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The Ultimate Guide to Soho’s Best Al Fresco Dining This Summer
From sun-soaked terraces and hidden courtyards to London’s newest restaurant openings, here’s where to dine outdoors in Soho this season.
As soon as the sunshine arrives, Soho transforms into one of London’s best destinations for al fresco dining. Bustling terraces, hidden courtyards and cobbled streets fill with diners making the most of long summer days, while Carnaby Street provides the perfect backdrop for everything from morning coffee and leisurely lunches to sunset cocktails and late-night feasts.
Adding even more colour to the neighbourhood this season is ¡Frida Icónica!, Carnaby Street’s spectacular free installation celebrating the life and legacy of Frida Kahlo. Stretching the length of the iconic shopping street, thousands of handcrafted papel picado flutter overhead, culminating in a breathtaking anamorphic portrait of the legendary artist – creating one of London’s most Instagrammable summer attractions.
Whether you’re looking for handcrafted pasta, exceptional burgers, self-pour wine, Turkish feasts or award-worthy ice cream, these are the best places to eat outdoors in Soho this summer.
Be among the first to visit Ice Cream Union
8 Ganton Street
One of Soho’s hottest new openings, Ice Cream Union has arrived on Ganton Street with its celebrated handcrafted ice cream and sorbet. Long favoured by top chefs, the parlour serves a rotating menu of signature classics alongside seasonal flavours, making it an essential summer stop while exploring Carnaby.
Self-pour wine and summer sharing plates at Vagabond
14–16 Ganton Street
Wine lovers should head to Vagabond, Soho’s newest urban winery, where more than 120 wines are available by the glass via its signature self-pour machines. The spacious outdoor terrace is ideal for relaxed summer evenings, while a seasonal small plates menu perfectly complements every pour.
This summer, diners can also enjoy three small plates for £20 every day from 12pm–3pm, with dishes including patatas bravas, Ibérico croquetas, hanger steak tagliata and charred octopus.
Modern British dining at The Shaston Arms
4–6 Ganton Street
A much-loved Soho institution since 1999, The Shaston Arms reopened last year under the acclaimed team behind The Waterman’s Arms. Pull up a pavement table and enjoy elevated British pub classics in one of the neighbourhood’s most charming outdoor settings.
Handmade pasta at Padella
2 Kingly Street
Fresh pasta always tastes better in the sunshine. Padella’s newest Soho restaurant features plenty of outdoor seating, making it the perfect place to enjoy its famous hand-rolled pasta and beautifully simple Italian sauces after exploring Carnaby Street.
Parisian charm at Marjorie’s
26 Foubert’s Place
Tucked away on picturesque Foubert’s Place, Marjorie’s brings a slice of Paris to Soho. Expect elegant French-inspired small plates, one of London’s best all-French wine lists and pavement seating on one of the area’s prettiest cobbled streets.
Detroit-style pizza at Ria’s
29 Foubert’s Place
Notting Hill favourite Ria’s has brought its cult Detroit-style pizza to Soho. Grab an outdoor table and tuck into its signature deep-pan slices, made with 72-hour fermented dough, alongside natural wines and expertly crafted cocktails.
Gourmet burgers at Heard
31 Foubert’s Place
Founded by two Michelin-starred chef Jordan Bailey, Heard reimagines the classic burger using exceptional British produce and regenerative farm-sourced beef. Enjoy one of London’s finest burgers outdoors with indulgent sides and locally brewed beers.
Turkish flavours at Zahter
30–32 Foubert’s Place
Inspired by the vibrant food culture of Istanbul, Zahter serves contemporary Turkish cuisine centred around charcoal and wood-fired cooking. Its outdoor tables are ideal for lingering over colourful mezze, fresh seafood and seasonal sharing plates in the summer sunshine.
Al Fresco Dining in Kingly Court
If you’re looking for multiple restaurants in one destination, Kingly Court is hard to beat. Its three-storey open-air courtyard is home to some of Soho’s most exciting independent restaurants, bars and dessert destinations, making it perfect for long lunches, dinner with friends or an evening of grazing.
Basque flavours at ALTA
Celebrating the cuisine of Spain’s Navarra region, ALTA combines premium British produce with authentic Basque cooking. Expect pintxos, grilled specialities and expertly paired vermouth cocktails in one of Kingly Court’s most stylish outdoor spaces.
For a more relaxed experience, Bar ALTA offers casual sharing plates alongside wines by the glass, sherries, vermouths and cocktails, with tables spilling out into the courtyard throughout the summer.
Wood-fired feasts at Goldies
Summer and barbecue go hand in hand, and Goldies delivers some of London’s best. Everything is cooked over a live wood-fired grill, from juicy chicken and burgers to premium steak cuts, all served with its famous frites and a superb natural wine list.
Cool down at Big Kid Ice Cream
1 Kingly Street
No summer visit to Soho is complete without ice cream, and Big Kid Ice Cream is one of the city’s most talked-about dessert destinations. Recently named London’s Best Ice Cream Shop by Metro, the popular hatch is celebrating its third birthday with a special 20-flavour menu featuring creations including Glazed Donut Soft Serve, Black Sesame Oreo and the limited-edition Dill Pickle Ice Cream.
Whether you’re planning a leisurely weekend lunch, after-work drinks or a full day discovering ¡Frida Icónica! and Carnaby Street, Soho offers some of London’s finest outdoor dining experiences. From hidden courtyards and buzzing terraces to exciting new openings and much-loved favourites, there’s never been a better time to dine in the sunshine.
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