During the pandemic, al fresco dining has become a necessity for those looking to go out for dinner and a change of scene – dining with family and friends has been less risky while outside the confines of the enclosed space and still allows diners to enjoy good food and great conversation.
There are many restaurants that always serve food on their patio but some of them have set up a safe just to accommodate the recent events. Here is a list of restaurants where you can enjoy your meal under the sun or the stars.
Pack a sweatshirt for New England weather and bring your appetite to try some of these local favorites.
Looking for a dinner with a view?:Here are some SouthCoast restaurants you should check out.
90 Front Street, New Bedford | https://www.corkwineandtapas.com
Specializing in creative cuisine, Cork Wine and Tapas offers a dynamic menu containing both tapas and full tapas. Enjoy the mango lobster salad with mango vinaigrette, lettuce, and baguette crostini ($25) or Buffett Steak with sweet potato hash, grilled asparagus, and lemon-garlic chimichurri sauce ($32).
1482 East Rodney French Boulevard, New Bedford | https://www.ciscokitchenbar.com
Cisco Kitchen + Bar features live music, a brewery, a distillery, and a dining experience that serves innovative coastal cuisine. Start with Chowder Poutine which is clam chowder, French fries, garlic aioli, Cotilla cheese, and pulled pork ($12). Then try one of the many sushi options like the New Bedford Roll, spicy scallops with tempura crumbs, topped with tobiko, and mango sauce ($16).
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19 Jeremiah V Sullivan Doctor, Val River | https://19-prime-tapas.business.site
For tapas with a Mediterranean twist, head to 19 Prime Tapas. Get the Charred Lamb Pops – five “pops” with blackberry wine and demi-reduce ($16), or the Mediterranean octopus with charred octopus, peppers, garlic, onions, potatoes, and white wine ($22).
231 State Road #A, Westport | https://www.portasdacidade.com
Portas Da Cidade keeps family traditions alive through traditional recipes passed down from generation to generation. Next time you’re out for dinner, taste Paelha á Valenciana, lobster, shrimp, littlenecks, scallops, chourico, pork, and chicken mixed with saffron rice in a light red sauce ($29.99); Or Espetada á Madeirense, a Madeira-style shish ka bob served with Portuguese potatoes, rice, and seasonal vegetables ($21.99).
37 Purchase St., Fall River | https://www.townehousefr.com
Portuguese-inspired dishes and classic cuts await at Town House & Douro Steakhouse with amazing sides. For an app, try the Giant Meatball, which is veal, hot sausage, and beef ball with house red sauce ($9). A great entree would be Filet Mignon Gnocchi, a small mushy filet on top of creamy spinach and sun-dried tomato sauce with gnocchi ($25).
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2229 GAR Hwy, Swansea | https://theaviaryrestaurant.com
The Aviary boasts a fresh, local and seasonal menu enjoyed in an upscale and casual atmosphere. Fish Tacos are always a fan favorite. Try the grilled black cod with cilantro-lime cream, black bean hummus, avocado, green onions, and a glaze of black garlic on a flour tortilla ($16); Or try the Wild Mushroom Risotto, traditional risotto, wild mushrooms, Parmesan, mascarpone, and truffle and arugula cream sauce ($22).
363 2nd Street, Fall River | https://www.fallrivergrill.com
Focusing on simple and delicious Portuguese and American cuisine, Fall River Grill is a casual restaurant and bar. You can’t go wrong with Lapas dos Acores, 12 Azores lemons dipped in a spicy dressing and garlic, served on a hot skillet ($12), or the Galinha Alentegana, diced diced chicken and French fries served with petite necks ($16).
42 Water Street, New Bedford | http://www.tiamariaseuropeancafe.com
Al fresco dining at the Portuguese family-owned Tia Maria restaurant along the cobbled streets is a treat. Dine on the Mozambique Chicken Sandwich, grilled chicken in a light saffron-garlic sauce served in a Portuguese roll with rudillas ($9.45); Or the Tia Burger topped with bacon, bacon, cheddar cheese, green and hot peppers, and a fried egg served with rudillas ($13.25).
500 W Grove Street, Middleboro | https://lorenzos.net
A third-generation, family-owned Italian restaurant and bar, Lorenzo specializes in fresh pasta, hand-cut veal, and Italian favorites. savor the eggplant parmigiana, layers of tender eggplant, tomato sauce, and lightly seasoned ricotta cheese, baked with parmigiana cheese and served with homemade pasta ($19.95); or veal saltimboca, tender veal scallopini sautéed with mushrooms in a Marsala wine sauce topped with fresh sage, imported prosciutto, and fresh mozzarella served with angel hair pasta ($22.95).
1 East Street – Fairhaven | https://www.elisabethsfairhaven.com
At Elisabeth’s, you’ll get creative dishes, handcrafted cocktails, and fresh seafood in a great setting. For a lighter fare, there’s poached vanilla roasted pear served on greens with sun-dried cranberries, goat cheese, candied pecans, and strawberry vinaigrette ($11.95) or grilled scallops on vegetables with roasted corn relish and mashed potatoes, garnished with bacon and asparagus. Roast ($25.95).
438 Main Road, Westport | https://www.bittersweetfarmwestport.com
Bittersweet Farm is known for its rustic and fine American food. There are plenty of offerings like Bacon Bleu Flatbread, blue cheese, bacon, arugula, caramelized onions, mozzarella, and balsamic glaze ($13); Or the Korean tofu taco, stuffed with Chinese cabbage, peas, and shredded carrots, dipped in Asian chili ($18).
30 Bedford Street – Middleboro | https://www.firesidegrille.com
The Fireside Classic American Grille is a family restaurant that offers delicious options of chicken, steak, seafood and pasta at a price for everyone. While dining out, order the Brussel Sprout salad, crunchy Brussels sprouts, quinoa, pineapple, purple cabbage, carrots, bacon, and roasted pine nuts, with sweet chili dressing ($16.95); Or butter-fried chicken, two chicken breasts, deep-fried in a special mixture served with scrambled potatoes, mac and cheese, and grilled chicken broth ($18).