9 Outdoor Dining Area Ideas and How to Create One

Outdoor dining areas, also known as al fresco or patio dining spaces, are a great way to make better use of open space and improve the dining experience. For restaurants, offering an open-air dining option can help increase profits during busy seasons, special events, or when indoor seating is limited.

This idea isn't limited to restaurants, though. For those who enjoy relaxed weekend gatherings and a casual atmosphere, creating an outdoor dining area at home can provide a comfortable space for family meals and get-togethers without the need for major renovations.

In this blog, we'll share 9 outdoor dining area ideas to help you design an attractive and enjoyable space for meals and leisure.

9 Outdoor Dining Area Ideas to Create an Ideal Outdoor Dining Space

Building an al fresco dining area isn't difficult, especially when you know the right approach. However, with so many outdoor dining space ideas available, choosing the best ones can feel a little bit overwhelming. If you're not sure where to start, you can refer to the 9 ideas below to create an inviting space for dining.

Add Functional Furniture

Adding functional furniture pieces is a great way to make your outdoor dining area more flexible. Foldable chairs, stackable stools, or benches with slim profiles are good options because they can be moved or stored easily when not in use. Meanwhile, built-in seating along walls or railings is also worth a try.

If your outdoor space is limited, you'll need some small outdoor dining area ideas to help make the most of every inch. One essential item is a small dining table. It serves as the center of the space and can be used for daily meals, casual drinks, or as a small surface for placing items.

When choosing furniture, look for materials that can handle sun and moisture, and keep the design simple to avoid clutter. Try to use neutral colors, clean lines, and multifunctional pieces, as they can make the outdoor dining area feel more open and comfortable.

Set up a Covered Outdoor Dining Area to Plan for Weather

The changing weather is often a major concern for any outdoor space. You have to consider some practical patio shade ideas, like setting up a covered outdoor dining area. For outdoor restaurant spaces, a cover protects guests from sun, wind, or light rain. More importantly, it ensures the food and drinks won't be contaminated by dust, insects, or other debris.

Even if you're creating an outdoor dining area at home, having a cover also matters. For example, in a backyard outdoor dining area, a simple frame tent can greatly enhance meals and gatherings. It is often highly weatherproof and versatile. You can easily take them down and use them for other outdoor activities, such as barbecues, birthday celebrations, weddings, or craft fairs. So adding a cover to your outdoor dining area can be a very cost-effective investment.

Meanwhile, you can make adjustments or install relevant equipment based on the season. During winter days, you may heat the tent to keep warm by adding heaters, sidewalls, or insulating materials. On warmer days, portable fans, air conditioning units, or misting systems are essential. They will keep good ventilation and cool the tent down, thus maintaining a comfortable temperature inside the tent.

For a restaurant owner, after setting up a reliable tent for outdoor dining areas, you should also look for some creative restaurant patio ideas to level up the overall atmosphere of the dining space. Consider adding potted plants or vertical green walls to bring a touch of nature and freshness to the space.

You can also use decorative screens, trellises, or fabric drapes to create a sense of privacy and intimacy. Moreover, small accents like outdoor rugs or hanging planters can further personalize the space and make it feel warm and welcoming for guests.

Set up Comfortable Setting

A comfortable setting and good arrangement improve the overall experience and encourage guests to stay longer.

Whether it's a restaurant patio or a backyard setup, seating should be a top priority. You can use a mix of seating types, such as cushioned chairs, benches, lounge-style seats, or even modular seating that can be adjusted for different group sizes, to make guests feel more relaxed when dining outdoors.

When arranging the layout, make sure to leave enough space for each guest, so they can freely move around and chat with other people. Usually, leaving about 24 - 30 inches per person is perfect for outdoor al fresco dining.

And pay attention to small details, such as side tables, children's dining chairs, footrests, and small storage benches. These items are easy to overlook, but adding them helps make your service feel more complete and professional.

Add an Outdoor Bar for Cocktail Hour

If your outdoor space is large, you can consider some outdoor bar ideas. Setting up an outdoor bar can add more fun to the cocktail hour. Start by choosing a sturdy bar table or a portable bar counter, and make sure it's positioned in a convenient spot that doesn't block traffic or seating areas.

Then you can stock the bar table with essential supplies, such as glasses, ice, mixers, and a variety of drinks. If possible, add a small cooler or mini fridge to keep beverages chilled.

It's better to place high stools or lounge seating nearby to create a comfortable spot for guests to gather. And you may also need to include themed décor, cocktail menus, or bar signage to make the bar area more visually appealing.

Besides alcoholic drinks, also provide water, juice, or soda for children and adults who never drink but wish to enjoy the atmosphere.

Hang Soft Lights and Lanterns

Soft lighting can set the mood of your outdoor dining area, especially in the evening. String lights, fairy lights, paper lanterns, and LED bulbs are great for tents. You can hang them along the tent frame, edges, or ceiling lines to create a warm and inviting glow.

For uncovered or surrounding areas, consider pathway lights, solar lanterns, or freestanding floor lamps. Additionally, you can use tabletop lanterns or candle-style LED lights to decorate dining tables. As for the lighting colors, compared to harsh white ones, warm-toned lights are better to create a relaxed and welcoming dining atmosphere.

When installing lights, safety should always come first. Opt for lighting materials that are especially designed for outdoor use and fully weather-resistant. And remember to secure wires properly to avoid tripping hazards. Never place lights too close to fabric, decorations, or dining surfaces.

Create Pebble Floor

A pebble floor makes the outdoor dining area feel more open and organic. It works especially well for coastal-style restaurants, garden patios, cafés with a natural theme, or backyard dining areas that present a calm, casual atmosphere.

These stones can be essential decorative elements, and at the same time, also serve a very practical purpose. They improve drainage, allowing water from rain or accidental spills to pass through easily. This helps prevent puddles and reduces the risk of slippery surfaces.

But keep in mind that the pebble stones you choose should be smooth, clean, and consistent in color to create a harmonious look. It's also wise to pair pebble flooring with wood decking or stone tiles, as this adds visual contrast and layering to create a polished feel.

Choose a Colorful Tablecloth and Cushion

Adding items like cushions, tablecloths, and placemats is an easy way to create a comfortable outdoor dining area. These soft elements are particularly useful during a longer meal. They can reduce the hardness of outdoor furniture to make guests feel more relaxed. More importantly, these simple additions will make guests feel that your outdoor dining area is thoughtfully prepared.

Different tablecloth styles help create different moods. For example, light colors can make the space feel fresh and open, while bold or patterned tablecloths create a more lively and casual atmosphere. It's best to choose tablecloths made from water-resistant, easy-to-clean fabrics for outdoor use. Also, make sure the tablecloth is the right size and fits the table well, and secure it properly so it won't blow around in windy conditions.

As for cushions, consider both comfort and style. Choose those made from weather-resistant fabrics with quick-dry filling so they can handle sun exposure and occasional moisture.

Surrounded by Shade Tree

Being surrounded by shade trees also helps to improve the overall comfort of an outdoor dining area. Natural shade blocks direct sunlight and lowers the surrounding temperature, so guests are more willing to stay longer. Compared with artificial shading, trees also add a sense of nature and save a lot on the budget.

Remember that regular pruning really matters. It helps control shade coverage and prevents branches from interfering with seating, walkways, or lighting. If natural trees are not available, using large potted trees together with tents can still create a similar shaded effect.

Add A Sheltered Outdoor Kitchen

A sheltered outdoor kitchen allows food to be prepared, cooked, and served right in the dining area. So the whole cooking process is totally transparent, which can build more trust and enhance interaction between guests and chefs. This setup also reduces the need to move back and forth to an indoor kitchen, thus increasing the efficiency of serving dishes.

It works well for restaurants that seek smoother workflow, and for home gatherings where hosts can stay engaged with guests instead of being stuck indoors. And since the kitchen is usually placed under a roof or tent, you don't need to worry about the weather conditions at all. Both food and equipment will be well protected.

To build a perfect sheltered outdoor kitchen, you'll need appliances like grill stations, pizza ovens, mobile cooking carts, or compact prep counters with storage.

For safety concerns, keep cooking zones separate from seating areas and use heat-resistant surfaces. Moreover, prepare basic fire safety equipment nearby, such as fire extinguishers, fire blankets, or sand buckets, to deal with any possible accidents.

Tips for Your Relaxing Outdoor Dining Area

In addition to the 9 outdoor dining area ideas mentioned above, there is more you can do to make the outdoor dining space better. Here are some additional tips to build a more relaxing al fresco space:

• Choose the right location: Pick a spot that is easy and convenient to access. Avoid areas close to heavy traffic, trash bins, or strong winds.
• Define space clearly: Divide your outdoor area into clear zones for dining, walking, and entertaining.
• Choose furniture that fits the atmosphere: Select furniture that matches the mood you want to create.
• Use functional and easy-to-maintain décor: Choose decorations that hold up well outdoors.
• Plan smooth and safe walkways: Leave clear paths between tables and service areas.
• Consider noise control and privacy: Use plants or privacy panels to create a relaxing setting.

Create Your Outdoor Dining Area with Sheltent

By applying these insightful ideas, you can easily build an outdoor dining area that is comfortable, functional, and visually appealing. If you need a high-quality tent or professional suggestions for your outdoor space, feel free to contact us anytime. At Sheltent, we offer a wide range of tent types suitable for covering al fresco dining areas. No matter the size of your space, we can always provide the perfect tent solution.

We also provide flexible customization options. You can print your restaurant name, logo, icons, patterns, or other branding elements clearly on the tent to increase visibility.

All of our tents are made from durable materials such as aluminum alloy, steel, and 100% weatherproof PVC. With proper storage and maintenance, their service life can extend up to 20 years.

More than just dining shelters, our tents are multifunctional and can be reused for other outdoor events, such as private parties, weddings, farmer's markets, trade shows, or business gatherings. Therefore, our tents can truly offer long-term value.