Where to eat outside in Covent Garden: 13 charming al fresco spots

Covent Garden’s cobbled piazza is one of the enduring images of London life for many of us, and when the sun is shining, thousands of us flock to this thrumming area of London to catch some sunny rays, eat, drink, be merry and watch crowds pass by. Typically one of London’s busiest areas, there are lots of restaurants and bars spread all over Covent Garden, and many of them have outside space that you can sit in for a drink or a spot of lunch.

Looking for somewhere to eat al fresco in Covent Garden? This central part of London has you blessed with options, from tables in piazza to quiet courtyards and al fresco pavement tables. For many of us, eating outside in Covent Garden means grabbing a table on the piazza itself, so you’re sitting right in the heart of the action. A variety of restaurants in the piazza have lots of tables right on the cobbles, or even on the upper terrace of the old market building itself, where you can lord it over the crowds with an Aperol Spritz in hand.

If you will, we’d encourage you to cast your net a little further than Covent Garden’s central piazza, and explore some of the excellent restaurants in the surrounding area. When the sun is out, most of Covent Garden’s best spots have, at the very least, a few neat bistro tables to set up on the patio, so you can be outside in the fresh air and tuck into some of the best food in the city. Much of Covent Garden is pedestrianised as well, and as a result, lots of restaurants are able to set up large sheltered terraces that have some wind and sun protection.

We’ve picked out a range of our favourite outdoor Covent Garden restaurants, but you can find more by hitting this link and scrolling through our complete restaurant listings for the area.

Baudry Greene

What: Baudry Greene may only have a handful of pavement tables, but they get the full blast of afternoon sun, and this stylish cafe, bar and restaurant throws the front windows open on better days so the whole place feels balmy and continental. The food and drink offering is superb, not to mention wallet-friendly. Come on a hot day for exceptional home made choc ices.
Where: 20 Endell Street, WC2H 9BD
Book now: Baudry Greene

SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden

What: Stylish interiors, buzzing atmosphere, fun food and outstanding cocktails - it’s no wonder that SUSHISAMBA still draws the crowds. This is certainly one of the more expensive places to spend your cash, but for your money you get to lounge on Covent Garden’s Opera Terrace and overlook the tourist-heavy crowds below.
Where: Opera Terrace, The Piazza, WC2E 8RF
Book now: SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden

J Sheekey

What: J Sheekey’s supremely cosseting atmosphere and exemplary fish and seafood cooking has made it a London restaurant icon, not to mention its proximity to Theatreland and the huge al fresco terrace in front of the restaurant. There are few better places to tuck into a seafood platter.
Where: 28-32 St Martin's Court, WC2N 4AL
Book now: J Sheekey

Lahpet West End

What: Burmese restaurant Lahpet has grown from humble beginnings and now includes three sites across London. When it comes to al fresco dining, the Covent Garden spot is our favourite, as you can grab a seat on the first floor terrace overlooking quiet St Martin’s Courtyard.
Where: 21 Slingsby Place, St Martin’s Courtyard, WC2E 9AB
Book now: Lahpet West End

La Goccia

What: Alongside sister restaurant The Petersham, La Goccia inhabits Covent Garden’s Floral Court. The name makes sense when you get here, as this sheltered little courtyard is tucked away from most of Covent Garden’s buzz, and is covered in foliage and pot plants. The all-day menu at La Goccia suits perfectly with light Mediterranean bites and botanical cocktails.
Where: 1 Floral Court, WC2E 9FB
Book now: La Goccia

Rucola at The Conduit

What: The Conduit is a chic, eco-conscious Covent Garden members’ club that boasts, among many great things, a beautiful rooftop restaurant called Rucola. Aside from offering one of the best views in the area, the menu is a Med feast of things you just want to eat on a rooftop, from morel and wild garlic bruschetta to spaghetti con vongole, alongside a cracking cocktail list.
Where: 6 Langley Street, WC2H 9JA
Book now: Rucola at The Conduit

Henri

What: We’re huge fans of Jackson Boxer’s restaurant inside the Henrietta Hotel, so it’s equally pleasing to see that the restaurant has nabbed a bit of al fresco space on the pedestrianised street just outside. Tuck into Parisian cocktails and proper bistro food done extremely well.
Where: 14-15 Henrietta Street, WC2E 8PS
Book now: Henri

Olea Social

What: Olea Social’s broad Mediterranean menu has something for everyone, taking inspiration from Spain, Greece, Turkey and Morocco. We love the soothing green colour scheme and abundance of plants, and the menu is very welcoming too, ranging from puffy flatbreads to chicken shish, prawn croquetas and slow-cooked Galician octopus.
Where: 10 Upper St Martin's Lane, WC2H 9FB
Book now: Olea Social

Ladurée

What: Many of us are drawn instantly to Laduree’s lime green chairs and parasols on the Covent Garden piazza, and this respected Parisian teahouse is a great place to come for a sweet snack and a cup of tea. The afternoon tea is popular too, combining delicate finger sandwiches and artistic patisserie. There’s also a terrace you can sit on if you fancy it.
Where: Unit 1, Covent Garden Market, WC2E 8RF
Book now: Ladurée

Louie London

What: Louie has a variety of different spaces, all uniquely themed, but our favourite is the terrace, which has a retractable glass roof to bring the outside in on nicer days. The menu takes a slightly modern look at French and Creole favourites - think lobster roles, barbecue shrimp, buttermilk chicken burgers and pecan pie.
Where: 13-15 West Street, WC2H 9NE
Book now: Louie London

Margot

What: Margot’s stylish pavement bistro tables, tucked under royal blue awnings, feel positively Parisian in their chicness. It’s the perfect place to watch the comings and goings of Covent Garden with a good coffee, a cocktail, or some classic Italian cooking - take your pick.
Where: 45 Great Queen Street, WC2B 5AA
Book now: Margot

Brasserie Max at Covent Garden Hotel

What: Brasserie Max’s boutique charm suits Seven Dials rather well, and the outside tables are always in high demand. A thoroughly international menu covers all the bases from courgette fritti, sage and lemon to roast lamb with harissa summer beans. Brasserie Max also does a great afternoon tea, and if Covent Garden is getting too raucous you can duck inside into the lovely restaurant.
Where: Covent Garden Hotel, 10 Monmouth Street, WC2H 9HB
Book now: Brasserie Max at Covent Garden Hotel

26 Grains

What: A health-conscious all-day menu has made 26 Grains ultra-popular and the outdoor terrace is always busy from breakfast to late lunch. We love sitting out front with a bowl of banana and tahini porridge, but the fried eggs in chilli butter are also a favourite, and 26 Grains makes great coffee too.
Where: 1 Neal's Yard, WC2H 9DP
Book now: 26 Grains

If you love the fresh air, we’ve got loads more outdoor dining options for you. Check out our guide to the best outdoor restaurants all over London, or if views are what you fancy, we’ve got London’s best rooftop restaurants for you to look at too.