Riverside views on the Brayford
For waterside tables and long sunsets, the Brayford is your first call. The Electric Bar is located on the fifth floor of the DoubleTree, offering open-air balconies with a sweeping marina view, perfect for cocktails and small plates before or after dinner. Down at water level, the Royal William IV boasts one of the largest outdoor seating areas on the waterfront, offering dog-friendly walk-ins outside and a popular spot for classic pub food with a view. Chain restaurants on the boardwalk make it easy for groups: Zizzi confirms alfresco tables at its Brayford site, Wagamama’s stilted building faces the pool and runs outside seating, and Nando’s lists an outdoor area at its Brayford Wharf restaurant. If you want hotel-side dining with a view, the Holiday Inn’s Brayford View restaurant is another straightforward option.

Historic courtyards and uphill charm
Uphill around the Cathedral Quarter, you'll find quieter terraces and courtyards. Olé Olé Tapas at The Lawn offers outdoor seating beside the old hospital gardens and is a convenient choice after a visit to a castle or cathedral. Stokes’ two flagship cafés add heritage and outdoor space: the Lawn Café, located by the castle, features garden seating and an evening event, “Late at the Lawn.” At the same time, the timber-framed High Bridge Café offers riverside people-watching with pavement tables. The Lion & Snake on Bailgate backs this up with one of the area’s biggest beer gardens and direct cathedral views.

Cornhill Quarter and city-centre piazzas
If you prefer a traffic-free square, Cornhill’s pedestrian piazza combines several terraces. The Botanist has an outside terrace and is dog-friendly. Cosy Club looks out onto the square, and Pho also offers outdoor tables here. This cluster works well for families and those with mixed tastes, and you can decide on the day after seeing where the sun sets.

Big beer gardens and family pubs
For space to spread out, Craft on the High Street boasts one of the largest city-centre outdoor areas and serves food all day, with a livelier atmosphere in the evening. The Horse & Groom on Carholme Road is a locals’ favourite with a proper garden and a full pub menu; you can eat outside when the weather plays ball. On the canal path, a short walk from town, the Pyewipe’s riverside terrace is an easy family pick, with parking and a menu that suits all ages.

Good-weather back-ups for coffee and brunch
Seven Districts’ Bailgate site, and Coffee by the Arch on Newport, both offer outdoor seating that works well for breakfast, a flat white in the sun, or a simple lunch. They’re also reliable as a plan B if the main restaurants are full.

How to choose quickly
If you want a view of the water, aim for the Brayford and arrive early for outside tables at the pubs and chains. For quieter terraces near heritage, head uphill to The Lawn and Bailgate. For groups that want options side by side, use Cornhill’s Piazza and pick on arrival. When in doubt, check each site for outdoor booking policies; some venues keep exterior tables for walk-ins, especially on busy weekends.