Sunshine, Spritzes and the Return of Outdoor Dining in London
London is finally delivering on sunshine, and the shift is instant. Parks are fuller, terraces are buzzing, and the city feels lighter, brighter ready to be enjoyed outdoors again. After months of grey skies, alfresco dining isn’t just appealing, it’s essential.
Across the capital, restaurants are reopening terraces, rooftops and riverside spaces just in time for spring. From elevated dining high above the City to elegant Mayfair squares and relaxed riverside escapes, London offers no shortage of ways to eat, drink and linger in the open air.
Whether it’s a long lunch that turns into early evening drinks or a sunset dinner with skyline views, these are the alfresco spots setting the tone for the season ahead.
Los Mochis
Rooftop Dining with a Global Edge
Perched above Broadgate Circle, Los Mochis delivers one of the most dynamic alfresco settings in the City, with sweeping skyline views stretching across to St Paul’s Cathedral. From sun-drenched lunches to golden-hour dinners, the rooftop strikes that rare balance between relaxed and refined.
The menu brings together the bold flavours of Tulum and Tokyo, blending Mexican and Japanese influences with ease. Expect sushi, robata-grilled meats, kushiyaki skewers and vibrant sharing plates, alongside build-your-own tacos. Thoughtfully, the entire menu is gluten and tree nut-free without compromising on flavour.
This is rooftop dining with real energy best booked for late afternoons that turn into evenings.
Savage Garden
Rooftop Views with a Party Atmosphere
Perched high above the City, Savage Garden delivers alfresco dining with a distinctly high-energy edge. Its expansive rooftop terrace offers uninterrupted skyline views, best enjoyed from cabana-style seating as the space shifts from relaxed daytime lounging to vibrant sunset sessions.
With its own outdoor bar and a DJ-led soundtrack, the terrace feels like a true city escape, ideal for after-work drinks that quickly turn into evening plans. Seasonal cocktails take centre stage, with bold, refreshing combinations designed for warm weather sipping. The menu follows suit, offering globally inspired small plates made for sharing, from bao buns and crispy squid to truffle arancini and lighter, flavour-led options.
Best for: golden-hour drinks, group gatherings and lively rooftop evenings.
Scott’s Richmond
Riverside Dining, Elevated
For a slower pace just outside the city, Scott’s Richmond brings its signature seafood offering to a beautifully positioned Thames-side terrace. Overlooking the water, it’s a setting that immediately feels like an escape.
The menu celebrates classic seafood at its best, from oysters and caviar to indulgent fruits de mer and dishes like Dover sole or crab linguine. Paired with Champagne or a crisp cocktail, it’s the kind of place where time stretches and the city feels far away.
Best for: relaxed, sunlit lunches or early evening dinners by the river.
Aperol Spritzeria Terrazza at Eataly
Italian Summer in the City
Tucked within Eataly London near Liverpool Street, the Aperol Spritzeria Terrazza brings a slice of Italian summer to the heart of the City. This open-air terrace is made for easy, sun-drenched sipping, with vibrant touches of Aperol orange and cascading greenery setting the tone.
The space is ideal for post-work drinks or laid-back weekend lounging, with a dedicated Aperol bar at its centre. Spritzes flow as guests graze on classic Italian bites from freshly made pizza dough topped with Datterino tomato sauce and Parmigiano Reggiano to focaccia served simply with olive oil.
For something sweet, the in-house gelateria offers a rotating selection of freshly made gelato, rounding off the experience with a true taste of Italy.
Best for: casual drinks, light bites and soaking up the city’s after-work energy.
JOIA Rooftop
Battersea’s Summer Hotspot
High above Battersea, JOIA Rooftop returns for summer with panoramic views and a distinctly vibrant energy. Set on the 16th floor of art’otel London Battersea, this is where alfresco dining meets rooftop atmosphere.
The menu leans Iberian, with small plates and playful seasonal additions best paired with a lineup of creative cocktails, from refreshing spritzes to frozen serves designed for warm afternoons.
Best for: the views, stay for the atmosphere. This is one for sunset drinks that easily turn into a full evening.
Brigadiers
Alfresco with a Social Edge
In the heart of the City, Brigadiers brings a more laid-back, social take on alfresco dining. Its covered and heated terrace in Bloomberg Arcade makes it a reliable option whatever the weather—something London dining always needs.
The Indian BBQ menu is bold and flavour-packed, with dishes designed for sharing, from Koliwada shrimps to butter chicken and biryani. The addition of live sport and weekend menus gives it a lively, communal feel.
Best for: alfresco dining with energy perfect for group bookings, long lunches and post-work drinks.
STK Stratford
Rooftop Dining with a Social Pulse
Located on the 18th floor of The Gantry, STK Stratford brings a high-energy take on alfresco dining to East London. With sweeping views across the city and resident DJs setting the tone, it’s a rooftop that leans just as much into atmosphere as it does dining.
The menu balances lighter, fresh starters, such as yellowfin tuna tartare or a classic Caesar with a strong focus on premium steaks. From flat iron cuts to the showstopping tomahawk, each dish can be elevated with indulgent additions like truffle or parmesan crusts.
Best for: rooftop dining with a livelier edge ideal for groups, celebrations and evenings that start with dinner and don’t end there.
Where London Comes Alive
Alfresco dining in London isn’t just about the food it’s about the feeling. That first proper hot afternoon, the sound of glasses clinking, tables spilling out onto pavements, and no one quite ready to go home.
These are the places capturing that moment this season. The only advice? Book ahead and take full advantage while the sunshine lasts.
