What Is Al Fresco Dining? A Guide for Restaurants & Cafes (2026)

When nights get lighter and temperatures begin to rise, we start to crave lazy days outdoors in the sun. And whether it's a romantic candlelit dinner for two or a celebratory soiree, there's something about eating in the open that just feels special—so special, in fact, that it has its own name: al fresco.

For restaurants and cafes, al fresco dining isn't just a seasonal nice-to-have, it's become a real driver of business performance. Later in this guide, we'll look at how outdoor dining can lift sales by up to 10-15% and make customers noticeably more likely to return. With diners increasingly drawn to flexible, open-air experiences and hospitality venues under constant pressure to stand out and maximise every seat, getting al fresco right has never mattered more.

So what exactly is "dining al fresco," and what makes it so different from normal dining?

Key takeaways

• What it means. Al fresco dining is eating outdoors, on a terrace, patio, or footpath, and it's become a genuine driver of business performance, not just a weather-dependent nice-to-have.
• The benefits. Outdoor seating can boost sales (studies point to increases ranging from 10–15% up to significant double-digit gains) and improve customer retention, with diners around 30% more likely to return when given the option to eat al fresco.
• What you need first. Before opening an outdoor space, sort your local permit or licence, invest in durable, weather-appropriate furniture, and have a weather contingency plan (heating, shade, and a wet-weather backup), insurance, accessibility, and noise considerations should be checked alongside these.

Where does the name 'al fresco' come from?

"Al fresco" is an Italian term meaning “in the cool air” or “in the shade”.  And while it technically refers to any activity done outdoors, it’s most commonly used in relation to eating in the open.

What does al fresco dining include?

Al fresco dining can take many forms, however, there are a few key elements that are always present:

• Outdoor setting: Another defining characteristic of al fresco dining is that it takes place outdoors. This could be a rooftop bar, garden courtyard, footpath terrace, or beachfront deck, or just a few tables and chairs on the pavement.
• Good weather: One of the best things about al fresco dining is that it can only be done when the weather is nice. So if you’re planning on eating al fresco, make sure to check the forecast first.
• Good company: Whether you’re dining al fresco with family, friends, or a romantic partner, good company is a must!

What are the benefits of dining al fresco?

While al fresco dining is often associated with warmer weather, there is actually a great deal of profit-pushing benefits to outdoor eating. Here are just a few of them:

Gives you more flexible capacity

Outdoor space gives restaurants room to manoeuvre that a fixed indoor floor plan doesn't. Extra tables outside mean you can seat more covers at peak times (provided the weather stays pleasant). You can accommodate larger walk-in groups without a wait, and flex your layout for events or busy weekends, even splitting your venue for those not connected with the event; with al fresco dining, you can do all this without the cost of extending your building.

Increases customer retention

A study conducted by the University of Sheffield found that when customers were given the option to eat al fresco, they were 30% more likely to return to the restaurant. So not only can you boost your bottom line by extending your food offering to the outdoors, but with the increased intimacy and relaxation provided by an outdoor setting, you're also more likely to see those customers again in the future.

Boosts the bottom line

Dining al fresco is not only a great way to increase customer retention, but it can also lead to increased sales. Research from UCLA's Institute of Transportation Studies, conducted on behalf of the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, found that outdoor dining corridors participating in the city's Al Fresco program generated a $12 million increase in gross sales in 2022 compared to 2019, showing there's serious profit potential for businesses that make the most of the al fresco dining trend.

What do you need to start offering al fresco dining?

If you're thinking of adding al fresco dining to your business, there are several practical and legal factors to plan for before you put the first table outside.

An outdoor space

The first and most obvious thing you'll need is an outdoor or open-air space. This could be a beer garden, terrace, or balcony. If you don't have any outdoor space of your own, many councils and cities allow businesses to apply to use the pavement, sidewalk, or a nearby parking space for seating instead.

Furniture

Once you have your outdoor dining area sorted, the next thing you'll need is some furniture. If you have the budget for it, investing in high-quality, durable furniture will pay off in the long run, as it will last longer and be more comfortable for diners. However, if you're on a tighter budget, there are still plenty of affordable options available.

Heating and lighting

If you're planning on offering al fresco dining all year round, then you'll need to invest in some heating and lighting. This could be anything from patio heaters and fairy lights to outdoor fire pits and lanterns. This will be an expense to set up and run, but it's important to think of it as an investment; creating an enjoyable, ambient, and comfortable al fresco experience in winter can make your venue a stand-out option at a time when there is less competition.

Legal and practical requirements

Before you open your outdoor space to diners, it's worth working through each the following (especially if it's publicly accessible):

• Permits and licensing for public land. In most countries, if you plan to use seating on a pavement, sidewalk, or other public land, you'll require specific local permit or licences before you can legally use the space. The exact name, application process, fees, and rules differ by country and often by individual city or council, so always check with your local authority before setting up outdoor seating. See the appendix below for examples of what this permit is called in different places.
• Insurance and liability. Outdoor seating on a footpath, sidewalk, or in a publicly accessible area usually carries different liability considerations than seating inside your own building, trip hazards, uneven paving, and public access all raise your exposure. Check with your insurer whether your existing policy covers the outdoor seating you're planning to use, and whether you need additional public liability cover or a higher limit; some local authorities set a minimum liability coverage as a condition of the permit itself.
• Weather planning. Al fresco dining is at the mercy of the elements, so plan for both ends of it. For hot weather, think about shade (umbrellas, awnings, or pergolas), easy access to water, and reasonable shift lengths, rotation, and breaks for staff working outside in the sun. For wet weather, have a contingency plan; this could be a covered area, retractable canopies, or simply a clear policy for moving diners inside if you have the indoor capacity to do so.
• Noise and neighbour considerations. Outdoor seating is more exposed to complaints than an indoor dining room, particularly if you're running live music, have a busy terrace late into the evening, or are near residential buildings. It's worth checking whether your permit comes with conditions on noise levels or closing times, and being proactive about managing noise (e.g. background music volume, last-order times) to avoid complaints to your local council.
• Pest control. Outdoor food service brings different pest pressures than indoor dining, and they're arguably harder to manage: think wasps and flies around food and sugary drinks, or pigeons and other birds drawn to dropped food. A pest control plan tailored to outdoor service (bins with secure lids, prompt table clearing, and regular deep cleaning) helps keep the experience pleasant for diners and keeps you compliant with food safety rules.

Budget and cost guidance

Costs for al fresco set-up vary significantly by country, and even by city or council, so treat the figures below as a general planning guide rather than a quote. Always check current local supplier pricing and your specific council's fee schedule before budgeting.

How to integrate ‘al fresco’ into your restaurant

Even if you have existing outdoor seating, there are a few things you can do to give your customers a full ‘al fresco’ experience:

Create a special menu

Make the most of the seasonal produce available and create a special menu focused on al fresco dining recipes, that is sure to tantalise taste buds. From summer salads and fruit-filled desserts to BBQ classics with a twist, there are endless possibilities when it comes to whipping up something special for your outdoor diners.

Popular al fresco dining dishes include:

• Watermelon, feta, and mint salad
• Grilled peaches with mascarpone cream
• BBQ chicken and vegetable skewers with sweet chilli sauce

Make it fun

Al fresco dining is all about enjoying the good weather and spending time with friends or family, so make sure your outdoor area is fun and inviting. This could include adding games such as giant Jenga or croquet, or setting up a TV so customers can catch the latest sporting event.

Use technology

While al fresco dining is all about enjoying the outdoors, that doesn’t mean you can’t use technology to enhance the experience.

Look into investing in some weather-resistant tablet menus which will allow customers to peruse your menu without having to worry about the elements. You could also consider using QR codes so that customers can view your menus without having to queue at the counter.

Invest in a POS system

If you really want to make the most of your al fresco dining area, a mobile POS system is the way to go. With the ability to take orders on the go, send receipts, manage stock across your indoor and outdoor spaces, and more, Epos Now's mobile POS and countertop Bar & Restaurant POS systems will help you make the most of fresco dining at your establishment, including .

In addition, you can integrate our award-winning system with over 100+ business apps, like Epos Now Order and Pay, which allow your customers to order food and pay with any method, all from their table.

Accessibility considerations

Restaurants with outdoor seating are generally subject to the same accessibility requirements as your indoor seating, not a separate, lighter standard. That means you need to provide clear, level pathways to and through the space, with sufficient width for wheelchair users to navigate between tables, accessible table heights, and step-free access from the entrance. Many permit applications will ask you to demonstrate this directly, so it's worth planning for it alongside furniture and layout, not as an afterthought. See the appendix below for the specific accessibility standards that apply in your country.

Al fresco dining ideas

While technically you could serve any food or drinks al fresco, there are certain types of presentation that lend themselves particularly well to an outdoor setting. These include:

Candlelit dinners

Dining by candlelight is always romantic, so why not offer this as a choice for customers? Since there's no better intimate setting than outdoors under the stars, this is a great option for anniversaries and special occasions.

Buffets

Whether it's barbecue, breakfast or something in between, a buffet is a great way to feed a large group of people al fresco. Not only will it save you time and money, but it's also perfect for sharing - which is what al fresco dining is all about!

Afternoon tea

A great idea to bring in guests for celebration  - there's nothing more elegant than enjoying an al fresco afternoon tea. While afternoon tea is traditionally an indoor affair, there's no reason why it can't be enjoyed outdoors too. 

Just make sure you have enough chairs for everyone and don't forget the parasols for when the sun gets too hot - customers don't want their finger sandwiches singed.

Give your restaurant a fresco start with a powerful POS system

If you’re a restauranteur looking to dabble in al fresco dining, Epos Now offers state-of-the-art POS systems, with tailored tools and insights to help your restaurant achieve its goals. Manage and control all vital aspects of your hospitality company from one cloud-based system:

• View analyses on profit margin, cash flow, and peak times for better staff scheduling and floorplan management.
• Access multi-award-winning inventory management systems that sync online orders with in-house orders
• Table management and booking system integrations available for an optimised service, so you can serve your customers easily both inside and outside.

Appendix

Permit names, accessibility standards, and regulatory bodies vary by country and often by state, province, or council. Always confirm current requirements with your local authority before setting up outdoor seating.

🇮🇪 Ireland
Outdoor seating/footpath licensing via the local authority, commonly known as a Street Furniture Licence or Section 254 Licence, and periodically fee-waived by government initiative. Environmental Health Officer (EHO) requirements apply. Accessibility: Disability Act 2005.
Reference sources: Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), local authority licensing pages

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• How to make a QR code menu
• Importance of the hospitality industry