When it comes to making the most of your outside space, the best bistro sets let you enjoy breakfast, coffee or cocktails in your garden (or on your balcony), without taking up too much room.
Ever-popular on the continent, bistro sets typically comprise a couple of chairs and a small table that is the ideal size for a glass of wine and a small plate or two, with the whole setup encouraging you to sit back, relax and watch the world go by.
If you want to bring these continental vibes to your patio or conservatory, there are plenty of brilliant bistro sets to choose from. Designs include rattan, wood and powder-coated metal forms, so you’re bound to find one to suit your space and style.
No matter if you favour compact and foldable or durable and weather-resistant designs, the best bistro sets comprise versatile pieces of garden furniture that you’ll enjoy using year after year.
After testing several sets, I’ve compiled a list of the top options – keep scrolling to find out which ones are worth a spot in your garden.
How I tested
I tested a large selection of bistro sets, ranging from budget buys to luxe, high-end options. I tried nifty foldaway sets as well as larger designs, assembling all of them in my garden and using them as you would in your own home. When testing, I considered the following criteria:
- Durability: I wanted furniture that would last, looking out for weatherproof materials like aluminium and acacia.
- Value for money: Design, materials and durability were assessed against the sets’ price tags, to work out which ones offered the best value for money.
- Comfort: When testing each bistro set, I also noted comfort levels – no one wants their al fresco evening to be cut short due to aches and pains.
- Suitability: I also tested the sets for ease of use across a variety of purposes, from eating dinner to enjoying an aperitivo while entertaining friends and family.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
IndyBest is The Independent’s reviews section, where our experts impartially review a huge range of products. Kayleigh Rattle has tested several different products, including the best modular shelving units, so she knows exactly how to find good furniture.
The best garden bistro sets for 2025 are:
- Best overall – La Redoute lyme folding garden dining set: £309.99, Laredoute.co.uk
- Best budget buy – Ikea tärnö: £50, Ikea.com
- Best for reading – Charles Bentley Porto two-seater bistro set: £179.99, Charlesbentley.com
La Redoute lyme folding garden dining set
Best: Bistro set overall
Chair dimensions: 56cm x 78cm x 46cm
Table dimensions: 58cm x 58cm x 71cm
Cushions: Not included
Material: Iron structure with epoxy finish
Assembly required: No
Why we love it
- Looks incredible
- Folds for storage
Take note
- Needs a cover
Arriving already assembled, this is an easy-to-enjoy bistro set from the outset. I love how simple it is to pop up and also fold away, as well as how lightweight it is to move about. Its eye-catching design makes it look like it’s been lifted straight from the streets of Paris, and it’s just calling for a glass of wine to be placed on it in the early evening sun.
The seat, back and table top are covered in blue-and-white flat woven polyester resin for easy cleaning, although I’d recommend storing it away or buying a well-sealed furniture cover if you plan to keep it outside year-round.
Buy now £309.99, Laredoute.co.uk
Ikea tärnö
Best: Budget bistro set
Chair dimensions: 39cm x 40cm x 79cm
Table dimensions: 55cm x 54cm x 70cm
Cushions: Not included
Material: Natural acacia hardwood and powder-coated steel
Assembly required: Some assembly required
Why we love it
- Budget friendly
- Folds away
- Perfect for smaller spaces like balconies
Take note
- Cover not provided
- Needs some maintenance
Affordable, stylish and functional, this Ikea set has been one of the brand’s most popular products for a while, and for good reason. As well as being foldable, it’s made from natural acacia hardwood that’s been pre-treated with semi-transparent wood stain, which gives it a lovely finish.
I can vouch for its longevity, too, as I’ve had this table for years. On its second summer, I did have to re-sand the wood, but this gave me the chance to customise the set with a lick of paint. That said, there are different finishes available, including a white and green combination. Plus, there’s the option of buying an accompanying Tosterö cover to protect the bistro set from the elements.
Buy now £50.00, Ikea.com
Dobbies ashton rattan four-seat outdoor dining set
Best: Bistro set with parasol
Chair dimensions: 95 x 63 x 70cm
Table dimensions: 74 x 120 x 120cm
Cushions: Yes
Material: Polyethylene wicker, powder-coated aluminium frame, toughened glass top
Assembly required: Yes
Why we love it
- Top quality
- Comes with a parasol and base
- Timeless style works for most gardens
Take note
- Heavy glass table
The smallest of details have been considered when it comes to this well-thought-out, quality set – there’s even an allen key included, to help you put everything together. While it’s on the larger size, it comes complete with a parasol (which can be removed), making it ideal for creating a shady dining spot.
The high-back chairs are sturdy, and the weather-proof nutmeg rattan finish is high-end. The comfy cushions are made from recycled plastic bottles and are easy to clean and well-padded. The glass tabletop is reassuringly robust, though it is very heavy, so take care when putting the table together. This set may be expensive, but you are certainly paying for quality and longevity here.
Buy now £1119.30, Dobbies.com
Charles Bentley Porto two-seater bistro set
Best: Bistro set for reading
Chair dimensions: 95cm x 66cm x 85cm
Table dimensions: 42cm x 43cm x 43cm
Cushions: Included
Material: Powder-coated steel frame
Assembly required: Some self-assembly required
Why we love it
- incredibly comfortable
- Fair price
Take note
- Not ideal for dining
If comfort is key, this set is for you. The included padded cushions are very comfortable, and I must admit that I nodded off each time I lounged in one of these seats. It’s a sturdy bistro set, too, with the anthracite steel frame seeming like it will last a while. The cushions are good quality, but while they’re made of weather-resistant fabric, you need store them away in the winter or during heavy rain if you want them to look the part for years to come.
The accompanying table is a handy size – especially for enjoying a nice G&T in the sun – although it’s worth bearing in mind that because of the chairs’ relaxed tilt, this is not the best bistro set for enjoying al fresco dining. That being said, for reading or sipping an aperitivo, this set is definitely a winner.
Buy now £179.99, Charlesbentley.com
Kettler messina four-seat dining set
Best: Bistro set for dining
Chair dimensions: 81cm x 62.3cm x 63.5cm
Table dimensions: 74.5cm x 110cm x 110cm
Cushions: Included
Material: Aluminium frame, synthetic wicker and ceramic glass tabletop
Assembly required: Some self assembly required
Why we love it
- Great for socialising
- Stylish, Scandi set
Take note
- Tricky to assemble
- Expensive
This is a great set for larger groups and families (it also comes in a six-seater version). It boasts a sleek and modern tabletop made from glass, which the brand says is scratch-resistant. The wicker rope-weave, wood-effect chairs are weather-resistant, and, as well as looking good, boast a durable aluminium frame underneath.
The table is a sociable size, while the seats are comfy and made with what feels like a high-quality fabric (the cushions are waterproof, too). However, I found this set tricky to put together, as the instructions are not as clear as they could be. It’s also relatively expensive compared to the Dobbies set above.
Buy now £1499.00, Kettler.co.uk
Dobbies Esme bistro set, green
Best: Folding bistro set
Chair dimensions: 87.5cm x 41cm x 55.5cm
Table dimensions: 70cm x 60cm x 60cm
Cushions: Not included
Material: Powder-coated steel
Assembly required: No
Why we love it
- Space-saving design
- Poweder-coated steel for rust resistance
Take note
- Cushions not included
With its vibrant green hue, this versatile set really pops, adding a touch of colour to your garden, balcony or conservatory. I particularly enjoyed the smooth powder-coated steel finish of this curved design, which looks and feels more expensive than it is. It comes with two chairs and a table, which are easy to fold away, if you’re looking for something that is space-saving or ideal for storing until guests come over.
The set comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty, too. Overall, despite not coming with cushions, this was a comfy seating experience and ticked all the boxes for us. Just note it is only available to buy in store at Dobbies.
Buy now £49.50, Dobbies.com
Charles Bentley Almada bistro set
Best: Scandi bistro set
Chair dimensions: 76cm x 56cm x 58cm
Table dimensions: 48cm x 45cm x 45cm
Cushions: Included
Material: Aluminium frame and manufactured wood
Assembly required: Some self-assembly required
Why we love it
- Stylish
Take note
- Doesn’t fold away
This is one stylish bistro set – the comfortable chairs feature durable aluminium frames finished in a wood effect, with the rope-weave backs adding a nice mid-century touch.
However, the wood-effect finish of the accompanying table doesn’t look as premium as the chairs. It’s also worth noting that this set can’t be folded away, so you’ll need to think about where you’ll store it when it’s not in use.
Buy now £199.99, Charlesbentley.com
What is the best garden bistro set?
The delectable La Redoute lyme folding garden dining set oozes style as well as being lightweight and comfortable, which meant it came out on top during testing. For families, the Dobbies ashton rattan four-seat outdoor dining set is a no-brainer, given its quality, finish, comfort and accompanying parasol. If you’re looking for something on a budget, meanwhile, Ikea is a safe bet.
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