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Chef's Diary

The Best Terrace for Alfresco Dining in London: A Taste of the Mediterranean at Myrtos

There’s something undeniably special about outdoor dining in London during the summer months. As the city slows into longer evenings and sun-filled afternoons, the Myrtos terrace fills with the hum of conversation and the ring of glasses as friends and family gather to embrace the season and enjoy the simple pleasure of gathering outdoors. Unsurprisingly, it’s one of our favourite times of year.

Outdoor Dining in London: A Mediterranean Escape in South Kensington

For those searching for an outdoor restaurant in London this summer, Myrtos offers a Mediterranean-inspired escape in the heart of South Kensington. Rooted in Greek hospitality and designed for connection, our terrace brings together seasonal cuisine, a thoughtfully curated drinks menu and a relaxed atmosphere that transports guests far beyond the city streets. You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d been transported to a Greek island.

Why Terrace Dining in London Comes Into Its Own During Summer

We love London in the summer. Parks become gathering places, streets feel more vibrant and dining naturally moves outdoors. In particular, terrace dining in London offers an opportunity to experience the city differently. The mix of fresh air, natural light and an unhurried atmosphere creates a sense of occasion, whether you’re meeting friends for lunch or enjoying date night.

Located in one of London’s most elegant neighbourhoods, Myrtos offers outdoor dining in South Kensington that feels both sophisticated and relaxed. Our terrace draws inspiration from the landscapes of Greece, reflecting the natural beauty and slower pace of life found across the Ionian islands and Mediterranean coastline. Here, guests can enjoy seasonal food and drink while embracing the slower rhythm that defines Greek hospitality.

As a restaurant terrace in London, the space is designed for every type of occasion, from long lunches and afternoon drinks to leisurely dinners with friends and family. Whether visiting in between exploring South Kensington or planning an evening celebration, guests are welcomed with the same spirit of philoxenia that shapes every aspect of the Myrtos experience.

Alfresco Dining in London: Seasonal Dishes for Summer

Our menu reflects the landscapes and produce of Greece, celebrating ingredients that feel naturally suited to outdoor dining. For guests seeking a lighter lunch on the terrace, seasonal small plates provide an ideal way to sample multiple flavours while embracing the relaxed spirit of alfresco dining in London. Begin with a selection of raw and seafood dishes, such as pink bream crudo dressed with citrus and extra virgin olive oil, or bluefin tuna paired with Cretan rock samphire, tomatoes and capers. Bright, elegant and full of freshness, they capture the essence of Mediterranean summer cooking.

For those seeking something heartier, dishes such as grilled octopus with flamed green beans and fermented savoy cabbage or poached cod with skordalia and pickled rock samphire showcase the restaurant’s approach to seafood: ingredient-led, refined and deeply connected to Greece’s coastline.

As the afternoon drifts into evening, larger dishes provide a centrepiece for the table. Our salt-baked Kefalonian organic sea bass arrives simply dressed with lemon and extra virgin olive oil, while the whole lobster Giouvetsi combines shellfish, basil and tomato in a dish that evokes long lunches by the sea. Looking for something sweet? We’ve shortlisted the five Greek desserts you need to try.

As day turns to evening, the terrace takes on a different character. The pace slows, conversations linger and the golden light of early evening creates an atmosphere that feels distinctly Mediterranean. It is often at this time of day that guests settle in for a second glass of wine, order another dish to share or simply enjoy being outdoors for a little longer. For many, this golden-hour transition is what makes summer dining in London so appealing, transforming an ordinary meal into something memorable.

Natural Greek Wines and Cocktails for Terrace Dining in London

Few things complement terrace dining quite like a chilled glass of wine as the sun begins to set. Our natural wine list takes guests on a journey through Greece’s vineyards, from the volcanic soils of Santorini to the Ionian island of Kefalonia. Carefully selected producers champion authenticity, sustainability and a strong sense of place, making every bottle an expression of the landscape from which it comes.

Not every terrace visit needs to revolve around a full meal. One of the joys of summer dining is the opportunity to pause for a pre-dinner drink or a leisurely afternoon aperitif. Across the Mediterranean, the hours before dinner are often reserved for catching up with friends over a cocktail or glass of wine, accompanied by a few small bites. It is a ritual that encourages people to slow down and savour the moment rather than rush from one commitment to the next.

Our cocktail menu, created with renowned Athenian bar Line, offers just this. The Limoncello Spritz brings together elderflower, chamomile and citrus notes, while the Orange Blossom Collins combines mastiha spirit, white peach and jasmine soda for a refreshing taste of summer. For those looking for something lower in alcohol, the Bergamot & Tonic offers a bright, botanical alternative that feels perfectly suited to a warm London evening. Read more about our Greek cocktail journey here.

Outdoor Dining in South Kensington: Make a Day of It

One of the pleasures of outdoor dining in South Kensington is that it naturally lends itself to a day spent exploring one of London’s most beautiful neighbourhoods.

Spend the afternoon browsing the boutiques that line the surrounding streets. Pick up a read or two at South Kensington Books on Thurloe Street and discover unique homeware at Soroka. Take a stroll through nearby Kensington Gardens or visit one of the area’s world-famous cultural institutions, from the V&A to the Natural History Museum. During the summer months, South Kensington feels particularly vibrant, with visitors and locals alike making the most of the longer days and warmer evenings.

A relaxed lunch on the terrace can easily become an afternoon of discovery, while dinner reservations provide the perfect conclusion to a day spent exploring the neighbourhood. Alternatively, book an early dinner reservation before going on to enjoy a concert at the Royal Albert Hall. It is this combination of culture, atmosphere and exceptional dining that makes South Kensington one of London’s most sought-after destinations during the summer season.

Whether you’re stopping by for an afternoon drink, a leisurely lunch or dinner at sunset, we invite you to embrace the slower pace and simple pleasures of Mediterranean living on the Myrtos terrace.

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