Going out to eat is one of the most popular social events for friends, families, couples, and even individuals. Outdoor seating options often add to a unique and relaxing dining environment and can provide guests with the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and views of nature as they eat. Many restaurants and eateries offer outdoor areas for customers to enjoy a meal during the warmer months or just pleasant weather. Explore some of the best outdoor dining spots in the state of New Jersey with great food and atmosphere for an overall welcoming experience.
Andre’s Lakeside Dining
Andre’s Lakeside Dining in Sparta has an outdoor dining area that provides an expansive patio overlooking the shores of Seneca Lake from less than 20 feet away. The outdoor area includes an open-air patio and a covered front porch area to provide a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere for everyone. Andre’s Lakeside Dining features weekly rotating menus with an emphasis on French and Asian fusion flavors and dishes. The chefs seek to deliver high-quality food with seasonal options and a variety of ingredients grown directly on the premises. Andre’s Lakeside Dining provides an elevated, natural, and unique experience for every customer.
You can enjoy the beauty and nature of Lake Seneca while top-class chefs prepare the carefully crafted monthly menu. Andre’s Lakeside Dining at 112 Tomahawk Trail is only open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday during the winter, with more hours offered during the summer. Be sure to make your reservation and secure your seats on the patio while you can. For more information and to ask about summer hours, you can call 973-726-6000.
Cafe Matisse
Cafe Matisse on Park Avenue in Rutherford offers a high-class dining menu and environment. Their outdoor patio follows the style of a European garden, with luscious greenery that provides an uplifting and refreshing environment. The fixed menu includes a seasonal special four-course taster with three savory meals and a dessert. The chef works to create fresh and innovative dishes and offerings to provide diners and visitors with delicious and appealing meals. Cafe Matisse gives customers the chance to experience carefully crafted cuisine in a secluded and beautiful outdoor garden environment to create an overall impressive and unique event for gatherings.
The team at Cafe Matisse is ready to take your reservations for your premium dining experience. Reservations for dinner seatings are available for Wednesday to Sunday, at 5:15 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m. in the main dining room, and at 6:15 p.m. in the front dining area. They offer additional front dining room reservations at 8:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Outdoor dining areas and reservations vary by season and weather. For more information and to reserve your table, call 201-935-2995.
The Shrimp Box
Located on the harbor in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, The Shrimp Box provides outdoor dining with the sights and sounds of the water. The outdoor patio is famous for being one of the best places in the area to watch the sunset over the open water and observe as ships go in and out from the docks. The menu offers affordable and innovative seafood dishes with fresh and local ingredients. Customers looking to get the full experience and enjoy the atmosphere at its best can reserve and purchase the sunset dinner menu special for delicious food with a view.
The views and flavors of The Shrimp Box await your arrival with seasonal summer hours from noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and noon to 8:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Come visit to see the sights and hear the sounds of the beautiful Point Pleasant Beach harbor and fulfill all your seafood cravings. For more information and to reserve a table, call 732-899-1637.
Pier 115
Pier 115 sits on the west bank of the famous Hudson River to provide diners and guests with a view of the river and an open-air dining experience. The outdoor deck sits on top of the water and provides guests with breathtaking views and plenty of sunshine. The restaurant offers an extensive menu of lunch and dinner items such as burgers, wood-fired pizza, and salads. Customers can enjoy a selection from the collection of 115 beers, on tap or bottled, that gives the restaurant its name while lounging at a table on the deck and soaking in the view.
The deck at Pier 115 sits directly on the Hudson River at 115 River Road in Edgewater. Open Sunday through Thursday from noon to 11 p.m and noon to midnight on Friday and Saturday, Pier 115 offers premium dining all day long. Call 201-313-2155 for more information and to book your reservations.
Focacceria Ristorante
Located in the small town of Liberty Corner, Focacceria Ristorante serves its guests and community with authentic and fresh new Italian cuisines. Customers looking to eat outdoors can find available seating on the restaurant’s patio during the warmer months. The building itself dates back to the 1800s with its original use as a Colonial home, and the restaurant works to preserve the history and structure of the building’s origins. Focacceria Ristorante offers high-quality menu options and a classic dining environment for all.
Focacceria Ristorante serves lunch with a specific menu from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and dinner options from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. For more information, call 908-604-2440 or visit the restaurant at 26 Church St. in Basking Ridge.
These are just a few of the beautiful outdoor dining experiences that offer breathtaking views and natural environments available to New Jersey diners and visitors. Did we miss your favorite? Contact us here to let us know what other local outdoor dining experiences you think belong on our list.
You can view more lists for recommendations and information about the various offerings and opportunities in the New Jersey area on our blog and view our inventory of used vehicles to help you explore new places and experiences.