Atlanta’s Top Restaurants for Outdoor Dining

Buckhead may be an unlikely backdrop for a Provençal-inspired sidewalk bistro, but this charming cafe fits right in. Dine among a cheery cluster of plants beneath a riot of bright umbrellas or weathered wood beams on French classics that owner Arnaud Michel remembers from his upbringing in Montpelier. Light bites such as charcuterie and cheese plates are always lovely eaten outdoors, but so is heartier fare, like the traditional thyme-roasted free-range chicken, filet au poivre, and duck confit with burgundy truffle jus. A wide variety of wines by the glass go down easy, but try a pastis cocktail at least once. It’s made from a French anise-flavored liqueur invented to rival absinthe.

The waterfront resort vibes are strong here and fitting for a place whose name means “by the water.” Its elevated, sprawling covered patio is among the best in Sandy Springs, fueled by a dramatic fountain. The menu takes diners on a journey through Latin America via in-house family recipes such as slow-roasted chicken mole, chipotle lamb chops, Puerto Rican-style carnitas, and paella, complete with fresh corn tortillas pressed daily. Wash it all down with Peruvian pisco sours, sangria made with fruit that’s had plenty of time to soak in brandy, and cocktails that exclusively use fresh juices and herbs.

Start with a seasonal cocktail like the citrus-and-herb Don’t Call Me Shirley at the outdoor bar on the Chattahoochee’s banks, then sit or stroll along the water as you wait for your table on the covered patio. It’ll feel like a new and transportive experience in Vinings every time, especially with the weekly evolving menu. Discover exquisite uses of gamey meats such as rabbit, kangaroo, duck breast, and venison alongside wood-grilled beef tenderloin, Gulf red snapper, and Springer Mountain chicken. Desserts like the signature Flat White, executive chef Matthew Basford’s Aussie-ish take on tiramisu, are wonderful shared en plein air.

Break away from the standard steakhouse dining room by grabbing a seat on the outdoor patio under the red umbrellas or pergola. After you’ve chosen your cut of beef, you can select a preparation style, with options ranging from the “The Mill,” which promises a departure from the traditional accouterments, served with lobster mac and cheese, lobster butter, and asparagus. Order a bonfire-inspired cocktail to complement your cut, such as the smoked Old Fashioned or a smoked cranberry Margarita, brightened with white cranberry and rosemary.

It might be a little while before a trip to Italy is in the cards, so the next best thing is the laid-back outdoor area at West Midtown’s Forza Storico. The charming patio shuttles diners to the beloved peninsula with playful Italian-inspired murals and festive bistro lights. A recent expansion added seating–including a new chef’s table–in the courtyard. To complete the experience, order a bottle of wine from the Italy-focused list to pair with classic pasta dishes made the traditional way, such as real-deal carbonara, cacio e pepe, and tagliatelle alla bolognese.

This restaurant in downtown Decatur is an ode to old-school, red-sauce Italian cooking. The menu revolves mainly around authentic Neapolitan pizzas, house-made macaroni, and proteins prepared Milanese, Marsala, and parmesan-style. A large, refreshed backyard features covered and open areas with picnic tables—including one for ping-pong—plus plenty of shade from trees to ensure comfortable year-round dining.

No ordinary seafood shack, Inman Park’s BeetleCat turns the New England concept on its head, juxtaposing standbys such as lobster rolls and oyster platters with dishes like moqueca, a Brazilian seafood stew packed with shrimp, the fish of the day, coconut, jalapeño, cashews, and rice. Head to either of the two bright patios—one on the roof for full sun and a shadier setting downstairs—where the Fish House Punch, made with rum, brandy, peach whiskey, lemon, and black tea comes by the mug or the pitcher.

On the second floor of this contemporary Brookhaven steakhouse sits a covered patio, twinkling lights, and comfortable seating where diners enjoy all the steakhouse classics such as shrimp cocktail, wedge salads, and prime dry-aged meats. For those craving a little something different, Arnette’s offers distinctly modern twists, like the option to top your chop with roast shallot bordelaise, start your meal with hearth-roasted roasted marrow, or add a side of Ellijay mushrooms with Vidalia onions—both distinctly Georgian.