bridge. It’s great for shared plates, pizza, and date-night drinks. The vibe is romantic and tourist-friendly, but still worth the hype.


☀️ Dextr’s Tips for Alfresco Dining in London

  • Covered terrace? Yes please—like Seabird and Acme Fire Cult. London weather is unpredictable.

  • Walk-ins or bookings? Walk-ins work well for cafes like Towpath and Italo; book ahead for hotspots like Angler and Seabird.

  • Want height and hype? Rooftop terraces like Seabird and Coppa Club offer better views and ambiance.


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