The Best Cities for Al Fresco Dining this Summer

Summer’s (almost) here, and with that there are open-air cocktail nights, cozy garden gatherings with friends, and leisurely brunches on a sunny veranda.  

Outdoor dining has a certain charm that can’t be recreated - it elevates the entire dining experience by providing a connection to nature, fresh air and provides natural sources of Vitamin D.  

With alfresco dining spots dotted across the globe, which destinations offer the finest selection for foodies? For tourists, food is one of the most important aspects of exploring new cities, and indulging in alfresco experiences can create even more memorable moments that go beyond just a meal.  

Each city and town has its moment to shine throughout the seasons, and being aware of the places that excel in alfresco dining enable people to plan their holidays and trips this summer accordingly. For locals, too, this can also play a role in bolstering support for independent restaurants and foster community engagement.  

With all of that in mind, where are the best places to dine outdoors in Ireland and the UK this summer?  

OutdoorLiving.ie set to work to reveal the best cities and towns for al-fresco dining in 2024.  

We took a list of the largest towns and cities in Ireland and the UK in general. From there, we searched TripAdvisor to reveal how many food establishments offer outdoor dining, how many have five star reviews, and the average weather patterns for June in each city.  

The best cities for al-fresco dining in Ireland 

While Dublin, unsurprisingly, has the highest number of restaurants on TripAdvisor, only 16% of restaurants state that they have outdoor dining - which could prove tricky to find when the capital city is busy with some of the biggest crowds in the summer months.  

It’s Wexford that has the highest proportion of outdoor restaurants for tourists and residents, with 23% of restaurants in the town, which has a population of around 150,000, having outdoor dining options for people to bask in the sun and sit on terraces overlooking the golden beaches that stretch for miles.  

Wexford also clocks up the most hours of sunshine in all of Ireland, making it a popular holiday destination - and as a result, outdoor dining is a must.  

However, when you dig a little deeper and look at the number of outdoor dining spots with five star reviews, and chances of a sunny day with less likelihood of rain, it’s Kilkenny that has been crowned as Ireland’s alfresco culinary haven.  

With a fifth of all restaurants having outdoor dining spots, and 14% of these being rated five-star for experience, Kilkenny’s charm of historical landmarks and ethereal beauty is even better enjoyed while sat outside.  

In June, average weather highs are 18 degrees Celsius, and Kilkenny had one of the smallest likelihoods of rainfall - just behind Newtownabbey.  

Newry, Limerick and Bray all also fared well in the ranking, with plenty of options for people to enjoy outside dining experiences and while away the hours drinking Aperol Spritz and Guinness. 

Derry came last in our ranking, due to having the lowest average weather highs, and one of the smallest proportions of outdoor dining available - at 11% of all restaurants.  

The best cities for al-fresco dining in the UK 

In the rest of the UK, we looked at other towns and cities where food enthusiasts might go to visit this summer, who want to enjoy a sunny outdoor dining experience.  

Topping the list is St Davids in Wales, a charming city (and the smallest in Britain), which is known for its picturesque landscapes and proximity to wild offshore islands in Pembrokeshire. It came top with a huge 63% of restaurants having access to outdoor dining - almost more than double than anywhere else in the UK.  

 London secured the second spot with over a third of restaurants having outdoor dining options, and a 10% five-star review rate. London’s average June weather highs of 21 degrees make it a good choice for those seeking alfresco opportunities, amidst the city’s vibrant atmosphere.  
Salisbury, Chelmsford and Southend on Sea also made it to the top five, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to the outdoor dining experience. Other notable cities in the ranking include Canterbury, Worcester and Colchester. 

The research highlights the growing popularity of outdoor dining and its importance in enhancing overall dining experiences.  

With summer approaching, these rankings also provide valuable insights for locals and tourists alike, encouraging people to explore the diverse culinary scenes on offer - and beautiful outdoor settings that these cities have to offer.  

Whether it’s enjoying a leisurely brunch under the sun, or a romantic dinner under the stars, these cities promise unforgettable al fresco dining in 2024.  

And if you’re stuck for choice and would prefer to create your own outdoor dining experience instead, check out our outdoor structures like our pergolas and verandas that will expand your living space and give you a space to shield from the sun rays while entertaining friends and family this summer.  

Methodology  

To understand where the best towns and cities in the UK for al fresco dining are, OutdoorLiving.ie took the number of restaurants for each according to TripAdvisor - that fell under the ‘restaurants’, ‘quick bites’ and ‘coffee and tea’ filters.  

It then looked at the number that fell into the ‘outdoor seating’ feature, before also looking at how many had 5 star reviews.  

Average June temperatures were taken from the Met Office and rainfall was taken from various sources, including the Met Office and Climate-Info.org.  

Data correct as of April 2024.