The best outdoor restaurants for winter: 20 cosy heated terraces for dinner and drinks in London

As the warm weather wanes there’s every chance you think your days at London’s best al fresco restaurants are a thing of the past, but we’re here to tell you there’s an exciting alternative. Swapping awnings for outdoor heaters, some of London’s top restaurants transform in the winter to offer guests heated terraces and cosy covered rooftops where they can drink and dine under the stars, whatever the weather.

While we’re not afraid of battling the elements when the mood strikes for a bracing walk, we definitely don’t enjoy eating a meal while being battered by mother nature. That being said, come cool winter evenings there’s something extraordinarily satisfying about making the most of the crisp atmosphere - the kind that gives your face a pleasant flush - while bundling up under blankets and awnings to keep cosy. Ensuring your warm through the duration of your meal is key, and lots of the best restaurants with winter terraces go that extra mile to ensure guests are comfortable. While external heaters are pretty commonplace now, lots of restaurants also offer guests piles of fluffy blankets, complementary warm drinks or even stacks of hot water bottles. The true test of the best outdoor winter restaurants is whether or not you’re comfortable enough to fully relax and unwind, to enjoy a long and leisurely meal without feeling like you want to rush off home to the safety of your central heating.

From heaters and blankets to warm cocktails and comfort food, these outdoor winter restaurants have the best covered, heated terraces in London. Some of the picks in this selection of our favourite winter terraces are petite restaurants with space for just a handful of diners, while others have wide open spaces big enough for parties or full functions. Whichever you plump for, we’d recommend you be specific when making your booking to ensure you get your preferred seat outside. With people being more conscious than ever about how they socialise, London's heated terraces can get packed out pretty fast. 

Dalloway Terrace, Fitzrovia

What: Thanks to seasonally changing floral installations, a beautiful festive afternoon tea experience, brunch and other delicious things, Dalloway Terrace is a no-brainer when it comes to festive alfresco dining. Every year it’s a dreamy (and very tasteful winter wonderland). This year, the team has partnered with Charles Heidsieck Champagne, which is available by the glass or bottle alongside three limited edition Christmas-themed cocktails.
Where: The Bloomsbury Hotel, 16-22 Great Russell Street, WC1B 3NN
Book now: Dalloway Terrace

Jurema Winter Garden at The Mandrake, Fitzrovia

What: The stunning, fairy-lit winter garden at Jurema at The Mandrake is one of our favourite festive hangouts, with raw timber chalets strewn with furs and bundles of pine. Expect lots of winter warming cocktails and mulled wine, as well as a smart South American fusion menu from exec chef George Scott-Toft. Bear in mind, there is a smart casual dress code - no ties, no trainers, and no hoodies after 6pm!
Where: 20-21 Newman Street, W1T 1PG
Book now: Jurema at The Mandrake

Florattica, Aldgate

What: Already a stunner, thanks to its striking floral canopy inside, Florattica boasts a heated rooftop terrace sheltered from the elements. After sunset, this high perch over the City of London makes a wonderful, romantic setting. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something extra special, there are ‘Winter Buds’ available for hire, seating six to ten in a warm heated igloo, with soft lighting, music, and table service at the ring of a bell.
Where: 15 Minories, EC3N 1AX
Book now: Florattica

London Bridge Rooftop, London Bridge

What: Found just yards from The Shard, London Bridge Rooftop really is an all-year destination. In the winter months, it gets a full festive makeover. This time, that facelift follows an Apres Ski theme, armed with mulled wine teapots, vintage Alpine memorabilia and festive food. On Fridays, expect ‘We Got This Friday!’ parties, while Saturdays offer Apres Brunch, with DJs and 90 minutes of bottomless drinks.
Where: Colechurch House, Bridge Walk, SE1 2SX
Book now: London Bridge Rooftop

Stanley's, Chelsea

What: Well known already for its secret garden vibe, Stanley’s winter transformation is a thing of wonder. Covered and heated all year round, with a stunning festive arch installation, cosy furs, and Christmas presents dotted around the space, this King’s Road spot is one of our favourites. To eat, expect the likes of squash risotto with sage, salt-baked beetroot with Devon blue fondue, and dark chocolate mousse with Amfora olive oil.
Where: 151 Sydney Street,  SW3 6NT
Book now: Stanley’s Chelsea

Rucola at The Conduit, Covent Garden

What: This gorgeous North Italian restaurant on the roof of The Conduit members' club in Covent Garden boasts a rather festive, heated orangery, kitted out with furs, fairy lights and spruces. Paired up with Rucola's excellent seasonal Med-cooking, there aren't many better places to clink glasses of Champagne or aperitivo with your friends, and you can still enjoy some lovely views out over central London. 
Where: 6 Langley Street, WC2H 9JA
Book now: Rucola at The Conduit

SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden

What: Every year, SUSHISAMBA jazzes up its heated Covent Garden terrace with blankets, twinkly lights, and plenty of sparkle. This year, it’s partnered with Belvedere, transforming the piazza into a warm and wonderful ski-themed bolthole, offering a warm setting to enjoy cocktails like a hot ‘Tipsy Cocoa’, sake mulled wine, or a Golden Highball - a blend of Hennessy, sesame oil-infused Belvedere, soda and orange bitters. Our pick? The Dirty Brew Ski, featuring four shots of Belvedere Dirty Brew Coffee served on a ski.
Where: Opera Terrace, The Piazza, WC2E 8RF
Book now: SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden

Dovetale at 1 Hotel Mayfair

What: Dovetale’s open fireplace is always blazing away on the picturesque al fresco terrace, blasting away the frosty tendrils of winter. The palms and yuccas bring a little tropical warmth too - in mind at least - and Dovetale does an excellent line in festive cocktails too to shun the chill from your bones. Plus, is it ever too cold to enjoy a Dovetale Knickerbocker Glory? We think not.
Where: 1 Hotel Mayfair, 3 Berkeley Street, 1J 8DL
Book now: Dovetale at 1 Hotel Mayfair

Tattu London, Soho

What: Tattu’s rooftop terrace is all cosy furs and festive foliage these days, with views that stretch out over the City of London. If you’re after something glamorous, Tattu is certainly the place to go - DJs spin lively deep house as wave after wave of elaborate Chinese cooking emerges from the kitchen.
Where: The Now Building Rooftop, Outernet, Denmark Street, WC2H 0LA
Book now: Tattu London

Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill, Mayfair

What: With a heritage that spans over a hundred years, it’s safe to say Bentley’s is one of the capital’s finest dining institutions. Found on Swallow Street just off of Regent Street, Bentley’s provides the ultimate respite from a long day pounding the pavements of central London. The terrace here is completely covered and heated, protecting guests from the elements, and the full unabbreviated menu is on offer so you can expect seafood galore as well as a far-reaching wine and Champagne list.
Where: 11-15 Swallow Street, W1B 4DG
Book now: Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill

The Lighterman, King's Cross

What: One of London’s favourite canal-side pubs, The Lighterman is a popular stop for cocktails, good food, and plenty of socialising. It’s had a bit of an update this year, offering signature Lillet cocktails, including a Winterberry Fizz, among others, all in a setting that’s warm, twinkly, and ideal for catching up with old mates. Plus, set just a few yards from King’s Cross, you won’t be in danger of missing your last train!
Where: 3 Granary Square, King's Cross, London, N1C 4BH
Book now: The Lighterman

Los Mochis London City, Liverpool Street

What: Los Mochis’ ninth floor rooftop has quickly become one of the City’s most in-demand outdoor spaces, and the covered, heated space is just as popular in the winter. A splash of colour brings life to festive events, and a huge mix of agave spirits and cocktails, as well as sake and wine, help to keep you warm too. Don’t miss out on Los Mochis’ unique Japanese-Mexican fusion cooking whilst you’re here.
Where: 9th Floor, 100 Liverpool Street, EC2M 2AT
Book now: Los Mochis London City

Barge East, Hackney Wick

What: When a simple terrace won’t do, why not up the ante with a floating bar and restaurant? Barge East is just that and comes complete with access to London’s largest alfresco terrace – an addition which has been made this year and sits snuggly alongside the boat, giving you waterside views. From here you’ll find heated winter cabins, a whole host of street food stalls, access to mini hot water bottles and faux fur blankets. Basically, if there’s a way to make you feel warm, these guys have thought about it. Don’t miss the s’mores hot chocolate.
Where: River Lee, Sweetwater Mooring, White Post Lane, E9 5EN
Book now: Barge East

108 Brasserie & Bar, Marylebone

What: Dressed up in festive florals, reds, greens, and gold, the winter terrace at 108 Brasserie is a true seasonal showstopper. Large heaters will keep things cosy, and thanks to a partnership with DukesHill, guests can expect a range of comforting dishes from a cheddar and buttered leek toasties with soup to weekly changing pies and sticky toffee pudding. On the drinks front, look out for limited-edition creations such as the Nutcracker’s Brew, crafted in collaboration with The Dalmore, a revered Scottish distillery up in the Highlands.
Where: 108 Marylebone Lane, W1G 8DN
Book now: 108 Brasserie & Bar

Boundary, Shoreditch

What: Grab a seat on one of Boundary’s sheepskin-lined terrace seats and enjoy the view from the rooftop Orangery. This glass box is entirely covered and heated so no need to worry about the weather, and the menu covers lots of winter warming bases, from an excellent tartiflette to alpine-favourite raclette. The Mandarin Toddy is one of our favourite seasonal cocktails too.
Where: 2-4 Boundary Street, E2 7DD
Book now: Boundary Rooftop

The Broadcaster, White City

What: If you’re looking for a do-it-all restaurant, bar and pub with private hire options, a smart restaurant and a rooftop terrace, look no further than The Broadcaster in White City. Although glorious in the summer, The Broadcaster’s spacious rooftop is also pretty cosy in the winter too, thanks to heaters, blankets and warming winter food.
Where: 89 Wood Lane, W12 7FX
Book now: The Broadcaster

Winter Gin Garden at Ham Yard, Soho

What: Ham Yard goes all out for Christmas every year, bringing a load of delicious dishes and winter warming cocktails to a hidden terrace on the fourth floor of the hotel. Like the sound of cacio e pepe black truffle flatbread, and toasted s’mores with toffee apple and cinnamon crackers? Of course you do. If you just fancy a drink, there are lots of signature gin mixes going, with a menu that includes a nod to famous drinks from the 17th century onwards.
Where: One Ham Yard, W1D 7DT
Book now: Ham Yard at Ham Yard Hotel

Isla at The Standard, King’s Cross

What: One of the city’s coolest hotels, the winter terrace at Isla at The Standard is one of the few outdoor spots where you can gather around a crackling fire pit, wrapped in sheepskin furs. Even better, it's open breakfast, lunch and dinner, and you can ever stop by for Sunday lunch, or just to sip on a cold vermouth. 
Where: 10 Argyle Street, WC1H 8EG
Book now: Isla at The Standard

Wild by Tart, Belgravia

What: A darling of London’s ‘it’ crowd, Wild at Tart finds its home in the quaint surrounds of Eccleston Yards. The restaurant’s owners Jemima Jones and Lucy Carr-Ellison built their brand by catering for the who’s who of London’s fashion elite. Here in Pimlico the duo’s bricks and mortar site is home to a pretty, 24-seater terrace which makes the ideal place to sample the kitchen’s signature contemporary European cookery.
Where: 3-4 Eccleston Yards, SW1W 9AZ
Book now: Wild by Tart

Uli, Notting Hill

What: Asian restaurant Uli has gone for a classy and simple, yet impressively pretty look for its winter terrace. They have decked out the decking with a ceiling of fresh foliage and hundreds of hanging baubles. Dishes include small bites like vegetable spring rolls or crispy calamari as well as a whole selection of dim sum. Mains cover popular classics like sweet and sour battered chicken and crispy shredded chilli beef.
Where: 5 Ladbroke Road, W11 3PA
Book now: Uli

If a warm, cosy pub is more your vibe in the winter, check out our exhaustive list of the best gastropubs in London, broken down into different areas of the capital.