Summer vibe: Top terraces in Romania's capital city

With the mercury hitting 42, what better than a cool shady terrace to escape the heat and noise of Bucharest? We've searched out the best terraces in the city, which offer drinks and food in little oases of calm just moments away from the big busy boulevards. There are no entries for the Lipscani area, as pretty much every bar, restaurant and cafe has a terrace and they're all much of a muchness. Listed instead in no particular order are a range of spots picked by Romania-Insider.com editors. Some of these terraces are more hidden, but all are fairly centrally located.

1. Gradina Verona The Carturesti bookstores chain is a local success story and the garden behind the bookshop close to Piata Romana has everything. Lots of space and big tables for larger groups, as well as quiet shady corners for more intimate drinking and dining. Address: Str Arthur Verona, behind Carturesti bookshop 2. Lente

This one is a beauty; a small terrace off a quiet street completely covered by grape vines, plus Lente's excellent menu and laid back friendly service. There's something wonderfully Bacchic about sitting below bunches of grapes, or is it just tantalizing? Beer prices RON 7 - RON 15, Coffee RON 6-9, Wine by the glass around RON 10 up Address: 31 Str General David Praporgescu 3. Zafferano Something of a Bucharest institution, this Italian restaurant in a large period house has offered a range of typical trattoria dishes for years. The interior is pleasant, but the star of the show is definitely the two level plant laden terrace. Look out for the regular special offers. Address: 29 Str Popa Savu 4. Green Hours Another oldie, but another goodie, as well as the subterranean music venue with science fiction décor, the Green Hours has a shady garden cafe, insulated from Calea Victoriei by a music shop. It all murmurs 'Be hip, be bohemian.' Address: 120 Calea Victoriei 5. Gradina OAR

It's hard to avoid the phrase 'secret garden' with this place. Hidden from view, yet only minutes away from Piata Romana and Magheru, it's verdant and peaceful with tasteful decor that blends seamlessly with lush green garden. Just in case you were wondering, OAR comes from the Order of Architects in Romania.