Is that the sun over there, peeking its face through the clouds? Quick! Get your legs out, your sunnies on, and yourself to one of these brilliant terraces — if you ask us, they’re the very best in town.
Luca
Desperate for a decadent Italian escape? Look no further. Complete with retractable roof and crackling fireplace to fend off the cold and rain, this cosy cobblestone-clad courtyard is a divine place to enjoy chef Robert Chambers' Michelin starred Italian fare crafted with quirky British twists. Don’t leave without having the parmesan fries, rigatoni with pork sausage ragù, or the tiramisu. That’s an order.
88 St John St, London EC1 (luca.restaurant)
Dovetale
A gift from the man behind two Michelin star Restaurant Story, Tom Sellers, this might not be the most affordable terrace to eat at in town, but it’s certainly one of the nicest. Part of the 1 Hotel, just off Piccadilly, the comfy, sheltered, uber-chic space is just the spot to while away an afternoon with oysters, freshly made burrata, succulent roast chicken and plenty of fizz. Plus, there’s a build-your-own knickerbocker glory trolley. Need we say more?
3 Berkeley Street, W1 (1hotels.com)
Fallow
Situated a stone’s throw from Soho in the heart of St. James’s, this fabulous terrace is a brilliant place to get the party started with Jack Croft and William Murray’s sustainable fare and some of London’s best frozen margaritas. On the menu, highlights include the silken smoked shiitake and lion’s mane mushroom parfait, flame grilled smoked cod’s head, and aged ex-dairy cow Fallow burger with bacon, shallots and oozing rarebit-style cheese. Fancy watching the Pride parade, cocktail in hand? This is your golden ticket.
52 Haymarket, SW1 (fallowrestaurant.com)
Ombra
Conveniently located a hop, a skip and a jump from Bethnal Green station, Ombra is a breath of fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of town. Serving rustic yet decadent Italian food and an expertly curated low intervention wine list, it’s all vibes, vibes, vibes. Bring your friends and/ or your lovers for long, winding lunches of gnocco fritto, freshly made pasta and Dexter beef ribs to share, before taking a wander (or a wobble) down the canal to walk it all off.
1 Vyner St, Bethnal Green, E2 (ombrabar.restaurant)
Trivet
Boasting two Michelin stars but none of the fine dining pomp, Trivet is the height of reliable, laidback luxury. Tucked away on a serene street near London Bridge in Bermondsey, chef Jonny Lake and sommelier Isa Bal’s internationally inspired spot promises plates of refined a la carte fare such as wild Cornish seabass crudo, chicken ballotine, and wings in herby panko crumbs with honey mayonnaise — all designed to be paired with Bal’s collection more than 450 wines from across the globe.
36 Snowsfields, SE1 (trivetrestaurant.co.uk)
Bentleys
An oldie but a goodie, you can’t go wrong with a trip to legendary chef Richard Corrigan’s fish-forward institution. From the freshest oysters to bisque, fish pie and luxurious platters of fruits de mer, here you’ll find just about everything your heart desires, as well as frankly divine list of fizz. Cheers!
11 – 15 Swallow Street, W1 (bentleys.org)
Dinings SW3
The phrase ‘hidden gem’ is tremendously overused, but there is no better way to describe Masaki Sugisaki’s tiny secret garden. Offering light, bright, Japanese-meets-European cuisine, nab a table to enjoy the the chef’s bumper menu of carefully crafted sushi and sashimi with streams of the very best sake.
Walton House, Lennox Gardens Mews, Walton St, SW3 (diningssw3.co.uk)
The River Café
No, you might not be able to secure a seat at this iconic Hammersmith establishment this weekend or next, but be sure to book now to enjoy Ruthie Rogers’ fresh, seasonal, pared-back Italian inspired food with views of the Thames sometime towards the end of the summer. Make sure to save room for the chocolate nemesis cake, obviously.
Thames Wharf, Rainville Rd, W6 (rivercafe.co.uk)
Little Kudu
For something entirely different, head to this casual, foliage-filled Peckham gem for South African inspired tapas and wine. On the menu? Plates of dense, juicy boerewors sausage, moreish braaibroodjie (a grilled cheese sandwich made with British Baron Bigod brie and tomato chutney) kalahari spiced biltong, and beef fat chips designed to be mixed, matched and devoured in the sunshine.
133 Queen's Rd, SE15 (kuducollective.com/little-kudu)
Western’s Laundry
Sucker for natural wine? We got you. Head to this Highbury neo-bistro for an excellent selection of low-intervention vinos and small plates rustled up using sustainable, regenerative produce. The menu changes in a flash, but keep your eyes peeled for the white asparagus with lobster bisque, which has cropped up on the chalkboard recently.
