There are quite a few hazards involved in outdoor dining during a Dallas summer. Luckily, these spots make it so darn nice to have a bite al fresco you probably won’t notice them.

Bolsa

An Oak Cliff favorite, Bolsa has commanded a reputation far outside the outskirts of south Dallas. The menu is fresh, the cocktails creative and the crowd always chic, but the real issue here is the patio, right? Maybe the view isn’t the most scenic, given the corner location at Davis Street, but the cozy atmosphere is well worth the venture outdoors. Great group benches or private tables, low-lighted ambiance and those plastic covers for rainy days (i.e. this 4th of July). Possibly the best part is the bar, open to the patio and accessible from either the inside or outside, so you can try the best of both worlds.

Bolsa, 614 W. Davis Street, 214-367-9367

Central 214

Newly renovated and better than ever, the patio at Central 214 is definitely a see-and-be-seen summer spot. Every Sunday night they play a classic comedy on the courtyard patio, like Airplane or Best in Show (not a classic yet, but it will be.) Central Chef Blythe Beck said she wanted to show some funny films for the folks this summer, dishing out her famed over-the-top plates and some fun seasonal drinks while she was at it. Kick back on the plush furniture, enjoy a nice Zin and marvel at the fact you are outside but completely enclosed by the halls of the Hotel Palomar.

Central 214, inside the Hotel Palomar at 5680 N. Central Expressway, 214-443-9339

Joe T Garcia’s

I love venturing out of the normal Uptown/Downtown scene of Dallas. There is so much more going on on the outskirts or inseams of this town, i.e., the Fort Worth area. Joe T Garcia’s is famous in this region, and its patio is a good indicator of why: the scenic fountain inside the pool, lush greenery and Spanish-style deco, plus the cool upstairs terrace area. This makes Joe T’s a destination spot for outdoor eating, but beware–you’ll find quite a wait to enjoy the terrace on weekend nights. Best get there early and sample the fantastic margaritas.

Joe T Garcia’s, 2201 N. Commerce Street in Fort Worth, 817-626-4356

Carolina’s Mexican Cuisine

Another Mexican-cuisine fave, and another tour outside the usual territory of the Big D, Carolina’s is a little oasis set inside a not-so popular area encrusted by the tollway and low-income housing. It’s famous for the unbelievably spacious patio area, cool and partially enclosed and backed up against a (man-made) pond for that “look I’m really in nature” feel. Carolina Galvan, ex-wife of the lascivious restaurateur  known for helping to create the M Crowd restaurant group and then getting dismissed last year, went from helping with the Mi Cocina franchise to owning her own spots. So far, the food and atmosphere prove she knows exactly what she’s doing. It’s always the woman behind the man, right?

Carolina’s Mexican Cuisine, 3950 Rosemeade Parkway, 972-306-2276

Obzeet

Martinis, music, cigar bar, coy pond, anyone? And all off Preston Road. The tropical garden and fountain on the patio at Obzeet is home to plenty of happy hour goers who enjoy the live bands and devilishly delightful desserts. A perfect go-to hangout if you wish to stay in the Highland Park region.

19020 Preston Road, 972-867-6126

In Honolulu, the summer months bring the South Shore Swell with great waves to ride in town and also festivals and events. Top on my list is the KCC Farmer’s Market. The Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation is a private, non-profit organization supporting the economic viability of Hawaii’s farmers and ranchers. While the Farm Bureau hosts many markets on Oahu, one of the biggest with the greatest diversity of products is at the Kapiolani Community College on Saturday mornings. Known to residents as the KCC Farmers’ Market, it is open between 7:30 to 11:00 am. The vendors range from organic fruits and vegetables to shave ice and local honey. This is the spot to get local tropical flowers. The KCC Farmers’ Market is accessible by the Honolulu City and County bus system and parking is available. It is rather sunny and can get warm so wear sunscreen and a hat. Be sure to pack your camera, wear comfortable shoes and a shopping bag to carry your new wares. The crowds can get overwhelming so if you have small children you may want to use a stroller. For more information call 808.848.2074 or go to www.hfbf.org

Farmer's Market - 4303 Diamond Head Road

Town - Located at 3435 Waialae Ave. Honolulu

If vino is your way of relaxing then “Wine Down at Town” is for you! Consistently rated tops on where to eat in Honolulu – Town Restaurant is located in the funky neighborhood of Kaimuki. Chef and owner, Ed Kenney’s food philosophy is to keep food local first and organic whenever possible. Each Wednesday they offer “Wine Down at Town” with a featured wine and food pairing. It is limited to the top 25 people and it is a fantastic way to meet new people and try some new nibbles. Call to reserve a seat as this dining experience typically sells out fast 808.735.5900 www.townkaimuki.com

Honolulu Elks - 2933 Kalakaua Ave.

Each Friday evening the Honolulu Elks Club offers live Hawaiian music on the shores on Waikiki Beach. The performers are a diverse range of emerging musicians as well as many Hawaiian music legends. Don’t be surprised if a guest gets up and spontaneously performs the Hula. Aside from the yummy Mai Tai drinks, this venue delivers the best sunset views in Honolulu. And to top it off – each Friday at 7:45 p.m. there are amazing fireworks over the ocean. The Honolulu Elks is a private club located at

Art Fence - Located Monsarrat Ave. Next to Honolulu Zoo Across Kapiolani Park

During the daytime each weekend a fun way to explore Honolulu is to check out the Art on the Zoo Fence. This great family-friendly experience has been welcoming locals and visitors for more than fifty years. Under the shade of giant Banyan trees, the artists set up their works for review. It is a fantastic way to support the local art scene and interact with the local artists. www.artonthezoofence.com

Another live music venue is each weekend afternoon at Duke’s Restaurant & Barefoot Bar. Right in the heart of Waikiki Beach guests can dance and drink and enjoy the live music. With great views of iconic Diamond Head and the Pacific Ocean at your toes this spot is hard to beat. Not too ideal for the little ones as it gets very crowded, but perfect for those who enjoy people watching. www.dukeswaikiki.com

The Setai

Since opening five years ago The Restaurant at The Setai, South Beach has made its mark on the Miami culinary scene by introducing patrons to authentic Asian cuisine set in an ambiance as dynamic as South Beach itself. Following Asian tradition, The Setai shows respect to its guests by serving only the finest and freshest ingredients in an unparalleled setting perfect for outdoor dining. Guests can dine in the courtyard in sunken pods amidst quiet ponds and pergolas. Nestled between the Lobby and The Restaurant, The Bar & Courtyard offer al fresco dining and an extensive array of cocktails, whiskies, single-malts, rums, beers and other fine beverages from around the world. For those who take pleasure in lounging by the pool or on the beach, The Pool & Beach Bar, a 90-foot poolside bar stretching virtually the entire length of the pool deck, offers a quintessentialal atmosphere in which guests can enjoy cool beverages and grilled Mediterranean- style dishes. Whether enjoying a drink or a meal at the hotel, placing an order for in-room dining or hosting an indoor or outdoor soiree, guests will always appreciate the unparalleled service and impeccable attention to detail of The Setai’s exceptional food and beverage team.

2001 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305.520.6000; www.ghmhotels.com

Café Sambal at the Mandarin Oriental

The all-day dining restaurant at the Mandarin Oritenal spills out to a partially covered terrace where 106 seats allow guests to dine by the shimmering bay or the glow of the downtown Miami skyline. Strong on flair and flavor, Café Sambal takes the concept of all day dining well beyond that of the typical hotel bistro, featuring a versatile, distinctive menu encompassing specialties from the East with an unparalleled sushi and sake menu. The menu changes from breakfast to lunch to dinner and offers many specialty items such as Mandarin Pad Thai, Mixed Seafood Tempura and Hibachi Skirt Steak. Scrumptious house-made desserts are also available in an impressive dessert case and can be enjoyed in the restaurant or packaged to go in beautifully wrapped boxes.

500 Brickell Key Drive, Miami; 305.913.8386; www.mandarinoriental.com

DiLido at the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach

For a front-row seat to people-watching paradise on one of South Beach’s most beautiful beach promenades, there is no better culinary sanctuary than the DiLido Beach Club at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach. This casually elegant enclave happens to be the only oceanfront restaurant and lounge on South Beach, and a place where visitors, residents and guests enjoy “Sun Cuisine” with direct views of the vibrant Atlantic Ocean during lunch, dinner and afternoon cocktails under swaying palms.

Under the creative eye of the resort’s Executive Chef Thomas Connell and Chef de Cuisine Jeff McInnis, the DiLido Beach Club offers a varied menu with cuisine meant to share with friends. The selections are light, healthy and heavy on flavor. Here, the culinary focus is inspired by tastes found in the Southern Mediterranean rim and North African coast – a “Sun Cuisine” that’s both sweet and savory and evokes a wave of succulent, refreshing flavor at every bite. For those with a sweet tooth, there are plenty of delectable desserts to satisfy, too.

1 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 786.276.4000; The Ritz-Carlton

WISH at The Hotel

Since opening, Wish at the Hotel of South Beach has maintained a well-earned reputation as a South Florida outdoor dining destination by virtue of its beautiful garden setting, unsurpassed service, and spectacular food by Chef Marco Ferraro, a Jean George Vongerichten protégée. Celebrating eleven years of excellence in December of 2009, the restaurant has called some of the country’s top toques “chef,” garnered accolades and consistent rave reviews for its cuisine and service. In addition to Wish, The Hotel is well-known for its gorgeous rooftop Spire Bar & Lounge. Offering guests sweeping views of the ocean and the Miami Beach skyline, Spire is the perfect perch from which to sip, socialize, and sample tapas.

801 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, Florida; 305.531.2222; www.wishrestaurant.com

Canyon Ranch Grill

Canyon Ranch Grill with its oceanfront terrace, tapas dining room and exposition kitchen serves the highly acclaimed Canyon Ranch cuisine with a menu designed to excite the palate and nourish the soul. Sit outside and enjoy ocean front views over nourishing cuisine filled with bright, focused and vibrant flavors with multiple textures, visual appeal and enticing aromas and superior nutritional value. Their unique food experiences feature clean, wholesome seasonal and fresh ingredients with an emphasis on local, organic and sustainable farming and fishing methods. For a chic cocktail hour, grab a chair and order one of their award winning cocktails. Their cocktail menu features a variety of organic spirits, organic beer and wines which are either all organic, biodynamic or sustainable. In addition, they make all their own mixers and sweeteners using fresh ingredients. Our fave: the famous Purple Pillow featuring house-infused lavender, vodka, blueberries and lime.

6801 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 888.987.9876; http://www.canyonranchmiamibeach.com

Forbes Magazine has put out their annual list of “The World’s Most Powerful Celebrities”. The list is based off of multiple categories which include income, TV/radio ranking, press ranking, web ranking, and social ranking. Though many celebrities on the list are to be expected there are some surprising entries this year.

Coming in at number one is Oprah. This is no shock as she made a cool $315 million dollars in 2009. She received more media attention than usual after she announced that this coming season of The Oprah Winfrey Show would be her last. Beyoncé, after having a very successful year including endorsement deals, comes in at number two. James Cameron, with the massive success of Avatar, ranks at number three.

New to the list this year is Lady Gaga. She is currently one of the top, if not the most popular music artist of the past year. This chart really shows how quickly she rose to fame. Lady Gaga was virtual unknown in the music industry prior to her amazing success last year. In 2009 she made over $62 million. She holds the top position in not only the web rank and the press rank, but also the social rank. To go from zero to number four in one year is an impressive feat even for the phenomenon that is Gaga.

A surprising entry is Tiger Woods who come in at number five. After his fall from grace as a well respected golfer due to his “extra curricular activities” it is interesting that he has made the list at all. I guess you can believe the old adage that all press is good press. He raked in $105 million last year, but was dropped by a majority of his sponsors in late 2009, including Accenture, AT&T and Pepsi. This will probably take a large hit in his income during 2010 and therefore affect his ranking in next year’s list.

Other celebrities at the top are Britney Spear, U2, Sandra Bullock, Johnny Depp and Madonna who rank six to ten respectively. The entire list can be viewed on Forbes website. It will be interesting to see what celebrities can maintain their new found fame, or for others, their questionable status, on next year’s publication.

The weather of Los Angeles coupled with the dearness of real estate make this city perhaps one of the capitals of outdoor dining in the country (at least in square footage). And from seaside to mountains, there are also so many vistas to consider. Here are some favorites:

Geoffrey’s Malibu

On LA’s prettiest coastline, it’s hard to choose between this and Beau Rivage, but the Neutra-designed Geoffrey’s gets a slight edge for its utterly unobstructed ocean view. You will find the service and the company to be its equal as well. Brunch is said to be their strongest meal.

Geoffrey’s Malibu is located at 27400 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, 310.457.1519

Cliff’s Edge

One of the most unexpectedly romantic restaurants imaginable, this barely-marked enclave on a busy stretch of Sunset in Silver Lake hides a remarkably expansive, lush and impressively romantic patio wrapped around a sprawling tree. Oh, they get their share of sneaky celebs here too.

Cliff’s Edge is located at 3626 Sunset Boulevard, 323.666.6116

Chateau Marmont

The patio restaurant of Chateau Marmont (not to be confused with Bar Marmont, though we like that too) is not only a pleasant garden respite above the clamor of the Sunset Strip…it’s also an amazing see-and-be-seen spot for those in Hollywood who want to be thought of as cultured. Intended for guests and their friends, this place doesn’t need your business—they don’t even advertise it on the hotel’s website. Table 44 is the pole position. Just so you know.

Chateau Marmont is located at 8221 Sunset, West Hollywood, 323.656.1010

Saddle Peak Lodge

Though only minutes from the hubbub of the west side, Malibu Canyon’s Saddle Peak feels a world away. It’s long been one of our best culinary destinations, but patio dining here takes it to another level altogether. Unless you don’t feel clean mountain air and green vistas in every direction help digestion. I do.

Saddle Peak Lodge is located at 419 Cold Canyon Road, Calabasas, 818.222.3888

Susan Feniger’s Street

Just want a hip outdoor space with amazing food? Head to Susan Feniger’s Street, the new fusion café from one-half of the Border Grill’s Two Hot Tamales, for anything from a light bite to a multi-ethnic feast. Or of course, you could dine outdoors wherever the Border Grill truck is parked!

Susan Feniger’s Street is located at 742 North Highland Avenue, 323.461.7813

NB: The Hotel Bel-Air is closed for major remodeling until 2011. Otherwise, it would top this list.

Just because here in London we don’t share the long, hot summers that the rest of Europe enjoys, it doesn’t mean we don’t know how to do al fresco dining. From long summery lunches to balmy summer nights, here are some of the city’s best outdoor eateries.

The Courtyard at 51 Buckingham Gate

A hidden gem, The Courtyard at 51 Buckingham Gate is the perfect respite this summer for a spot of al fresco dining in its secluded courtyard setting. Discreetly tucked away between Victoria Street and St James’s Park and just minutes from Buckingham Palace, diners can rendezvous for a tête-à-tête or simply sit back and enjoy the peace and quiet of this pretty outdoor space.

This summer the Courtyard at 51 will be transformed into an outdoor opera house where guests can enjoy The Covent Garden Strings Company who will perform on July 30 and 31 and on August 20 and 21. With Michelin star chef, Sriram Ayur, on hand to prepare the BBQ, al fresco dining has never been more elegant.

51 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AF

020 7769 7766

www.51-buckinghamgate.com

Tom’s Terrace at Somerset House

Michelin starred chef Tom Aikens has recently transformed the popular River Terrace Café at Somerset House into Tom’s Terrace.

Guaranteed to be packed during the day with the good looking and shade wearing, grab yourself a light salad, and watch the boats drift on by until the sun sets. Then, with stunning views of the Thames take your cocktail down to the terrace, which at night glows blue as the sky darkens. A stunning and perfectly summery a fresco suntrap and bar.

Somerset House

150 Strand, Charing Cross, London WC2R 1LA

020 7845 4646

www.somersethouse.org.uk

Galvin at Windows

Located on the 28th floor of the London Hilton on Park Lane, Galvin at Windows has become famous for spectacular views of the city. Behind you at the bar you’ll hear some of the best cocktail shaking in the city—although it is the champagne cocktails that are making Galvin famous.

For more intimate dining and for the best views, The Balcony is the place to see and be seen. Indeed, sitting here guarantees that you will attract attention.

22 Park Lane, London, W1 1BE. 020 7208 4021

www.galvinatwindows.com

Serpentine Bar and Kitchen

When it’s hot, Londoners are renown for heading to the parks. For those even more determined to cool down there are even options to swim in the Serpentine in Hyde Park although cooling down at the Serpentine Bar and Kitchen is more elegant option.

With dishes throughout the day, the restaurant’s location is perfect for a spot of people watching. Through the glass walls or while sitting outside you can take in those on pedalos, dogs walkers, and if it’s not too hot, those that go jogging by.

The menu features wood-fired, oven cooked pizzas and even slow-cooked whole pig—both which should be tried as you watch the ducks glide on by.

Serpentine Road

London W2 2UH

020 7706 8114

www.serpentinebarandkitchen.com

The Park Terrace Restaurant

Quintessentially English and situated on what has been described as one of the finest restaurant locations in London, The Park Terrace Restaurant looks out over the stunningly serene Kensington Gardens.

Part of the Royal Garden Hotel, the restaurant is divided into three areas. The restaurant  which serves à la carte British cuisine; the lounge area perfect for a spot of afternoon tea; and the bar which serves contemporary and classic summer cocktails. Be sure to try the Kensington Martini while taking in the picturesque views.

Royal Garden Hotel, 2-24 Kensington High Street, London, W8 4PT

020 7937 8000

www.royalgardenhotel.co.uk

Lon’s at the Hermosa

An authentic adobe hacienda, Lon’s at the Hermosa makes for a truly unique dining experience inside or outside, but if the weather is nice, you can’t pass up the patio. The area is spacious, with plenty of space left between tables so guests don’t feel crammed as they dine on gourmet American cuisine surrounded by lush foliage and native blooms. The ambiance here is wonderful, and in the evenings, the lighting can be particularly enchanting and romantic.

Lon’s at the Hermosa is located at 5532 N. Palo Cristi Road in Paradise Valley  602.955.7878

Chelsea’s Kitchen

Featuring a contemporary vibe, Chelsea’s Kitchen serves upscale American and Southwestern comfort food. By the same people who brought us La Grand Orange Grocery and Cafe, this restaurant features a patio with plenty of shade, elegant yet no-fuss decor, and charming lighting. Under the night sky, your party will enjoy the cozy seating, a perfect setting for tucking into some chilled shrimp ceviche or passing around a platter of the grilled swordfish or short rib tacos.

Chelsea’s Kitchen is located at 5040 N. 40th Street in Phoenix  602.957.2555

El Zocalo Mexican Grille

Chandler residents already know El Zocalo Mexican Grille has a wonderful outdoor seating area, but North Valley dwellers deserve to experience it, too. Really more like a whole other world, the patio at El Zocalo is a courtyard area filled with shade trees, fountains, murals, and interesting artifacts that add to the Mexican flair there. There’s often live music on weekend nights, and sometimes even dancers, but we think this is a great spot for a lunch of hearty chile rellenos and margaritas on lazy afternoons.

El Zocalo Mexican Grille is located at 28 S. San Marcos Place in Downtown Chandler  480.722.0303

House of Tricks

House of Tricks may be near the bustling Mill Avenue close to ASU’s campus, but it certainly has a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. Its unique setting is due in part to the fact that the restaurant was formerly a home that the owners, Robert and Robin Trick, converted. The result is a cozy cottage of an eatery with a patio canopied by mature trees. Other fun things include the shaded outdoor bar and the lush gardens and potted flowers surrounding the property. A Valley staple, Tricks has been serving exquisite contemporary American cuisine since 1987.

House of Tricks is located at 114 E. Seventh Street in Tempe  480.968.1114

The Farm at South Mountain

This may be cheating, since there are actually three restaurants at The Farm, but we really couldn’t decide which was our favorite. At South Mountain, you have the option of dining at Morning Glory Cafe, on their breakfast and brunch patio, at The Farm Kitchen’s picnic patio, or at the always spot-on Quiessence Restaurant. Each venue may specialize in comfort food on different levels; however, the food is just as fresh and satisfying at all three, thanks to the property’s high standards. Currently, all three restaurants are on summer hiatus, but will re-open in August and September.

The Farm at South Mountain is located at 6106 S. 32nd Street in Phoenix  602.276.6360

Don’t let this 100-degree heat prevent you from taking your meal outdoors. Las Vegas has a plethora of restaurants with everything from sidewalk tables and terraces to secluded verandahs and decks where you can dine in the sun and stay cool with misters. Visit one of these Haute 5 restaurants where you can dine al fresco and take advantage of this beautiful weather.

Lakeside Dining
Transport yourself to the Mediterranean at chef Paul Bartolotta’s fresh seafood and Italian destination Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare at Wynn Las Vegas. Request one of the private cabanas for a romantic meal lakeside while you dine on fresh fish flown in daily. Servers show off their skills with tableside presentations to make the experience even more memorable.

Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare at Wynn Las Vegas, 702.770.3305, www.wynnlasvegas.com

Poolside Cuisine
Chef Thomas Keller’s only Vegas outpost sits within the Venetian next to one of the tranquil pools high above the Strip. Bouchon’s French bistro cuisine stays true to the original Yountville, Calif., location and Keller’s vision. Grab a seat on the patio for one of the most memorable breakfasts you’ll have with airy waffles and delicate cheese Danishes, or wait for dinner when you can get steak frites and fresh seafood from the raw bar.

Bouchon at the Venetian, 702.414.6200, www.bouchonbistro.com

Overlook The Strip
When you want a view that includes a pirate show and great people watching, head over to Lavo, the Italian restaurant at the Palazzo that was created by the owners of Tao. Giant meatballs are the specialty, but you can find pastas and pizzas on the menu, all meant to share. Terrace seating offers you a view of the Sirens of TI show across the street.

Lavo at the Palazzo, 702.791.1800, www.lavolv.com

Dancing Fountains
Chef Todd English prepares Mediterranean delights such as flatbread pizzas and beef carpaccio that can only be described as to die for at Olives at the Bellagio. If you’re lucky enough to sit on the patio, you get a perfect view of the Bellagio’s Lake Como and the dancing fountains.

Olives at the Bellagio, 702.693.8181, www.toddenglish.com

Under the Eiffel Tower Dining
Add a little romance and a heavy dose of people watching when you dine at the French destination Mon Ami Gabi at Paris Las Vegas. This spot gives you the view of Lake Como from across The Strip as the tables spill out on the sidewalk toward the show. Try the pommes frites, hanger steaks and desserts that will melt in your mouth while sipping on Champagne or wines from the extensive list.

Paris Las Vegas, 702.944.4224, www.monamigabi.com

Haute Secrets Los Angeles

Name: Jesse Waits

Stats: Born in Michigan, raised in Hawaii, living in LA on and off all his life.

Favorite All-Around  Activity in LA: Hiking in Runyon Canyon Park

Jesse Waits knows the nightclub business inside and out. Ever since he came back to the mainland from Molokai, Hawaii, Waits has been working the nightlife scene. Starting out at some of Vegas’ best nightclubs he learned the ropes and moved his way up to the top. Jesse isn’t the only Waits brother with the entrepreneurial spirit and passion for nightclubs; his identical twin brother Cy is also his partner in XS Nightclub at Encore Las Vegas, Tryst Nightclub at Wynn Las Vegas and Drai’s Afterhours in Las Vegas, along with Botero Restaurant at Encore Las Vegas. The duo recently opened Drai’s Hollywood, the celebrity-packed club in the W Hollywood Hotel & Residences.

While he spends much of his time between Vegas and Los Angeles his Haute Secrets insider’s guide makes it clear he knows his way around some of the best spots in LA.

Now that summertime in San Francisco is in full swing, it’s time to take advantage of this gorgeous weather. What better way to enjoy those warm summer nights than by eating at a restaurant with fantastic patio seating. Here is my list of the best outdoor dining in San Francisco.

Americano

A very well known happy hour destination, Americano is the perfect hotspot for some tasty beverages and satisfying cuisine after a long day in the office. They boast a large front patio, accompanied with long wooden tables, plush benches, and heat lamps. The menu is a blend of California cuisine with a rustic Italian influence. Americano is located right along the Embarcadero, which makes their view of the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge unrivaled.

Americano is located at 8 Mission St., San Francisco. For reservations call 415.278.3777 or visit www.americanorestaurant.com.

Foreign Cinema

Foreign Cinema’s mix of Californian and Mediterranean cuisine has won them a multitude of accolades from the foodie community and beyond. Not only is this restaurant famous for their delicious fare, but they also have one of the most unique outdoor dining experiences in San Francisco. To live up to their name, the restaurant plays independent and foreign films projected against the wall of their covered outdoor courtyard. The scheduled list of films can be found here.

Foreign Cinema is located at 2534 Mission St., San Francisco. For reservations call 415.648.7600 or visit www.foreigncinema.com.

Chez Spencer

People come to Chez Spencer for the delicious food and the blissful atmosphere. Entering through the front curtains of the restaurant you are greeted by the dim lighting of their outdoor dining area. The patio is kept warm by the glow of the heating lamps and has a quaint French country ambiance. This is the perfect open-air dining spot for a romantic summer date.

Chez Spencer is located at 82 14th St., San Francisco. For reservations call 415.864.2191 or visit www.chezspencer.net.

The Blue Plate

The garden patio of The Blue Plate projects a feeling of whimsy. Located in the back of the restaurant, the area’s surrounding walls are crawling with ivy and splashes of tiled mosaics. The wooden tables and chairs are dispersed throughout the courtyard. The patio is filled with large plants and trees giving the tables some privacy. At night time, twinkling lights provide the restaurant with a more romantic vibe. The chefs are dedicated to using locally grown organic produce to concoct their American and rustic Mediterranean dishes.

The Blue Plate is located at 3218 Mission St., San Francisco. For reservations call 415.282-6777 or visit www.blueplatesf.com.

Delfina

This popular restaurant is recognized by most foodies in the San Francisco area. Known for its delicious seasonal Italian cuisine, as well as its two spin-off pizzerias, this trattoria is a must-try. The restaurant has a boisterous ambiance and friendly staff, as well as a cozy sheltered outdoor seating area.

Delfina is located at 3621 18th St., San Francisco. For reservations call 415. 552.4055 or visit www.delfinasf.com.