My Guide to Outdoor Dining in London
For anyone seeking outdoor dining options in London — especially if you’re looking to stay COVID-safe — here’s a curated list I put together after our trip last summer.
Heated and Covered
- Lahpet: Enjoy excellent Burmese cuisine in Covent Garden.
- Portobello Garden Arcade: A charming spot in Notting Hill offering solid Italian fare. The outdoor/indoor courtyard allows for dining next to a large open door, keeping you both heated and covered, just like we experienced.
Outdoor Dining (Not Covered, Not Heated)
- Lahpet: Shoreditch location.
- Dishoom: Soho location.
- Oshpaz: Delicious Uzbek cuisine.
- Mali Vegan Thai: A cozy spot with a secret alley vibe; features one four-person table and two two-person tables.
- Borough Market: We dined at a Spanish restaurant called Brood near Southwark Cathedral.
- Mama Pho: A South Kensington gem offering fantastic Vietnamese spring rolls.
Additional Options We Didn’t Visit:
(Note: I lost my notes on the train, so I’m relying on memory)
- Cinnamon Soho: The City location showed promise.
- Comptoir Libanais: I specifically noticed the South Kensington branch.
- The Ivy
- Côte
Dishoom Locations with Outdoor Seating:
- Soho
- Covent Garden
- King’s Cross
- Battersea
- Canary Wharf (Shoreditch has a lovely outdoor area but it’s fully sealed, offering no cross ventilation.)
South of the Thames
- Cubana
The City
- Bywater
- Carnival City
South Kensington and Chelsea
- The Ivy: The Chelsea location features a lovely patio with a lunch prix fixe.
- Phat Phuc Noodle Bar: Covered dining where you can order at the counter.
Notting Hill
- Uli: Offering a mix of Thai and Chinese dishes.
- Gold
Canalside Restaurants in Little Venice/Paddington
- The Summer House
- The Waterway
- Smith’s Bar & Grill
- Bondi
- Darcie & May Green
- Café Laville: A bit farther but absolutely charming, this restaurant spans the canal.
Explore these options for a delightful outdoor dining experience in London!
What a great list! Outdoor dining in London is such a fantastic way to enjoy the city, especially with the lovely atmosphere it brings. I appreciate the categorization into heated and covered versus just outdoor—it really helps in planning depending on the weather!
I’ve been wanting to try Lahpet, so now I’m adding both locations to my list. Also, I love the vibe at Dishoom, so I’m happy to see multiple spots included.
Your mention of hidden gems like Mali Vegan Thai and Oshpaz is exciting too! I always find that exploring the lesser-known places creates such memorable experiences.
Thanks for sharing your insights and experiences! I’ll definitely keep this list handy for my next dining adventure in London.
Thank you for sharing such a comprehensive guide to outdoor dining in London! It’s great to see a focus on options that keep safety in mind while providing delightful culinary experiences.
One aspect that could add even more value to your list is the consideration of local dining events or special menus that some of these restaurants might offer during different seasons. For instance, many establishments in London tend to celebrate spring and summer with themed evenings or outdoor brunch specials, which can enhance the dining experience.
Additionally, if anyone is looking to explore even more outdoor dining spots, the trend of rooftop bars is also worth mentioning. Places like Skylounge at Tower of London or the Rooftop at The Hoxton offer stunning views alongside their menus.
Lastly, it would be interesting to hear your perspectives on how the ambiance and community vibe at these locations further enhance the outdoor dining experience. Thanks again for this wonderful guide — I’m sure it will inspire many to explore London’s vibrant food scene!
Insightful Comment on Outdoor Dining in London
Thank you for sharing this fantastic guide to outdoor dining in London! As a local resident, I’d like to add a few suggestions based on personal experiences that might help fellow food lovers in the city.
Additional Recommendations
Tips for an Enjoyable Outdoor Experience
To make the most of your outdoor dining adventures, here are some tips: