Restaurants and cafes with outdoor dining areas have a big advantage. When the weather is nice, people want to enjoy it. Dining al fresco is a perfect way to do so. But outdoor dining areas, just like restaurant interiors, need thoughtful design to provide the right ambiance. Customers need to feel comfortable and cared for, with consistent dining quality with every meal. Here are some ways to upgrade outdoor dining areas for a positively memorable experience that brings people back.
Frame the space
Use planters, partitions, hardscaping, trellises, and lighting to create clear boundaries. The boundaries should not only delineate the entire outdoor dining section but also provide smaller nooks and sections within the larger outdoor space.
Bring in greenery
If you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor space surrounded by trees and landscaped gardens, you’re all set. But if your outdoor space includes more asphalt and concrete in view than rivers and meadows, you’ll need to bring nature in. Set up potted plants, hang window-box style planters off rails and gates, and look into hanging vines and vertical gardens.
Keep it breezy
As the weather warms, having air movement becomes more and more important. Install fans on ceilings and the corners of structures wherever possible. Otherwise, look into slim portable fans you can set up in corners to provide a cooling breeze.
Ensure shade
Watch how the sun moves over your outdoor dining spaces. When it’s cooler out, guests might want to enjoy sitting in the sun. But when it’s warm, they’ll need access to shade. Don’t make them lean their chairs precariously to get under an awning. Install sail shades and adjustable umbrellas that can be raised, lowered, and angled to provide shade for all diners.
Get the lighting right
Daytime outdoor dining is lovely, but eating al fresco is even more magical under the stars. Here are some important considerations for lighting to create an amazing outdoor dining ambiance after dusk.
Layer the lighting
Great lighting design is all about layering. Using only a few bright overhead lights will create harsh lighting and shadows and make the space feel uncomfortable. By combining different light sources, you create depth and warmth that makes the space feel intentionally designed rather than just functional.
- Mix it up: Combine string lights, wall sconces, lanterns, and floor lamps to create a balanced look.
- Use warm tones: Harsh, cool lighting can make a space feel sterile. Opt for soft, warm bulbs (2700K-3000K) to keep the atmosphere inviting.
- Highlight natural elements: Use uplights to showcase trees, stone walls, or pergolas for a cozy, organic feel.
- Reflective surfaces: Position lights near walls or under eaves to bounce light around without direct glare.
Adapt for the occasion
The ability to tweak lighting to suit the mood, time of day, or special occasions makes a big impact.
- Dimmable lights for ambiance: Soft lighting encourages guests to relax and stay longer.
- Color-changing LEDs: Use soft, subtle colors for a romantic dinner setting. Tune lights up to vibrant hues for festive gatherings and holiday parties.
- Use app-controlled systems: Adjust lighting levels and colors unobtrusively.
Ensure safety
A beautiful space still needs to be practical. Proper lighting keeps guests safe while maintaining a welcoming vibe.
- Pathway lighting: Low-profile lights along walkways prevent trips and falls while subtly guiding guests.
- Under-table and under-seat lighting: Create a soft glow without direct glare in diners’ eyes.
- Shielded fixtures: Prevents bright lights from washing out the atmosphere while still ensuring visibility.
- Motion sensors: For security lighting, use lights with motion sensors to ensure the brightness is there when needed.
By combining thoughtful design and lighting choices with functionality, you’ll create an outdoor dining space that’s both stunning and practical. The resulting ambiance keeps guests comfortable—and coming back for more. For help with outdoor lighting in your restaurant or cafe, get in touch.
