When the capital is blessed with a splash of sunshine, Londoners flock outside in search of good food, a chilled glass of wine and that elusive Mediterranean feeling. Few cuisines capture the spirit of open-air dining quite like Italian, with its leisurely courses, vibrant flavours and convivial atmosphere. While the city is dotted with countless trattorie, one name consistently rises to the top when al fresco eating is the order of the day: Friends of Flavours. From its leafy terrace to its seasonally driven menu, this neighbourhood favourite proves that you do not have to board a plane to experience the warmth of an Italian piazza.
There is something unmistakably special about sharing a meal outdoors. A 2023 YouGov poll found that 62 per cent of London residents actively seek venues with patio or garden seating when booking a restaurant between April and September. Fresh air seems to sharpen the appetite, while the natural bustle of the street provides a soundtrack that no dining-room playlist can rival.
Italian cuisine, with its emphasis on seasonal produce and relaxed dining rituals, lends itself perfectly to this setting. A shared antipasti board, a colourful pasta course and a spritz on ice are somehow elevated when enjoyed beneath a blue sky or under the glow of festoon lights at dusk. The best establishments understand that outdoor seating is not an afterthought but an integral part of the guest experience—something that Friends of Flavours embraces wholeheartedly.
Unlike many London venues that simply drag a few tables onto the pavement, Friends of Flavours invested in a purpose-built courtyard that feels both intimate and adaptable. Retractable awnings mean that a passing shower will not dampen spirits, while discreet heaters take the edge off cooler evenings. Climbing jasmine and potted olive trees soften the brickwork, creating a pocket of Italy that is equal parts romantic and practical.
Friends of Flavours does more than lean on the greatest hits of Italian cookery; the kitchen team travels the peninsula on the plate, showcasing recipes from Lombardy to Sicily. Whether it is the velvety Risotto al Limone brightened with Amalfi lemons or the hearty Pappardelle al Cinghiale inspired by Tuscan countryside kitchens, each dish tells a regional story while remaining reassuringly familiar.
Ethical sourcing is no longer a buzzword—it is an expectation. Friends of Flavours partners with British farmers for free-range meat and organic vegetables, while specialty items such as buffalo mozzarella and Calabrian ’nduja arrive via small Italian producers. All seafood is certified sustainable, and the wine list highlights growers who practise organic or biodynamic methods. The result is a dining experience that tastes good and feels good.
Every strand, ribbon and shell of pasta is rolled daily in the open kitchen, a theatrical touch appreciated by curious diners. Crowd favourites include:
Tagliolini al Tartufo: Thin ribbons coated in a delicate truffle butter, finished with Parmigiano Reggiano aged for 30 months. The dish is fragrant yet balanced, allowing the earthy aroma of the truffle to shine without overwhelming the palate.
Penne alla Norma: A Sicilian classic featuring roasted aubergine, rich tomato sauce and a sprinkle of salted ricotta. Lightly charred vegetables add depth, making it ideal for a lingering summer lunch outdoors.
The domed oven, fired with kiln-dried ash and beech, reaches a blistering 450 °C, producing a leopard-speckled crust in under 90 seconds. Highlights include:
Pizza Salsiccia e Friarielli: A marriage of spicy Tuscan sausage and bitter Neapolitan broccoli rabe, balanced by fior di latte mozzarella. Perfect with a frosty lager.
Margherita Classica: Proof that simplicity reigns supreme. San Marzano tomatoes, basil from the restaurant’s own planters and a drizzle of single-estate extra-virgin olive oil make this a benchmark margherita.
Dessert at Friends of Flavours is far more than an afterthought. Two sweet show-stoppers consistently draw applause:
Tiramisu della Casa: Layers of espresso-soaked Savoiardi, mascarpone cream and a dusting of Valrhona cocoa. Light enough to finish solo yet generous enough to share.
Panna Cotta al Limoncello: Silken custard infused with house-made limoncello, served with macerated berries. A zesty finale that keeps the conversation sparkling.
The terrace accommodates walk-ins at lunch, but an advance reservation is advised for dinner, especially at weekends. Late afternoons between 4 pm and 6 pm offer a sweet spot: the lunch rush has faded, the evening buzz is building and golden hour bathes the courtyard in flattering light.
Friends of Flavours sits a short stroll from two Underground stations, making it easy to reach from any corner of the city. Before or after your meal, wander through the nearby art galleries or take a riverside walk—an effortless way to turn dinner into a mini stay-cation.
1. Layer Up: Even in midsummer, London evenings can cool quickly. A light jacket ensures comfort long after sunset.
2. Start with an Aperitivo: A classic Negroni or an elderflower spritz whets the appetite and sets a relaxed tone.
3. Share Generously: Italian dining is communal by nature. Order a mix of antipasti and pizza to share, then individual pasta dishes for a varied feast.
Great restaurants are more than the sum of their parts. The charm of Friends of Flavours lies in the seamless fusion of warm service, genuine flavours and an outdoor space that feels both escapist and unmistakably London. The team’s commitment to craft—whether hand-rolling pasta or curating a sustainable wine list—translates into an experience that resonates long after the final espresso.
With the earliest crocuses of spring to the soft golden days of early autumn, the Friends of Flavours terrace becomes a stage for celebration: anniversaries toasted with Prosecco, catch-ups over shared antipasti, solo diners lost in novels with a bowl of Gnocchi al Pesto by their side. The atmosphere, at once vibrant and unrushed, invites guests to linger—something increasingly rare in a city famed for its pace.
So when the forecast looks promising and the urge for an Italian escape strikes, Londoners need look no further. Friends of Flavours captures the soul of la dolce vita, offering an al fresco dining experience that rivals the trattorie of Rome, Naples or Florence—without the plane ticket. Book a table, order a chilled Verdicchio and let the scents of basil and woodsmoke carry you away. Buon appetito!
Embrace the essence of Italian dining right here in Penge, London, at the award-winning Friends of Flavours. Let our experienced Italian chefs, led by Angelo Gobbi, transport you to the heart of Italy with every bite of our authentic dishes. Whether it's a casual lunch under the sun or a romantic dinner under the stars, our terrace awaits to make your dining experience unforgettable. Don't miss out on the chance to indulge in the passion for fresh and tasty food that has earned us a Diner's Choice Award from Open Table. Book a table now and join us for a celebration of Italian flavours that you and your friends will cherish.