Romantic Outdoor Dining: How to Have The Perfect Al Fresco Date

During the pandemic, we all got used to dining outside, whatever the weather. Wrapped up in blankets and huddling under heaters in the winter months, we tried to pretend that it was FUN. At least we were out of the house! But now dinner in the fresh air isn’t a health necessity, it’s a luxury again, and the romantic outdoor dinner date is well and truly back. 

From how to get a good table, to what to wear and tips for keeping the conversation flowing, when it comes to enjoying an outdoor romantic dinner, we’ve got you covered.

A romantic outdoor dinner is so much better when a little thought has gone into planning it.

First set the date. As a general rule, Thursday is the perfect day of the week for an outdoor dinner date because it is close enough to the weekend to feel festive, but is not going to be as busy as a Friday or Saturday night. And as Fridays are often a work from home day, you can set your alarm an hour later the morning after. 

If it’s romance you’re looking for, then we do suggest an evening, rather than a lunchtime outdoor dinner date. Even though there is something to be said for enjoying a leisurely lunch or brunch in the sunshine it doesn’t quite have the sexy frisson that an evening meal, enjoyed outside a restaurant can have. 

So research your venue. Do you want the glamor of a roof terrace, with beautiful views of the city below as the sun sets? Or do you want a cute little garden with twinkly fairy lights? Could you find a spot by a river? Near the beach? Or maybe a buzzing urban environment, on the sidewalk of a trendy neighborhood could be the outdoor dinner vibe you’re looking for.

Next, check in with your date about dietary requirements and peruse the menus of your outdoor dining options in advance to make sure there’s enough choice. 

And finally, book ahead! There’s nothing worse than having your heart set on an outdoor restaurant experience only to find it’s fully booked, or involves a long queue. Nothing kills romance like waiting in line!

OK, you’ve found the perfect spot, checked the menu and booked ahead. Now it’s time to plan your outdoor dinner date outfit.

While we are all about dressing in a way that makes you feel most comfortable and like yourself, it can be fun to match your look to the vibe of the restaurant. A pub garden might call for a more casual ensemble than a fancy hotel roof terrace for example. 

And dressing for an outdoor dinner date is all about layering. Even in the height of summer it can get chilly if you’re sitting still for hours, so a jacket-shirt-t-shirt combo can give you options. Take an extra layer or wrap in your bag in case you need it. 

The good news is, many outdoor restaurants provide blankets. But if you’ve put a lot of thought into your outfit you may not be too keen to cover it up with a big fleece, so if there’s an option to sit near a heater that may be preferable.

Good question! Well, firstly it’s all about ambiance and there can be something really magical about dining outside, watching the sun set, seeing stars above you or lights begin to flicker on in the city below. 

The other thing we love about eating outside is that it can create a more casual vibe, so if you’re just getting to know your date, you can focus on chatting without worrying that people are eavesdropping or waiters are hovering.

Outdoor restaurants can also be a bit more affordable, and you know we are always on the lookout for cheap date ideas!

Fresh air is always exhilarating, especially in the evening, and everything tastes better when you’re happy and excited.Some people feel that eating outside can also help with digestion, so if you’re on a date and would rather not feel tired and sluggish after eating, then booking a romantic table outside could be the answer. 

Not all restaurant dates end up with playing footsie under the tableor slurping spaghetti together. Sometimes, if you’re both a bit nervous, conversation can feel stilted. But the great thing about a romantic outdoor dinner date is that the atmosphere can do a lot of the work for you. It’s OK not to fill every silence. Just smile, make eye contact, and use open body language to show you’re having a good time even if you aren’t quite bouncing off each other yet. 

Ask lots of questions! This isn’t a job interview, it’s a romantic outdoor dinner date so keep it light and humorous. The most important thing about asking questions is actually listening to the answer, thinking about what they’ve said, and asking an interesting follow up. Try to avoid anything with a yes or no response and instead consider asking about their opinions on things, or to tell you about life experiences. You might even use outdoor dining as inspiration. Where’s the most amazing place they’ve ever eaten? Or if all else fails, talk about the scenery or how nice it is to be dining outside. 

Some people take a while to warm up and let their personality shine through and a romantic dinner date, even outdoors, might bring some extra pressure to the experience. So be patient and don’t expect sparks to fly straight away. The most important thing is that you enjoy yourself. So wear something you love, order yummy food, take lots of pictures, and don’t forget that extra layer for a romantic outdoor dinner date to remember!