On a sunny day in London, outside space is premium. And with social distancing measures putting the emphasis on open space and fresh air, summer 2020 is all about outdoor dining. We round up the best restaurants in London with gardens, terraces and rooftops.
Age has not withered the infinite attractions of the River Café which was spreading the gospel of seasonality and respect for considerately produced ingredients far and wide, long before many of today's chefs were even at school. The dizzying prices do reflect the unsurpassable quality of the ingredient-driven Italian food, even if it makes eating here a true once-in-a-lifetime experience for most of us.
Really everything on the menu is superlative. On a balmy summer day, dine on poached langoustines with aïoli and fresh pea salad followed by clam risotto dressed with zucchini flowers, lobster risotto or char-grilled calamari with rocket. If Amalfi lemon tart is on the menu, there is no contest; though the chocolate nemesis is mesmerisingly good. Save up and go just once, if you can.
Friendly and engaging service, often by the cream of resting thespians, and stunning Italian wines served in beautiful glasses all add to the treat that makes The River Café still the ultimate waterside dining spot in London.
Dine under blooming bougainvillea with soil under your feet at Petersham Nurseries Cafe in Richmond, where seasonal ingredients are given a delicate touch and Italian twist. This summer, to support safe social distancing measures, service will extend past sundown and there will be a fixed price set menu (lunch 2 course £45, 3 course 55; dinner 4 course £65). Look forward to garden fritti of just-picked borage, courgette flowers and sage, beef carpaccio, john dory with salt baked kohlrabi, rack of lamb with baby beetroot and nectarine and almond tart served with elderflower syrup and Prosecco sorbet.
For a leafy green oasis in central London, step into Floral Court and book a table Petersham's West End sister restaurants The Petersham and La Goccia.
Combining Italian charm with English garden loveliness, it's sun trap decorated with handmade terracotta pots frothing with verdant fronds. Enjoy an Italian-inspired breakfast of espresso and Poached rhubarb with ricotta di bufala and honey from La Goccia. Or taste the seasonal produce from The Petersham, where dishes reflect the Slow Food philosophy of Good, Clean and Fair.
Booking is now open for all Petersham restaurants. Click here to book Richmond. Click here to book Covent Garden.
Looking to watch the world go by in Chelsea? Well then, look no more. Chef of the moment Adam Handling serves modern British dishes keep the buzzwords that made him so popular in the first place – seasonal and sustainable are still high priorities. As for the interior, it’s all tasteful, muted tones with a side of respectability. Handling is bringing grown-up elegance to the table.
The outside tables are glorious when it’s wine o clock and the only thing for it is a bottle of Chablis in the sun, watching the beautiful people go by, and treating yourself to some rather spectacular food.
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Franco’s outdoor space is right in the thick of it, and it will spill out further into the street with new plans to pedestrianise central London. This Jermyn Street institution has been around since 1946 and still manages to draw diners looking for splendid Italian dishes and a touch of old school pizazz.
The jovial atmosphere of inside spills outside, so we recommend taking a white-clothed table beneath the bright green awnings, ordering the saffron and quail risotto, and simply soaking up the energy of London.
An invitation to ‘the shed’ might not seem the most alluring of options for al fresco dining, but hear us out. This cosy bolthole in Notting Hill is from the Gladwin brothers, who also brought us Rabbit and Nutbourne. They champion seasonal farm-to-table fare, and it’s the best way to taste the joys of the Sussex countryside in London.
Inside is all shabby farmhouse chic, while there’s also an intimate, enchanting outside area with a few tables. Tucked behind a trellis strewn with climbing plants and twinkling fairy lights, it’s a little hub of conviviality. Order the divine 48 day aged, slow braised short rib of Sussex beef, and image you can almost hear the humming of a combine harvester on the warm air.
Since Covid-19 The Shed has also branched out into take away and delivery, so you can create your own al fresco feast in the park or your garden. Order online here every Tuesday - Saturday for dinner from 5pm - 9pm.
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The roof terrace at boutique luxury hotel Vintry & Mercer is ideal for anyone who doesn’t mind being distracted from their dishes by the view. Located in the City, you can quaff oysters and treat yourself to blue Lobster while watching the sun set over iconic architecture such as St Pauls and The Shard.
The inside restaurant is warm and inviting, with a touch of coastal country club appeal – think sea-blue walls, whitewashed wooden furniture and floor to ceiling windows that flood the room with light.
If you like your al fresco dinner with a side of literary references, then head to Bloomsbury and nestle yourself into this floral paradise. Inspired by the beloved garden of Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway, there’s a reason this spot constantly lights up the Instagram feed of visitors.
Thanks to the restaurant’s indoor / outdoor, concept with retractable roof and walls, your summer date night rain-proofed.
Their grilled asparagus is hard to beat. Topped with a wobbling poached egg, silky hollandaise and the indulgence of fragrant truffle, it’s just perfect alongside one of the many English sparkling wines available.
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