Summer al fresco dining in London
With the sunshine hopefully on the way, the following London restaurants offer outdoor areas perfect for al fresco dining.
Bincho Yakitori (bincho.co.uk) - Soho
Bincho Yakitori is the authentic Japanese yakitori restaurant and bar in the heart of Soho, serving grilled meat and vegetable skewers, as well as other traditional Japanese dishes and drinks. There are tables set around the large windows, which can be opened to overlook Old Compton Street on a sunny day as well as a few tables set on the street outside, for people watching.
Bincho Yakitori, will be launching its second location at the new Central Saint Giles development, in late summer 2010, where they will be unveiling an impressive outdoor dining terrace.
St James (stjamesn8.co.uk) - Crouch End
St James Restaurant & Bar, now well- established in the heart of Crouch End on Topsfield Parade, and a runner up in the Best Local Restaurant category of the 2009 Time Out Eating and Drinking Awards, has recently undergone a refurbishment. The restaurant continues to serve a seasonal a la carte menu, strong on comfort foods and robust flavours. A secluded patio is perfect for warm days and seats 12 for lunch or dinner.
El Camino Mexicano (elcamino.co.uk) - Soho & Notting Hill
Serving the freshest Mexican dishes from the grill, El Camino Mexicano provides good value, authentic food and drink, and now has two sites in central London. The Soho branch on Brewer Street offers a few outdoor tables for dining, as well as a take-away service including frozen margaritas, for those who’d like to enjoy their food in Soho Square, or one of London’s parks. The Notting Hill restaurant has a large outside seating area for about 20, where diners can relax and watch the hustle and bustle of Portobello market at the weekend.
Incanto (incanto.co.uk) - Harrow on the Hill
Incanto Restaurant & Delicatessen, located in the historic village of Harrow on the Hill, has a Southern Italian inspired menu, and is an advocate of careful sourcing of ingredients. There are a few tables at the front of the restaurant where guests can enjoy coffee and snacks from the Deli. Incanto has also launched a variety bespoke Luxury and Premium Hampers designed for 4 people, which are made to order, and are presented in elegant wicker hampers. Hampers contain dishes such as corn-fed chicken breast stuffed with mushrooms and wrapped in pancetta; Loch Fyne smoked salmon, English asparagus and creme fraiche terrine; and a selection of fine Italian cheeses served with grapes and crackers. Drinks include chilled Prosecco or wine.
Indian Zing (indianzing.co.uk) – Hammersmith
Offers a covered patio with retractable roof to the rear of the elegant dining room, which allows al fresco dining for 15 when weather permits. There are also several tables to the front of the restaurant. This summer, chef owner Manoj Vasaikar will continue his renowned festivals, with the Biryani Fiesta running from 13th to 22nd July and the Maharastrian Fiesta from 17th to 26th August.
Euphorium Bakery (euphoriumbakery.com) - Belsize Park, NW3
Euphorium Bakery serves an extensive selection of freshly made breads, sandwiches, savoury tarts, pastries and cakes throughout the day, to eat in or take away. Additionally, there is a large al fresco terrace with protective awning (seating 18), allowing customers to sit outside whatever the weather. Other branches are in Islington (Upper Street and Chapel Market) and South End Green NW3.
