26 of the best London outdoor restaurants and rooftops
Enjoy the views at one of these al fresco spots
Summer in London can mean only one thing: sipping drinks in the open air. The best way to enjoy pints or cocktails under the sun? From rooftops to terraces with breathtaking city views - and London has no shortage of them.
Whether it’s a sophisticated restaurant serving a full three-course meal overlooking the Thames, or a relaxed spot for small plates and rosé while people-watching, the city is brimming with outdoor gems. Looking to drink alfresco?
Here are our favourite rooftops and terraces in London for every season.
CÉ LA VI
Perched on the 17th floor, CÉ LA VI is a rooftop restaurant that turns dining into pure theatre. From the moment you step in, the decor wows - even the bathrooms are Instagram-worthy!
The food? Absolutely next level. I started with the temperature shrimp coated in mango mayo and chillis, then savored avocado maki before diving into the succulent Wagyu steak fillet. Dessert -sticky toffee pudding with spiced butterscotch and Suntory whisky ice cream- was heavenly. Drinks flowed all night, with a Japanese-style limoncello finishing things off perfectly.
Every dish at CÉ LA VI is a journey, from Wagyu Beef Gyoza to Black Cod Croquettes, refined sushi like Chu-toro Hamachi Maki, and tropical desserts like Kalamansi & Mango or Coconut Three Ways. The cocktails, from Sichuan Paloma to Lychee Moon, rival the kitchen’s creativity. Whether it’s date night, a special occasion, or a midweek Jazz Night with The Leon Garner Jazz Band, CÉ LA VI combines panoramic city views, sparkling food, and a high-energy social vibe into an unforgettable experience. Simply put, it’s more than a meal - it’s a memory in the sky.
The Fire Garden, Hamyard Hotel
Located on the roof terrace of London’s luxury Ham Yard Hotel, Fire Garden is their annual winter pop up offering hand crafted seasonal cocktails and small plates in the cosiest of cosy surroundings. Warm up in front of the fire pits and feast on Woodland mushroom, ricotta and black truffle or Pumpkin, gorgonzola, sage and hot honey flatbreads, woodfired skillets of pigs in blankets and Baked Saint-Marcellin cheese with hunks of toasted bread to greedily dip in. To drink there’s a selection of hot and cold cocktails bought to your sofa, our favourite was the boozy berry hot chocolate and the Marshmallow Blazer – A flaming fusion of toasted marshmallow Sapling gin, pistachio syrup, and walnut liqueur. And, to finish off, there’s a help-yourself s’mores table so you can toast your own luxury marshmallows over the roaring fire and build your own. Yep. As many as you like.
Savage Garden Rooftop, Tower Hill
The Savage Garden Rooftop on the 12th floor of the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel London in Tower Hill has some of the best views of the city. The rooftop and inside bar are open all week (so you can still enjoy the views no matter the weather), with carefully crafter cocktails inspired by the historic location and delicious food served from 5-9:30pm. We highly recommend trying one of their cocktails sponsored by mood-enhancing chemicals – Serotonin, Oxytocin, Dopamine, and Melatonin. We particularly enjoyed the Amor Fati from the Oxytocin range, made using peach and guava wine, patchouli and rum. If you prefer a more classic cocktail, the French Martini was super smooth. Food wise, you should definitely try the chicken sliders, which were flavoursome and tender.
And that's not all, on Friday and Saturday nights the resident DJ ensures a great atmosphere. The bar can get pretty full, so booking ahead is recommended.
Yasmin, Soho
Yasmin is tucked away on the roof of 1 Warwick in the heart of Soho. You would have no idea it's there, unless you're in the know and once you are, you'll keep going back every time the sun comes out. It's open for lunch and dinner and has a truly incredible menu of Middle Eastern inspired dishes. From a smooth humus, to harissa biftek, tavada patates, to an eclectic mix of cocktails and a rosé so good they sold more bottles of it than water one sunny weekend we were there, you will not leave disappointed.
Kaso, Shoreditch
Located at the top of One Hundred Shoreditch hotel is Kaso, a rooftop bar and terrace, that packs a stunning view over east London. Open every Friday and Saturday, the bar is a great place to get the night started with a cocktail and a couple of light bites from their Eastern Mediterranean inspired menu, or stay until the early hours as the DJ starts at 9pm.
CLAP London, Knightsbridge
CLAP London’s rooftop, located on the 7th floor of the luxe restaurant, is small but mighty, with beautiful views overlooking a sea of posh Knightsbridge and Kensington rooftops. Head there for lunch or an early evening dinner to appreciate the views, as well as the delicious menu. Splash out on the Omakase option or go a la carte and choose from sashimi, soft shell crab rolls, chilean sea bass or quinoa risotto. Finish off with one of their delicious desserts, which include a matcha cheesecake and a vanilla peanut mille-feuille.
Sabine Rooftop Bar, St Paul's
Sabine Rooftop is situated right next to St Paul’s Cathedral, giving you the ultimate view to gaze on while sipping one of their signature cocktails (we’d go for a Licious Hibiscus). And while you may come for the views, you’ll end up staying for the food, with all of their dishes perfect for sharing with friends, think mac and cheese bon bons served with truffle mayo, and deliciously fresh tostadas.
The Maine Mayfair, Mayfair
A super stylish Mayfair offering, The Maine’s cosy, shaded terrace is perfect for brunch with friends or early evening dates. The exciting menu features everything from soft shell crab, oysters and fish tacos to chicken and waffles at the weekend, which you can wash down with three different types of Bloody Mary, if that’s what you’re in the market for. Oh, and did we mention it’s dog-friendly?
Sushi Samba, Bishopsgate
Panoramic London views don’t get much better than Sushi Samba Heron Tower. Ride the lift to the 38th floor to dine at one of the highest outdoor restaurant terraces in Europe. Inspired by cuisines of Japan, Brazil and Peru, choose from shrimp Tempura, Tiradito or Ezo Samba Rolls while enjoying a Lychee Cooler cocktail. The Covent Garden location, which features a wraparound terrace upstairs and Piazza Terrace downstairs, is also not to be missed.
Jurema Terrace at The Mandrake
Dining at the Jurema Terrace is like stepping inside a Tardis which instantly transports you to a slice of the Amazon rainforest. You’re surrounded by lush hanging jasmine and passion flower, and the decor is all calming wicker and wood. In the centre are two towering Tasmanian Ferns, which are more than 150 years old. The menu features delicious South American inspired dishes and intoxicating ethnobotanical cocktails.
Madison, St Pauls
Escaping the bustling London scene, your experience starts as soon as you shoot up the glass elevator and overlook the capital’s skyline. Madison invites you to a sophisticated, yet cool Manhattan inspired rooftop terrace, where they serve delicious cocktails and great food. With a focus on fine grilled food and incredible steak, its menus draws its influences from the many diverse communities in NYC. Come rain or shine, Madison offers outdoor and indoor seating, with floor to ceiling windows! Be sure to check it out this summer season, as the iconic rooftop will be transformed into a boho chic paradise. Resident DJ’s and frozen cocktails on the menu, there will be no better place to soak up the sunshine and the exquisite views.
Toklas, The Strand
We adore the interiors at Toklas, so their terrace was always going to be a divine spot to dine. The secluded, shaded space is surrounded by flourishing green foliage while polka dot chairs add pops of bright colour to the aesthetic. Just a three-minute walk from Somerset House, this is the ideal place to eat if you’re visiting the theatre or shopping in nearby Covent Garden.
The Rooftop St. James, Trafalgar Square
If you love a sunset and stunning views of the London skyline, then this is the rooftop for you. A well-kept secret (we work right next to Trafalgar Square and never knew this existed until recently), feast on tasty small plates or sharers and wash it down with their intoxicating ‘Rooftop Sangria’ which is a mix of red wine, brandy and vermouth.
Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, Hyde Park
An elegant oasis next to Hyde Park, On The Terrace at the iconic Four Seasons has a mixture of fun things taking place this summer, including a live music offering alongside its fancy Dom Pérignon Pairing which allows you to pick one of three vintages alongside a sweet or savoury canapé. Oyster lovers will also appreciate that you can get two free when ordering a glass of Cloudy Bay or Whispering Angel. And if you need to cool down (who doesn’t rn?), there’s an ice cream parlour pop up where you can enjoy the likes of a Matcha Cookie filled with Earl Grey ice cream.
COYA City, Bank
The COYA City restaurant’s terrace is on the smaller side, but that’s exactly why we love it given the bustling Bank surroundings. Enjoy the COYA sea bass ceviche, salmon tacos or chargrilled sea bream in banana leaf in the intimate space decked out with IG-worthy faux flowers and their signature colourful cushions. Partnering with perfume house Sana Jardin this summer, they're also offering a range of indulgent limited-edition cocktails all inspired by the brand's gorgeous scents.
Pergola Paddington, Paddington
A huge space with a buzzy atmosphere, Pergola Paddington is ideal for birthday parties or getting a large group of friends together. This summer they’ve also introduced Pergola Paraíso, a bohemian inspired space lined with palm trees and white-washed tables. Food options include tacos, ceviche bowls and burgers. Advanced booking is advised as it can get very busy.
Yauatcha, Broadgate Circle
Whispering Angel and outdoor dining fans will be all over this Yauatcha combo. This summer everyone’s favourite rosé brand has teamed up with the City location to give the terrace a pink floral makeover. But let’s not forget the food - dine on some of Yauatcha's well-loved dishes including thee Scallop Shui Mai with prawn and tobiko caviar or the Wagyu beef puff with cumin.
Alto by San Carlo, Oxford Street
A hidden gem on Selfridges rooftop, Alto by San Carlo is perfect for post-shopping eats. Feast on traditional Italian street food, pasta and pizza under blue skies and a canopy of Instagram-worthy foliage after you've done your share of retail therapy. They cater to multiple diary requirement, too, and it's a great place to snap your next post.
La Goccia, Covent Garden
Nestled in the heart of Covent Garden, the Italian restaurant at Petersham Nurseries boasts a gorgeous secluded courtyard surrounded by lemon trees while balmy evenings see it lit up by festoon bulbs. Enjoy seasonal plates of cicchetti prepared by chiefs in front of you while sipping on limoncello spritz and campari soda. Open from 11:30am to 10:30pm, it’s perfect for midday sun or cooler sunsets.
Boundary, Shoreditch
Another charming rooftop and a prime spot for cocktail drinking, Boundary Shoreditch is open all-year round and offers seasonal menus, with this summer’s menu featuring sea bass, steak and fresh, simple salads.
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