Best outdoor brunches in London: 18 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 - with some even meriting its popularity to programmes like Sex And The City which associated it with a glamorous lifestyle.

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.

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 shakshuka and poached eggs with hollandaise, expect zucchini ripiene, Caesar salads, and cannelloni with spinach, ricotta, arrabiata sauce, and a truffle bechamel.
Where: 6 Langley Street, WC2H 9JA
Book now: Rucola

Sunday in Brooklyn, 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.
Where: 10-12 James Street, W1U 1EE
Book now: Sunday in Brooklyn Marylebone

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
Book Now: Smith's Bar & Grill

Le Petit Beefbar, Chelsea

What: Known across the world for its modern luxurious interiors and twists on the classics, Le Petit Beefbar Chelsea is a standout spot for outdoor brunches. We’re talking signature steak frites, lemon chicken robata, salmon unagi and premium cuts of steads like Wagyu, Kobe, and Angus. Plus, there’s also a ‘Frenchy burger’ which sees fried egg, Black Angus patties, and cheese all wrapped up in a croissant bun. Naturally, there are buttermilk pancakes with strawberries on the menu too.
Where: 27 Cale Street, SW3 3QP
Book now: Le Petit Beefbar

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
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. 

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
Book now: Cafe Mission

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
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
Book now: Towpath Café

Brunswick East, Dalston

What: Brunswick East is known for its breakfast buns, and if you want to find out why you’ll have to get in there early as they regularly sell out. Filled with either folded egg, peanut rayu and crispy leek or bacon and fried egg with BE brown sauce, they’re worth the hype. Thankfully the terrace has plenty of space whether you make it for a bun or not, so it’s still perfect for working through the rest of the urban farm meets Aussie brunch menu.
Where: Gillett Street, N16 8JH
Book now: Brunswick East

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 8 til 11:45 am), 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
Book now: Dishoom Shoreditch

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, and a selection of savoury flatbreads including an Atlantic shrimp, harissa, pickled shallot and mozzarella number.
Where: 3 Granary Square, N1C 4BH
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 Turkish eggs with focaccia for dipping. For those with a sweet tooth, think brioche French toast with caramelised apple and warm slices of banana break with roast plum and berry compote. 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
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 ricotta pancakes with date butter and molasses, peanut butter and blueberry brioche French toast, and Jalapeno cornbread with a fried egg, mojo verde, spinach and curd cheese. If you’re brunching later, there’s also a Dingley Dell pork schnitzel with egg and chips!
Where: 1 Granary Square, N1C 4AA
Book now: Caravan

Milk Beach, Queen’s Park

What: Milk Beach sits along a quiet back road, with outdoor seating to the front of its floral-painted exterior. Bringing a slice of Sydney to the capital, this Australian restaurant boasts speciality coffees and organic dishes. The brunch menu ranges from coconut porridge with mixed berries and Anzac crumble to sweet potato fritters with smoked salmon, poached eggs, and dill yoghurt. You’ll also find a fermented chilli scramble with stracciatella on St. John’s sourdough. 
Where: 19-21 Lonsdale Road, NW6 6RD
Book now: Milk Beach

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. Dishes here cover broadly Mediterranean fare, often adapted from the recipe books of head chef Shuli’s family roots. The thing to order here are swirling morning buns, stuffed and drizzled with homemade ricotta and dulce de leche made from the milk that would otherwise be wasted during the coffee-making process. But there’s a fine selection of fresh and hearty summery plates too.
Where: Folkestone Gardens, Trundleys Road, SE8 5JE
Book now: Sylva

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, as well as a choice of sharing plates like dumplings, fried chicken and kimchi fritters. 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
Book now: Daddy Bao

Kudu, Peckham

What: Kudu is more commonly known for its South African inspired dinner menu, but it actually does a great brunch offering too. Whether you need to start your day with something savoury, or are a sucker for a sweet treat, you’ll find what you’re looking for here. The honey roast ham crumpet with black pudding, eggs and hollandaise, or the sourdough waffle with fried chicken, kimchi and maple get our votes. There are a couple of tables at the front of the restaurant, as well as an enchanting garden courtyard at the back.
Where: 119 Queen's Road, SE15 2EZ
Book now: Kudu

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 buddha brunch options with 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’s morning.
Where: 85a Southwark Bridge Road, SE1 0NQ
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!