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Seattle Restaurants · August 28, 2026

50 Best Outdoor Dining in Seattle for Immaculate Vibes

some of the best outdoor dining in Seattle overlooking Lake Washington

Outdoor dining in Seattle is a rite of passage for us locals. There’s something about finally feeling the sun on your face after months of grey skies that makes even the most ordinary meal feel like a special occasion. Seattleites know this, which is why the second the weather breaks, every good patio in the city fills up fast.

Beyond the sunshine factor, Seattle’s outdoor dining scene is genuinely impressive. Whether you’re after Puget Sound views, a hidden garden patio, a lakeside perch, or a buzzy street-side terrace, the city delivers. Seattle restaurants take their patios seriously.

I’m sharing my roundup of the best outdoor dining in Seattle, from splurge-worthy waterfront restaurants to casual neighborhood gems where you can linger over a glass of wine and pretend it’s 75 degrees forever.

Best Outdoor Dining in Seattle

This guide covers a mix of neighborhoods, price points, and patio vibes because outdoor dining means something different to everyone. Whether you’re on a first date, planning a family lunch, or just need some fresh air with your happy hour, you’ll find something here. I’ve also noted whether each spot takes reservations for their patio, so you can plan accordingly.

What is “outdoor dining”?

Outdoor dining covers a wide range of setups: rooftop bars, sidewalk cafes, garden patios, covered decks with heat lamps, and everything in between. For this list, I’m including any restaurant where you can enjoy your meal in the open air or under a cover with significant outdoor access.

That includes spots with retractable roofs, garage doors that swing open to the street, and fire-pit-lit waterfront decks. If fresh air is part of the experience, it counts.

woman laughing with a cocktail from one of the best viewpoints in Seattle

Are there restaurants with outdoor seating in Seattle?

Absolutely, and more than you might expect. Seattle has hundreds of restaurants with outdoor seating options, many of which are dog friendly, which is always a bonus. The city has gotten seriously creative about extending the al fresco dining season, too. Covered patios, heat lamps, and even enclosed garden structures mean you’re not limited to just the summer for outdoor dining.

If you’re worried about rain ruining your outdoor dining experience, check the covered or heated options I’ve flagged below. And if you want to go deeper on what to do when the weather doesn’t cooperate, I’ve got a whole guide on things to do on a rainy day in Seattle.

What are the best Seattle restaurants with outdoor seating?

Here’s my list of favorites, organized across the city. I’ve covered everything from breezy waterfront spots to cozy neighborhood patios.

Save this list to Pinterest for later so you can refer back to it whenever the outdoor dining mood strikes!

The Pink Door

website | neighborhood: Downtown | cuisine: Italian

outdoor patio at one of the best restaurants in Seattle with views

The Pink Door might be the most dreamy outdoor dining experience in Seattle. It’s tucked behind an unmarked pink door in Pike Place Market’s Post Alley and easy to walk right past if you’re not looking for it. Once you’re through and seated on the summer patio, you’d swear you were on the Amalfi Coast.

The patio is open in the warmer months, and I’d argue it’s worth timing your visit around. Get the bolognese and lasagna—the pasta here is genuinely some of the best pasta in Seattle. The Pink Door doesn’t take patio reservations specifically, so arriving early is your best bet on weekends. It’s also a great spot for the best restaurants with water views, since the patio offers glimpses of the Puget Sound in the distance.

Westward

website | neighborhood: Northlake | cuisine: seafood | dog friendly

Best outdoor dining in Seattle patio overlooking Lake Union with boat and skyline in distance

Westward has one of the most enviable outdoor setups in the city. Owned by James Beard-winner Renee Erickson, it sits right on Lake Union with an outdoor patio scattered with Adirondack chairs, fire pits, string lights, and beach umbrellas. It’s quintessential Pacific Northwest summer.

It’s first come, first serve for the outdoor patio, so go early or on a weekday. The menu is seafood-forward and excellent. Oysters are a must. On a sunny evening, there’s nowhere better to be in Seattle.

Pro tip: Notice the lively brewery next door? That’s Gasworks Brewing, one of the best breweries in Seattle. They have a great smash burger and onion rings, plus more on their food menu, so it’s another more casual option for outdoor dining in Seattle.

Little Water Cantina

website | neighborhood: Eastlake | cuisine: Mexican

outdoor patio at one of the best restaurants for views in Seattle

From the street, Little Water Cantina looks like just another restaurant tucked under a condo building on Eastlake. But walk to the back and you’ll discover a seriously great deck with gorgeous Lake Union views. Music is almost always pumping, which gives it a lively, party-on-the-water energy that’s hard to find elsewhere in the city.

They’re known for a late-night happy hour with free chips and salsa, which honestly seals the deal. The margarita verde is exceptional—spicy, fresh, and not the overly sweet kind. I highly recommend nachos crisped in the broiler with chorizo and queso. Patio is first come, first serve.

Marination

website | neighborhood: West Seattle & Columbia City | cuisine: Hawaiian-Korean fusion | dog friendly

Marination Mai Kai, restaurant with a view in Seattle

If I had to pick one restaurant with outdoor seating to take out-of-towners, Marination Mai Kai would be in serious contention. It’s got one of the best outdoor setups in Seattle: a massive patio overlooking the Puget Sound with views of the Seattle skyline and the water taxi shuttling people back and forth across the water.

Marination also has a Columbia City and downtown location. While the downtown location has a few patio seats, I’d prioritize the Columbia City location if you want outdoor dining in Seattle without having to cross the bridge to West Seattle. This location, while missing the water views, has an expansive pebbled outdoor area with umbrellas and cute planters.

No matter which location you go to, the kalua pork sliders are the move. They’re tangy, acidic from the slaw, and some of the best Hawaiian food in Seattle. The outdoor seating at all locations is mostly first come, first serve, and it fills up on warm afternoons. Go before the lunch or dinner rush to snag a spot with the best water views.

Terra Plata

website | neighborhood: Capitol Hill | cuisine: Spanish

garden patio at Terra Plata, a Seattle restaurant
Image courtesy of Terra Plata

Terra Plata has one of the most beautiful rooftop patios in Seattle. Picture string lights, angular architecture, and nearly 360-degree views of Capitol Hill’s rooftops and downtown buildings. It’s the kind of space that makes you slow down in a busy city.

The menu leans Spanish with farm-to-table flair. The paella is the thing to get, especially when you have time to linger. Reservations are recommended and can be made for the patio. Don’t skip this step on weekends!

Ray’s Boathouse & Cafe

website | neighborhood: Sunset Hill | cuisine: Pacific Northwest seafood

Ray's Boathouse, restaurant with a view in Seattle
Image courtesy of Ray’s Boathouse & Cafe

Ray’s is a Seattle institution, and for outdoor dining specifically, the upstairs Cafe is the sweet spot. It has a long covered patio that runs the length of the restaurant right on the water near Golden Gardens, with sweeping views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains on a clear day.

While the covered patio doesn’t cover the whole space, the part this is keeps guests protected if the weather turns. Ray’s is making one of the best clam chowders in Seattle because it’s smoky, creamy, and consistently excellent. Reservations are accepted for the patio. Go at sunset if you can swing it; the views are worth the timing!

Stoneburner

website | neighborhood: Ballard | cuisine: Italian | dog friendly

charcuterie slicer on a counter at one of the best Italian restaurants in Seattle

Stoneburner does the indoor-outdoor thing as well as anyone in Seattle. Their large garage door-style windows open up on warm days, blurring the line between inside and outside for an al fresco dining vibe without fully committing you to the elements. They also have a fully-covered patio area on the other side of the sidewalk, so this spot is perfect for Seattle’s shoulder season when you want the feel of outdoor dining but appreciate a ceiling if a cloud rolls in.

The vintage decor throughout Stoneburner is charming, and the food is consistently excellent. Go for brunch if you can for lower prices. The Caesar salad changes with the season and the bucatini carbonara are both outstanding. They’re considered one of the best Italian restaurants in Seattle for a reason!

Reservations are accepted for their outdoor area, so rest easy knowing you can snag the perfect spot for people watching.

White Swan Public House

website | neighborhood: South Lake Union | cuisine: seafood pub | dog friendly

outdoor patio at White Swan Public House in Seattle
Image courtesy of White Swan Public House

White Swan Public House sits on Lake Union with a huge outdoor patio and outdoor bar, which makes it one of the more lively outdoor dining experiences in the city. Owned by the same team behind Matt’s in the Market, the quality here is solid and the vibe is always buzzing.

The energy here has a party feel even on a Tuesday. The Poutine of the Sea, with clam chowder gravy over fries with clams and bacon, is an only-in-Seattle kind of dish and absolutely worth ordering.

Brimmer & Heeltap

website | neighborhood: Ballard | cuisine: Pacific Northwest | dog friendly

back patio of Brimmer & Heeltap, one of the best Seattle restaurants for a date night

Brimmer & Heeltap’s outdoor patio is one of the prettiest in Seattle. It’s the kind of patio you’d pin on a mood board. Think white wood, lush greenery, string lights, and a sense that you’ve stumbled into a secret garden in the middle of Ballard.

The menu is a changing mix of Pacific Northwest seasonal dishes with a serious bar to back it up. They take reservations, and I’d recommend doing so if you’re eyeing a weekend dinner. The patio is also good for private dining if you’re planning a group event.

Pro tip: You can enjoy their patio during the day at Red Arrow Coffee, their daytime concept. Or head across the street to their wine bar and bottle shop, Halfseas. While it doesn’t have an outdoor patio, it’s one of the best wine bars in Seattle!

Aerlume

website | neighborhood: Downtown | cuisine: Pacific Northwest fine dining

view of Puget Sound at sunset from one of the best restaurants in Seattle with a view

Aerlume is one of the best fine dining experiences in Seattle, and in the summer it opens a small deck with direct views of Elliott Bay.

The menu changes seasonally, but look for the steak tartare and salmon gravlax if available. Reservations are a must here, and you can request deck seating. Go for the outdoor dining experience in summer; the sunset timing is everything.

Maximillien

website | neighborhood: Downtown | cuisine: French

French restaurant with views in Seattle

Maximillien is a bit of a hidden gem inside Pike Place Market. It’s tucked down a hallway to the left of the famous market sign, easy to miss if you’re not hunting for it. But the small outdoor patio, nestled next to their herb garden with views of the Olympic Mountains, makes it one of the more charming outdoor dining spots downtown.

It’s intimate and a little romantic, which makes it great for a date. Get the mussels with frites—they’re superb. The patio is small, so reservations are a smart move.

The Corson Building

website | neighborhood: Georgetown | cuisine: Pacific Northwest seasonal

cute garden patio at a Seattle restaurant
Image of their outdoor patio set up for a wedding courtesy of The Corson Building

The Corson Building might be the most atmospheric outdoor dining experience in Seattle. It’s set inside an early 1900s stone home in Georgetown with English countryside manor energy. The outdoor patio could genuinely double as a movie set.

The menu is prix fixe on weekends and focuses on Pacific Northwest cuisine using whatever’s seasonal and local. They have a covered outdoor heated patio for cooler evenings.

Reservations are essential because this one books up. It’s a splurge, but for a special occasion with outdoor dining at its most magical, there’s nothing quite like it in Seattle.

Mezzanotte

website | neighborhood: Georgetown | cuisine: Italian | dog friendly

People enjoying dinner on an outdoor patio in Seattle
Image courtesy of Mezzanotte

Mezzanotte is Georgetown’s most charming outdoor dining spot. The tented outdoor seating area feels cozy and a little festive—warm brick walls, flickering candles, and Italian comfort food to match. It’s the sister restaurant of Ciudad next door, one of the best restaurants in Georgetown.

Start with a few antipasti plates to share and don’t skip the roast carrots. It’s a great spot for a relaxed dinner when you want outdoor dining that feels elevated without being stuffy. But luckily reservations are accepted when you don’t want to play snagging a table by ear.

Bottlehouse

website | neighborhood: Madrona | cuisine: wine bar | dog friendly

back patio at one of the best outdoor dining restaurants in Seattle
Image courtesy of Bottlehouse

Bottlehouse is a neighborhood wine bar inside a refurbished craftsman home with one of the loveliest outdoor patios in Seattle. It’s surrounded by lush greenery and string lights, which makes it feel like a hidden backyard oasis rather than a restaurant.

The food is all about baguettes, cheese boards, and grazing plates, which pairs perfectly with a long afternoon outside. Great for a date, or just for when you need a reason to sit outside and do nothing for two hours. First come, first serve; arrive early on weekends.

The Harvest Vine

website | neighborhood: Madison Valley | cuisine: Spanish tapas

cured tuna loin at one of the best Seattle date night restaurants

The Harvest Vine now includes a back patio that has serious secret garden energy. It’s quietly tucked away, a little romantic, and a great escape from the main dining room bustle. It’s one of those patios that feels genuinely discovered rather than staged.

The tapas are excellent and shareable, so it’s great for groups who want to graze. Reservations accepted; I’d strongly recommend one for the back patio on weekends, as this is one of the most popular date night restaurants in Seattle.

Thaiku

website | neighborhood: Phinney Ridge | cuisine: Thai

People enjoying dinner on an outdoor patio in Seattle
Image courtesy of Thaiku

Thaiku is a literal house-turned-restaurant in Phinney Ridge with tables in each room and a porch converted into a cozy, private outdoor dining area. It’s a neighborhood gem that not everyone knows about, which makes the outdoor patio feel like a find.

The food here is comforting and consistently some of the best Thai food in Seattle. If you want outdoor dining that feels intimate rather than scene-y, Thaiku delivers. Reservations accepted.

Bongos

website | neighborhood: Green Lake | cuisine: Caribbean | dog friendly

Bongos has arguably the most fun outdoor dining experience in North Seattle. The big patio has Caribbean music going and jerk chicken on the grill, making it feel like a beach party. It’s the kind of place that puts you in a good mood immediately.

Get the desi pork if it’s not already sold out—it’s the crowd favorite. The shrimp plate is also excellent. Patio is first come, first serve so prepare to wait if you visit on a weekend. When you’re done, walk across the street to walk the loop around Green Lake, one of the best parks in Seattle.

Lady Jaye

website | neighborhood: West Seattle | cuisine: American | dog friendly

back covered patio at one of the most pet friendly restaurants in Seattle

Lady Jaye’s outdoor patio in West Seattle used to come with the best aroma of any patio in the city. They used to focus on BBQ, so you could smell the smoker from the street. They’ve since pivoted to focus more on sandwiches. But despite not having the inviting aromas anymore, their back patio is still one of the coolest hangs in the area.

The smash burger is a staple, but honestly it’s their meatball sub that’s one of the best sandwiches in Seattle. The patio is first come, first serve as it’s a great spot for a casual outdoor lunch or early dinner.

Place Pigalle

website | neighborhood: Downtown | cuisine: French

A Seattle restaurant with views in Pike Place Market

Place Pigalle is another Pike Place Market treasure with a small outdoor dining area right at the entrance. It’s just a handful of bistro tables perched above the Seattle waterfront, or you can enjoy the view inside from their picture windows.

Order the bouillabaisse—a tomato-saffron broth loaded with salmon, mussels, clams, and seasonal white fish. Service here is leisurely in the best French tradition. Linger over it. Reservations recommended.

Agua Verde Cafe

website | neighborhood: University District | cuisine: Mexican-inspired | dog friendly

Agua Verde is one of Seattle’s most underrated waterfront patios. Tucked along Portage Bay beside a kayak rental dock, it feels miles away from the city despite being minutes from the University of Washington. The whole scene has a laid-back summer-camp-for-adults energy.

The fish tacos are the move here, along with a margarita if you’re settling in for a sunny afternoon. Outdoor seating wraps along the water and fills quickly on warm weekends. First come, first serve.

Anchovies & Salt

website | neighborhood: Renton | cuisine: Vietnamese

outdoor dining patio in Seattle at sunset with string lights

Anchovies & Salt is technically outside of Seattle, but it has one of the most enviable patios in the area. It sits right on Lake Washington and offers unparalleled views of the water and boats meandering by.

Food wise, don’t miss their pho. It has a deep, meaty broth and high quality beef that adds a lot of savory umami flavors. Other favorites include the clay pot black cod, fried pork belly, and geoduck.

Baker’s

website | neighborhood: Sunset Hill | cuisine: Pacific Northwest

tomato salad with cucumber from one of the best Seattle salad spots

Baker’s has one of the prettiest neighborhood patios in north Seattle. The outdoor seating feels tucked away from the street, surrounded by greenery and filled with locals lingering over some of the best cocktails in Seattle.

Their cocktails are an obvious must get, but don’t sleep on their food. The menu changes with the season, but they always have a great salads.

Bar Vacilando

website | neighborhood: Capitol Hill | cuisine: Pacific Northwest | dog friendly

Bar Vacilando’s patio is small, charming, and almost always full of people who seem very happy to be exactly where they are. The outdoor seating is tucked in a courtyard of a quieter residential area of Cap Hill, creating one of Seattle’s most relaxed neighborhood dining experiences.

Darkalino’s

website | neighborhood: Pioneer Square | cuisine: Italian | dog friendly

Summer corn and tomato salad

Darkalino’s outdoor seating feels effortlessly European. Sidewalk tables, pasta, cocktails, and Occidental Square’s lively street energy combine into one of the neighborhood’s best outdoor dining experiences.

Order a round of spritzes and settle in for a long dinner. The handmade pasta and cozy atmosphere make it easy to lose track of time.

Dreamland Bar & Diner

website | neighborhood: Fremont | cuisine: bar food | dog friendly if not visiting during drag brunch

drag queen performing, one of the best birthday in Seattle idea.

Dreamland’s colorful patio perfectly matches the restaurant’s playful personality. On sunny days the outdoor space becomes one of Fremont’s liveliest gathering spots, with frozen drinks, bright umbrellas, and plenty of people-watching during their famous weekend drag brunch.

The crunchwrap and frozen cocktails are crowd favorites. Patio seating is first come, first serve.

Firn

website | neighborhood: Pioneer Square | cuisine: girl dinner | dog friendly

view of Seattle skyline from a Seattle rooftop bar

Perched atop Populus Hotel, Firn offers one of the city’s lesser-known rooftop experiences. The outdoor terrace combines skyline views with a polished atmosphere that feels elevated without becoming stuffy. The menu consists of creative cocktails and snacky items like dips, charcuterie, and salads.

It’s particularly beautiful at sunset when the light hits the buildings. Reservations recommended.

The Flora Bakehouse

website | neighborhood: Beacon Hill | cuisine: bakery

Flora Bakehouse, one of the best restaurants in Beacon Hill Seattle, WA

The Flora Bakehouse has one of Seattle’s most charming garden rooftop patios. Surrounded by flowers, greenery, and sunshine, it’s the sort of place that instantly improves your mood.

Come early for pastries before the favorites sell out. The outdoor seating is ideal for slow mornings with coffee and a good book.

Fonda La Catrina

website | neighborhood: Georgetown | cuisine: Mexican

outdoor patio at a Mexican restaurant in Seattle

Georgetown has no shortage of character, and Fonda La Catrina fits right in. Their outdoor patio is colorful, festive, and made for long lunches with margaritas. The tacos and enchiladas are consistently excellent, but the atmosphere is what keeps people coming back.

El Sirenito

website | neighborhood: Georgetown | cuisine: seafood-forward Mexican | dog friendly

Just next door from Fonda La Catrina, El Sirenito brings Baja-style seafood and one of Georgetown’s most fun outdoor dining setups. The patio buzzes on sunny afternoons.

The ceviche and fish tacos are standouts. Pair them with a cold drink and you’ll understand why this spot has developed such a loyal following.

Fremont Brewing

website | neighborhood: Fremont | cuisine: burgers | dog friendly

people in a beer garden, one of the best outdoor dining in Seattle

Few outdoor spaces are as synonymous with Seattle summer as Fremont Brewing’s massive urban beer garden. Picnic tables stretch beneath towering trees and nearly every table seems to have a dog underneath it.

Bring friends, order a flight, and settle in for an afternoon. Smash That food truck is permanently parked here, making it easy to stay longer than planned while chatting over one of Seattle’s best burgers.

Hangar Cafe

website | neighborhood: Georgetown | cuisine: breakfast & brunch | dog friendly

The Hangar Cafe, one of the best breakfast places in Seattle

Hangar Cafe’s outdoor seating sits beside Georgetown’s historic airport, which means brunch occasionally comes with views of small planes taking off overhead.

The coffee cake has become legendary for a reason. Outdoor seating is casual, sunny, and ideal for a weekend breakfast.

La Fontana Siciliana

website | neighborhood: Belltown | cuisine: Italian

Courtyard with a fountain in at a Seattle restaurant

La Fontana Siciliana offers one of downtown Seattle’s most romantic hidden patios. The courtyard-style outdoor space feels removed from the surrounding city and surprisingly intimate thanks to a bubbling fountain in the center.

The menu focuses on classic Sicilian dishes, and the atmosphere encourages lingering over dessert and another glass of wine.

Lenox

website | neighborhood: Belltown | cuisine: Afro-Latin | dog friendly

ceviche from one of the Black owned restaurants in Seattle

Lenox is a vibrant Black-owned restaurant in Seattle serving food that feels like summer year round. They have a large covered patio in back that feels like it belongs on the beach overlooking the water. Yet you’ll find it right in downtown Seattle.

Lioness

website | neighborhood: Phinney Ridge | cuisine: Italian | dog friendly

Lioness features one of the most stylish patios in Seattle. The outdoor seating is intimate, sophisticated, and cozy because it’s tucked in a cobblestone courtyard. Plus since it’s a Renee Erickson spot you know the plates and dishes are just as beautiful as the food is tasty.

Holy Mountain Brewing

website | neighborhood: Phinney Ridge | cuisine: beer | dog friendly

courtyard in Phinney Ridge with outdoor dining

Holy Mountain shares the same courtyard complex as Lioness. It has a few tables lining the walkway and is a great spot to people watch by sipping from one of the best breweries in Seattle.

Doe Bay Wine Company

website | neighborhood: Phinney Ridge | cuisine: wine bar | dog friendly

Doe Bay Wine Company is the last spot that shares a space in the courtyard with Lioness and Holy Mountain. Its sidewalk patio feels distinctly Phinney: casual, creative, and full of people discussing everything from travel plans to neighborhood gossip.

The wine selection is excellent and the outdoor seating is one of the neighborhood’s best spots to spend a sunny evening at one of Seattle’s best wine bars.

The Mountaineering Club

website | neighborhood: University District | cuisine: American

people talking on one of Seattle's best rooftop bars

The Mountaineering Club might have the most dramatic rooftop views in Seattle. From the outdoor terrace you’ll see Lake Washington, Lake Union, Mount Rainier, downtown, and the Cascades all in one sweep.

Come for cocktails at sunset and stay for the view. Reservations strongly recommended.

The Nest

website | neighborhood: Downtown | cuisine: cocktails

women enjoying cocktail on one of the best rooftop bars in Seattle

The Nest remains one of Seattle’s most iconic rooftop bars for good reason. The Puget Sound spreads out below while ferries crisscross the water in the distance.

It’s particularly spectacular on clear summer evenings. Reservations highly recommended if you want prime outdoor seating.

Oddfellows Cafe

website | neighborhood: Capitol Hill | cuisine: American | dog friendly

Few patios capture Capitol Hill quite like Oddfellows. The restaurant itself is full of historic character and there’s a hidden courtyard that you can’t see from the street so it feels extra special. Order their irresistible mac and cheese and toast to finding one of Seattle’s best outdoor patios.

Old Stove Brewing

website | neighborhoods: Downtown, Queen Anne, & Ballard (get directions) | cuisine: American | dog friendly

person holding a beer glass with Seattle waterfront in the back

Old Stove Brewing arguably offers some of the best outdoor waterfront dining in Seattle. The enormous patio of their downtown location is right in Pike Place Market and overlooks Elliott Bay, ferries, and the Olympic Mountains. While their Queen Anne and Ballard locations don’t have as epic of water views, both have huge outdoor beer gardens perfect for a group.

Phinney Station

website | neighborhood: Phinney Ridge | cuisine: American & Mexican | dog friendly

Phinney Station, a cool indoor-outdoor bar with great burgers

Phinney Station’s spacious indoor-outdoor vibe makes it a neighborhood favorite. It’s comfortable, welcoming, and perfect for groups. That’s because it’s built in an refurbished two-story gas station that has arcade games, TVs, and plenty of seating for the whole family.

Food wise there are two food trucks. One focuses on Mexican and the other has one of the best smash burgers in the city.

Ristorante Picolinos

website | neighborhood: Sunset Hill | cuisine: Italian | dog friendly

person picking up carbonara noodles from one of the hidden gem restaurants in Seattle

Ristorante Picolinos may have the most beautiful garden patio in Seattle. Fountains, flowers, climbing vines, and stone pathways create an atmosphere that feels more Tuscany than Seattle. If you’re looking for one of the most romantic restaurants in Seattle, start here.

RockCreek Seafood & Spirits

website | neighborhoods: Fremont & Kirkland | cuisine: seafood

RockCreek, one of the Seattle restaurants with private rooms for group dining

RockCreek’s outdoor patio is grounded by a fire pit at its center, making you feel like you’ve been transported to the campfire in Rock Creek, Montana, where the restaurant got its name. Their seafood program is one of Seattle’s best, and outdoor seating adds an extra layer of charm. Reservations recommended.

Sabine Cafe & Bar

website | neighborhood: Ballard & Bellevue | cuisine: Mediterranean | dog friendly

pita toast with hummus topped with dill and cabbage

Sabine’s Ballard patio looks like a covered conservatory with windows overlooking bustling Ballard Ave NW. It’s airy and made for long summer evenings. Whitewashed details and Mediterranean-inspired food give the space vacation energy.

Their Bellevue location also has an outdoor patio area, but it doesn’t have as much shade so wear sun protection!

Saint Bread

website | neighborhood: Portage Bay | cuisine: Asian bakery | dog friendly

Saint Bread, a breakfast place in Seattle

Saint Bread combines excellent pastries with one of the most pleasant outdoor seating areas in the city. Situated on the water, the patio feels peaceful and relaxed…as if you’re nestled among the boats on the dock. Come for breakfast, stay for lunch, and don’t skip the pastries.

Salty’s on Alki Beach

website | neighborhood: West Seattle | cuisine: seafood

Salty’s delivers one of Seattle’s most famous outdoor dining views. The patio looks directly across Elliott Bay toward the downtown skyline, making it particularly magical at sunset. Seafood is the obvious order here, but the view is the real headliner. Make a reservation, especially if visiting for their famous seafood brunch.

STELLA

website | neighborhood: First Hill | cuisine: Italian | dog friendly

Stella, one of the best outdoor patios in Seattle

STELLA’s patio combines First Hill charm with a dose of Italian ambiance. Their iconic black and white striped umbrellas are perfect for lounging under with an Italian spritz. Since it’s at the historic Sorrento Hotel, you can head inside to check out the hotel’s architecture afterwards. Keep an eye out for ghosts, it’s said to be one of the most haunted spots in Washington.

Willmott’s Ghost

website | neighborhood: Downtown | cuisine: Italian | dog friendly

inside a beautiful South Lake Union restaurant

Willmott’s Ghost sits beneath the Amazon’s striking glass spheres and features a stylish outdoor patio that feels unlike anywhere else in Seattle. The pizza and cocktails are excellent, but the architecture surrounding the patio makes the experience memorable. Reservations recommended.

The Dressing Room

website | neighborhood: Downtown | cuisine: American

patio with umbrellas and pride flags at one of the best brunch spots in Seattle

There aren’t many Pike Place Market restaurants that feel like a hidden gem, but The Dressing Room is one of those rare finds. Its entrance is down a hallway beside Post Alley, so many tourists miss it. But you should seek it out because they have not only one of the best brunches in Seattle, but also a hidden back patio with peekaboo views of the Puget Sound.

You can also visit at night for one of their cabaret shows that happen in the basement. Advanced tickets required for this one, and reservations recommended for day time dining.

The Stonehouse Cafe

website | neighborhood: Rainier Beach | cuisine: American | dog friendly

patio dining at one of the best Seattle restaurants with views

Perhaps I’m saving the best for last, but The Stonehouse Cafe doesn’t have must one outdoor dining spot in Seattle. They have multiple options because the restaurant is inside a refurbished home with multiple patios, decks, and outdoor areas. My favorite one is in front because it looks over Lake Washington, but you can also relax in the shade of their back garden.

This spot is a casual order-at-the-counter family spot. They often have events and concerts, so prepare to spend a few hours relaxing in the nice weather. I especially like coming in the morning because Stonehouse makes some of the best breakfast in Seattle.

Plan the rest of your Seattle outing

Once you’ve picked the best outdoor dining in Seattle, it’s time to plan the full day. Here are a few more guides to help you make the most of your time in Seattle.

  • Best Restaurants in Seattle with a View
  • Things to Do on a Rainy Day
  • Hidden Gem Restaurants in Seattle Locals Don’t Like to Reveal

In: Seattle Restaurants

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The Emerald Palate is your guide to the Pacific Northwest. Use it to find Seattle food tours, travel guides, and more. Meet Adria

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