Outdoor dining around Nottingham — 7 of the best spots for eating al fresco
Gorgeous gardens, people-watching spots, holiday-style locations, and more...
When the sun is shining, there's nothing better than eating a delicious meal al fresco style — and there are plenty of places to do that around Nottingham.
From casual, bustling locations to chic spots with elegance, I have rounded up a mixture of places in the city centre and beyond. l have considered the cuisine, reviews, personal experiences, atmosphere and dietary options when compiling these.
If you’re looking for relaxing restaurants around Nottingham with outdoor seating, these are all worth checking out. And, if you want to keep up with food features, event guides, activities, and more, subscribe to receive The Notts Edit in your inbox for free.
7 of the best outdoor dining locations around Nottingham
By Maizie Booth
1. The Magic Garden
Where: Low Pavement, Nottingham, NG1 7DL
How much: ££
With its playful decor, beautiful plants, and huge variety of seating, The Magic Garden is Nottingham’s biggest and most beautiful city garden. Food-wise, it has burgers, salads, and wraps for mains — but we especially like pairing up its flatbreads with tapas plates and grazing the afternoon away. There are also lots of vegan and gluten-free options. Of course, this all wouldn’t be complete without its fruity cocktails and spritzes, which are two for £11.95 Sunday-Thursday. The solero is especially perfect for summer dining (and even comes with an ice lolly!)
Visit if: You’re looking for fun vibes — on a bright day, the atmosphere here is electric.
2. The Old Vol
Where: Caythorpe Road, Lowdham, NG14 7EB
How much: £££
We think this has the most show-stopping al fresco dining area in Nottinghamshire, with its heated garden pods, gazebos with sofas, and even a bookable pergola that seats 20 people. The garden menu is classic British gastropub fare, with burgers, salads, fish and chips for mains. Or, if you wish to share, you can get a breadboard, lamp koftas, and tempura prawns for the table. If the weather isn’t so good, you can also head inside and try its a la carte menu or one of its decadent Sunday roasts.
Visit if: You want the most Instagrammable al fresco dining experience possible.
3. Bustler
Where: Freckingham Street, Nottingham, NG1 1DW
How much: £
With chilled-out picnic benches and street food galore, Bustler is a brilliant casual outdoor dining location. Its vendors rotate weekly, so we recommend checking its Instagram page before visiting to ensure there’s something you like. Plus, it is also opening its food hall in June, which will have four different street food kitchens within it. Inside, it often has activities on, like puppy love dating, sitcom Sundays, and craft workshops. Its neighbour Blend also has a lovely outdoor area for coffee during the day.
Visit if: You want a spot you can spend the day at.
4. Taquero
Where: Heathcoat Street, Nottingham, NG1 3AA
How much: ££
This intimate outdoor seating area is slightly tucked away compared to other places in Hockley — but it still has plenty of character. Start with totopos and salsa, before reaching for filled tacos and small plates. Our favourites include the beef birria tacos and the pickles fritos. Don’t forget about the margaritas — it has options aplenty, with spicy, fruity, frozen, and more on offer. Looking for Spanish tapas instead? Its sister restaurant Bar Iberico on Carlton Street is in a busier location, but also has excellent food.
Visit if: Tacos and tequila are your idea of a good time.
5. Piccolino
Where: Weekday Cross, Nottingham, NG1 2GB
How much: £££
Situated right on the corner of Lace Market, not only is Piccolino super elegant, but it’s also a brilliant people-watching spot. It serves a variety of Italian food from different parts of the country, as well as using traditional Neapolitan techniques to make its pizza. If you aren’t in the mood for food, it has a superb Italian wine list and cocktail menu. The restaurant’s beautiful terrace will make you think you have landed in Italy on a sunny day.
Visit if: You’d love to have a sophisticated meal out (quite literally!).
6. Binks Yard
Where: The Island Quarter, Nottingham, NG2 3JL
How much: ££
Sitting pretty canalside, Binks Yard offers a variety of different cuisines, including steaks, wood-fired pizzas, and shawarmas. However, the special feature of this dining experience is the outdoor performance stage and outdoor screen, which is the largest in the East Midlands. It's worth browsing its Live at Binks programme, as it always has plenty of events on. It also often has sports on the screen — this, a glass of something delicious, and some nibbles is a very good time indeed.
Visit if: You like having something to watch while you’re dining.
7. Giggling Squid
Where: Bridgford Road, West Bridgford, NG2 6AP
How much: ££
With its soaring tree wrapped in fairy lights and polished dining seats, this is a breezy spot for enjoying the restaurant’s fun take on Thai food. The lighting means you can enjoy your food in the evening as well as the day. The menu changes at least once a year, but it offers seasonal, limited-edition specials. That being said, you can expect sharing platters, curries, stir-fries, and — yes, you guessed it — plenty of seafood. A vegan menu is also available and many dishes are gluten-free.
Visit if: You’d like to feel like you’re on holiday while eating outside.
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