outdoor places to sit and eat

Best Outdoor Seating & Dining Spots

By Laura Robinson
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Do you love the idea of enjoying a delicious meal while surrounded by the beauty of nature? If so, then you're in luck. There are numerous outdoor places to sit and eat worldwide, offering a unique dining experience that blends culinary delights with stunning outdoor settings. From beachside cafes to mountaintop restaurants, here are some incredible outdoor dining spots that guarantee an unforgettable meal.

Whether you're a foodie seeking extraordinary ambiances or a traveler looking to indulge in local cuisines, these outdoor eateries cater to diverse tastes and preferences. So, grab your appetite and let's embark on a culinary journey to some of the most remarkable outdoor places to sit and eat.

Breathtaking Beachfront Dining

There's something undeniably alluring about dining with your toes in the sand and the sound of waves crashing nearby. Beachfront restaurants provide an idyllic setting for a memorable meal, with the added bonus of a spectacular view.

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an outdoor dining area with tables, umbrellas and potted plants in the background
an outdoor dining area with tables, umbrellas and potted plants in the background
Fethıye
Fethıye
an outdoor seating area with tables and chairs under a large tree at night, lit by candles
an outdoor seating area with tables and chairs under a large tree at night, lit by candles

From the pristine beaches of the Maldives to the vibrant shorelines of Rio de Janeiro, many beachfront establishments serve a mouthwatering array of seafood dishes, allowing you to savor the flavors of the ocean in an enchanting waterfront setting.

Cabana Beach Restaurant, Maldives

Located on the picturesque island of Medhufushi in the Maldives, Cabana Beach Restaurant is a tropical paradise that redefines beachside dining. With a menu inspired by the surrounding Indian Ocean, guests can relish in crispy calamari, succulent lobster, and grill specialties while immersing themselves in the island's lush greenery and turquoise waters.

picnic tables and benches in the shade of trees near a pond on a sunny day
picnic tables and benches in the shade of trees near a pond on a sunny day
an outdoor seating area with tables and chairs
an outdoor seating area with tables and chairs
an outdoor dining area with tables, chairs and umbrellas lit up by candles on the table
an outdoor dining area with tables, chairs and umbrellas lit up by candles on the table

Bask in the warmth of the sun during the day and stroll along the sandy shore at sunset as you await your dinner under the star-studded sky. This is truly a beachfront dining experience like no other.

Esplanada Grill, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Perched on the sands of Copa Cabana Beach, Esplanada Grill offers a vibrant atmosphere and tantalizing Brazilian fare. Sink your teeth into tender picanha (Argentine-style steak) or freshly caught seafood, accompanied by a cool caipirinha, Brazil's national cocktail.

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A lively beach party atmosphere takes over after sunset, with local musicians strumming samba tunes and portable wooden tables replaced by dancing feet. Join the festivities and let the rhythm of Rio sweep you away on a culinary adventure.

an outdoor seating area with tables and chairs under a pergolated trellis covered roof
an outdoor seating area with tables and chairs under a pergolated trellis covered roof
Chicago Restaurants With Outdoor Dining
Chicago Restaurants With Outdoor Dining
an outdoor dining area overlooking the city at night with lit candles on tables and chairs
an outdoor dining area overlooking the city at night with lit candles on tables and chairs
an outdoor seating area with lights strung from the trees
an outdoor seating area with lights strung from the trees
an outdoor dining table with chairs and potted plants on the table in front of it
an outdoor dining table with chairs and potted plants on the table in front of it
an outdoor dining area with tables, chairs and potted plants hanging from the ceiling
an outdoor dining area with tables, chairs and potted plants hanging from the ceiling

Refined Al Fresco Dining in Picturesque Gardens

For a more refined outdoor dining experience, seek out restaurants nestled within beautiful gardens. These serene settings offer an exquisite backdrop for savoring locally sourced ingredients and enjoying some well-deserved tranquility.

Indulge in a delightful lunch under a sprawling tree, or sip on a glamorous sundowner as you soak in the enchanting surroundings of these verdant retreats.

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The Blossom Restaurant, London, UK

Tucked away in the heart of London lies a hidden oasis: The Blossom Restaurant at the inconsistent Westbury Mayfair Hotel. This elegant garden alcove offers an intimate setting for afternoon tea or a romantic meal, with twinkling fairy lights and lush foliage creating a magical atmosphere.

thailand
thailand
an outdoor dining area with tables and chairs, lights hanging from the ceiling and greenery
an outdoor dining area with tables and chairs, lights hanging from the ceiling and greenery
an outdoor picnic area with benches and tables
an outdoor picnic area with benches and tables
an outdoor patio with tables, chairs and umbrellas in the middle of it is surrounded by greenery
an outdoor patio with tables, chairs and umbrellas in the middle of it is surrounded by greenery
people sitting at wooden tables eating food in an open area with lights strung from the ceiling
people sitting at wooden tables eating food in an open area with lights strung from the ceiling
two children are sitting on a circular bench in the middle of a garden at night
two children are sitting on a circular bench in the middle of a garden at night
an outdoor seating area with couches, tables and chairs
an outdoor seating area with couches, tables and chairs
an outdoor table set up for dinner with lights strung from the poles and wooden benches
an outdoor table set up for dinner with lights strung from the poles and wooden benches
an outdoor dining area with tables, chairs and potted plants on the side wall
an outdoor dining area with tables, chairs and potted plants on the side wall
an outdoor restaurant with tables and benches under lights on the side of the building at night
an outdoor restaurant with tables and benches under lights on the side of the building at night
an outdoor seating area with benches and tables surrounded by greenery, trees and shrubbery
an outdoor seating area with benches and tables surrounded by greenery, trees and shrubbery
an outdoor dining area with tables and umbrellas on gravel ground next to brick buildings
an outdoor dining area with tables and umbrellas on gravel ground next to brick buildings
a wooden table sitting under a pergoline covered patio with an oven and grill in the background
a wooden table sitting under a pergoline covered patio with an oven and grill in the background
several picnic tables with lights strung over them
several picnic tables with lights strung over them

Feast on contemporary British dishes, such as slow-cooked lamb shoulder or delicate saffron panna cotta, while surrounded by the tranquil beauty of a secret London garden.

La Dame de Pic, Paris, France

Situated within the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel Georges V, La Dame de Pic by Anne-Sophie Pic presents a charming courtyard dining experience amid the bustling streets of Paris. This enchanting outdoor space, adorned with lush greenery and elaborate flower displays, is the perfect setting to enjoy the Michelin-starred chef's innovative French cuisine.

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Immerse yourself in a symphony of flavors as you indulge in dishes like langoustine with artichoke and licorice or guinea fowl with ceps and verbena. Pair your meal with an exceptional wine selection from the hotel's world-renowned cellar, and you'll have an experience to remember.

From the sun-kissed shores of beachfront restaurants to the lush retreats of gardens, these outdoor dining spots prove that there's no shortage of captivating places to enjoy a meal with a view. So gather your loved ones, embark on a culinary expedition, and create lasting memories while savoring the best of what nature has to offer.

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