After a winter spent huddled under heaters and umbrellas, London’s terraces are back in business – and this time the sun’s playing along. April has brought a run of genuinely warm days, meaning tables are suddenly harder to book than a decent train ticket. Whether you’re after aperitifs, al fresco plates or a spot of people-watching, here are the best terraces to park yourself this month.

1. For BBQ and Beers: Acme Fire Cult

What: Outdoor dining and barbecues go hand in hand, and live-fire restaurant Acme Fire Cult boasts one of London’s best al fresco dining spots. The terrace allows you to watch the chefs at work at the grill, whilst sipping beers from sister brewery 40FT and tucking into the famed coal roast leeks with pistachio romesco, Highland Bavette with seaweed-peppercorn sauce, and the weekend meat platter. In keeping with our temperamental summers, the terrace can be covered, and blankets are on hand for those chillier evenings.

Where: Abbot St, London E8 3DP

2. For an All-Weather Terrace: Corrochio’s

What: Cult Mexican restaurant Corrochio’s offers a rain-safe al fresco terrace in the heart of Dalston – complete with greenery and Mexican memorabilia picked up by Daniel Corrochio and Amy McQuarrie on their travels around Daniel’s homeland. Tuck into Mexican favourites including the Tostada de Camarón, the pork carnitas Vampiros and La Americana Tortas (a take on a traditional Mexican sandwich made with soft telera bread and a base of avocado, tomato and cheese). Corrochio’s also serves an excellent weekend brunch and hosts a weekly Taco Tuesday with the must-try grilled cactus taco. Then when the sun goes down, there is also the team’s subterranean agave bar CINCO next door, the perfect spot for a night cap.

Where: 70-74 Stoke Newington Rd, N16 7XB

3. For a Rooftop Terrace: The Culpeper 

What: The Culpeper in Spitalfields is marking the start of summer with the launch of its new British Woodland-inspired rooftop – an immersive space surrounded by silver birch, hazel, and apple trees, with an edible understorey of ferns, mints, sweet cicely, honeysuckle, and wild strawberries. Now in its 11th year, this new design lowers the trees and raises the decking, allowing guests to sit among the trunks. Head Chef Antony Knott’s has curated a Great Woodland Grill with seasonal dishes including Mackerel pate, Ethical Butcher pork chipolata spiral, and Rhug Estate organic chicken with Cornish potatoes and spring veg.

Where: 40 Commercial St, London E1 6TB

4. For a Central London Spot: July

What: Fitzrovias’ Alastian-inspired July on Charlotte Street welcomes you to soak up the sunshine whilst savouring nourishing Alsacian-inspired cooking using locally sourced ingredients. With the kitchen headed by Holly Hayes (previously of 40 Maltby Street), serving dishes inspired by those that founders Solyka and Julian grew up eating in their home countries, France and Germany, the menu features an array of dishes, changing weekly, celebrating the season’s best. Located in the heart of London, July’s terrace is the perfect spot for long, lazy lunches and sunny sipping post-work on natural wines.

Where: July, 10 Charlotte Street, W1T 2LT

5. For 360° Views: Los Mochis City

What: High above the City and just outside Liverpool Street station, Los Mochis London City’s rooftop delivers panoramic views stretching from St Paul’s Cathedral to Tower Bridge. This sky-high terrace pairs skyline scenery with bold Mexican-Japanese plates and one of the city’s best tequila and mezcal selections. It’s a go-to for after-work drinks, rooftop dinners, and buzzy weekend lunches – all served with a side of vibrant beats and unmatched vibes.

Where: 100 Liverpool St, London EC2M 2AT

6. For a Hidden Terrace: Casa Cruz 

What: Perched above the tree-lined streets of Holland Park, Casa Cruz’s balcony terrace is a hidden gem offering an intimate al fresco experience in one of West London’s most refined neighbourhoods. With its signature copper touches, rich green foliage, and views over leafy residential streets, the terrace feels more like a private members’ garden than a restaurant. The menu is modern European with a sophisticated twist – think seasonal plates, elegant wines, and classic cocktails served with finesse.

Where: 123A Clarendon Rd, London W11 4JG

7. For an Outdoor Oasis: Brigadiers

What: The terrace of the Indian BBQ restaurant Brigadiers offers an outdoor oasis in the heart of the City. Hosting both diners and drinkers for the spring-summer season, expect flame-grilled Indian plates alongside seasonal cocktails and free-flowing beer. On the terrace,  choose signature plates for the a la carte menu: Goat tikki bun kebabs, Tandoori chicken tikka club sandwich and Original BBQ butter chicken wings firm About Time favourites.

Where: 1-5 Bloomberg Arcade, London EC4N 8AR

8. For a New Terrace: SESTA

What: Just ahead of summer, SESTA – the restaurant and wine bar from Drew Snaith and Hannah Kowalski – has opened its new terrace to the streets of East London. Situated on Hackney’s charming Wilton Way, SESTA is all about small plates and natural wines from France and wider Europe. Feast on the likes of Cajun ham chou farci with smoked eel; Courgette, black garlic purée, fromage blanc, pickled limequat and Mexican rayu; and Devilled ox heart skewer, with pickled magnolia, green chillies and chives. Divine.

Where: 52 Wilton Way, London E8 1BG

Photo credit: Giulia Savorelli

9. For a Secluded Courtyard: Wildflowers 

What: In the heart of Belgravia lies Wildflowers, a charming all-day restaurant with a cracking terrace to boot. Tucked away in Newson’s Yard, the courtyard is fully covered and offers an oasis in central London where you can feast on Mediterranean-inspired dishes surrounded by freshly cut flowers. Small plates of Norfolk asparagus and taramasalata and Cantabrian anchovy toasts sit alongside the signature Calamari sandwich and mains of Spaghetti alla vongole, Baked mushroom rice, and Grilled sugar pit Iberico pork chop.

Where: Newson’s Yard, 57 Pimlico Rd, London SW1W 8NE

10. For a Sun-Soaked Terrace: Yasmin

What: Situated on the sixth floor of 1 Warwick in the heart of London’s Soho, Yasmin is an intimate rooftop restaurant and bar with a stunning wrap-around terrace. Behind the new menu is Executive Chef Tom Cenci. Expect small plates of Baharat duck skewer with orange and saffron mayo, Harissa Biftek with buttermilk-marinated flat iron, fennel and chilli, Whipped sheep’s cheese with hot honey and Isot Biber, and desserts including Chocolate Dondurma with sorbet, sour cherries and olive oil.

Where: 1 Warwick St, London W1B 5LR