Mentioned by House & Garden
The best outdoor restaurants in London to book now
"A sleek, chic dining room in Islington sets the scene for Trullo’s unfussy Italian food. Dishes take the best of seasonal British produce and spin it into great antipasti, fantastic pastas, and secondi fresh from the charcoal grill. Skip the queues at Padella, the fresh pasta spot in Borough Market, and enjoy the signature beef shin pappardelle or pici cacio e pepe at a slower pace."
"This Islington neighbourhood restaurant has a reputation that reaches far beyond its borough. Owners Jordan Frieda and Tim Siadatan met while working at the River Café and the Italian menu keenly reflects those roots. Trullo is best described as a contemporary trattoria, with small, white-clothed tables, industrial-style hanging lamps and white walls."
"Read the full review: Trullo300-302 St Paul's Road, London, London, N1 2LHThis Islington mainstay (which is also responsible for much-feted Padella) has hordes of fans and it’s easy to see why. A lively atmosphere, relaxed interiors and an excellent regional wine list all contribute to Trullo’s success, as does the hyper-seasonal menu."
"Restaurants Italian Seven Dials. Loud, informal, bustling and tailor-made for kids in town for a treat, Homeslice serves up ginormous 20-inch pizzas for sharing at the table – although they provide individual slices too (ideal for picky youngsters who don’t want to play ball) – and they’ll even let you have more than one choice from the toppings selection if you ask nicely. Branches in Fitzrovia, Shoreditch, City and White City."
"If it’s pizza that the kids are craving then give Homeslice a try, rather than the big chains. There’s no special menu, but given that the enormous 20 inch pizzas arrive whole at the table for sharing, that’s not really a problem. Certain pizzas can be bought by the slice, too, which is perfect for those who aren't so fond of communal eating."
"Zizzi serves up fantastic pizza and pasta dishes, with sophisticated options for the mature palate right alongside kids’ favourites. That’s why it’s one of the most beloved family restaurants in Wembley Park – you’ll love their huge array of delicious choices. Zizzi offers a ton of different options for kids, including a ‘build your own’ pizza that they’ll love designing, and enjoy eating even more."
"Pizzas, pasta, starters and more, you can get your vegan Italian food fix from Zizzi. Indulge on delicious pasta, including Lentil Ragu or Spaghetti Pomodoro. If you fancy some pizza, we recommend their Rustica Jackfruit Italian hot, with jackfruit pepperoni and stacks of chillies and spicy harissa."
"Pasta-lovers listen up this charming spot is bringing a delicious taste of Italy to London with a game-changing restaurant. The stripped-back spaces in west and north London let you personalise your food exactly how you want, from the variety of homemade pasta through to the toppings."
"From the type of pasta to the choice of cheese, Pasta Remoli is a unique dining concept that puts control back in your hands. Find this casual spot for a mix and match menu of homely classics, meaning even the fussiest of eaters will find something they like."
"Cheap and cheerful Pasta Remoli is a great affordable restaurant serving up hungry north and west Londoner. Head to either venue to find a delicious menu of homemade pasta that can be customised however you like, right down to the cheese on top."
"Restaurants Bakeries Soho. Crosstown’s delightfully chewy sourdough doughnuts are handmade, fresh every day. Classic flavours such as chocolate truffle are presented alongside more creative additions, like rhubarb, raspberry and ginger – and a vegan’s delight: there are dairy-free offerings that have been perfected (so much so that Crosstown actually have a completely vegan shop in Marylebone)."
"What: Sourdough doughnuts are a thing, and a thing of beauty as Crosstown have proven time and time again. These pillowy piles of perfection have gained cult status among doughnut lovers (the majority of us, we think) and are available on same day delivery. Try and find a fault in any of that."
"Restaurants Contemporary European Liverpool Street. When 24-hour licensing was introduced in the UK, we looked forward to round-the-clock craic. Not much actually changed – but at least it meant London could welcome this swanky, sky-scraping restaurant and bar with its 24/7 opening hours and spectacular 360-degree views of the capital."
"What: A savoury doughnut – yes it is a thing, and yes it is delicious. The spicy ox cheek doughnut at Duck & Waffle has been a firm fixture on its menu for quite some time and frankly we’re not surprised. This decadent starter is filled with slow-cooked spicy ox cheek, the crispy outer coating is dusted with paprika sugar and it comes served with a generous dollop of apricot jam for good measure."
"Cracking vistas of the capital's skyline from this 40th-floor restaurant makes it a great place to grab breakfast while you watch the sun come up. Open through ‘till midnight, late night dining is also available."
"Fizrovia’s renowned cider pub The Green Man became fully vegetarian, relaunching as The Greener Man earlier this year. Local office workers, dating couples and the odd hen party lend the immensely friendly place a lively vibe. The menu is made up of global small plates, ranging from a Beyond Meat burger, to tender cauliflower ‘shanks’ on a bed of North African-spiced lentils with pomegranate seeds, pomegranate molasses, raisins, spring onions and mint leaves — best eaten with salty halloumi fries in alternative mouthfuls."
"Designed in 1775 for government departments and royal societies – perhaps the world's first office block – Somerset House now contains galleries, restaurants and cafes that encircle a lovely open courtyard and extend to an elevated sun-trap terrace. The Embankment Galleries are devoted to temporary exhibitions (usually related to photography, design or fashion). In summer, the grand courtyard hosts open-air live performances, dancing fountains for kids to cool off in and the Film4 Summer Screen, plus an atmospheric ice-skating rink in winter."
"Every winter, skating at the ice rink in Somerset House is one of the most fun things to do in London. There are several other ice rinks around London (including at the Tower of London and Natural History Museum) but it’s pretty hard to top Somerset House. The courtyard is a great place to spend time in summer too, when th fountains in the courtyard are a great place to splash and cool off."
"Situated on the Southside of the Strand in central London, overlooking the RiverThames, SomersetHouse is a major art and cultural center in the heart of London. For photographers, this is the most amazing light scenario, with white faded walls and floors. It’s basically a huge outdoor studio, with beautiful light bouncing off everywhere."
"However, today visitors can still see one remaining section of the palace complex, the Banqueting Hall (fee*) designed by famous architect Inigo Jones with a ceiling painted by Peter Paul Reubens. Today Whitehall is the center of the Government of the United Kingdom and you’ll pass a number of buildings home to various departments and ministries, including the Ministry of Defense and the Cabinet Office. Along this street you’ll also find The Household Calvary Museum (fee*), located in the 18th century stables of the Horse Guards, which gives information on the history of the Household Cavalry and displays a small collection of uniforms and weapons."
"More of a yard than a proper park, Postman’s Park is still one of the largest green spaces in the City of London yet it remains a hidden gem. It’s also full of plaques dedicated to everyday heroes – these stories of self-sacrifice were collected by artist George Frederic Watts and turned into a memorial in 1900 – making it a very peaceful spot."