Our favourite alfresco dining restaurants

It's nice to eat out... when it's not piddling down

Britain may not be famed for its dependable weather but when it comes to grabbing a table on the pavement and watching the world go by there can be few finer cities to dine alfresco as you tuck into some delicious fare.

So whether you're people watching, staring out at an incredible skyline or surrounded in an intimate courtyard setting or lush garden backdrop take a look at our list for London's best restaurants for alfresco dining.

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Momo Tea Rooms
25-27 Heddon Street W1B 4BH
Oxford Circus 0.27 miles
Cafes & Tea Rooms
Opening Times
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This great North African restaurant is on the buzzy Heddon Street, a little enclave filled with eateries and tables on pavements. Momo however has a separate terrace, sumptuously decorated with Moroccan lanterns, colourful cushions and carved wooden shutters. Order food, have afternoon tea, or have a go on a shisha pipe.

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The Summerhouse
60 Blomfield Road W9 2PA
Warwick Avenue 0.15 miles
European
Opening Times

Sitting on the terrace at The Summerhouse you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve been transported to the Med (well, as long as it isn’t hailing) thanks to its prime position right by the canal in Little Venice. The menu has popular choices like fish and chips, risotto and platters to share.

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The River Cafe
Rainville Road W6 9HA
Italian
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Ruth Rodgers and the now sadly deceased Rose Gray opened this Italian restaurant in 1987. Their use of seasonal, good quality ingredients to produce simple rustic dishes has been a huge influence on British chefs, and the restaurant has kept its Michelin star ever since 1997. Outdoors seating is provided in a leafy garden.

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Belvedere
Holland Park W8 6LU
British
Opening Times

This French restaurant is in Holland Park, surrounded by well-kept grass, flower gardens and fountains, perfect for a romantic tête-à-tête as the sun goes down. Popular with tourists and wedding parties.

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Bluebird Restaurant & Bar
350 King's Road SW3 5UU
South Kensington 0.65 miles
European
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Bluebird may have recently appeared on Made In Chelsea, but it’s been delighting the neighbourhood for quite some time, particularly when it comes to breakfast. The courtyard has a barbecue and screens for showing sporting events.

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The Ritz Restaurant
150 Piccadilly W1J 9BS
Green Park 0.05 miles
British
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For the ultimate in posh dining head to The Ritz, where smart dress is essential. Food is innovative (lamb with smoked aubergine and rosemary curd, butter poached turbot with oxtail and lemon verbena) and with a set dinner menu for £50 not as exorbitant as you’d imagine. The terrace provides a pretty, yet unfussy alternative to the dining room.

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OXO Tower Brasserie
Barge House Street SE1 9PH
Temple 0.30 miles
British
Opening Times
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A large terrace with views of the river sits between the brasserie and the more formal restaurant on the eighth floor of the Oxo Tower. The brasserie fuses Mediterranean and Asian flavours, while the restaurant sticks to British and European cuisine.

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The Bingham
61-63 Petersham Road TW10 6UT
Richmond 0.69 miles
AIL
Users
Other
Opening Times
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The restaurant of the Bingham hotel has a charming terrace that overlooks the river, specifically the narrow, leafy bit that runs through Richmond. Chef Shay Cooper’s flair for combining British ingredients with lighter European flavours earned them a Michelin star in 2010.

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Coq d'Argent
1 Poultry EC2R 8EJ
Bank 0.09 miles
AIL
Users
French

This restaurant has a mixture of vintage French fare such as sole meunière and coq au vin, and contemporary dishes like grilled tuna with sweet and sour aubergine compote. There are no less than two terraces and a rooftop, all offering great views of St. Paul’s Cathedral and beyond.