Al Fresco Dining in Stratford: The Best Eateries with Outdoor Space

But with Summer coming and space restricted indoors, there’s no better time to get outside and enjoy some alfresco dining. So whether it’s a takeaway to your favourite outdoor beauty spot, or enjoying the alfresco space of your favourite eatery – we’ve got you covered.

The sprawling green space, the cultivated trails, the beauty spots with perfectly placed seating – there’s not a more picturesque place to eat in Stratford. If you’re looking for coffees and snacks with tables and chairs, The Last Drop Café offers views of the London Aquatics Centre and Tessa Jowell Boulevard.

Further North, within the park, is the Timber Lodge Café. If you keep your eyes peeled during Summer, you might even find an outdoor bbq with snacks available for outdoor dining.

All of the above said, there’s also an abundance of takeaway restaurants in Stratford that are within walking distance of the park’s most picturesque spots. Signorelli at IQL serves up freshly made coffee, pastries and toasties – the perfect lunchtime snack before you wander through the park’s trails.

IQL itself has a number of great Stratford restaurants with outdoor seating. Tonkotsu has opened a stylish outdoor dining area draped with atmospheric lighting and heaps of greenery welcoming you in. A more stylish spot to slurp ramen in, you will not find!

Figo have also opened their outdoor terrace for dining where you can sit, relax and casually stuff your face with the Italian feasts on offer. A prime spot for people watching while sipping on your favourite glass of chilled wine.

We also have Itsu and Pret on hand with takeaway dishes for you to enjoy whilst you wander round the area. IQL is located not far from the canals, the park, Westfield and Hackney – meaning there’s plenty of scenic spots for you to enjoy once you’ve picked up a snack.

Be sure to keep your eyes peeled on our events page over the coming month, as we’re delighted to tell you that Summer Screen is coming back this summer. We’ll be airing your favourite films, from cult to classics, in our outdoor cinema at The Spark, behind Pret. So pick up some popcorn and pop open the wine – for a right good time in the great outdoors.

Stratford and neighbouring Hackney have long been known for exceptional social options, attracting visitors from across London. If you’re looking for places to eat in Stratford that stray from the norm, you have to take a stroll along the canals at Hackney Wick.

Barge East is a barge come restaurant nestled at the far side of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. And now, they also have the gardens – rustic tables situated in amongst tall plants for privacy, all located next to the canals at Hackney Wicks. Peruse the menu for food, join friends for drinks or just enjoy a coffee in the sunshine, which we are expecting with much anticipation!

Walk a little further up the canal and you’ll find more places with an abundance of outdoor space. Places like Crate Brewery and Pizzeria, where you’ll also find the Alfred Le Roy barge for more on-the-water dining. Or the covered outdoor space at Number 90 bar and kitchen – a place that celebrates art and music as much as it does food and great cocktails.