Come the summer months, we Brits always try our best to recreate the Mediterranean dining experience. It’s not just about BBQs and picnics here in Surrey, however, as there’s plenty of top restaurants that offer a taste of the outdoors

Great British Life: The Dysart Petersham, near RichmondThe Dysart Petersham, near Richmond (Image: Archant)

Prefer a summer pub? Click here for some of our local favourites...

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Share your favourite alfresco restaurants with us by e-mailing matthew.williams@surreylife.co.uk

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THE BINGHAM, RICHMOND

Looking out on to the River Thames, the Bingham hotel’s restaurant in Richmond provides a truly elegant dining experience for families, friends and loved ones. Over the brightest months of the year guests can head down to the restaurant’s heated balcony and outdoor terrace to enjoy superb views down Britain’s most renowned river.

61-63 Petersham Road, Richmond upon Thames, Surrey TW10 6UT

Web: thebingham.co.uk

Tel: 020 8940 0902

THE BOAT AT RICHMOND BRIDGE, RICHMOND

Yes, literally a moored river going vessel. The Boat at Richmond Bridge fuses classic British recipes with multi cultural ingredients, and aims to bring together the traditions of the River Thames and the vibrant modern dining scene in Richmond.

Bridge Street, Richmond upon Thames, Surrey TW9 1TQ

Web: theboatatrichmondbridge.com

Tel: 0208 948 0220

LA CAPANNA, COBHAM

Bringing a slice of Sicily into Surrey, La Capanna has grown a beautiful Italian garden as a perfect dining spot for guests to discover delightful Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist. The romantic restaurant is located in a charming barn, which has been reassembled behind a 16th century cottage in Cobham High Street. With an extensive list of brilliant wines to explore as well as good food, La Capanna is not to be missed.

48 High Street, Cobham, Surrey KT11 3EF

Web: lacapanna.co.uk

Tel: 01932 862121

DRAKE'S, RIPLEY

Housed in an historic Georgian building, located at the core of the county in the town of Ripley, this Michelin starred restaurant is definitely one to visit for the summer. Drake’s prides itself on its enticing range of food across four top quality menus. During the brighter months of the year, the restaurant opens their enchanting garden with seating on the terrace to create a relaxing environment while for guests to dine outside in.

The Clock House, High Street, Ripley, Surrey GU23 6AQ

Web: drakesrestaurant.co.uk

Tel: 01483 224777

THE DYSART PETERSHAM, PETERSHAM

The Dysart has created a beautiful outdoor garden to provide an exquisite alfresco dining area for guests to view acres upon acres of Richmond Park. South-facing and capturing the sun’s rays throughout the seasons, this as-close-to-Michelin-star-as-you-get restaurant offers top quality cuisine in the blossoming gardens in the spring, summer and autumn months of the year.

135 Petersham Road, Petersham, Richmond upon Thames, Surrey TW10 7AA

Web: thedysartpetersham.co.uk

Tel: 020 8940 8005

THE GREEN OLIVE, CHOBHAM

Chobham is increasingly gaining a reputation as something of a gastro village, and The Green Olive is an establishment that brings an international flavour to things. If you’ve yet to discover the delights of meze with friends, then this restaurant’s alfresco area could be just the place this summer.

65 Station Road, Chobham, Surrey GU24 8AQ

Web: green-olive.co.uk

Tel: 01276 858114

INN ON THE LAKE, COBHAM

Whether you are a keen golfer or simply want to absorb beautiful lakeside views while enjoying dinner on the heated terrace, The Bistro suits all. The restaurant prides itself on the quality of its menus, offering a dish for every occasion. A highly skilled team of chefs combine a perfect blend of contemporary and traditional cuisines to appeal to everyone’s taste.

Silvermere Golf, Redhill Road, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1EF

Web: silvermere-golf.co.uk

Tel: 01932 584316

KINGHAMS, SHERE

Situated in the heart of the picturesque village of Shere, Kinghams is a perfect setting for an excellent alfresco meal. The charming 17th century restaurant incorporates the best of local produce with attention to detail to create a high standard of contemporary English dishes. Experience the ideal alfresco summertime meal in Kinghams’ well-kept gardens.

Gomshall Lane, Shere, Surrey GU5 9HE

Web: kinghams-restaurant.co.uk

Tel: 01483 202168

MULBERRY, HORLEY

Langshott Manor, Horley, Surrey RH6 9LN

Web: alexanderhotels.co.uk

Tel. 01293 786680

The exquisite 16th century Langshott Manor hotel is a quintessentially English countryside retreat. Here at their Mulberry restaurant you’ll be served a delicious range of meals made with quality ingredients and seasonal inspiration. When the flowers are in full bloom, there is no better place to enjoy a summer’s meal than in the restaurant’s rose flooded gardens.

PETERSHAM NURSERIES CAFE, PETERSHAM

While it’s called a café, it really is so much more - and hidden amongst the botanical haven of Petersham Nurseries, it’s the perfect spot for guests to escape from the hustle and bustle of city/town life. The internationally prized garden centre overflows with some of the most luscious flowers and plants to create a place of calm and beauty, where foodies can enjoy a delicious meal.

Church Lane, off Petersham Road, Petersham, Richmond upon Thames, Surrey TW10 7AB

Web: petershamnurseries.com

Tel: 020 8940 5230

PICCOLINO LA GRIGLIA, VIRGINIA WATER

This popular dining location has the lavish addition of an outdoor terrace to seat guests all year round. Piccolino La Griglia features an innovative retractable roof, which lets the day light beam in and the night skies gaze over guests all year round. Situated at Virginia Water Lake and a stone’s throw away from Ascot racecourse, this restaurant serves fresh seasonal produce that reflects pure Italian flavours in an idyllic environment.

London Road, Virginia Water, Surrey, GU25 4QE

Web: individualrestaurants.com

Tel: 01344 844 756

THE RESTAURANT, HASLEMERE

The restaurant at this grand hotel is situated in the Tudor house, which dates all the way back to 1475. With both a traditional and more contemporary part of the restaurant, guests can dine under the low level beamed ceilings or, in the summer months, head onto the terrace to enjoy a delicious alfresco meal with panoramic views of the gardens and lake.

Lythe Hill Hotel, Petworth Road, Haslemere, Surrey GU27 3BQ

Web: lythehill.co.uk

Tel: 01428 651251

THAI TERRACE, GUILDFORD

With one of the best and most unexpected views around, the Thai Terrace is found hidden away on the top of a town centre car park and is home to the Palm Terrace, where cocktails and delicious Thai lunches can be enjoyed. The perfect way to heighten the senses…

7th floor Castle Car Park, Sydenham Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 3RW

Web: thaiterrace.co.uk

Tel: 01483 503350