Al Fresco Dining Options In Boston
With the weather becoming more and more consistent, al fresco dining options are becoming more plentiful. Think about any of these places to really take advantage of a beautiful day, whether it be for a snack and a drink, a full meal, or dessert.
Bistro du Midi
Experience fine French cuisine with a view of the Public Gardens at Bistro du Midi. Chef Robert Sisca and his team offer wonderful lunch and dinner menus as well as an all-day café. Take a seat outside, order from their just unveiled large format wine selection (when you see their international wine list, you will want to go big right from the get go!), and pair it with a bite or a meal. Their expert sommelier, Todd Lipman will always steer you in the right direction.
Coppa
Coppa, one of Ken Oringer and Jamie Bisonnette's partnerships has one of the South End's favorite outdoor arrangements. On the corner of Shawmut and Hanson, you feel like you are isolated from the bustle of everyday life. Join them for lunch or dinner, order some charcuterie and any of their delicious wines for a much needed (and deserved) escape.
BoMa
Also located in the South End, BoMa offers guests a simplified dining experience and one that just got fresher with the opening of their beautiful front windows. Enjoy the beautiful old church across the street with a glass or two of wine and a selection of snacks, small plates, or entrees from their newly appointed executive Chef, Ryan Kelly.
Boston Chops
At the South End's newest restaurant and first steakhouse, Chef Chris Coombs continues to cater to the neighborhood's needs with his freshly opened outdoor seating area. With 28 seats on a walk-in basis, you will want to get here nice and early to take advantage of his fantastic and diverse menu, while soaking up the beautiful weather.
Island Creek Oyster Bar
On restaurant row at Kenmore Square, Island Creek Oyster bar is another favorite for outdoor dining. Their patio sets up right on Commonwealth Ave and provides excellent people watching opportunities. Order up a dozen oysters and a crisp, white wine and you have yourself a delightful evening. As is the trend with all of these options, make your reservation ahead of time!
KO Pies at the Shipyard
Make a mini day trip on any beautiful day by taking the ferry over to East Boston for a delicious Aussie meat pie at KO Pies' newest location. At the end of the Shipyard, the view is stunning and the food...well just as much! No reservations required, this is a casual walk-in and order place. Take your pies to go or make yourself comfy at one of their tables. Picnic tables are also set up right outside. Just make sure you check out their hours before you head over!
Legal Harborside
What would a list of al fresco dining options be without a mention of the Seaport district's fantastic roster of restaurants with breathtaking views of the Boston city skyline? Legal Harborside offers an array of options within itself with its multi-level dining. Go casual on the first floor, fine dining on the second, or just grab a drink and a bite on the open air roof deck. Need we say more?
Oleana
Tucked away in Cambridge is one of Boston's culinary gems. Run by power duo, Ana Sortun and her husband, Chris Kurth, this restaurant offers fine and fresh Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine with much of the produce coming from their own Siena Farm. Their patio is often claimed to be the best in Boston, and their reservation list reflects this. So make yours ahead of time to guarantee a place...and put in a request for outdoor seating, pictured. Who doesn't like a Mediterranean feast outside on a beautiful warm evening?
Arguably one of Boston' overlooked outdoor gems, Jody Adams' Cambridge restaurant, Rialto has a wonderful, 28 seat terrace. Their al fresco dining has you seated in a lush hideout complete with saffron awning and vines. The full dining menu is available to guests eating while enjoying the outdoor weather and when the temperatures drop at night, heat lamps are at the ready. So ask to be seated here or book it early for a private party, either way, you will be someone's favorite person for the evening!
The Salty Pig
If you are shopping around the Back Bay or Copley Square, take a breather at The Salty Pig. Executive chef Kevin O'Donnell and his kitchen offer a fun and casual option for lunch or dinner...and brunch on Sundays. Their outdoor seating is located right by the Copley Plaza entrance on Dartmouth. Wood fired pizzas, all kinds of pork and house made charcuterie await!
West Bridge
Located at 1 Kendall Square where so much in food is happening, West Bridge has just opened its patio seating for the season. Enjoy small plates like their seafood potage, carrots and granola or their famous egg in a jar out on the patio. Have their excellent bartenders shake (or stir) you up something fantastic and soak in the intelligence of nearby MIT...it is hard not to feel smarter when surrounded by so much technology.