Outdoor dining is no longer a luxury but a standard experience in the US. After COVID-19, most Americans have carried forth the tradition of dining outside the main restaurant and experiencing the world from a different perspective. A study from the National Restaurant Association revealed that 35% of restaurant owners have witnessed an average of 40% increase in their daily sales with an outdoor patio arrangement.
If the exterior arena can be well-utilized, it will substantially change the revenue figures, making your restaurant business highly profitable. But setting up such a space is easier said than done! When it comes to a restaurant patio, you need to consider things differently than what you are used to for the interior setup. Budgeting, theme, lighting, shade, and comfort are a few to name. Owing to this, we are here to help you out with a few successful and stunning restaurant patio ideas. Discover how you can plan the patio space and get started with gathering the elements necessary beforehand.
The Business Case For Restaurant Patios
In this post-pandemic era, it seems diners haven’t let go of all the habits they developed during COVID-19. One such habit is to dine outside the restaurant in the open air. A report from 2022 easily supports this statement, revealing that 82% of people preferred restaurants with extended outdoor seating spaces.
Based on a study, the restaurant industry is all set to make a whopping $1.5 trillion in sales in 2025, indicating a 4% growth from the previous year. What’s surprising is that the restaurant patio ideas will have huge contributions to this number!
Investing in outdoor dining space will also earn restaurant owners a competitive advantage in the local market. Studies indicate that 54% of food lovers are likely to prefer establishments that have a well-organized patio seating outdoors. However, concerns about revenue increase still linger in the air. After all, setting up a new infrastructure and acquiring all the necessary elements will involve a significant upfront investment.
So, here’s how the revenue from outdoor seating space can offset this monetary challenge in the post-pandemic era. Usually, the ROI of a restaurant is calculated by “days X seats X dollars X table turns X capacity”.
Suppose you add 20 seats outdoors of your restaurant for an additional 24 days of the season, the average bill you can get is $22 for every seat. Let’s say the daily table turnover is 12, with a 50% seating capacity. Given the formula, you can have a potential revenue of $63,000 coming only from the outdoor space.
How to Plan Your Restaurant Patio Space
1. Regulatory considerations and permitting process
Before you invest time and effort in choosing the feasible patio ideas for a restaurant, check the local regulations. You will have to acquire a permit to set up seating space in the outdoor area. For this, the key considerations are:
- Zoning restrictions like lot coverage and setback distance
- HOA approvals in areas where it is applicable
- Building permits for structures like outdoor kitchens, roofs, and decks
- Electrical and plumbing license for gas lines, lighting, and sinks
- Environmental constraints
2. Available space assessment using a planning worksheet
You can leverage the planning worksheet to assess if the available area outside the restaurant is suitable to house a patio seating setup.
| Factor | Purpose |
| Total available area | Estimation of the usable square footage |
| Sun or shade exposure | Morning vs afternoon lighting |
| Privacy requirements | Screening, landscaping, and fencing |
| Proximity to the indoor kitchen | Necessary for calculating food servicing efficiency |
| Drainage and surface slope | Grading or leveling needs |
| Utilities and existing structures | Relocation and accessibility |
3. Detailed budgeting guidelines for specific ranges
It’s important to align the budget with the restaurant patio ideas for better financial management. Here is a brief breakdown of the specific budget range.
- Budget-friendly setup ($2,000 to $10,000)
- Concrete or gravel pavers
- Portable grill station
- Basic outdoor patio furniture
- Minimal landscaping
- Mid range ($10,000 to $30,000)
- Pergola or shade sail
- Natural stone paver
- Modular kitchen with built-in grill
- Custom seats with fire pit
- Premium investment ($30,000+)
- High-end materials like porcelain pavers
- Full-scale outdoor kitchen setup
- Smart lighting and sound system
- Landscaping design with proper irrigation
4. ADA compliance requirements and inclusive design principles
The restaurant patio design should be welcoming for every guest. And for this, you need to adhere to ADA compliance. The guidelines are:
- Minimum 36” width for pathways
- Slip-resistant and stable surface
- Ramps for elevated areas
- 60” turning space for wheelchairs
5. Relationship to kitchen and service flow optimization
There are 3 key points to remember for smooth kitchen and service flow:
- The outdoor dining area should be at a distance of 15 to 20 feet from the indoor kitchen.
- The paths between the two areas should be wide and clear to prevent accidents.
- Invest in a serving area outside for better customer experience.
17 Unique and Comfortable Patios Design Ideas for Your Customers
1. Rooftop garden oasis
Transform the unused space on your rooftop into stunning outdoor patio seating and keep your guests engaged in the natural paradise for hours. Add vertical wall gardens and potted plants or succulents to create a lush green scene having artistic visuals. Go for a lounge seating with upholstered chairs for more coziness. Fairy and string lights will take the ambiance to the next level.
Example: Gallow Green (Los Angeles, CA)
2. Fire pit social zones
You can leverage one of the best outdoor seating ideas for a restaurant where the fire pit takes the central stage or you can also install patio heaters to bring more comfort. If it’s not an option, go for tables with built-in heaters to provide warmth and comfort on cooler nights. This type of outdoor arrangement also attracts guests who love to experience the thrill of communal dining.
Example: Legacy Club (Las Vegas, USA)
3. Live music stage
Creating lively and energetic vibes is crucial for any restaurant. So, when it comes to a restaurant patio design, do not compromise with the impact made by acoustics. Add a small DJ stand or live music stage in a corner outside the main establishment to create a wonderful environment for your guests.
Example: Madlife Stage & Studios (Georgia, USA)
4. Retractable roofs/ awnings
Do not let the sun’s scorching heat or the rainy weather hinder your service to guests looking for an outdoor seating setup. Retractable awning shades with motorized operations are great for almost all types of restaurant patio ideas. You can easily control their movements with just a button, thereby eliminating manual work. Make your outdoor space adaptable to any weather and maintain customer inflow throughout the year.
Example: Top Golf (Nashville, USA)
5. Heated seating booths
Dining outside during colder days is indeed uncomfortable. So, try outdoor restaurant patio ideas that work harmoniously with booths cushions or benches seamlessly. One thing is for certain- your guests will feel more comfortable, thanks to the warmth and coziness.
Example: Tavern on the Green (New York, NY)
6. Convertible winter igloos
Offer your guests a “Icelandic destination” experience here in the US with convertible winter igloos. Look for restaurant patio ideas that can be incorporated with transparent geodesic domes. Keep a cozy blanket and add fairy lights to make the private booths more comfortable for your customers.
Example: Rooftop Portsmouth Restaurant (New Hampshire, USA)
7. Communal seating area
Foster socialization with a communal seating area in your restaurant’s patio. Add rustic wooden benches with long patio tables where people can sit together and share their common love for food. Keep them engaged in happening conversations and be the ice breaker.
Example: Zendo Coffee Shop (New Mexico)
8. Twinkling lighting
Whether you want to create a romantic ambiance or add more coziness to the restaurant patio ideas, twinkling lighting has got your back. Instead of the conventional light fixtures, go with string and fairy lights to decorate the walls or the posts outside the restaurant. You can also opt for lights having a dimmer switch to control the brightness as per the desired mood.
Example: The Front Yard (California, USA)
9. Outdoor bar
Why just limit your bar services to the indoors when you can create an outdoor stand also? Go for a full-scale counter if you have enough space outside. Otherwise, a wall-mounted bar will be great for small restaurant patio ideas. You can add exclusive drinks based on the outside season in the menu and it’s certainly going to keep your guests engaged for long hours.
Example: Five on the Hill (Los Angeles, USA)
10. Coastal tiki bar vibe
If it’s a coastal side area, why not invest in a tiki bar vibe for your restaurant patio design? Have bamboo or wicker rattan furniture that goes well with the tropical climate. Add thatched or bamboo roofs instead of the regular awnings to provide shade from sun or rain throughout the year. Take inspirations from an island-styled décor to create the beachy vibes one would find in the tropics.
Example: The Coastal Orange Beach (Alabama, USA)
11. String light canopies
One of the best restaurant patio ideas to enhance the comfort and coziness is to create canopies using string lights. Take longer strings in this case so that you can create the canopy’s shape perfectly without requiring any joins midway. Go for dimmable lights for smarter control, especially if you want to add a romantic vibe to the patio.
Example: The Ivy (Los Angeles, CA)
12. Windbreaks with greenery
On windy days, it can be hard for your guests to sit outside and enjoy their coffee or their meals. So, rather than using any enclosure, leverage tall vertical garden walls, planters, or trellises to block the wind. They will also add greenery to the space, creating a refreshing ambiance.-
Example: Salt Air (Newport Beach, CA)
13. Summer mist fans
Misting fans are great for offering optimal comfort to your customers during the summers. Place them near the tables but ensure not to compromise accessibility. These fans will produce a cool mist to keep the heat at bay while guaranteeing not to wet your customers or ruin their outdoor dining experience.
Example: Olive Garden (Phoenix, AZ Locations)
14. Instagrammable photo walls
You can also look for a low budget outdoor restaurant design where a focal wall will be the center of attraction. It can be a LED neon sign, an accent décor, or a garden wall with colorful flowering plants positioned at the backdrop of your outdoor seating space. Get ready to find Instagram posts of your restaurant with the wall being the main highlight.
Example: Catch LA (Los Angeles, CA)
15. Artistic accents
Whether you want to highlight the culture or appreciate the efforts of the local artists, using accent décor is an excellent idea. To add a unique charm to your restaurant patio, go with sculptures, murals, large paintings, or hand-painted tapestry.
16. Water and Fountain feature
Invest in a small water feature like a stone fountain or reflecting pool in the outdoor patio. It’s quite relaxing to stare at the water and have a meal, especially during summers.
Example: The Fountain Patio (Missouri, USA)
17. Sustainable seasonal décor
Reclaimed wooden furniture, upcycled curtains, and seasonal floral plants will form a great décor emphasizing sustainability. Show your commitment towards saving earth and attract more customers for the newly established restaurant patio setup.
Example: NINE-TEN Restaurant & Bar (La Jolla, California, USA)
Essential Elements For a Successful Patio Restaurant
Whether you have a high or a low budget outdoor restaurant design, following are the key elements you have to consider for a well-executed patio setup.
- Choosing the correct flooring will set the desired tone and align the theme with your brand. For budget-friendliness and higher durability, concrete is the go-to option for many restaurant owners. Porcelain tiles or natural stones will add a premium accent statement to the aesthetics.
- The only way to offer comfort to all your guests is to install proper weather protection components in the outdoor patio. For summers, retractable awnings and UV-resistant pergolas will provide optimal shade, allowing your customers to dine comfortably. On the other hand, install a fire pit or insulated enclosures to offset the coldness during winters
- During the day, the sun’s light will be enough for visibility. However, after sundown, you will need artificial lights. For the outdoor restaurant patio, go with a combination of in-ground uplights, overhead string lights, and motion-activated task lights.
- Get an infrared heating system with smart zoning controls to maintain the outdoor temperature within ambient range. Misting fans will be excellent to keep your guests cool without drenching them completely in water.
- For outdoor patio design, invest in weather-proofed furniture. Such products are usually made with resin wicker, powder-coated metal, solid hardwood teak, and so on. They not only offer durability but also take the aesthetics to the next level.
Conclusion
With countless restaurant patio ideas, you now no longer have to worry about having a perfect setup. All you have to do is keep the budget in mind along with the regulatory compliances and zonal restrictions. Get the permit from the local municipality beforehand and ensure the inspection reports come clean. Choose the ideal patio design that will complement the indoor setup also to avoid any discrepancy.
FAQs
If you want a structured seating setup with clear lines, go for a rectangular patio shape. Freedom or curved shapes are more inclined towards relaxation and spaciousness.
For restaurant patio design idea, incorporating plants can bring numerous benefits on the table. But you will need hardy bushes with minimal maintenance requirements. So, plants like lavender, fern, succulents, and ornamental grasses with trimmed foliage will be the go-to options.
As per the standard regulations, look for patio chairs that stand at a height of 18 inches at most.
Look for large planters, vertical garden walls, hanging floral baskets, and trellises to add a green accent statement to the restaurant patio décor.
Since we are talking about the outdoors, your restaurant patio should include shades like gray, beige, natural brown, ocean blue, earthy green, and warm terracotta.
