The Best Outdoor Dining in Boston - 15 Restaurants for Outdoor Lovers

By Emily Leikam on June 19, 2023
6 min read

Boston is an impressive city that flaunts its creativity and innovation. The capital of Massachusetts is full of colorful murals, interesting architecture, and out-of-this-world cuisine. Whether you're in search of something salty like a mouthwatering lobster roll, or something sweet like a delectable piece of Boston cream pie, this East Coast city is the place to find it. 

There are many restaurants to explore, and the opportunities for discovering something new are endless. One of the best ways to enjoy the food scene in Boston is by dining outside. Discover some of the best outdoor dining - and spectacular scenery - Boston has to offer:

Alcove

Website: Alcove Boston
Location: 50 Lovejoy Wharf, Boston

Alcove is a prominent restaurant with an amazing selection of food and drink. Located on the harbor walk with a stunning view of the Zakim Bridge, this is the perfect place to sit out on the patio and enjoy some time with friends or family. Alcove provides a selection of Mediterranean dishes inspired by the New England farm coast. Here you can enjoy a New England lobster dip with everything bagel chips, black sesame-seared octopus, ginger soy-glazed salmon and so much more. 

Bar Mezzana

Website: Bar Mezzana
Location: 360 Harrison Ave, Boston

Transport yourself to the coast of Italy with this Italian-inspired restaurant in Boston’s South End. With one bite of pasta, you’ll instantly discover cuisine crafted with tremendous skill. This is a great place to try fresh Crudo with a Spritz to drink - all while enjoying the fresh, salty air on the outdoor patio. 

Area Four

Website: Area Four
Location: 500 Technology Square, Cambridge

Area Four has two brilliant concepts: a bakery/coffee house and a bar/oven. This is a great place to enjoy a pastry with a warm cup of coffee in the morning or get an appetizing wood-fired pizza from the oven in the evening. You’ll find plenty of outdoor seating on their patio near Technology Square in Cambridge. 

B&G Oysters

Website: B&G Oysters
Location: 550 Tremont St, Boston

B&G Oysters provides a cozy backyard patio enclosed by ivy-laced brownstones and adorned with stringed lights to make you feel at home. Discover the classics, from fried clams to lobster rolls, in this enticing establishment. B&G Oysters is perfect for anybody in search of some fresh seafood, a beautiful setting and friendly service. 

Alden & Harlow

Website: Alden & Harlow
Location: 40 Brattle St, Cambridge

Alden & Harlow's menu features an incredible variety of dishes crafted by a talented team of chefs. This subterranean spot brings you the best of thoughtfully-sourced American, including their Secret Burger (shhh, it’s a secret!). Enjoy yourself on their large patio which looks directly onto Harvard Square. 

Bodega Canal

Website: Bodega Canal
Location: 57 Canal St, Boston

Bodega Canal serves up delicious Mexican cuisine. It's the go-to spot in Boston if you’re in search of tasty tacos and flavorful margaritas. Enjoy a meal with friends on their comfortable sidewalk patio.

Black Lamb

Website: Black Lamb
Location: 571 Tremont St, Boston

Black Lamb is a stylish new restaurant in Boston's historic South End. The menu features mouth-watering options, from raw oysters to juicy lamb burgers, or even baked goat cheese salad. This is a great place if you like to enjoy a burger and a beer while sitting outside. 

The Butcher Shop

Website: The Butcher Shop
Location: 552 Tremont St, Boston

This restaurant gives tribute to old European boucheries. You’ll find some of the best meat and produce in Boston at the Butcher Shop, all sourced from local farmers. Their specialties include The Butcher Shop bolognese, spicy tomato soup, and a selection of bright seasonal salads.

Brasserie

Website: Brasserie
Location: 560 Harrison Ave, Boston

This elegant restaurant offers delicious dishes that give you a taste of France. Try the Gnocchi Parisienne or Duck à l’Orange while sipping on a selection from their impressive bar menu. Brasserie provides a charming French setting in on their outdoor patio. 

Chickadee

Website: Chickadee
Location: 21 Drydock Ave, Boston

Head over to Seaport to find this chic restaurant serving creative Mediterranean-inspired cuisines. Enjoy a plate of mixed mezze with a specialty cocktail, or try house-made pasta, like the Ricotta Cavatelli. Chickadee also provides great covered outdoor seating where you’ll find comfort, rain or shine. 

Buttermilk & Bourbon

Website: Buttermilk & Bourbon
Location: 160 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston

Buttermilk & Bourbon is a New Orleans-inspired restaurant that delivers hearty southern-style dishes. Try their New Orleans BBQ Shrimp, Boiled Peanut Hummus, Cajun Grilled Swordfish, and much more. This location offers comfortable outdoor seating no matter the weather, with shade from the sun on the warm days and fire pits for cool nights. 

Coppersmith

Website: Coppersmith
Location: 40 W 3rd St, South Boston

Coppersmith is a large vintage-industrial warehouse that serves comfort food. This is not only a great option for a night out with friends and family, but Coppersmith also serves brunch plates like chicken and waffles, breakfast burritos, and more. Enjoy the outdoor patio and rooftop bar.

Nautilus Pier 4

Website: Nautilus Pier 4
Location: 300 Pier 4 Blvd., Boston

Nautilus Pier 4 is an exciting new addition to Boston, arriving from the small island of Nantucket. With a 1,000-square foot deck overlooking Boston Harbor you’ll have no worries on your mind here. This creative bunch serves up dishes such as Tempura Oyster Tacos, Blue Crab Fried Rice, and much more. 

Celeste

Website: Celeste
Location: 21 Bow St, Somerville

Celeste is a small, unique restaurant serving up artful Peruvian dishes in East Boston. You'll find classic Peruvian staples like ceviche. This restaurant is all about connecting with the community while providing an environment to share a rich culture of music, art, and Peruvian flavors. Relax and enjoy a glass of wine on their patio.

Fat Baby

Website: Fat Baby
Location: 118 Dorchester St, Boston

Fat Baby is a radiant restaurant that serves fresh sushi and crafty cocktails. They have plenty of outdoor seating on their sidewalk patio, or you can find yourself a picnic table in the garden. Fat Baby provides a great atmosphere with a stylish copper bar and beautiful paintings on the wall. Don't miss this spot if you're in South Boston. 

Take it Outside

Boston is a fantastic location full of art and culture that every outdoor enthusiast will love. The city has much to offer when it comes to creative cuisine and outdoor dining. There are many places to choose from while visiting Boston, so get out there and explore! Find your favorite spot, relax on the outdoor patio and get ready for a fabulous dining experience.

Emily Leikam
Emily Leikam

Emily is an avid traveler and has been all around the world from Alaska and Iceland to Peru and Bali. Her home base is Nashville, TN and when not traveling you can find her hiking, practicing yoga or cooking/baking!

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