Six of the Best Al Fresco Restaurants in Central London
On beautiful spring days, finding a great place to eat outdoors is essential, but Central London today mimics popular holiday spots like Barcelona and Paris, where outdoor dining is part of everyday life. So many popular restaurants now offer the option to dine outdoors and enjoy the sunshine. So, with summer just around the corner, here’s our guide to six of London’s best spots for alfresco dining.
The Maine
Situated close to one of the entrances of the Elizabeth Line, a stone’s throw from Hanover Square in Mayfair, you’ll find The Maine. The large terrace here is the ideal spot to relax with friends over a drink or meal. Serving up Champagne and fresh seafood at the raw bar, along with some of the best oysters you’ll find in London, The Maine is a chilled out haven away from the busy streets of the city.
Image source: The Maine, Mayfair
Dalloway Terrace
Located in the Bloomsbury Hotel, where the rooms are adorned with elegant parquet flooring and statement wallpaper, the Dalloway Terrace is a romantic brunch spot. The terrace here is redesigned every season so there’s always something new to see, and the covered space keeps you protected from those unexpected summer showers. Named after Mrs Dalloway from Virginia Woolf’s classic novel, it’s a wonderful spot to wash down a plate of the Dorset crab on toast with a zingy mimosa in the heart of Bloomsbury.
Image source: Dalloway Terrace
Circolo Popolare
In the heart of Fitzrovia on Rathbone Square, Circolo’s terrace certainly hasn’t been neglected when it comes to décor and design. Adorned with lights and plants, it’s perfectly suited to a large plate of pasta and endless glasses of Prosecco with a healthy dose of sunshine. The atmosphere is fun and friendly, so it’s a great spot for celebratory meals and al fresco group gatherings.
Milk Beach Soho
Finding a quiet alfresco hideaway in Soho can be a challenge, but the redevelopment near Greek Street has created a hidden oasis, which is largely occupied by Milk Beach. Cream tiles, palm trees and a spa-like atmosphere make Milk Beach a true haven in what can be a hive of activity. Here, you can enjoy a menu with Australian influences and a laid-back vibe that’s made for al fresco dining and a ‘slice of Sydney’ in Soho.
La Goccia Petersham Nurseries
One of the prettiest courtyards in the West End, La Goccia in Covent Garden is a beautiful spot that offers a more casual ambiance. With a menu of hearty dishes like their signature fried chicken and braised beef ragu, La Goccia’s food is a wonderful complement to the picture-perfect surroundings. Soak in the setting with a glass of crisp rose while enjoying the summer sunshine.
Image source: La Goccia
The Orrery
The Orrery is a French restaurant tucked away in Marylebone, where with the right weather and a background hum of city activity, you could easily feel like you’re on holiday abroad. The canopy here covers all of the tables outdoors on this inimitable terrace, so you can enjoy this venue year-round, sampling wine and cheeses from the famous trolley.
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