Top Outdoor Dining Spots in Bury St Edmunds – The Best Alfresco Dining for Summer
_If you're looking for the best places for outdoor dining in Bury St Edmunds, you're in the right place.
Damson & Wilde
The stunning outdoor garden of Damson & Wilde in Bury St Edmunds is a popular outdoor dining destination! Damson & Wilde is the perfect place to relax and unwind, whether it’s for lunch, coffee, dinner, or a glass of wine. The heart of their menu is simple: well-sourced seasonal ingredients, cooked, served with what you enjoy most. Nibbles, a sharing board, or a few small plates, their food served your way. Book your meal with Damoson & Wilde.
Queens Bar & Grill
Located in the heart of Bury St Edmunds, Queens is a welcoming bar and grill serving top-quality food and drink. They serve homemade American-inspired food, including burgers, ribs and bar nibbles in an atmospheric industrial style setting. Split into a dining area, bar, conservatory and garden, it’s an excellent choice for outdoor dining or grabbing a cocktail. Queens regularly hosts live music, events, and big sports screenings, creating a lively atmosphere. Plus, well-behaved pooches are welcome in both the bar and outside dining areas, perfect for a relaxed visit in Bury St Edmunds. Make sure you book your visit, but remember they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
The Masons Arms
A traditional pub in the heart of historic Bury St Edmunds, The Masons Arms is known for its pub grub and impressive selection of real ales and guest beers. Perfect for outdoor dining, their terrace offers a relaxed setting to enjoy a pint of locally brewed Greene King ale alongside a classic menu of favourites, from fish and chips, pulled beef chilli, scampi, and jackfruit burgers to sweet potato, chickpea & spinach curry. You’ll also find crowd-pleasers like nachos, BBQ pork belly, halloumi fries, prawns, goujons, and arancini balls. Their Sunday roast is a must-try; it even came recommended by Restaurant Guru in 2022. A great spot for relaxed summer dining and classic alfresco dining in Bury St Edmunds. The Masons Arms mainly accepts walk-ins, but if you have any questions about availability, call them on 01284 753955.
Lounge and Garden
One of the town’s most stylish cafés, situated in Bury St Edmund’s prestigious Hatter Street, the Lounge & Garden has a beautiful garden to soak up the sun and enjoy breakfast or lunch – the perfect spot for relaxed outdoor dining. Enjoy one of their freshly baked giant fruit scones with clotted cream and jam, accompanied by a pot of tea, a tasty breakfast, or a wrap or panini with soup, a lovely choice for Summer dining in Bury St Edmunds. No need to book, just turn up and enjoy!
No4 Restaurant & Bar
The pretty courtyard at No4 Restaurant & Bar is a hidden gem for outdoor dining, in the heart of Bury St Edmunds. Perfect for a catch-up with friends over lunch or dinner, it is also a great choice for a pre-film meal, as it is Abbeygate Cinema’s restaurant. Nestled on No.4 is ideal for coffee and a chat, afternoon tea with homemade cakes, a glass of wine, or a sit-down meal, all served in a charming setting for alfresco dining. A great spot for summer dining in Bury St Edmunds. Book online to avoid disappointment!
Midgar
The secret courtyard at Midgar is a peaceful spot for relaxed outdoor dining in the heart of Bury St Edmunds, tucked away from the hustle and bustle. Head past the counter and through the corridor to discover this hidden alfresco dining gem at the back of the coffee house. An independent café known for good coffee, tasty toasties, and scrumptious home-baked treats, Midgar offers a cosy, friendly atmosphere. Located on characterful St John’s Street, just off the main square, it’s a perfect place for casual summer dining, serving speciality coffee, brewed teas, fresh juices, natural smoothies, homemade cakes, and a great selection of vegan and vegetarian toasties. Simply turn up and enjoy!
Pizza Express
National chain Pizza Express is located on Abbeygate Street in Bury St Edmunds, offering a bright, open-plan indoor setting with plenty of outside dining tables too. It’s a great spot for casual alfresco dining or relaxed summer dining with friends and family. Try their popular new dishes, like the delicious Dough Balls al Forno, perfect for sharing in the sunshine. Book online, or rock up on the day.
Côte Brasserie
Côte in Bury St Edmunds serves simple, freshly prepared French food from breakfast through to lunch and dinner daily. Inspired by Parisian trends, Côte offers a modern take on classic French favourites like steak frites, moules marinières, and corn-fed chicken from rural Brittany. This award-winning restaurant is dedicated to serving authentic dishes with a contemporary twist, welcoming families, couples, and friends alike. Enjoy their charming enclosed garden, perfect for alfresco dining in the heart of Bury St Edmunds. To enjoy a meal here, you need to book a table in advance.
No 5 Angel Hill
In a fantastic location on Angel Hill, No5 Angel Hill offers a lovely alfresco dining experience in Bury St Edmunds. Overlooking the iconic Abbey Gate and the stunning St Edmundsbury Cathedral, this charming spot is perfect for outdoor dining while soaking up the historic atmosphere and watching the world go by. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely breakfast or a relaxed lunch, pair your meal with a pot of tea, freshly brewed coffee, or a refreshing glass of fizz. Its picturesque setting makes No5 Angel Hill a favourite for locals and visitors seeking delightful summer dining with a view in the heart of Bury St Edmunds. Pop in on the day to enjoy alfresco dining.
Giggling Squid
Giggling Squid boasts a charming outside dining area perfect for enjoying authentic Thai flavours in the heart of Bury St Edmunds. Their lunchtime Thai tapas menu and separate dinner menu feature a wide variety of seafood, meat, curry, noodle, and stir-fry dishes, offering something for every palate. Families will appreciate the ‘Little Tapas for Little People’ menu, specially designed for children with smaller portions of favourites like chicken satay and Pad Thai. Catering to all dietary needs, guests can scan the QR code on their table to easily discover which menu items suit them. Giggling Squid is a must-visit for Thai cuisine lovers in Bury St Edmunds; book today.
Francela
Perfect for alfresco dining or relaxed summer dining, their menu features fresh, flavorful mezze with warm bread and classic dips like hummus, tzatziki, and baba ghanoush. Start your meal with delicious soups, crispy filo pastry, garlic prawns, calamari, and cheese plates. For mains, choose from a variety of salads and sizzling grills including lamb, beef, chicken, and vegetarian options. Finish with indulgent desserts such as baklava, lemon tart, and vegan Belgian cheesecake. This spot offers the perfect blend of fresh Mediterranean flavours and inviting outdoor dining in Bury St Edmunds. And what’s better? All NHS staff can currently enjoy 20% off their bill. Visit their website to book online.
Edmundo Lounge
The Bushel
Enjoy a delicious selection of small plates perfect for alfresco dining in Bury St Edmunds, including satay chicken, cod goujons, vegan nuggets, hummus, and flatbread. Try hearty dishes like smashed potatoes and honey mustard sausages, or share one of their generous sharing platters. If you fancy a classic pub favourite in the sunshine, choose from fish and chips, pulled mushroom chilli, steak, scampi, and mac ‘n’ cheese. Don’t forget the tasty sandwiches and sides, including garlic bread, fries, chips, and fresh salads, ideal for a quick outdoor lunch in the town. No booking is required; simply pick any available table.
Pomodoro
A newer addition to Bury St Edmunds’ outdoor dining scene is Pomodoro. This spot serves up a tasty selection of pizzas, from classic pepperoni and mozzarella to prawn, veggie, and spicy arrabbiata. Their pasta dishes include favourites like carbonara, bolognese, salsa rosa, prawn, veggie options, and the house special pomodoro. Pair your meal with a crisp salad and finish with indulgent desserts such as New York cheesecake, chocolate torte, key lime pie, or a vegan lemon and raspberry parfait. With views overlooking Abbey Gardens and Angel Hill, it’s a perfect place for relaxed alfresco dining with a view! Book online. For all dining options in Bury St Edmunds, visit our business directory, and search through all our restaurants, pubs, cafés and eateries!