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The view might be of the skyline, the surrounding coastline, a romantic interior courtyard, or simply your date backlit by the cityscape. Whatever the venue, summer is the time to dine outdoors, catch a breeze, and relax as if you are on vacation, even if you’re in the city you call home.
Best Outdoor Dining in....
Best Outdoor Dining
New Orleans
Bayona 430 Dauphine St., French Quarter, 504-525-4455 bayona.com
The Draw: On the quiet side of the French Quarter, this secluded cottage boasts a patio oasis—a favorite of romantics. The Scene: Chef Susan Spicer celebrated the 25th anniversary of her flagship restaurant in 2010 and was just named a “Who’s Who of Food” by the James Beard Foundation. Still, the years and celebrity haven’t dimmed Spicer’s globe-hopping culinary creativity. The restaurant is a beacon for serious foodies, who crave dishes like her garlic soup, her duck sandwich with cashew peanut butter, and her sweetbreads with sherry mustard butter. No meal at Bayona is complete without an order of the goat cheese crouton with mushrooms. Hot Tip: Spicer also serves as a consultant on the HBO series Treme, so expect to see more Hollywood types booking tables.
Café Amelie 912 Royal St., French Quarter, 504-412-8965
The Draw: No one forgets a night spent in this sweeping courtyard where the food is fine and the atmosphere divine. The Scene: Travel down the narrow streets of the French Quarter and step inside the gates of Café Amelie. The courtyard, studded with candles and surrounded by a Creole mansion, opens up like a movie set. Couples—both straight and gay—whisper quietly while sampling the ever-changing menu of light, local fare. Hot Tip: For a truly private evening, rent the entire space, also known as the Princess of Monaco Carriage House.
The Draw: Dine on classic French fare in a setting that brings to mind a tropical island. The Scene: Upscale professionals flock to this bistro tucked in among the boutiques on Magazine Street for traditional French dishes like veal, escargot, and steamed mussels. The main dining room is a bit cramped, but the lush patio—with its walls covered in vines and its gurgling fountain—offers plenty of space and rustic ambiance. No matter the weather, the patio is in demand, so be sure to request a seat outside when you make a reservation. Hot Tip: Stroll down the street for an after-dinner Scotch at the swanky Monkey Hill Bar (6100 Magazine St.).
