Is it just us, or does eating outside make food taste better?
Catch some rays or laze in the shade at one of these 25+ Richmond patios.
Open-air options
Feel free to bring your furry friends to Parterre.
Photo by @parterre_rva
Pinky’s
Travel to the Mediterranean with the expansive patio and fresh flavors at Pinky’s. The Scott’s Addition spot will make you feel like you’re dining on the coast.
Union Market
Head to Union Hill to pick up a specialty sandwich and sit in the shade. If you aren’t hungry yet, check out th Instagram for daily open-air temptation.
Parterre
The garden patio at Parterre — which is attached to the Linden Row Hotel — is a summery Southern escape. Plus, it’s dog-friendly, making it the perfect stop during a downtown walk.
The Continental
Both the Manchester and Westhampton locations have patios to sit and sip limeades. We’ve got our eye on the apps — the baked goat cheese and honey and falafel sliders are calling our names.
Blue Atlas
Get lunch or dinner from the restaurant and market and enjoy the view from the expansive patio.
The Patio Thai
Enjoy Thai fare in the open air at this Monroe Ward spot.
En Su Boca
This fence-enclosed patio on Arthur Ashe Boulevard has heaters for the colder months.
Covered patios
The Mantu
Chef Hamid Noori serves up Afghan cuisine at this fine dining restaurant near Ellwood Thompson’s. Try this: A table on the breezy covered patio, Chicken Kobihda, and a saffron iced tea.
The Smoky Mug
Whether you’re on the hunt for specialty coffee or Tex Mex tacos, this Northside cafe has something for you. The pup-friendly “front porch” is an ideal spot to get some work done or reconnect with friends.
Little Nickel
Tropical flare meets diner staples at this inventive Forest Hill restaurant. On a hot day, split a punch bowl and a plate of Hawaiian nachos with your pals.
Brambly Park
Make a reservation to dine on the covered patio or in the park. The restaurant also hosts several local musicians for dinnertime tunes and After Dark events.
Rooftop views
The rooftop at Quirk is ideal for post-work drinks.
Photo via @quirkhotelrva
New York Deli
Did you know this Carytown establishment has a rooftop bar? The deli’s been in business since 1929, but added the Rockaway Beach Rooftop Bar in 2022.
Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop
Head to Scott’s Addition for a local brew and watch the sun set from up on the roof. Reader Justin M. told us the views are worth the trip.
Q Rooftop Bar
Grab a bite or a drink at this iconic spot and it’ll come with a panoramic view of downtown Richmond. Pro tip: You can also rent the Quirk Hotel rooftop for events.
Waterside seats
Island Shrimp Co.
On a nice day at the Rocketts Landing location, the garage doors open and each diner has a view of the James.
Latitude Seafood Co.
The Hull Street seafood spot has some top-tier views. “It’s right on Swift Creek Reservoir,” Reader Bird C. said. “It feels like you’re at the Outer Banks.”
The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing
Enjoy a meal overlooking one of the most scenic stretches of the James that Richmond has to offer. Pro tip: If you’re able to plan ahead, making a reservation is probably a good idea.
Breweries
Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
Both the Richmond and West Creek locations have plenty of outdoor seating.
Ardent Craft Ales
Order brews from your seat on the Scott’s Addition patio. Hungry? Get a meal from nearby ZZQ or Eazzy Burger.
Väsen Brewing Company
Head to Scott’s Addition for unconventional ales on the patio.
Triple Crossing
The downtown tasting room has an outside deck that’s pup-friendly (leashes required).
Main Line Brewery
This brewery has a large outdoor space with a stage for performers. There are often food trucks on-site to grab a bite.
Legend Brewing Company
This Southside staple has been serving Richmonders since the nineties as Virginia’s oldest craft brewery.
More reader recs
“The plant-filled ‘secret’ patio at Laura Lee’s.” – Bird C.
“Lola’s Farmhouse Bistro is my favorite outdoor dining spot.” – Anita A.
“My favorite outdoor dining recommendation is Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe... Pet-friendly patios with a great ambiance.” – Waltieria P.
“I love the outdoor patio at Stella’s on Grove. My Westie loves it too. And the food is amazing.” – Lacy L.
We know we left off some stellar Richmond restaurants. Let us know your favorite patio in the city.
Want even more recommendations? Our list of places with heated patios has spots that are welcoming even in cooler months.
