Blossoming with flavour: Al fresco dining on London's terraces

London has a variety of fantastic restaurants with beautiful outdoor terraces, and as the weather warms up, there's no better time to enjoy them. Here are some of the top restaurants in London on First Table with terraces perfect for dining, drinking (a cheeky sangria anyone?) and enjoying the spring and summer vibes. 

Camino Shoreditch & Kings Cross

The promise of summer has us dreaming of sunny days with our loved ones and dining out with ice-cold drinks. 

As soon as you swing the doors open at Camino Shoreditch the electric energy hits you, welcoming you to intimate tables and an infectious buzz of the exposed kitchen. If the weather is fair, you can immerse yourself in Shoreditch’s signature vibe on the patio outside, where the fiesta is just beginning.  Over at Camino Kings Cross, their outdoor terrace is constantly abuzz, attracting tapas enthusiasts from far and wide.

Camino's menu offers small plates from carefully selected cured meats and cheeses, Ibérico pork, suckling pig and prime rib-eye steak. Pair the meal with a jug of crimson sangria, and get the Spanish party started. With all they have to offer, you can’t say no to Camino.

Riding House Bloomsbury

Nestled in one of London's fashionable districts, Riding House Bloomsbury has blossomed from a charming eatery into a much-loved institution over the past decade. With a welcoming atmosphere that draws in everyone from large groups to cosy pairs, RHB shines with its light-filled, spacious dining hall and a stylish patio. The summer patio is adorned with modern furniture and a flourish of lush greenery, making it an oasis of calm, whether you're indoors or enjoying the open air.

The food at RHB is a revitalising culinary journey. Bowls overflow with wholesome ingredients, skewers that tantalise the taste buds, and larger plates that take inspiration from Europe and Asia. The dining experience culminates with delectable hot brioche doughnuts and smooth, barrel-aged cocktails. Riding House Bloomsbury isn't just a restaurant, it's a rejuvenating food experience embracing connection and a touch of decadence. It's where London's charm meets warm hospitality and incredible flavours, whether you're dining inside or under the open sky on the patio.

Aqua Kyoto

Just a stone's throw away from Soho, Aqua Kyoto lures you in with an energetic ambience and a rooftop terrace boasting unparalleled views across the city. The restaurant offers Japanese cuisine at it's finest. Dishes are presented beautifully, and taste as delicious as they look. 

With over two decades of experience as a sushi chef, and as executive head chef at Shiro Hong Kong, Chef Raymond consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional Japanese cuisine, creating crystal sushi, an exclusive creation to Aqua Group.⁠ 

Pacific Tavern

Tucked away in Canada Water, the Pacific Tavern is a hidden gem offering a unique dining experience, taking flavours and cooking methods from the Pacific Rim. At Pacific Tavern, you’re welcomed by the cosy yet stylish ambience that hints at distant shores and local comfort.

The food is cooked over flame in an outdoor kitchen, and perfectly paired with cocktails and drinks inspired by the Pacific. The menu is from the fire, land, and sea paying homage to traditional Pacific dishes. For those who prefer the riches of the earth, the grilled sweet potato with chilli beans, coconut and coriander is a vibrant choice. From the ocean, the seabream crudo with coconut, corn, and lime offers a refreshing mix and from the fire, Pacific Tavern's passion, the grilled baby chicken with mole rojo mixes exotic and tasty flavours.

Beach Blanket Babylon

Beach Blanket Babylon is an elegant bar and restaurant that has been serving up modern European fare since 1990. The restaurant occupies a prominent old English mansion of Rococo elegance in the heart of Notting Hill. This Georgian mansion makes an opulent setting with baroque interiors, overwhelming gold details, and extravagant furniture making guest feel like royalty. 

The menu is European at it's finest, serving the likes of truffle arancini, popcorn shrimp or confit duck croquettes just to get the evening started. Expect even more prestigious dishes for mains, like the wild mushroom and truffle tortellini with aged parmesan, or the roasted seabass with smoked aubergine, pepper pesto and salsa. 

As the weather warms up and the days get longer, there's no better time to indulge in some outdoor dining and explore the al fresco offerings of these six restaurants in London. Make the most of the sunshine and savour the flavours of this beautiful season.