As summer has finally hit London and we are in the midst of high temperatures, more diners seek to enjoy a meal in the beaming sunshine, especially with their kids.
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London has an excellent selection of restaurants offering a wide range of cuisines that allow you to enjoy meals outdoors, al fresco-style.
Lucy Taylor, head of restaurant relations at toptable, the consumer destination site for restaurant reservations, in the UK, shares her top ten restaurants in London perfect to enjoy dining al fresco this summer.
1. Cinnamon Kitchen
9 Devonshire Square
London, EC2M 4YL
Area: Liverpool Street
A short walk from Liverpool Street Station, this modern Indian restaurant serves innovative dishes in a relaxed and informal setting. Signature dishes such as the Lamb Rogan Josh and Syrian Beef Ishtew are two of the most popular dishes with regulars. With a vibrant terrace for outdoor dining, the Cinnamon Kitchen is a great place to take in the sunshine and also enjoy people watching whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner.
2. Coq d’Argent
No. 1 Poultry
London, EC2R 8EJ
Area: Bank
With a manicured lawn and sheltering parasols, the rooftop restaurant at Coq d’Argent is one of the most glamorous dining spots in Bank. The penthouse serves French delights such as snails and foies gras and with a breath-taking view, this is one of the must-eat places in London.
3. The Drapers Arms
44 Barnsbury Street
London, N1 1ER
Area: Islington
The Drapers Arms is an 1830’s style pub in Islington. A favourite dish with group diners is ‘the suckling pig’, but Drapers Arms also has a menu that changes on a daily basis, bringing something new to the restaurant every day. A popular al fresco spot, Drapers Arms is perfect for those wanting to eat outdoors in central London.
4. Petersham Nuseries
Church Lane,
Off Petersham Road
Richmond, Tw10 7AG
Area: Richmond
A quirky café-restaurant that draws its inspiration from both Australia and Lebanon. This fusion getaway is located right next to the Thames. Not just a restaurant, Petersham has a giant plant nursery with a gift shop. With dishes such as Burrata and Guinea Fowl, this modern Middle Eastern is an instant favourite next to the waterside.
5. The Gun
27 Coldharbour
London, E14 9NS
Area: Blackwall
Also located near the Thames, The Gun was originally an early 19th century public house in the heart of the docklands. With two bars, two private dining rooms as well as an elegant terrace, this restaurant was recently awarded London’s Best Dining Pub by The Good Pub Guide.
6. Paradise by Way of Kensal Green
19 Kilburn Lane,
London, W10 4AE
Area: Kensal Green
Refurbished to look like a hedonistic French chateau, Paradise by Way of Kensal Green is an opulent yet comfortable dining room. With seating in an outdoors secret garden, Paradise by Way of Kensal Green is a popular spot with several celebrities including Tulisa Contostavlos and Paloma Faith.
7. Boundary Restaurant
2-4 Boundary Street,
London, E2 7DD
Area: Shoreditch
Located in trendy Shoreditch, Boundary Restaurant serves an à la carte menu based on classic and traditional French recipes including a selection of escargot, Dover Sole and an extensive selection of fruits de mer. The rooftop at Boundary Restaurant is a perfect setting to enjoy the fine French food or their famous gourmet cocktails.
8. Gaucho Richmond
The Towpath,
London, TW10 6UJ
Area: Richmond
Just a short walk along the Towpath is one of London’s top al fresco restaurants, Gaucho Richmond. Located under a massive oak tree, the outside area is situated on a wooden terrace in one of the most beautiful and picturesque areas of Surrey. With Argentinian steak and wine, this restaurant is a West London must-visit.
9. Frederick’s
Camden Passage
London, N1 8EG
Area: Angel
A family-run restaurant set up in 1969, Fredrick’s has two private dining rooms and an extensive outside area where you can enjoy specialities such as their Clare Island salmon or Elwy Valley lamb rump. Frederick’s restaurant is not only popular with couples, but also with larger groups who want to experience a unique al fresco experience under the open sky glass ceiling.
10. Bentley’s
11-15 Swallow Street
London, W1B 4DG
Area: Piccadilly
Opened in 1916, Bentley’s is one of London’s most iconic restaurants. This famous oyster bar and grill takes inspiration from the roaring twenties and has a two dining rooms, a private oyster bar as well as a relaxed outside seating area. With a selection of their famous oysters, lobster, clams and squid linguine, Bentley’s is definitely one of London’s top spots to enjoy seafood al fresco.