A good outdoor dining area makes it easy to move meals outside, whether on a small patio, a terrace, a rooftop or a large garden. The eleven projects below, by architects and landscape designers in several countries, show different ways to do it: under a pergola, beside a pool or fireplace, with a built-in oven or BBQ, or on a cabin deck. Each entry lists the design team and photographer.
1. Dining by a wood-fired oven and a terraced garden
A long table with red chairs is set next to a built-in wood-fired oven, so cooking and eating happen in the same place. The garden is terraced, and stone steps lead between its levels, giving the dining area a sheltered, private feel. Lighting and natural materials complete the space.
Credits: architecture Andrew Mann Architecture; landscaping Christa Moné; photography by David Wakely Photography.
Read more about the project: Contemporist.
2. A wood table under a pergola with soft lighting
A wooden pergola shades a wood table and contemporary chairs. Greenery surrounds the area, and soft lighting makes it usable for dinners after dark.
Credits: landscape, decor and styling Brookside Landscape Design; lighting Brilliant Event Lighting; landscape architecture Ocotillo Design Group; photography Brett Hilton.
Read more about the project: Contemporist.
3. A rectangular table beside a fireplace
A rectangular table with minimalist chairs stands on stone pavers, surrounded by planting that includes lavender. A fireplace and discreet lighting extend its use from lunch into the evening.
Credits: design SUBU Design Architecture; photography by Elizabeth Nielsen.
Read more about the project: Contemporist.
4. A round table among rock landscaping
Here a round table with contemporary chairs is framed by rugged rock landscaping, with soft lighting added for the evening.
Credits: landscape designer Jake Moss; photography by Elena Halvorsen.
Read more about the project: Contemporist.
5. Terrace dining with a built-in banquette
On this terrace, a long table has chairs on one side and a built-in banquette on the other. The layout is compact and sociable, and planting softens the minimalist design.
Credits: designers Egue y Seta, with the direct involvement of Daniel Pérez, Felipe Araujo, Covandonga Díaz, Marta Elizagaray, Álvaro Sánchez, Mireia Lucas, Maria Escobar, Diana García and Verónica Galli; construction César Burgos Cornejo; photography by VICUGO FOTO.
Read more about the project: Contemporist.
6. Poolside dining under a wood and metal pergola
A large dining table and generous modern seating sit under a pergola of wood and metal next to the pool. Forest trees around the pool enclose the setting.
Credits: design Amantea Architects; photography by Tom Arban.
Read more about the project: Contemporist.
7. Outdoor dining with a built-in BBQ
A glass-topped dining table is paired with a built-in BBQ and long countertops for preparing food, so the space works for cooking as well as eating.
Credits: design Garret Cord Werner Architects & Interior Designers; builder Werner Construction; photography by David O. Marlow.
Read more about the project: Contemporist.
8. A rooftop dining area above the city
This rooftop has a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, a dining table with banquette seating and a built-in bar. Soft lighting and contemporary finishes suit evening meals with a view of the skyline.
Credits: designers Egue y Seta, with the direct involvement of Daniel Pérez, Felipe Araujo, Gaia Trotta, Covadonga Díaz, Ángel Turiño, Youlin Franco, Sarah Salas, Eva González and Álvaro Sánchez; photography by VICUGO FOTO.
Read more about the project: Contemporist.
9. A round table with wood chairs
A small round table with wood chairs sits among lush plants, with ambient lighting for the evening.
Credits: architecture design Studio Saxe; design director Benjamin G. Saxe; interior design Saxe Interiors; landscape design Saxe Landscape; collaborators Prodeyco, Guidi Estructurales, Energetica; photography Andres Garcia Lachner.
Read more about the project: Contemporist.
10. A covered dining area with colourful chairs
Under a solid roof, a substantial wooden table with a strong natural grain and clean rectangular lines anchors the space. It is surrounded by modern chairs in several colours on slender metal legs. The roof keeps the area open to the air but protected, so it can be used in any season.
Credits: photography and design Word Of Mouth House.
Read more about the project: Contemporist.
11. A cabin deck for dining with a view
A wood-clad deck attached to a contemporary cabin holds a built-in BBQ and a minimalist dining table. Glass railings keep the view of the surrounding nature open.
Credits: architect Solares Architecture; structural engineer Canvas Engineering; builder Cottage Concepts; photography by Nanne Springer.
Read more about the project: Contemporist.
Planning an outdoor dining area
- Decide how much shade or cover you need: an open pergola, a solid roof or none.
- If you want to cook outside, plan the oven, BBQ or kitchen next to the table, with gas, power and water run before paving.
- Built-in banquettes save space on narrow terraces and rooftops.
- Add low lighting if the area will be used after dark.
Project credits
Credits for each project are listed under its entry above. Source: Contemporist.