As the warmer months grace the city, Boston’s vibrant culinary scene opens up to welcome patrons back to outdoor dining.
The return of outdoor dining offers a unique opportunity to indulge in the city’s diverse food offerings while soaking up the sun and enjoying the local atmosphere.
From the bustling streets of Back Bay to the historic charm of Cambridge, each neighborhood presents a distinct outdoor dining experience.
### Back Bay: A Taste of the Italian Coast and More
Back Bay is home to a variety of stunning patios that suit different palates and preferences.
At **Porto**, diners can embark on a culinary journey to the Italian coast.
Nestled on Ring Road, this restaurant’s patio is adorned with greenery and a whimsical lemon installation, providing a vibrant setting for outdoor meals.
Reservations can be made through Porto’s website, and the restaurant operates from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday through Thursday, and later on Friday and Saturday until 10 p.m.
For a lively atmosphere, **Earls Kitchen + Bar Prudential Center** invites guests to enjoy an all-season patio.
With lush greenery enveloping the space, diners can relish craft cocktails, a globally inspired menu, and vibrant energy.
Earls welcomes guests daily from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., extending hours on weekends until 1 a.m.
Taking outdoor drinking to new heights is **Stratus at View Boston** on the 51st floor of the Prudential Center.
This tallest rooftop bar in New England offers a curated cocktail menu paired with captivating views.
Stratus is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., providing a breathtaking backdrop for any meal.
If you’re looking for a classic Boston dining experience, **Stephanie’s on Newbury** is the spot.
The expansive private patio is perfect for people watching and enjoying the lively Newbury Street ambiance.
Stephanie’s serves lunch, weekend brunch, and dinner every day, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, and later on weekends.
Offering a unique spin on seafood is **Saltie Girl**, which features a secluded sunken patio at the corner of Newbury and Dartmouth Streets.
Saltie Girl’s outdoor space is available for lunch, brunch, and dinner, operating from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and until 11 p.m. on weekends.
**Rochambeau** gives diners a taste of Paris right in the heart of Back Bay.
With a large private patio situated outside the Prudential Center, this restaurant operates from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on the weekdays and until midnight on weekends.
For steak lovers, **Abe & Louie’s** makes for an exceptional outdoor dining experience, flanked by topiaries and heat lamps for added comfort on cooler nights.
Located on Boylston Street, it’s open for lunch and dinner, closing at 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on weekends.
**Atlantic Fish Company** enhances the outdoor dining experience with a stylish patio adorned with beautiful floral arrangements.
Located on Boylston Street, it’s also open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and extends hours during the weekends.
Last but not least, **Eva** prides itself on having the largest patio on Newbury Street.
With beautiful flowers and prime people-watching spots, Eva’s patio accommodates guests daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the week, and later on weekends.
### Cambridge: Culinary Delights with a Scenic Touch
Crossing the river to Cambridge, outdoor dining remains in full swing with several prominent patios.
**Glass House**, situated next to the Broad Canal, features a relaxed outdoor space with Adirondack chairs and a fire pit.
Perfect for private events or casual dining, Glass House is open from 12 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
In Harvard Square, **Harvest Restaurant** offers a partially covered patio ideal for cozy evenings next to a fireplace.
Guests can find lounge seating for larger parties or traditional tables for smaller groups, open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. throughout the week.
**Bar Enza**, at the Charles Hotel, presents a heated, covered patio perfect for enjoying meals outdoors.
This restaurant opens from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Over in **Puritan & Company**, the outdoor patio is covered, allowing for a comfortable dining atmosphere for dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
**The Lexington**, located in a new development by the Lechmere stop, features a rooftop patio open from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday for dinner.
Lastly, **Monteverdi** impresses with its patio featuring beautiful views of the Charles River.
The space hosts live music and is perfect for special events.
Monteverdi is open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and until 10:30 p.m. on weekends.
### Downtown & Financial District: A Social Scene
In the Downtown and Financial District, outdoor dining is equally dynamic with a selection of inviting options.
**Ned Devine’s** offers an extensive patio with ample room for patrons to enjoy games on a large screen and music videos while seated under plentiful umbrellas.
Guests can stop by anytime from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, with extended hours until 1:30 a.m. on weekends.
At **Sugar Factory** in Faneuil Hall, diners can indulge in signature goblets and seasonal menu items while basking in the sun on the outdoor patio.
This vibrant spot is open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and offers extended hours on weekends.
Meanwhile, **Matria**, located at the InterContinental Boston, presents a spacious terrace with breathtaking views and multiple fire pits for a cozy atmosphere.
The terrace is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is perfect for enjoying the restaurant’s Northern-Italian steakhouse menu.
**Smith & Wollensky** offers an upscale dining experience, featuring views of Boston Harbor.
This renowned establishment is open from 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday, and extends service until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
### North End: Hidden Gems Waiting to Be Discovered
Venturing into the North End, several hidden gems await those seeking outdoor dining.
**Mare Oyster Bar** provides a serene hidden patio perfect for seafood lovers away from the city’s bustling streets.
Complete with fire pits and cozy seating, Mare’s outdoor dining is available from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends.
For authentic Italian cuisine, **Trattoria Il Panino** features an expansive patio with a retractable awning, seating 50 under the shade when needed.
This North End favorite is open till 11 p.m. every day, extending hours to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
**Joe’s Waterfront** impresses with its expansive patio showcasing unobstructed water views of Boston Harbor.
Recently revamped, the patio features comfortable lounge furniture and is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the week and later on weekends.
Lastly, **Forcella** offers a charming hidden patio perfect for gatherings, accommodating up to 44 guests while being pet-friendly.
Forcella operates from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays and Tuesdays through Thursdays, and stays open till 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
### Seaport: Waterfront Dining Delight
In Seaport, outdoor dining brings guests closer to the waterfront.
**Legal Harborside** stands out with its four-season rooftop bar that cleverly opens its translucent glass walls during warmer weather.
Diners can savor sushi and oyster dishes while admiring views of Boston Harbor, with operating hours from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and until 11 p.m. on weekends.
**Woods Hill Pier 4** boasts stunning panoramic views and offers sustainably sourced dishes in a relaxed outdoor setting.
This patio accommodates up to 60 guests, and is open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and earlier on weekends for lunch before dinner service.
At **Lolita Fort Point**, waterfront dining is enriched with the restaurant’s vibrant outdoor atmosphere.
Lolita opens daily at 11:30 a.m., with hours extending until 1 a.m. from Monday to Thursday.
**Moxies** has recently enhanced its rooftop patio experience with a new brunch menu and a “Build Your Own Mimosa” offer for guests to enjoy.
Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, Moxies presents a dynamic experience from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. on weekdays, and until midnight on Sunday.
Lastly, **Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse** provides a beautiful setting for outdoor dining overlooking Boston Harbor, welcoming guests from 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. on weekdays, later on weekends, perfect for savoring exceptional Italian and seafood dishes.
As the outdoor dining season fully opens up in Boston, these neighborhoods invite locals and visitors alike to indulge in gourmet offerings while basking in the beautiful setting at these fantastic patios.
image source from:https://www.masslive.com/destinations/2025/04/a-neighborhood-guide-to-outdoor-dining-around-boston.html