With the sun shining and knowing that spring is in full swing, London’s best tables move outdoors. Think skyline rooftops and sun drenched terraces, to tucked away courtyards and Soho pavements totally made for people – watching. Al fresco dining is back and better than ever. We have put together the top standout dining spots across the capital for Spring/Summer 2026, spanning across Mayfair, Soho and beyond. Ideal for after work drinks, early evening dining and those sunny lunches we long for.
Yasmin
Perched on the sixth floor of Maslow’s 1 Warwick in the beating heart of Soho, Yasmin is an Istanbul-inspired rooftop restaurant and bar with a stunning wrap-around terrace offering panoramic views of central London. Guests can enjoy Turkish seasonal small plates and elegant cocktails with a vibrant new menu. The interiors, designed by London and LA-based studio Fettle, feature floor-to-ceiling windows, pink velvet seating, and marble-topped tables, creating an inviting atmosphere from daytime through to late night.
Mercer Roof Terrace
Perched atop Vintry & Mercer, Mercer Roof Terrace is a standout spot for spring dining in London, offering sweeping views from St Paul’s Cathedral to The Shard. As the season shifts, the rooftop comes into its own, allowing guests to dine al fresco on the chic terrace.
Franco’s
Franco’s, established in 1945 in the heart of St. James’s, provides an ideal setting for al fresco dining on its charming terrace, offering a slice of tranquillity with delectable Italian dishes. Bask in the warmth of the London sun while savouring authentic Italian food made with the finest ingredients, in a refined yet laid-back atmosphere perfect for breakfasts, elegant lunches or evening dinners.
Novikov
This spring, step onto Novikov’s beautiful terrace in the heart of Mayfair, a sophisticated open-air retreat perfect for leisurely afternoons, business lunches, or relaxed celebrations. Overlooking bustling Berkeley Street yet feeling worlds away, the terrace offers a calm, sun-dappled setting to savour Novikov’s signature flavours.
Automat
Discreetly tucked away behind Tanner Krolle on Mount Street, Automat brings a refined take on American dining to one of Mayfair’s most prestigious addresses. While the restaurant is known for its intimate, speakeasy-style interiors, its outdoor seating offers a rare opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of Mount Street in a more relaxed, open-air setting. Perfect for long lunches and early evening dining, Automat’s terrace pairs classic American dishes with a contemporary Mayfair polish.
Julie’s
The much-loved dining and neighbourhood drinking haunt Julie’s, Holland Park, offers a 34-cover sun-filled (and heated!) alfresco terrace for its guests. Renowned for its celebrity clientele and bohemian charm, the modern French brasserie offers the perfect spot for lazy lunches and decadent dinners.
10 Greek Street
10 Greek Street, a hidden gem in the heart of Soho offers the perfect spot for alfresco dining, the perfect people watching spot. 10 Greek Street is known for its contemporary charm and exceptional wine list. With its relaxed and inviting atmosphere, it’s the ideal place for enjoying delicious seasonal dishes, that highlight premium ingredients. 10 Greek Street has earned critical acclaim for its no-pretension approach to fine dining, making it a haven for wine enthusiasts and food lovers.
All day dining spots – Riding House Café
Riding House Cafés offer a collection of distinctive outdoor spaces across its three London locations. These busy, all-day restaurants are widely recognised for their brunch, alongside modern European menus with international influences and a lively, brasserie-style atmosphere. With such thoughtfully designed spaces, Riding House Cafés makes al fresco dining in central London both relaxed and memorable.
Bar Douro
A slice of Portugal in London, the perfect place to enjoy authentic Portuguese food and wine is at Bar Douro. Guests can be surrounded by beautiful, hand-painted azulejo tiles, indoors and out at Bar Douro City. At Bar Douro London Bridge, guests can sip and enjoy their excellent offering in the lively courtyard in Flat Iron Square.
Umbrella Cider House
Umbrella Cider House is London’s only working cider house from the team behind The Sun Tavern, Discount Suit Company, and The Umbrella Workshop. Visitors can expect a range of quality ciders, including Umbrella London presses made with bittersweet Dabinett apples and fruit juices sourced from a single British countryside location. The clean, tart rhubarb cider blends dessert apples and freshly pressed rhubarb, while the blackcurrant cider combines blackcurrant and cherry for a sweet yet refreshing, sharp finish.
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