With Raleigh’s mostly mild seasons, we can enjoy relaxed meals outdoors almost any month of the year thanks to these al fresco restaurants
by WALTER staff
Here in Raleigh, we have long, balmy evenings in the summer, crisp fall and spring days… even many winter afternoons that are pleasant for outdoor dining when the sun’s out. Because of that, many area restaurants offer open-air and patio seating for casual lunch and dinner. Here are 14 of our favorite spots to eat outside, almost any month of the year.
Ajja
A vibrant neighborhood restaurant with more seating outside than in which pairs with its fresh, global menu and spirits. 209 Bickett Boulevard; ajjaeats.com
Barcelona Wine Bar
On the bottom floor of The Dillon, the patio of this upscale tapas spot is particularly energetic on the weekeends. 430 W. Martin Street; barcelonawinebar.com
Birdie’s Barroom & Kitchen
Contemporary American food in a chic atmosphere, it’s a great option for a work dinner or pre-show meal. 150 Fayetteville Street; birdiesraleigh.com
East End Bistrot
This French and Asian inspired bistro offers a lovely courtyard Champagne Terrace and a menu great for sharing small plates of indulging in elevated classics. 2020 Progressive Court; eastendbistrotraleigh.com
Figulina
This airy Warehouse District spot offers shareable house-made pasta with surprising flavors in a warm but spacious setting.
317 S. Harrington Street; figulinaraleigh.com
Gringo A Go Go
A decidedly quirky, casual Mexican restaurant with a patio surrounded by lush plants and colorful lights for an always-festive vibe. 100 N. Person Street; gringoraleigh.com
Hummingbird
This small New Orleans-inspired spot offers spins on classics like devilled eggs and po-boys.1053 E. Whitaker Mill Road; hummingbirdraleigh.com
La Terrazza
At the top of The Dillon, find a fusion of southern Italian and Mediterranean with views of the city. 223 S. West Street, 9th floor; laterrazzaraleigh.com
Longleaf Swine BBQ
Classic Carolina BBQ at picnic tables under a giant awning, plus TVs for watching the latest game. 300 E. Edenton Street; longleafswine.com
Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar
The giant fountain makes you feel like you’re on a piazza while you enjoy authentic Italian cuisine. 309 N. Dawson Street; mulinoraleigh.com
Postino
This Village District spot is perfect for a leisure after cocktail hour with bruschetta boards to share and a solid wine list. 401 Daniels Street; postinowinecafe.com
Rosewater Kitchen & Bar
From chef Giorgios Bakatsias, an herb-forward European menu, served on a flower-filled patio.
110 Park at North HIlls Street; rosewaterraleigh.com
Sam Jones BBQ
Order at the counter, then set up at one of the picnic tables outside at this award-winning North Carolina BBQ joint. 502 W. Lenoir Street; samjonesbbq.com
Sitti
Authentic Lebanese cuisine downtown, with a roomy courtyard tucked in the back.
137 S. Wilmington Street; sitti-raleigh.com
Standard Beer + Food
Fresh but casual food, great frozen drinks and plenty of space around the tables for a group or kids who need to move.
205 E. Franklin Street; standardbeerandfood.com
Taverna Agora
Traditional Greek dishes with a lovely rooftop terrace.
326 Hillsborough Street; tavernaagora.com
Transfer Co. Food Hall
Plenty of options for quick-serve cuisine — from Dank Burrito to Bul Box to Yatai Market — and a sunny patio to enjoy them.
500 E. Davie Street; transfercofoodhall.com
Trophy Brewing & Pizza
With 12 beers always on tap along with cocktails and wine, Trophy also features specialty pizzas along with fresh salads.
827 W. Morgan Street; trophybrewing.com
Whiskey Kitchen
Near Nash Square, find elevated Southern food and a whiskey-forward cocktail list.
201 W. Martin Street; whiskey.kitchen
Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing
Her, find craft beers and chef-driven bar food — plus a sweeping view of downtown. Ask for the Wye Hill Bloody Mary on the weekends. 201 S. Boylan Avenue; wyehill.com
A version of this article originally appeared in the 2025 OUR TOWN publication of WALTER magazine. It was published online on September 23, 2025.
