9 restaurant patio ideas to liven up your outdoor space

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Ah, good ol’ patio season. For many, outdoor dining conjures fond memories of sunny, happy times out in the fresh air having meals with friends and loved ones. Restaurants can and should capitalize on any outdoor space they have by tailoring it to their brand and making the space a cornerstone of their operation. We’re here today to talk about restaurant patio ideas and design tips.

You may have noticed that some outdoor patios are more inviting than others. What about patio design makes it work or not work? What’s the best way to match the ambiance you’re aiming for? How can outdoor seating be as comfortable or even more so than indoor seating? And what can you do to make the dining experience on a patio something special at your eatery?

There are a lot of bases to cover here, so let’s get started.

1. Add greenery to your restaurant patio design

How you design your restaurant patio will tell customers a lot about your establishment, and really, you can go a lot of directions. One key element in any design is the amount of greenery you intend to use. Making a lush garden out of your patio can be enticing to customers looking for a break from concrete and fluorescent lights, but it also requires maintenance and can be a hiding spot for mosquitoes if you live in mosquito-occupied territory. The greenery adds some functionality to the environment as well in terms of light control, and we’ll discuss that more in a bit.

You can also opt for a more minimalist outdoor restaurant design that’ll be easier to maintain, with more open space and perhaps some low-maintenance plants like succulents. A more minimalistic design works well in areas with limited space or for those that are on the street in public areas.

2. Use variable and comfortable seating

Seating areas on a patio should be varied to accommodate diners’ demands. For example, dining tables for two will always be needed, while a couple large group tables should be available as well. A great way to be able to change up your seating arrangements is to have square tables that can be put together as needed.

3. Build an outdoor bar

You may choose to establish an outdoor bar to provide quick service and keep customers interested in their beverages and ordering more. Additionally, you can make use of your outdoor space to set up a stage or other area for events that’ll attract customers. If your outdoor space is a rooftop patio, make sure to let customers know about it with signage, social media posts, and host recommendations so it doesn’t go neglected.

Depending how much space you have, you may want to go all out on your outdoor patio: Add a full bar, a wood-fired pizza oven, and an entertainment area. More on that entertainment part in a bit.

4. Get the right outdoor furniture

Getting your patio furniture game right can be tricky, since the typical rules of interior design don’t necessarily apply to the exterior. Restaurants need to consider maintaining a balance between comfort, utility, and durability when choosing furniture. At the same time, the furniture needs to reflect the values of the restaurant and match your restaurant branding.

Here are some ideas to consider:

• Bench seating will create a relaxed atmosphere.
• Wooden furniture matches well with a lush environment, but it can get moldy in humid climates.
• Only use metal chairs if they can be kept out of the sun on hot days.
• Cushions for furniture have to be kept dry overnight and both covers and cushions should be washed frequently.
• Wicker furniture is lightweight and sturdy and provides a nice outdoorsy feel.
• A variety of seating options means that you can seat more customers, since people who are only enjoying drinks don’t necessarily need a dining table.

5. Focus on temperature control

Not everywhere is San Diego, and inclement weather—both hot and cold—is almost a certainty.

However, your patio dining doesn’t have to only be an option on congenial days. Outdoor heaters can provide significant warmth during colder months, whereas fans or swamp coolers can relieve heat during summer months. Nobody wants to eat while they’re sweating or shivering, so be sure to have plenty of tools on hand to keep customers comfy. Fire pits are also an excellent way to provide warmth and spark a bit of ambiance.

Awnings, canopies, and umbrellas can make problems like rain and harsh sun go away while adding to the patio vibe. Even in a just-right weather scenario, customers will likely want some shade instead of sitting in the full sun, so installing a pergola covered in vines can be attractive and make new customers want to bask in the, uh…shade. Even in often-perfect Los Angeles weather, sitting in the direct sunlight while eating isn’t the most comfortable experience.

6. Practice pest control

Pests like mosquitoes are an unfortunate reality for most of the U.S. and indeed much of the world. And while you can hire exterminators to get rid of mosquitoes for a short period of time, they’ll always find a way back. So, be ready to have mosquito prevention tools like mosquito incense sticks or cones, provide (non-smelly) bug spray at tables, and install outdoor fans to make life more difficult for the little blood-suckers by giving them some wind to fight against.

If you end up with pests that deter customers more than mosquitoes, like roaches, mice, or rats, you’ll want to hire an exterminator to deal with the problem. Customers will rightly be put off by such pests. Keeping grass short and frequently trimming plants and bushes can help prevent any intrusions.

7. Create ambiance

Your outdoor space is the garden of your restaurant. It’s where customers want to be able to eat, drink, and relax just as they would in their own backyard. As mentioned above, the amount of greenery you have in your patio area will be a determining factor in the overall design. But the greenery can be modified to fit your brand, too.

Work with local florists to add hanging baskets with high-quality flower arrangements. Have a nearby nursery create planter boxes or striking pots filled with plants or small bushes, bamboo, or ornamental grasses. Complement your patio greenery with pops of color as centerpieces on your tables, especially ones that match your brand colors. Restaurant patio design ideas like these create spectacular Instagrammable moments and give you a social media marketing opportunity to collaborate with local small businesses.

And don’t just think about your daytime diners. Many people are attracted to outdoor dining areas in the evening. Get creative with lighting to create a memorable ambiance when the sun goes down.

String lights are perfect since they’re cheap to buy and don’t use much electricity, and you can put them pretty much anywhere. Decorate the edges of canopies with them. Weave delicate string lights into your patio greenery. Just make sure that the string lights you buy are weatherproof and have been designed for outdoor use.

You can also create a unique ambiance with lighting that will make people feel relaxed and at home. Stick to warm incandescent lighting to make diners feel as though they’re in their own backyard. If weather conditions and your outdoor dining space allow, use less artificial lighting. Fire pits, candles, and lanterns provide soft light and give people something pleasant to look at while they’re enjoying a meal on your restaurant patio.

8. Host some outdoor events and music

Having a separate outdoor space introduces an environment with an entirely separate dynamic to what you offer indoors. After brainstorming restaurant patio ideas and creating the ultimate outdoor dining experience, it’s time to bring your outdoor space to life with entertainment.

One of the best ways to support your community and emerging artists is to host an open mic night or hire a local live music act. Once you’ve purchased or rented the necessary lighting and audio equipment, open mic nights have the added bonus of being completely free.

A small concert or a regular rotation of local bands that provide background music, can draw your performers’ fans to your restaurant patio. This is a great way to increase foot traffic. It’s a win-win for you and the artists as you promote their music and they promote your establishment on social media.

If your restaurant has an outdoor bar on the patio, you can host wine-tasting parties and cocktail-making workshops, provide a happy hour, host trivia, or feature a dance night with a DJ. A bar plus an outdoor space provides many entertainment opportunities. Ask yourself if your restaurant’s brand is more family-friendly than adult-orientated before hosting a 21-plus event, though.

If you are indeed a family-friendly restaurant, make sure you have something to keep children occupied in the patio space. A playground or play area is an excellent way to keep children entertained so the adults in their life can get a chance to have an actual conversation.

9. Get artsy

Your outdoor space will likely be in view of some of your walls, which you can turn into canvases for local artists. Teaming up with artists to help decorate your area with murals or paintings for sale can be a win-win for both you and your local artists. A wall mural will make for a nice focal point that people will likely take pictures in front of.

You can also pay those artists to decorate plain-looking parts of your establishment, whether it’s a pole, tabletops, or more.

The more unique your patio looks, the more it’ll stand out to customers and provide fodder for social media photos.

Get diners in and treat them right

Once you’ve got your patio set up, you’ll want to make sure to get the word out. Making the most of your online presence is crucial here. You can attract guests via social media and then get them to make a reservation via Yelp. That’s where Yelp Guest Manager comes into play for restaurant owners: Via the Yelp app, your customers can make online reservations, making check-ins and waitlists a breeze (not unlike the fresh air guests are looking for at your outdoor restaurant patio). Reach out to us for a free demo, and get ready for good times outdoors.

Guest Manager can help make for a great first impression, too: Yelp Guest Manager quotes wait times with up to 96% accuracy.*