Best outdoor brunches in London: 24 places to eat your eggs al fresco

When you know where to look, outdoor brunches in London aren’t actually too tricky to find. Brunch has become such a mainstay that it's almost hard to think of a time when it wasn’t a key part of our lives when people only either ate their eggs in the early morning or tucked into a sandwich at lunch. Now it's a staple part of our weekend routine, whether you need an intimate event for a friend's birthday, or are after the best outdoor brunch in London to merely celebrate summer.

The truth is, this mid-morning meal isn’t an invention coined by millennials to justify having a lie in, it was actually established in 1895 by Guy Beringer in his piece for Britain’s Hunters Weekly called ‘Brunch: A Plea’. The aim was to combine the best of both breakfast and lunch, to create something new for later in the day on Sundays (and allow time to recover from the previous night's festivities). Word spread pretty quickly through London, and before long the concept was working its way around the world and becoming a weekend-long affair. The trend really kicked in in the 90s though and has been a hit ever since.

Considering this is where it all began, it’s no wonder that London has such an impressive list of spots to get your brunch fix. Even when looking for specifics, such as places with outdoor seating, it’s still a struggle to narrow it down to just a few. However, we’ve powered through and done the hard work for you, even separating each restaurant into different areas of London. Whether you’re in the east and want a laid-back meal, or after something a little fancier in the west, this list of best outdoor brunches in London is sure to have what you’re looking for.

Each restaurant below provides the perfect place to kick start your day during the warmer months, varying between terraces on the King's Road to balconies on Regent's Canal, with an impressive selection of menus to boot. So grab some sunglasses and bring your appetite, because London’s brunch scene is waiting for you.

Best outdoor brunches in central London

The innermost part of the city, bustling with tourists and boasting some of the city's top sites. From Westminster to Covent Garden, these are our favourite brunches in the heart of London.

Café Biltmore Restaurant and Terrace, Mayfair

What: Just off Grosvenor Square, Cafe Biltmore stands as a lovely little brunch escape complete with a lush terrace area. As for the food, expect to while away a couple of hours grazing on a lavish buffet selection of oysters, prawn cocktail, Arabic mezze, charcuterie, and more. Then, there’s a choice of mains covering classics like avocado and poached eggs on sourdough, as well as grilled fish with salsa verde, asparagus and snow pea risotto or even a Sunday roast.
Where: 44 Grosvenor Square, W1K 2HP
Outdoor seating: A leafy terrace with a sense of seclusion
Booking for a special occasion? Browse private and group dining options at The Biltmore
Book now: Café Biltmore Restaurant and Terrace

Rucola, Covent Garden

What: Sitting pretty at the top of The Conduit, Rucola combines the very best of several worlds: Brooklyn loft spaces, London charm, and northern Italian favourites. The menu here is plant-forward (though there are fish and meat options), focusing on sustainable ethical sourcing. So alongside the classics like poached eggs with hollandaise, expect spiced pea guacamole on toasted focaccia, and omelettes with spinach, mushrooms and mozzarella.
Where: 6 Langley Street, WC2H 9JA
Outdoor seating: Sun-baked rooftop garden
Booking for a special occasion? Explore private and group dining options at The Conduit
Book now: Rucola

Savage Garden, Tower Hill

What: Perched high above the City, Savage Garden at DoubleTree by Hilton is the place to go for a rooftop brunch, thanks to its panoramic skyline views and sprawling al fresco terrace. Whilst you can enjoy crowd-favourite nibbles and sharing plates throughout the week, on Saturdays it’s all about brunch, with a menu packed full of waffles and cocktails. Expect sweet and savoury options from hot honey-glazed chicken with coriander and lime slaw, or Caribbean-style waffle stacks with salted caramel ice cream, rum custard and blueberries. Brunch burgers, steaks, and the option to go bottomless are also available for the full experience.
Where: 7 Pepys Street, EC3N 4AF
Outdoor seating: 12th-floor rooftop terrace with 360 views
Booking for a special occasion? Browse DoubleTree by Hilton's private hire options
Book now: Savage Garden

Rail House, Victoria 

What: The Riding House Cafe group is famous for its brunches, and this Victoria branch more than delivers, especially for those looking to take things al fresco with a seat on the terrace. Decked out with potted plants, and pastel touches, it’s a particularly idyllic spot for your next brunch. Expect all the classics, but with a few playful twists, featuring everything from fluffy pancake stacks smothered in berry compote, clotted cream and maple syrup to inventive eggs dishes like the signature Burgerdict, offering a dry-aged beef patty with a poached egg and special hollandaise sauce.
Where: 8 Sir Simon Milton Square, SW1E 5DJ
Outdoor seating: Leafy, pastel front terrace
Booking for a special occasion? Browse private and group dining options at Rail House Victoria
Book now: Rail House Victoria

Brother Marcus, various locations

What: With weekday breakfast and weekend brunch on offer, Brother Marcus has a menu for all occasions. On top of that, most of the sites around London have outside tables, whether it’s the dinky bistro tables on Camden Passage in Angel, or the larger Covent Garden terrace, which looks out over Slingsby Place. The food is vibrant, colourful and ultra-accessible, ranging from smoky shakshuka and breakfast pitas to mezze selections and brunch cocktails.
Where: 23 Slingsby Place, WC2E 9AB; 37-39 Camden Passage, N1 8EA; Borough Yards, SE1 9DG; 2 Crispin Place, E1 6DW
Outdoor seating: A mixture of balconies, large al fresco dining spaces and dinky pavement terraces
Book now: Brother Marcus Covent Garden; Brother Marcus Angel; Brother Marcus Borough; Brother Marcus Spitalfields

Best outdoor brunches in west London

Considered London’s most affluent area, with the likes of Knightsbridge, Belgravia and Chelsea in its repertoire, west London has everything from luxury department stores to royal parks. But most importantly? There’s a first class choice of brunches here too.

Smith's Bar & Grill, Paddington

What: Whilst the indoor dining room at Smith's Bar & Grill may look like a floral paradise in its own right, as it turns out there's also an outdoor terrace, allowing diners a delightful al fresco spot for bottomless brunch. Here, you'll find all the classics, from avo toast to eggs royale but there are a few extra options on the menu offering reimagined versions of your favourite dishes. Why not try the crab pancakes and mushroom truffle eggs benedict for something a bit different?
Where: 25 Sheldon Square, W2 6EY
Outdoor seating: Foliage-laden terrace next to Paddington Basin and Regent's Canal
Booking for a special occasion? Explore private and group dining options at Smith's Bar & Grill
Book Now: Smith's Bar & Grill

Julie’s, Holland Park 

What: Once a favourite of some of the city’s most iconic A-listers, Julie’s recently launched back onto the scene bringing its French brasserie cooking to Holland Park. Its al fresco terrace is one of our favourites, perfect for those looking to head outdoors for a leisurely weekend brunch. Expect refined French fare from croque madames, smoked trout eggs benedict, and Julie’s omelette full of crab, cheese and tomatoes. Add freshly squeezed orange juice or one of the site’s signature cocktails - think Green Tomato Martinis, Bloody Marys and Negronis.
Where: 135 Portland Road, W11 4LW
Outdoor seating: Chic, plant-filled pavement terrace
Booking for a special occasion? Browse private and group dining options at Julie's
Book now: Julie's

Sunday in Brooklyn, Notting Hill and Marylebone

What: Famed for massive cake-like pancakes, we’d challenge any diner to resist the urge to post brunch pics while dining on the terrace. The menu is extensive, stretching from lighter brunch plates like avo toast and chia puddings to egg sandwiches, shakshuka, and salads. But we’d suggest the hazelnut maple praline pancakes, which, available as single double or triple stacks, are great for sharing. The Marylebone site has an equally lovely terrace, for anyone that finds themselves more central.
Where: 98 Westbourne Grove, W2 5RU; 10-12 James Street, W1U 1EE
Outdoor seating: Big pavement terraces, great for people watching
Booking for a special occasion? Browse private hire options at Sunday in Brooklyn Notting Hill
Book now: Sunday in Brooklyn Notting Hill; Sunday in Brooklyn Marylebone

No 197 Chiswick Fire Station, Chiswick

What: If you’re looking for a good brunch with a side of minimalist interior inspo, then head to No.197 Chiswick Fire Station. Expect all the classics from pancakes with smoked streaky bacon or lemon curd labneh to shakshouka and eggs royale. We’re keen on the dirty breakfast bagel, complete with a double smashed sausage patty, fried egg, and bacon jam. All are made even more enjoyable when eaten on the ultra-chic terrace.
Where: Chiswick High Road, W4 2DR
Outdoor seating: Chic rear terrace under a pergola
Booking for a special occasion? Explore No.197 Chiswick Fire Station's private hire options
Book now: No 197 Chiswick Fire Station

Best outdoor brunches in east London

It’s edgy, trendy, and a part of London that everyone wants a slice of. Over the past couple of decades, East London has come into its own as the place to be and is now home to some of the best food spots in the city. 

No. 35 Mackenzie Walk, Canary Wharf

What: Set against Canary Wharf's sprawling skyline, No. 35 Mackenzie Walk offers a sun-drenched spot out East, with a south-facing terrace that makes it perfect for al fresco brunching. Expect classic breakfast dishes, think smashed avo on toast, smoothie bowls, and pancakes topped with lemon curd and berry compote, or go all out with a full English, or dirty breakfast bagel packed full of sausage patties, fried eggs and bacon jam. Those visiting on weekends will even have the option to make their outdoor brunch bottomless. 
Where: 29-35 Mackenzie Walk, E14 4PH
Outdoor seating: Waterside terrace overlooking the Wharf
Booking for a special occasion? Browse private hire options at No. 35 Mackenzie Walk
Book now: No. 35 Mackenzie Walk

Cafe Mission, Shoreditch

What: Found on the rooftop of the Mission yoga and movement studio, Cafe Mission is a fantastic cafe and ‘working from home’ spot open to the public. Guests can expect varied brunch dishes from vegetarian and vegan shakshuka to thick-cut Japanese sandwiches stuffed with the likes of shrimp tempura, katsu chicken, and egg with kewpie mayo. The terrace is stunning in the sunshine and a popular spot for Espresso Martinis.
Where: 7-9 Fashion Street, E1 6PX
Outdoor seating: Glorious rooftop terrace overlooking Spitalfields
Booking for a special occasion? Explore Cafe Mission's private hire options
Book now: Cafe Mission

Roe, Canary Wharf

What: Not content with running a pair of the best restaurants in the city, Fallow founders Will Murray and Jack Croft have also devised one of the most delicious brunch menus in London too. The trip out to Roe at Canary Wharf is worth the journey - the restaurant sits right on the edge of the water, so you can nab a seat outside in the sunshine and get stuck into Roe’s legendary croissant royales.
Where: 5 Park Drive, Wood Wharf, E14 9GG
Outdoor seating: Big, secluded rear terrace overlooking Wood Wharf waters
Booking for a special occasion? Browse private hire options at Roe
Book now: Roe

Arepa & Co, Various locations

What: Arepa & Co’s easy-going brunch menus are incredibly popular, especially given the chance to catch some rays whilst you’re enjoying colourful Venezuelan food. The hefty breakfast plates are guaranteed to tee you up for a big day, with scrambled eggs, shredded beef, black beans, plantains and more, or you can keep things a bit lighter with cachapas (sweetcorn pancakes) and eggs.
Where: 254 Paradise Row, E2 9LE; 58A De Beauvoir Crescent, N1 5SB; 8 Ash Avenue, Elephant Park, SE17 1GQ
Outdoor seating: A mixture of canal side and spacious front terraces
Book now: Arepa & Co Bethnal Green; Arepa & Co Haggerston; Arepa & Co Elephant & Castle

Ara, Aldgate

What: The more inventive of Murat Kilic’s restaurants (which also includes nearby Amber), Ara’s brunch menu is technically a breakfast menu but when it sounds this delicious, who cares? Turkish eggs with crispy chilli peanuts, burnt leeks with Montgomery cheddar and poached figs, and all your usual eggy delights, Ara’s brunch menu really has something for everyone. On warmer days, huge doors open up onto the pavement terrace, which is nicely sheltered by foliage.
Where: 1 New Drum Street, E1 7AY
Outdoor seating: Pavement terrace with banquette seating just off Whitechapel High Street
Booking for a special occasion? Browse private hire options at Ara
Book now: Ara

Dishoom, Shoreditch

What: It seems almost criminal to create a brunch list without including Dishoom. Though it’s not strictly brunch (the menu runs from 8am til 11:45am), the bacon and egg naan is one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes. Whilst most of the sites are dark and moody spaces that are better suited to evening meals, the Shoreditch option boasts The Verandah which offers a space to lounge in the sun as you prepare for the day ahead, preferably with an oaty banana and mango lassi in hand.
Where: 7 Boundary Street, E2 7JE
Outdoor seating: Cosy front terrace with comfy seating under a pergola
Booking for a special occasion? Explore Dishoom's private and group dining options
Book now: Dishoom Shoreditch

Franze & Evans, Shoreditch

What: Franze & Evans is a family-run cafe that's been feeding the people of Shoreditch since 2008. Now with a couple of spots across the city, and even one in Tokyo, this East London location offers an outdoor patio where you can sit out and enjoy the sun. Brunch is served seven days a week, and it’s not limited to the morning, running late into the afternoon - perfect for those who don’t want an early start. Expect everything from 'nduja on toast with fried eggs and salsa verde to full breakfasts and Turkish eggs. 
Where: 101 Redchurch Street, E2 7DL
Outdoor seating: Bustling pavement terrace on Redchurch Street
Book now: Franze & Evans

Towpath Café, Haggerston

What: Towpath Café is loved by locals, chefs and celebrities alike - Keira Knightley actually once described it as the reason she lives in London. The menu changes regularly, but the theme remains as simple, seasonal food that has been executed to perfection. It’s worth getting here early though, as it practises a no booking policy and it’s a very popular spot come rain or shine.
Where: 42 De Beauvoir Crescent, N1 5RY
Outdoor seating: Busy canalside bistro tables, in high demand!
Book now: Towpath Café

Best outdoor brunches in north London

North London gives off a more leafy, suburban vibe than other parts of the city, and is a great place to head to for sunny dog walks at Hampstead Heath. But away from wholesome trips to the park, is an impressive list of restaurants where you can enjoy your brunch on a large terrace or whilst sat canalside (and don’t worry, you can still bring the pooch).

The Lighterman, King's Cross

What: The Lighterman is a canalside pub and dining room with wraparound terraces and a bar along the towpath. The menu is small, but offers a variety of sweet and savoury options. Our recommendation would be the fried chicken Benedict with sriracha hollandaise, but you’ll also find avo toast, scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and dill cream, and a selection of savoury flatbreads including an Atlantic shrimp, harissa, pickled shallot and mozzarella number.
Where: 3 Granary Square, N1C 4BH
Outdoor seating: Big, spacious terrace on Granary Square
Book now: The Lighterman

Common Ground, Finsbury Park

What: Common Ground is a neighbourhood café with a big reputation, serving up an eclectic choice of dishes to start your day. Think potato latke with poached eggs and hollandaise and sauteed leek, or grilled cornbread with poached eggs and black bean salsa. For those with a sweet tooth, think brioche French toast with caramelised apple and butterscotch sauce, or warm croissant pudding with salted miso caramel sauce. Head through to the back and you’ll find a terrace where you can enjoy your brunch al fresco.
Where: 49 Stroud Green Road, N4 3EF
Outdoor seating: Secluded, spacious rear terrace
Book now: Common Ground

Caravan, Kings Cross

What: Caravan has a reputation for being one of the best brunches in town, and the one in King's Cross comes with an enormous terrace to boot. Each plate manages to be both indulgent and fairly healthy, with options like vanilla pancakes with crispy bacon and maple syrup, Korean-style fried chicken with gochujang ketchup, and Jalapeno cornbread with a fried egg, mojo verde, spinach and curd cheese. 
Where: 1 Granary Square, N1C 4AA
Outdoor seating: Big front terrace looking onto Granary Square
Book now: Caravan

Best outdoor brunches in south London

There is no denying that South London is a hub for delicious food with the likes of Borough Market, Brixton Village and Maltby Street Market, and the brunch scene is no exception. From parkside cafes to sunny courtyards, these are our favourite outdoor brunches south of the river.

Sylva, Deptford

What: Set right on the edge of the park, Sylva is quickly becoming a fast favourite for locals. It’s a welcoming sustainable cafe with a community feel to it, with a quaint selection of picnic tables for those looking to sit outside. Dishes here cover broadly Mediterranean fare, often adapted from the recipe books of head chef Shuli’s family roots. Weekend brunches include bruschetta with labneh and za'atar, schnitzel sandwiches with tahini and pickled cucumber, or homemade granola with seasonal fruit and yoghurt. 
Where: Folkestone Gardens, Trundleys Road, SE8 5JE
Outdoor seating: Picnic tables looking onto Folkestone Gardens
Booking for a special occasion? Browse private and group dining options at Sylva
Book now: Sylva

The Rose & Crown, Clapham

What: Looking for an al fresco brunch in Clapham? We've got just the thing. Just a short stroll from Clapham Common, The Rose & Crown offers a more laid-back setting, thanks to its gastropub feel, but with a sprawling outdoor space that's perfect for brunching in the fresh air. Expect hearty favourites such as breakfast sandwiches with runny eggs and a secret sauce, maple bacon pancake stacks, and full English breakfasts. In our opinion, they're best enjoyed with a coffee or Bloody Mary in hand - but we'll leave that up to you.
Where: 2 The Polygon, SW4 0JG
Outdoor seating: Sprawling outdoor terrace just by Claham Common
Booking for a special occasion? Explore The Rose & Crown's private hire options
Book now: The Rose & Crown

Daddy Bao, Tooting

What: Steering clear of the standard eggs Benedict and pancakes, Daddy Bao offers a selection of different bao buns for brunch (who’d have thought it?). You can choose from meat or vegan fillings, such as prawn hash with gochujang hollandaise, or Taiwanese sausage, as well as a choice of sharing plates like handmade dumplings, fried chicken and kimchi fritters with Thai basil sauce. The Tooting location offers a few outdoor benches allowing you to tuck into your fluffy bao in the sunshine. 
Where: 113 Mitcham Road, SW17 9PE
Outdoor seating: Awning covered pavement terrace
Book now: Daddy Bao

Where The Pancakes Are, Southwark

What: It may not come as a surprise that the brunch menu here is almost entirely made up of pancakes. The mixture here is left to steep for eight hours and then slow-cooked to give you that fluffy, pancakey goodness. You’ll find savoury toppings with options including avocado and kale tabbouleh, as well as sweet options with banana, sesame crisps, caramel, and marshmallow cream. Dishes like those are only made better by eating them on the terrace on a warm summer morning.
Where: 85a Southwark Bridge Road, SE1 0NQ
Outdoor seating: Breezy, quiet pavement terrace
Book now: Where The Pancakes Are

A classic brunch is all well and good, but sometimes you need a supply of bottomless fizz to help you forget that hectic week at work. London is host to a wide range of restaurants that serve up their eggs with a side of booze, so check out our list of best bottomless brunch in London to find the perfect one for you!