food + drink

The Best Al Fresco Restaurants in East London

Here's a pick of some East London's best outdoor dining and drinking destinations

Rain or shine, we’ve got you covered – with some of the the best al fresco dining destinations in East London…

Casa Do Frango

Take in the colourful, graffiti-filled streets as you wind your way to Casa Do Frango for some Portuguese fare, just minutes from Shoreditch High Street. Bag yourself a table outside to make the most of the warm weather, and order one of their kick-ass piri-piri margaritas or a port and tonic – then sit back and enjoy the good vibes. It’s all about the piri-piri here – come hungry! The standout charred cauliflower is a must (vegan friendly), salty bacalhau fritters – made with Atlantic cod, potato, tomato and topped with piri piri sauce – and garlic prawns with even more piri piri. You can mix and match the flavours of the chicken: half chicken with lemon and garlic and a half of the Piri Piri chicken but we loved the wood-charcoal grilled Piri-Piri half chicken with a side of flavourful African rice. Round off the meal with a most excellent crisp and creamy Pasteis de Nata.

2 King John Ct, London EC2A 3EZ
casadofrango.co.uk @casadofrango_london


cafe spice spicey margarita
Rajasthani spiced margarita

Café Spice Namaste

Docklands

Perched next to the water at Royal Albert Wharf in the historic Docklands, you can choose to sit inside in view of the hustle and bustle of the open kitchen, or on the terrace, al fresco, while sipping a Rajasthani spiced margarita and drooling over the menu. Highly-credentialed chef and restaurateur Cyrus Todiwala has given all the familiar dishes an imaginative twist and every dish here is an ace. We loved the delicious kale, onion and beetroot bhajia from the day’s special menu and the succulent ginger seasoned lamb cutlets were to die for. Then a silky Parsee lamb Dhaansaak served with rice and the Goan pork vindaloo served with a sourdough flatbread – highly recommended by loyal customers at the next table. 

1-2 Lower Dock Walk Royal Albert Wharf, London E16 2GT
cafespice.co.uk


Jones and sons east london

Jones & Sons

Dalston

Rich in its food and charm, Jones & Sons has not only nailed its cool and industrial aesthetic and recrafted classic European dishes, but it’s the perfect spot to soak up the comings and goings of a busy East London, al fresco or otherwise.

jonesandsonsdalston.com
Stamford Works, 3 Gillett Street, London N16 8JH


queen of honxton

Queen of Hoxton

Shoreditch

Find some sweet oasis from the busy streets of Shoreditch. Wind your way up the spiralling Queen Of Hoxton staircase to catch a glimpse of the pristine cherry blossom motifs as you allow yourself to be transported into the mysterious Cherry Blossom Garden that lies ahead. Enjoy Queen’s delectable and superbly mixed cocktails – take your pick from the likes of the fizzy, fruity Yuzu Cute; sweet Melon Rocks or the signature Cherry Blossom served alongside perfectly placed petals and topped with an umbrella to ensure those summer vibes never end. Or why not go all out and tuck into an al-fresco menu of of delicious culinary creations, such as: Gochujang burger, Katsu Chicken burger or the Mighty Meaty Vegan burger. There’s something for everyone! Open every Tuesday to Sunday

queenofhoxton.com
1 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3JX


al fresco dining londonCinnamon Kitchen

Devonshire Terrace

Cinnamon Kitchen’s all-weather terrace in Devonshire Square is the perfect tucked-away spot to escape The City and drink or dine on the colourful Indian-inspired decking. Enjoy a well-earned sip on a spicy new take on classic cocktails, including the Assam Manhattan or Coconut Kir cocktail, or go all out and tuck into an al-fresco brunch in the warming spring sun.

cinnamon-kitchen.com
9 Devonshire Square, Spitalfields, London EC2M 4YL


outdoor restaurantsThe Sipping Room

West India Quay

Venture East to West India Key and take your seat at The Sipping Room, a place far removed from the concrete jungle and tucked next to the Thames. Relax and unwind on the expansive riverside-side terrace and enjoy a cocktail or 5 from the dedicated outdoor bar. Take your pick from the likes of the Pixie Fizz; a refreshing mix of Martin Miller Gin, Briottet poppy liqueur, vanilla syrup, raspberry powder, soda and a dash of lime or why not try the London Spritz; Tanqueray gin, cucumber, elderflower, apple, sprigs of mint and lashings of soda. Should you be ambitious with the springtime attire, cosy blankets and hot water bottles are also available for those unexpectedly chilly nights.

thesippingroom.co.uk
16 Hertsmere Rd, Canary Wharf, E14 4AX


The Parlour

Canary Wharf

Positioned in the Park Pavilion on Canada Square, a stone’s throw from Canary Wharf station, The Parlour is a beautiful bar & restaurant perfect for all-day drinking, dining and unwinding. For one, there is a substantial alfresco terrace (tick!), said terrace is complete with its own bar overlooking Canada Square Park (double tick!), and is the ideal location to spend some much-needed quality time in the company of food friends, good food, fine wine and cocktails.

The Park Pavilion, 40 Canada Square Park, E14 5FW
drakeandmorgan.co.uk/the-parlour


Angelina

Dalston

Come rain or shine, Angelina in Dalston has always been good to us. Now, come rain or shine, you can get your fix of some of the best food in town, thanks to the restaurant’s terrace which makes the perfect people-watching spot for this bustling Dalston destination. Ideal for groups looking to celebrate and foodie lovers alike.

angelina.london
56 Dalston Lane, Dalston, London E8 3AH


Blackhorse Beer Mile

Walthamstow

Beer lovers rejoice, the prospect of a pint in an actual glass is drawing near and there’s one place that takes centre stage for this end-of-lockdown tipple. Some of East London’s iconic breweries have joined forces to create a new destination for freshly poured pints straight from the source – Blackhorse Beer Mile in Walthamstow, E17. From longstanding local legends Wild Card Brewery; Signature Brew’s state of the art new brewery and music venue; Exale’s modern and experimental beers; to the newest addition to the neighbourhood, Truman’s Social Club featuring the UK’s largest beer hall, a visit to the Blackhorse Beer Mile is certain to not disappoint. Head to the link to book your pace and find a suggested route around the space.

signaturebrew.co.uk
Truman’s Social Club, 1 Priestley Way, London E17 6AL


NebulaNebula

London City Island

Home to out of this world cocktails and pizza by the slice.

nebulabar.com
45 Hope Street, London city Island, London E14 OQG

outdoor dining east london


East London Liquor company outdoor diningEast London Liquor Company

Bow

However much we love an at-home East London Liquor cocktail, nothing quite beats sipping on one made in house by the brilliant ELLC team.

eastlondonliquorcompany.com
221 Grove Road, Unit GF1, London E3 5SN


Princess of Wales

Clapton

Boasting views across the river Lea, The Princess of Wales is a firm Clapton favourite. With a beautiful, not to mention covered, beer garden, the pub offers a feel of the countryside despite being found in the heart of Hackney. With an extensive selection of craft beers and wine, paired with a menu of homegrown recipes, it’s high time you booked yourself a space.

princessofwalesclapton.co.uk
146 Lea Bridge Road, Clapton E5 9RB


The Grocer

Spitalfields

Located in the bustling centre of Spitalfields Market, The Grocer’s extensive terrace is decked out with heaters and cosy sofas, all of which is covered by the market roof. Whether you’re with family, friends, shopping bags or solo dining, The Grocer welcomes you to book your table now.

thegrocerspitalfields.co.uk
Spitalfields Market, Crispin Place, London E1 6DW


terrace dining JoanJoan

Shoreditch 

Located in an old leather factory on Bethnal Green Road, just opposite Shoreditch High Street station, Joan is Shoreditch’s vibrant new dining destination which now boasts an outdoor terrace for 30-36 guests. Joan offers an all-day modern Mediterranean menu available for lunch and dinner during the week, with brunch also served up on the weekends.

joanshoreditch.co.uk
19-23 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, London E1 6LA


Gaucho

Liverpool Street

The go-to Gaucho in Broadgate Circle has been kitted out with new weatherproof terraces. Get set for an Argentine steak in the sun, a stone’s throw from Liverpool Street and the bustling streets of Shoreditch.

gauchorestaurants.com/menus/broadgate
Broadgate, 5 Finsbury Avenue, London EC2M 2PG


crispin east londonCrispin E1

This East London curated cool café/wine bar is housed in a glass pavilion and seats 40 inside and 30 outside. It’s a pretty hub of blonde wood. The plated dishes look as good as they taste and at the helm of the kitchen is chef, Lewis de Haas who previously worked at the Shed in Notting Hill and Petersham Nurseries.

crispininlondon.com @crispin_e1
Pavilion on The Corner, White’s Row, London E1 7NF

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