The streetside terrace at this tiny Kingly Court wine bar (a sibling to Crispin in Spitalfields) is the stuff of legends. Diners fill the compact space to enjoy the buzzing atmosphere and sumptuous natural wines. Bar Crispin offers an enviable menu by head chef Fabien Spagnolo (of Frenchie and Pollen St Social).

Madison Restaurant has quickly established itself as one of the best outdoor dining spots in London, thanks to impressive views across The City and an American menu heavily influenced by the food scene in New York. The New York brunch comes in two or three courses and serves dishes like chicken and waffles alongside bottomless bubbles, mimosas or Aperol spritz.

Grow is an inviting cafe and bar tucked in Hackney Wick, boasting pretty views of the River Lea. Tables overlooking the water have a warm and playful vibe thanks to colourful bunting. The menu leans Middle Eastern with dishes such as confit garlic hummus, grilled chicken shish kebab, and housemade falafel. Grow’s generous Mediterranean spread is served on the cafe’s canalside garden terrace or greenhouse (made from upcycled bus shelters).

At St Katharine’s Docks, restaurants and shops are set against the soothing backdrop of a marina featuring quaint boats and luxury yachts. One of the area’s standout spots is Emilia’s Crafted Pasta, where you can grab an outdoor table and take in water views while digging into smoked salmon carbonara, slow-cooked béchamel bolognese, or the housemade ravioli.

At St Katharine’s Docks, restaurants and shops are set against the soothing backdrop of a marina featuring quaint boats and luxury yachts. One of the area’s standout spots is Emilia’s Crafted Pasta, where you can grab an outdoor table and take in water views while digging into smoked salmon carbonara, slow-cooked béchamel bolognese, or the housemade ravioli.

The quaint outdoor section at this French-inspired bar and restaurant offers a scenic place to watch the world go by. Flower baskets and plant pots surround diners, creating an easygoing atmosphere. 28-50 Marylebone boasts an impressive wine list featuring wines by the glass, carafe, and bottle, as well as Collectors Lists that include fine wines from private collectors.

The Angel Oak is a Peckham gem, thanks to its spacious outdoors, filled with twinkling lights and bright yellow furniture. The laid-back vibes make it an ideal location for a casual drink with your crew or a sit-down meal in the sun. Internationally inspired pub grub includes thousand layer potato skewers with roasted garlic aioli, toasted crumpets with oyster mushrooms and Cornish pork rillettes with pickles and roast potatoes.

Big Easy is a top spot for diners craving a taste of Americana, thanks to its iconic barbecue fare. There are four Big Easy locations in the capital—in Covent Garden, Chelsea and Stratford—but the most scenic outpost is in Canary Wharf. Here, diners can feast on sweeping views of London’s skyscrapers and house-smoked meats, such as juicy Texan brisket and Carolina-style pulled pork. There’s also blues music playing in the background, adding to the soulful Southern American vibes.

Outdoor dining is the undeniable focus at The Rooftop on the seventh floor of Trafalgar St. James. Indoor dining is available, but diners really come to sit outside and are happy to pay the higher price for the alfresco experience. An outdoor table at The Rooftop offers picturesque views of Trafalgar Square alongside a globally inspired menu that changes seasonally, with dishes including cider-poached chorizo and smoky aubergine with coconut tahini.

Aqua Kyoto is a slick izakaya that offers a rare chance to take central London scenes from a stunning West End rooftop, covered with plants and decorative lights. Savour Edo-style sushi while taking in views of the London Eye and the bustle of Oxford Circus below.

From the Shard and St Paul’s to the London Eye and Big Ben, all of London’s greatest hits are visible from Radio Rooftop. This buzzy spot on the 10th floor of the ME London building offers a seasonal locally-sourced menu with dishes such as lobster tacos, short rib sliders, chorizo sausage rolls, mushroom croquetas, fried chicken and watermelon salad. Don’t miss the signature brunch experience featuring omelettes, French toasts, pancakes or truffled orecchiette with a glass of cava.

8 at the Londoner is an elegant rooftop overlooking the city’s iconic skyline. Three breathtaking spaces dotted with minimal Japanese accents add to an effortlessly cool ambience. The food here is modern Japanese fare. Choose to lounge at the main bar, where you can peruse the a la carte menu, full of izakaya-style dishes such as beef tataki and lobster tempura.

At Stanley’s, diners are transported to an idyllic English country garden. Outdoor spaces covered in lush greenery and white flowers give al fresco dining here a dreamy vibe. The courtyard is always covered and heated (along with the Orangery and Dining Room), making this an ideal year-round spot.

With views over the Thames to Greenwich, Kinkao’s riverside location in the Isle of Dogs makes it an ideal alfresco spot. The menu showcases southern Thai flavours. Options such as sua rong hai (beef marinated with herbs), served on a hot stone plate, and pad kee mao (spicy fried fresh rice noodles) are favourites. Pair the flavourful plates with Thai beers or cocktails including the signature rum punch or Thai daiquiri, a riff on the traditional.