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The World's Best Cities for Outdoor Dining

Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated:: 9:30 AM ET, Thu May 24, 2018

Take it Outside

1/18
The only thing better than enjoying an amazing dish and beverage in a new destination is doing so outside in the fresh air. With summer approaching, al fresco dining is heating up in these outstanding cities.

New York City

2/18
The Big Apple's al fresco dining scene is robust and full of possibilities, whether you crave an overstuffed burrito and frozen margarita in the sun or world-class seafood while sitting under the stars.

San Francisco

3/18
While the weather in the Bay Area doesn't always cooperate, the San Francisco foodie scene certainly stands out. Visitors can combine traditional German favorites like pretzels and sausages with draft beer in a relaxed outdoor atmosphere at Biergarten or try homegrown ingredients by the fire pit at STEM Kitchen & Garden.

Sydney

4/18
When you combine a stellar climate with a seemingly endless amount of waterfront real estate you get one of the world's premier al fresco dining destinations. Sydney is the perfect storm.

Montreal

5/18
After a cold winter spent bundled up inside, locals and visitors to Montreal are itching to enjoy a meal outside this time of year. Fortunately, there is no shortage of options, especially for those seeking delectable French cuisine.

Paris

6/18
Start your perfect Parisian day with a coffee by the riverside and finish it off with reservations at one of the City of Light's many popular outdoor bars and restaurants.

Rome

7/18
Rome is the most popular foodie destination in the world, based on data from TripAdvisor. However, visitors are likely to fall even harder for its world-class pizza and other local delicacies when ordering al fresco.

Madrid

8/18
Take your favorite tapas to the next level by taking them outside in Madrid. Hundreds of establishments here offer patios, terraces, gardens and rooftops where visitors can enhance their dining experience. For the best combination of food and views, consider La Terraza del Casino.

Chicago

9/18
The best part about Chicago's outdoor dining scene is the variety. Visitors will have the chance to dive into comfort food at Honey Butter Fried Chicken or sample Costa Rican cuisine at Irazu, among other possibilities.

Miami

10/18
Another undeniable American foodie city, Miami's weather puts it over the top when talking about the best destinations to pull up a chair on the patio. Nothing quite complements a gourmet dish paired with a signature cocktail quite like an enchanting view of the ocean.

Barcelona

11/18
Dining outdoors in Barcelona isn't always the most serene given its popularity among tourists. Nonetheless, diners stopping by sidewalk cafes and other outdoor restaurants will have numerous opportunities to people watch while indulging in tapas and other local favorites.

London

12/18
London's sidewalk tables, gardens and rooftops fill up quickly in the summer as locals flock to the long-awaited sunshine. The good news is your options are plentiful. Grab a hearty breakfast at The Ivy Chelsea Garden or an eclectic cocktail from Pomona's in Notting Hill.

Bruges

13/18
Travelers shouldn't overlook this Belgian city. After all, its canals, medieval architecture and charming cobblestone streets make for the perfect outdoor dining setting.

Singapore

14/18
Singapore offers a wide range of culinary surprises and some of the destination's best al fresco dining spots remain open through the night so visitors can enjoy their outdoor meals at their own convenience.

Buenos Aires

15/18
Although Buenos Aires' temperatures cool off during the summer months, the Argentine capital is alive year-round and rewards visitors' taste buds with unique Latin American and European flavors that pair perfectly with one of the city's many terrace views.

Melbourne

16/18
Unlike Sydney, the weather isn't always dependable in Melbourne. However, the coastal city is as lively as they come and offers plenty of opportunities to capitalize on the sunshine or starry night sky. Take your pick of bustling beer gardens, romantic rooftop hangouts or relaxed patios.

Washington, DC

17/18
Touring all of Washington, D.C.'s monuments and other attractions is guaranteed to work up an appetite. So head to The Salt Line on the Capitol Riverfront for seafood, local craft beers and views of the Anacostia River.

San Antonio

18/18
If you're looking for an excellent spot to chow down outdoors in San Antonio, you can't go wrong along the famous River Walk. There's a style to suit every taste, whether you're searching for divine BBQ, Tex-Mex, Italian or a classic American burger.

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Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

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