Palm Beach Gardens is an upscale seaside city known for its beautiful resorts, pristine beaches, and excellent dining options. With a subtropical climate that allows for comfortable outdoor dining nearly year-round, it’s no wonder many of the top restaurants in Palm Beach Gardens put an emphasis on creating stunning alfresco spaces.
Alfresco dining amidst lush gardens, next to water views, or under twinkling string lights enhances the whole dining experience. The fresh air, natural scenery, and breezy ambiance make meals more relaxing and memorable. Outdoor seating also provides a nice casual vibe for drinks and snacks with friends. And don’t forget our furry companions – many restaurants allow leashed dogs on their patios.
If you’re looking for a delightful spot to enjoy a meal outdoors, read on for our picks of the top 10 restaurants with gorgeous outdoor seating in Palm Beach Gardens.
Overview of Palm Beach Gardens
Palm Beach Gardens is a mid-sized city of around 60,000 residents located along Florida’s southeast Atlantic coast. Nicknamed Florida’s “Golf Capital of the World”, the city has an affinity for the sport with over 150 nearby courses. But Palm Beach Gardens has much more to offer visitors beyond the greens.
The city exudes an upscale yet laidback vibe. Downtown features high-end shopping and dining along with craft breweries and casual eateries. Picturesque parks dot the landscape. With both the beach and the Intracoastal Waterway within city limits, water recreation abounds.
In recent years, Palm Beach Gardens has also emerged as a rising foodie destination. The growing dining scene brings innovative chefs and restaurants dishing up cuisine that goes far beyond the expected seafood shacks and steak houses. Yet, al fresco dining spaces are still a prized feature for many of the city’s best eateries.
Benefits of Outdoor Dining
Why dine outdoors? Beyond just enjoying blue skies and fresh air, outdoor seating provides some great perks.
- More relaxing, casual ambiance. Outdoor spaces tend to have a more casual, laidback vibe compared to formal indoor dining rooms.
- Kids and pets can join. Many restaurants with patios are kid and pet friendly.
- Take in natural scenery. Dining alongside gardens, water views, or greenery enhances the experience.
- People watching opportunities. Patios that face sidewalks or pedestrian areas are great for people watching.
- May help avoid crowds indoors. Outdoor seating may be more readily available if indoor tables are full.
Keep reading for our top picks of restaurants where you can savor these alfresco dining benefits around Palm Beach Gardens.
10 Top Restaurants for Outdoor Seating
1. The Parched Pig
This gastropub earns rave reviews for its charming covered patio outfitted with string lights and abundant greenery. The laidback hangout vibe makes it a popular spot for drinks and pub fare. Outdoor tables fill up fast so arrive early, especially for dinner on weekends.
Menu highlights at The Parched Pig include their signature wood-fired pizza with creative topping combos. Other customer favorites include the grilled chicken sandwich served on pretzel bread and the fried green tomato BLT. They have 24 rotating taps pouring craft beers and cider along with a lengthy list of specialty cocktails like their refreshing watermelon mint julep.
2. Dune Dog Cafe
For super casual outdoor eats, check out Dune Dog Cafe. This open-air cafe built to look like a surf shack serves tasty chili dogs, burgers, barbecue ribs, seafood platters, and waffle fries. Gather around the picnic tables or pull up to the counter stools and take in the breezy tropical vibes.
In addition to the signature Dune Dog piled high with chili and cheese, menu must-tries include the shrimp po’ boy, mahi mahi tacos, and hand-spun milkshakes. Dune Dog offers a solid list of Florida craft brews on draft and pitchers of margaritas to complement the beachy surroundings.
3. Galley
With its lushly landscaped patio dotted with palm trees, Galley offers a peaceful alfresco escape. White-washed brick, turquoise accents, and nautical elements like rope and seashells speak to the restaurant’s coastal inspiration. Come for the scenery, stay for the menu of Caribbean-influenced seafood shared plates and tropical cocktails.
Seafood towers with oysters, shrimp, ceviche, crab and lobster shine at Galley. Small plates range from jerk chicken and pineapple skewers to coconut curry mussels. For drinks, hibiscus and passionfruit margaritas pair perfectly with the island food and ambiance.
4. Benny’s on the Beach
The name says it all – the oceanfront setting at Benny’s on the Beach makes it one of the most scenic spots for waterfront dining in the area. The vibrant exterior features Spanish tiles, breezy umbrellas, and wicker lighting. Inside, walls of windows provide panoramic views of the shoreline and nearby lagoon.
Benny’s is lauded for its fresh, locally-sourced seafood coming out of their open kitchen. Menu favorites include seafood linguine in white wine sauce, blackened mahi sandwiches, and peel-and-eat shrimp. Enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine gazing out at the beautiful blue horizon any time of day.
5. Oceano Kitchen
Another prime waterfront pick, Oceano Kitchen impresses with its chic coastal ambiance both inside and out. The dining room offers pretty marina views through grand glass windows. Outside, the front deck seating catches gentle ocean breezes.
Foodwise, look for eclectic starters like Thai calamari and tuna poke nachos along with composed seafood entrees. Standouts include the pan seared snapper over squash risotto and the bacon-wrapped scallops with citrus beurre blanc. For drinks, Oceano’s handcrafted cocktails are not to miss.
6. Hullabaloo
Tucked away off the beaten path, Hullabaloo feels like a hidden gem. Strings of lights illuminate the woodsy back patio that provides an escape into nature. Rustic wood accents and abundant gardens give it a cozy, homespun vibe.
The menu focuses on creative seasonal American cuisine emerging from their wood-burning stove and rotisserie grill. House specialties include the oak roasted half chicken served with root vegetables and lemon thyme jus. For lighter fare, the grilled peach and burrata salad hits the right notes.
7. Farmer’s Table
This farm-to-table eatery offers multiple outdoor spaces ideal for morning coffee, afternoon tapas, or evening dinners. In front, covered tables line the sidewalk. Out back, picnic-style seating sprawls under shady trees.
Local, organic ingredients shine in dishes like the rainbow beet salad with goat cheese and the grass-fed beef burger topped with applewood smoked bacon. For breakfast, favorites include avocado toast on artisan bread and frittatas filled with market vegetables.
8. SALT7
With its chic white and blue decor, SALT7 brings Hamptons vibes with a Florida twist. The lush courtyard features wicker seating and umbrellas, providing a refined outdoor oasis. Gentle fountain sounds enhance the lush atmosphere.
SALT7 takes cues from its name as a steakhouse at heart, serving premium cuts like the 14-ounce ribeye alongside classic sides like creamed spinach and house fries. Seafood like the Chilean sea bass also shine. Craft cocktails like Blood Orange Sours complement the upscale fare.
9. Pura Vida
Embrace some Latin spirit at Pura Vida, beloved for its expansive tropical-themed patio. Lively Latin music fills the open-air space outfitted with hanging rattan chairs, potted palms, and strings of festive lights. The boho-chic vibe draws a stylish crowd.
Small plates take cues from Cuban, Mexican and other Latin flavors. Top picks include empanadas, ceviche, and tacos filled with juicy aromatic meats, like carne asada and al pastor. Their creative list of margaritas and mojitos hit the spot on balmy nights.
10. Le Bilboquet
For a taste of Paris transported to balmy South Florida, visit Le Bilboquet. The Palm Beach outpost of a famed NYC French bistro spills out onto a breezy sidewalk patio lined with rose bushes and cheery awnings.
Signature dishes at Le Bilboquet include steak frites, escargots, moules frites, and crispy duck confit. Save room for decadent desserts like the Grand Marnier souffle. With its curbside tables, ivy walls, and old-world decor, the restaurant’s outdoor space exudes refined European charm.
What To Look For in an Outdoor Restaurant
When seeking the perfect patio dining experience, here are some features to look for:
- Covered seating for shade and protection from weather
- Heaters and fans to keep diners comfortable year-round
- Dog friendly policies so furry friends can join
- Ambient lighting like string lights to set the mood for evenings
- Clean, well-kept space with fresh plants and decor
- Prompt bussing so empty glasses and plates don’t clutter tables
- Attentive service so you don’t feel forgotten outside
The restaurants featured here offer gorgeous outdoor spaces ticking all these boxes and more. Depending on your preferences, you can choose a lively patio or a peaceful garden setting for your perfect alfresco dining experience in Palm Beach Gardens.
With its year-round sunny weather and abundance of restaurants with alfresco dining spaces, Palm Beach Gardens is an ideal spot for outdoor wining and dining. The restaurants featured here allow you to soak up the fresh air and Florida sunshine while enjoying delicious cuisine and drinks.
From small plates at a breezy cafe to romantic waterfront meals at sunset, options abound for patio seating to suit any occasion. Next time you’re seeking an ambiance upgrade from everyday indoor dining, head to one of these Palm Beach Gardens gems boasting beautiful outdoor seating areas.
The alluring patios, courtyards, decks, and gardens showcased here make every meal a truly memorable one. It’s easy to see why outdoor dining is so popular around Palm Beach Gardens. Now get out and enjoy those blue skies and water views while savoring the city’s very best cuisine.
1. Cork & Fork
Located in the heart of Palm Beach Gardens, Cork & Fork offers an intimate outdoor patio perfect for sharing a bottle of wine and nibbling on small plates. String lights overhead give the space a cozy, romantic feel. The menu features farm-to-table fare with options like charcuterie boards, flatbreads, and cheese flights. Their market hall out back also offers a nice open-air setting for enjoying a coffee and pastry.
2. Copper Cellar
Overlooking a serene lake, Copper Cellar’s outdoor patio exudes Southern hospitality. Gather around the picnic tables shaded by umbrellas and towering oaks trees. Savor Southern comfort foods like buttermilk fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and pecan pie while breathing in the fresh air. They also have live music on certain nights.
3. Cafe Bistro
This neighborhood cafe entices with its pet-friendly patio, perfect for enjoying specialty coffee drinks, freshly baked goods, or sandwiches with your pup. Locals also frequent this spot for the live music and events like open mic comedy nights. The relaxing outdoor area features plenty of seating and shade.
You might not think of hibachi dining for al fresco eating, but Kobe’s outdoor teppanyaki grills let you enjoy the sear and sizzle of expert chefs preparing noodles, steak, chicken and shrimp tableside while soaking up the sunshine. Cheerful decor with Japanese maple trees enhances the experience.
