The sun’s out, and outdoor dining is in. According to OpenTable’s recent research and their 2025 Summer Outdoor Dining Guide, 55% of Americans prefer to grab a seat outdoors when the weather’s nice. Over 60% of Gen Z would like outdoor seating at a rooftop bar, and 77% of Americans prefer a view of the water.
What else attracts people to your outdoor area? Dogs. It’s the time of year when people bring their furry friends along in search of a restaurant patio where they can join in the fun. 2025 shows an almost 10% increase in pet-friendly restaurant dining, and of those who own a dog, 65% mentioned how difficult it is to find a restaurant where they can join the festivities.
So, are you curious who made OpenTable’s best outdoor dining restaurants and why?
Let’s explore.
Where Are the Top Outdoor Dining Restaurants?
OpenTable curated this list based on reviews and demand. Their data includes over 10 million verified reviews and metrics from April 2024 to March 2025. Cities that made the list had a minimum of 200,000 outdoor seated diners. Data included the percentage of five-star reviews, reservations made in advance, direct searches, and capacity percentage.
Surprisingly, the cities to make the list weren’t all on sun-washed beaches or in warmer climates. Boston, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and New York ranked along with Austin, San Diego, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
Here, we’ll explore one restaurant from these magnificent U.S. cities. And the winners are…
North Pond in Chicago
North Pond is hard to compete with in the heart of Lincoln Park, with a beautiful view of the skyline and beyond. This place doesn’t need string lights, massive plants, and high-fidelity outdoor music, although they’re always nice additions. The calling card is the five-course seasonal tasting menu, the views, and North Pond, a 13-acre pond along Lake Michigan.
Atlantic Fish Co. in Boston
This outdoor patio is particularly popular as the weather warms. Atlantic Fish Co. has served the freshest fish in Boston’s Back Bay for almost 50 years. Sourced from the harbor, their menu changes daily based on the catch. Seafood Stew, Fried Fish, and New England Clam Chowder are popular dishes. Their sidewalk patio sits underneath an awning alongside an iron fence with rows of flowering planters defining the area. This added touch makes all the difference.
Tavern on the Green in New York City
An iconic, classic restaurant set in Central Park amidst beautiful lighting, trees, and, sometimes, a live band is another restaurant that’s hard to compete with. Originally built in 1870, this restored restaurant offers elegant courtyard and garden seating. Their seasonal menu includes Organic Scottish Salmon, 28-Day Dry-Aged NY Sirloin, and Berkshire Pork Chop Milanese. It’s also become the place for special events, from weddings to corporate gatherings.
Aba in Austin
A large Heritage Oak Tree takes center stage on this Mediterranean restaurant’s patio, illuminated by string lights and candles. Umbrellas, misters, and fans help keep guests cool during Austin’s warmer months. Beautiful lighting and plants also make their way indoors, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor dining. Taking a modern approach to traditional Mediterranean fare, some of their signature dishes include Shawarma-Spiced Skirt Steak, Hamachi, and Whipped Feta Spread. Aba is the first Lettuce Entertain You restaurant in Texas.
Seneca in San Diego
This modern take on a classical Roman Trattoria draws in the crowds thanks to its rooftop patio overlooking San Diego Bay and its unique take on Italian food. In addition to tremendous water views, they’ve created a beautiful, Instagram-worthy garden vibe. One of its unique offerings is Tableside Hand-stretched Mozzarella. Popular dishes include Margherita, Tiramisu, and Focaccia Garlic Bread.
La Mar Cocina Peruana in San Francisco
This beautiful patio along the city’s Embarcadero waterfront offers views of Treasure Island and the Bay Bridge. Serving authentic Peruvian cuisine, the menu blends traditional flavors with modern accents. It includes Peruvian Cebiches and Tiraditos.
Saffy’s in Los Angeles
Saffy’s outdoor seating area recently reported a “glow-up” just in time for the summer season. This secluded patio is surrounded by fencing and has added plants and mirrors for a cozy, creative vibe. They also allow dogs. The East Hollywood eatery is known for its shareable Middle Eastern-inspired dishes, juicy kebabs, and wood-fired Shawarma plates.
If nothing else, these exceptional restaurants may inspire you to take a trip or create a sensational outdoor gathering spot for your guests. Now’s the time.
