Summer is here and what better way to soak up the sun than relaxing with a meal or your favourite drink in the company of friends or family? Listed below are just a few of the many restaurants, pubs and bars boasting flourishing gardens and lively outdoor dining areas to help you make the most of the good weather on your next visit to Leeds.

Above the bustling city, rooftop retreats offer a perfect escape with fresh air, panoramic views and, of course, some great food and drink.

CrowdedHouse sits in Trinity Leeds, with great views over the shopping centre and Holy Trinity Boar Lane Church. Enjoy curated drinks, quality food and a relaxed atmosphere out on the terrace

Green Room‘s cosy rooftop terrace opens up to mark the start of Spring Summer. Light lunches, cool drinks and a catchup with friends are perfect in this suntrap.

Uyare, from the same team as award-winning celeb favourite Tharavadu, has a panoramic view over Leeds to enjoy whilst sipping crafted cocktails and cold glasses of fizz.

Azotea is an urban oasis filled with flavours from Latin America. Choose from a variety of picky bits… we mean small plates… and some tropical cocktails to wash it down with.

The Rooftop Social (used to be IF Rooftop) has spectacular views over to Leeds Town Hall, whilst serving up some classic cocktails including Pina Colada, Frozen Daiquiris and Aperol Spritz.

SkyLounge is a show-stopper of a venue and when the city gets too hot, head up to see breath-taking views of Leeds and some of the best cocktails in the city.

Belgrave Music Hall is the coolest rooftop in the city, just grab some pizza and beer from downstairs and head up for cool vibes and music.

Headrow House is home to two roof terraces with live music, a variety of drinks and an iconic neon board with rotating messages.

Head along the River Aire to these bars, cafes and restaurant, where good food, flowing drinks, and waterside views create the perfect relaxed escape.

At Granary Wharf, The Lock serves up all day dining from bottomless brunches, light lunches and a bit of something for everyone including a 2 course children’s menu.

Water Lane Boathouse is a dog-friendly bar with a seasonally changing menu, a host of events from pub quizzes to live music, and a great view over the River Aire.

Brewery Wharf Tavern, from the same team as Whitelocks and White Cloth Hall, is a riverside pub with a range of lagers, cocktails and wines, plus some tasty homemade sourdough pizza and Sunday Roasts, a great pitstop on the way from the Royal Armouries Museum.

If you’re having a wander along the River Aire, then stop off at Piglove by the River for craft beers, street food, live music and even comedy shows! Pet friendly too.

SALT Granary Wharf combines craft beers, tasty food from Falafel Guys and a great waterside view of Granary Wharf. Or head down to their other location at Calls Landing to watch the iconic Leeds Dock Water Taxi float by as you enjoy a beer on the terrace.

Tucked away in a beautifully converted Victorian mill, Brasserie Blanc‘s riverside terrace is perfect for the whole family to enjoy dinner, drinks and a relaxing atmosphere.

Award-winning restaurant Livin’Italy is authentically Italian, from the food and drink to the team running it, and even sitting outside will have you feel like you’re sitting at an Italian piazza with a large courtyard and view across Granary Wharf.

Domo brings fresh Sardinian small plates, a great wine list, signature cocktails, and a lovely view of the waterfront in Leeds.

If you’re looking for an alfresco dining spot in Leeds, these sunny terraces and courtyards are where great food and vibes come together.

Banyan is a stylish bar and kitchen sitting in the iconic City Square. From breakfast and bottomless brunches, to dinner and Sunday Roasts, it’s the perfect place to meet up with friends and family for whatever the occasion.

Located in The Old Post Office, the Restaurant Bar & Grill has been designed Art Deco style, with New York’s Grand Central Station in mind. As one of Leeds’ largest alfresco dining and drinking areas, and a menu of grilled classics and fresh seafood, this is a dining experience that’s unforgettable.

In Leeds’ most luxurious shopping district, Caffe Concerto in Victoria Leeds offers Italian-inspired indulgent sweets, afternoon tea and more, including their famous ‘towers’ – three-tiered sharing dishes including pizzas, pasta and desserts.

Indian Tiffin Room is offering up delicious Indian street food, spicy cocktails, and sweet desserts, all whilst you sit outside on one of Leeds’ most vibrant streets – Greek Street.

Enjoy the sunshine on the terrace at Blackhouse Gastrobar, along with some of the best steak dishes in Leeds, an extensive wine list and classic desserts.