As Massachusetts continues to reemerge from the shutdown, restaurants are getting their al fresco areas up and running for dine-in patrons. Read on for a curated list of some of the best decks, patios, rooftops and sidewalk spots where you can enjoy a good meal while maintaining your social distance from fellow diners. You can sort by neighborhood if you’re looking for something nearby or just scroll to see if your regular hang is on the list — we’ll be adding restaurants as they open for on-site dining so stay tuned and definitely check back for updates.
Word to the wise: we’ll be adjusting the info below as the situation continues to evolve and restaurants figure out what works for them (and you!) so it’s still probably your best bet to give the restaurant a ring to make sure they can accommodate you.
Boston Landing, 96 Guest Street
Boston, MA 02135
617-254-0044
Rail Stop Restaurant & Bar
Brighton dwellers are only a hop, skip, and a jump from Rail Stop's new outdoor patio, which features plenty of room to stretch out, grab some New England eats, and relax in the shade of large umbrellas adorning the space.
Rail Trail Flatbread
The expanded patio at Hudson's beloved Rail Trail Flatbread is the perfect spot for tucking into their award-winning pizzas. Heaters will keep it - and you! and your pie! - warm even when the weather cools so pop over whenever you're in the mood for some 'za (or a burger or a salad or a bowl - there's lots to choose from).
Reelhouse
Reelhouse has a surefire cure for springtime fever - their patio. Situated in East Boston, the restaurant's outside seating arrangement boasts breathtaking views of the city skyline. Soak in the glory of the sunset while enjoying fabulous bites and refreshing cocktails.
Ristorante Fiore
Close your eyes and image you're having a long, late lunch in Italy on Ristorante Fiore's patio or roof deck - two of the North End's few al fresco dining spots. Add a glass or two of house-red (which rivals top shelf anywhere else) and a little something to eat to get into a Southern Italian state of mind.
Rochambeau
The Back Bay's go-to for French fare has added a sidewalk patio right on Boylston Street. Grab your spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner and pretend you've been transported to Paris.
381 Summer St
Somerville, MA 02144
617-629-9500
Rosebud American Kitchen & Bar
Somerville joint, Rosebud, brings their down-to-earth comfort food outside in honor of summer. Tucked behind the dining car anterior, their alley-style patio provides a bit of privacy while maintaining a charming urban flair, offering the perfect spot to enjoy one of their decadent pies.
Rowes Wharf Sea Grille
Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner, pop down to the Boston Harbor Hotel to enjoy your meal accompanied by a refreshing ocean breeze. The Rowes Wharf Sea Grille has plenty of patio seating overlooking the harbor so you can enjoy seaside dining in the heart of the city.
Rozafa Bistro
Not sure if you want to stay urban or head for the beach? You can split the difference at Rozafa Bistro in Quincy Center. The Hancock Street eatery's umbrella-topped patio is a perfect spot for a meal before or after a scenic shoreline drive or beachy stroll.
Russell House Tavern
Even when the students are off for the summer – Harvard Square is humming. Lucky diners looking for a restful respite from the commotion can snag one of the tables on Russell House Tavern’s bricked patio – just off the well-traveled thoroughfare that is JFK Street – to enjoy a dinner at one of a handful of wrought iron tables.
Sarma
Chef-owner Cassie Piuma and her team at Sarma bring all the flavors of the Mediterranean out onto the restaurant's brand new patio. Reservations are required and the whole table's got to be on-board for the family-style feast of small plates which comes in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian (which is to say, meaty) versions.
Scampo
By the time summer rolls around, Bostonians have earned a little time off for good behavior – which they can spend in the yard at Scampo. At spacious, umbrella topped tables, diners can stretch out and enjoy the fresh air over dishes of Lydia’s Shire’s whimsical, award-winning fare.
Serafina Back Bay
Located on Newbury street, Serafina's brick patio puts you in your own private paradise all within the hustle and bustle of Newbury street. The intimate outdoor seating area is open for lunch and dinner and it's the perfect spot for great people watching and great food.
