Here are more than 25 tasty options for Northern Virginia outdoor dining where you can relax, indulge, and celebrate the return of warm weather. The outdoor patios and decks at these restaurants are perfect for everything from casual meals to special date nights.

While we love a cozy pub in the chill of winter, warm weather calls us outside. Fortunately there is plenty of patio dining nearby, with options from barebones picnic tables by a parking lot, to more elegant spots with a waterfront view.

Restaurants in our round-up of Northern Virginia outdoor dining are listed alphabetically by town. Our list includes outdoor restaurants in Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties and towns.  Follow the links for details on hours, price range, and address.

Southside 815, Alexandria

Southside 815 Alexandria VA; photo credit: Chris Militzer

Recommended by Alexandria photographer Chris Militzer, Southside 815 offers great food and a welcoming patio frequented by locals. Chris loves Southside’s location off the bustle of King Street, and the relaxed vibe away from the crowds. Follow Chris on Instagram and Twitter for more of his gorgeous landscapes and nature photography.

Carolina Brothers Pit Barbecue, Ashburn

Carolina Bros BBQ on the W&OD bike trail in Ashburn VA

You can arrive by car, but we recommend biking to Carolina Brothers Pit Barbecue in Ashburn, right next to the W&OD at the intersection with Ashburn Road. Carolina Brothers has scrumptious BBQ sandwiches for $5; add 2 sides for an extra $3. We love the pulled pork, but they also have beef BBQ, pulled chicken, and hot dogs. The blueberry pie and other desserts are a great deal too.

Ford’s Fish Shack, Ashburn (also South Riding)

Fords Fish Shack patio in Ashburn VA

We return to Ford’s often for fresh, authentic New England seafood (those fried clams are so good!). Ford’s patio is next to the parking lot, but it’s nicely bordered with plants and a railing and there are heat lamps for cooler temps.

Main Street Pub, Clifton

Main Street Pub patio, Clifton VA

Clifton is a charming town with lots of great history and adorable stores. When you’re ready to sit down and enjoy a bite, we suggest a BLT on the patio at the Main Street Pub. It’s a quiet shady spot to watch the small town world go by.

Tim’s Rivershore, Dumfries

Tim’s Rivershore on the Potomac River in Dumfries Virginia

Waterfront restaurants in Northern Virginia are rare, especially if you want to enjoy outdoor dining with your feet in the sand. Tim’s  Rivershore in Prince William County is a fun spot on the Potomac River for fresh seafood and a Jimmy Buffet vibe. Arrive by car or boat, grab a spot on the deck or the shore, and kick back with a cocktail while the kitchen cooks up your tasty meal.

Bollywood Bistro, Old Town Fairfax

Patio at Bollywood Bistro, Old Town Fairfax VA

Bollywood Bistro is located in a group of small restaurants sharing a common patio in Old Town Fairfax. The restaurant, which also has a Great Falls location, offers contemporary and delicious Indian food. We enjoyed the Phool Gobi—a vegetarian dish of cauliflower, potatoes and peas—and Chicken Vindaloo with delicious Rosemary Naan, topped off with a Maharaja beer. Read more about Bollywood Bistro.

Mad Fox Brewing Company, Falls Church

Mad Fox flight on the patio, Falls Church VA

Not far from DC and convenient to the W&OD bike trail, Mad Fox has been concocting award-winning beers and delicious food since 2010. The Orange Whip is a hoppy, citrusy favorite and we really like the English Summer Ale. Mad Fox collaborates with other local brewers, and is a popular destination for special events like the annual Oktoberfest. The outdoor patio borders the street but is a nice option when the weather cooperates.

Griffin Tavern, Flint Hill, Virginia

Patio at Griffin Tavern, Flint Hill

Griffin Tavern is a wonderful stop for lunch and a pint, on your way to or from Shenandoah National Park, especially when fall foliage emerges. The friendly deck borders the bar, and there are a few more tables on the lovely curved front porch. We enjoyed a burger with our pints, and we’re eyeing the fish and chips for our next visit.

Old Brogue Irish Pub and Katie’s, Great Falls

Old Brogue patio

When warm weather arrives we love a pint on the Old Brogue patio. It’s our favorite stop after a hike at Great Falls or Riverbend Park. The Brogue’s fish and chips are delicious, and we’re also fond of the Irish Beef Stew, the Irish Banger Rolls appetizer, and the salmon salad (especially in summer). In the morning, order a bagel or breakfast sandwich from Katie’s, and enjoy it on the same sunny patio. Read more about our favorite local pubs.

Bagel Cafe, Herndon

Bagel Cafe patio, Herndon VA

Another terrific breakfast spot with a cheerful patio is The Bagel Cafe on Elden Street in Herndon. Order omelets, home fries, bacon, and bagels inside, then grab an umbrella-covered table on the casual patio. The fresh-squeezed oj is also delicious.

Fireworks Pizza, Leesburg (also in Arlington)

Fireworks Pizza, Leesburg VA

The long, wrap-around porch at Fireworks is raised above parking level and offers a mix of covered and sunny seating. The pizzas are delicious, and so are the salads and daily specials. If you still have room after your meal, try the indulgent Chocolate Chip Cookie Sundae.

Fiona’s Irish Pub, Kingstowne

Fiona’s Irish Pub patio dining in Lorton Virginia

Fiona’s is one of our favorite stops for lunch after a visit to Huntley Meadows, so we’ve eaten here several times. The ample mussels in garlic are delicious, but we keep going back for their tasty fish and chips, accompanied with a Smithwicks, of course. The outdoor patio borders the parking area, but the food makes up for the lack of scenery.

Sweet Leaf Community Cafe, McLean (also Vienna and Arlington)

Sweet Leaf Patio, McLean VA

Sweet Leaf turns out custom, delicious sandwiches all year long. But it’s especially nice when the spacious patio adds extra seating to the popular McLean lunch spot. Even better, warm weather is the perfect excuse to make an extra stop at the ice cream counter.

Bartaco, Mosaic District, Fairfax (also in Reston Town Center)

bartaco Mosaic District patio in Fairfax Virginia

In 2018, bartaco opened a second Northern Virginia location in Fairfax’s hip Mosaic District. The large patio grows even more spacious when the garage doors are open for a nice indoor/outdoor seating mix. The tacos are delicious, but save room for an order of churros with a mug of dunking chocolate.

La Favola, Fairfax

La Favola patio in Fairfax Virginia

La Favola occupies a convenient stop just down the road from Mosaic District and close to the Dunn Loring Metro station. Handcrafted and authentic Northern Italian dishes are served in a sleek indoor space, and a sidewalk patio out front. You can’t go wrong with the pastas and pizza, and we particularly liked the fettucini with Mama’s bolognese and the pretty Caprese appetizer. Read our full review of La Favola.

True Food Kitchen, Mosaic District, Fairfax

True Food Kitchen patio, Mosaic District, Fairfax VA

We enjoy True Food’s curries, pizza, street tacos—with avocado, cotija cheese, tomatillo salsa and anasazi bean plus steak or fish—and seasonal specials. Like everything at True Food, the ingredients are fresh and the quality is high.

Out of the Blue, Gainesville

Out of the Blue patio dining Gainesville Virginia

Out of the Blue recently treated Charles and I to a delicious meal during a live #FunTravelChat Twitter Chat (join in every Monday at noon). Owner Ryan Pell tells us their “secret ingredient” is excellent relationships with top notch fisherman, ensuring the freshest local catch. Everything we tried—broiled scallops, crab BLT, king crab legs, and more—was delicious. But the whole red snapper stole the show, and a big pile of steamed crabs is calling us back. There are two outdoor dining patios, two bars, and plenty of indoor seating to choose from.

2 Silos Brewing, Manassas

2 Silos Brewing Manassas Virginia

2 Silos Brewing offers one of the greatest collections of outdoor dining spaces in Northern Virginia. The sprawling campus includes multiple food, drink, and music spaces, and 2 Silos Brewing was the first to open. Grab a seat by the outdoor fireplace, a table in the sunshine, or an Adirondack chair by a firepit. Wherever you sit you’ll enjoy tasty sandwiches, salads, handmade pizzas, and a range of great craft beer. Get the full scoop on 2 Silos Brewing.

The Secret Garden, Occoquan

Secret Garden restaurant patio in Occoquan Virginia

This lovely Northern Virginia outdoor dining spot in historic Occoquan really is a secret. The Secret Garden restaurant is tucked behind an unassuming building and up a few steps. The BLT and other sandwiches are reliably good, and the quiet garden takes you away from the bustle of the street.

Monk’s BBQ, Purcellville

Monks BBQ patio, Purcellville VA

The patio at Monk’s is bare bones, but you don’t come to Monk’s to be fancy. You come for the amazingly good barbecue. The ribs, pulled pork, brisket are all fall off the bone delicious, and they have a nice selection of craft beers to cool you down. They also have a massive collection of whiskeys on offer.

Cafesano, Reston (also in Dulles)

Cafesano patio, Reston VA

Tucked in a corner of the South Lakes Shopping Center, Cafesano’s small deck benefits from plenty of plants and a peak of Lake Thoreau. The pizza, panini, and other Mediterranean dishes are all great, but start off with the Dip Sampler with housemade red pepper hummus and tzatziki. Take a closer look at Cafesano.

Clyde’s, Reston

Clydes patio, Reston Town Center VA

Several Clyde’s offer Northern Virginia outdoor dining, but our favorite for people watching and a tasty meal is the Reston Town Center location. The large outdoor seating area is right next to the pavilion and across from the fountain, so there is always something to see. Clyde’s crab cakes and monthly specials are reliably good. Unfortunately, paid parking has cut back the weekday lunchtime fun, but you can still park free after 5:00 pm and on weekends.

Red’s Table, Reston

Red’s Table patio Reston VA

It can be hard to find restaurants on the water in Northern Virginia. Happily, the pretty patio at Red’s Table overlooks Lake Thoreau in Reston’s South Lakes Plaza. Stop by in the early afternoon for a Happy Hour drink by the lake, or visit for lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch. Locally sourced, fresh ingredients make for very tasty dishes all day long. Take a closer look at Red’s Table.

Singh Thai, Cafe Montmarte, Lake Anne Cafe House, and Kalypso’s Sports Tavern Lake Anne Plaza, Reston

Lake Anne Plaza in Reston VA

Lake Anne Plaza, the first neighborhood center of Reston, really comes alive in summer. Enjoy lunch or dinner at three locations near the fountain, all with relaxing views of the lake. A bit away from the lake, under a nice shade tree, the Lake Anne Coffehouse adds a fourth outdoor dining spot. Visit on a Saturday for brunch and shopping at the extensive Farmer’s Market. Stop by the Lake Anne Brew House for a craft brew on their lakeside deck. Be forewarned that the plaza fountain is a popular play spot for kids, so you may have entertainment during your meal.

Hunter’s Head Tavern, Upperville

Hunters Head Tavern patio, Upperville VA

Hunter’s Head Tavern is another English Pub that we love to visit on a scenic drive through Loudoun County or after a hike at Sky Meadows State Park. The pub’s menu is sourced with organic local farm meats and produce harvested from neighboring Ayrshire Farm (which shares the same owner), so the food is fresh and delicious. We love their fish and chips and fresh salads and veggies. In summer, you can’t beat a spot in the lovely courtyard patio.

Caboose Brewing Company, Vienna

Caboose Brewing patio Vienna VA

Caboose Brewing Company, right next to the W&OD bike trail in Vienna, combines wonderful craft beer with delicious, locally-sourced food in an inviting space. Caboose Brewing is fortunate to have tasty brews and food under one roof, and the location next to the bike trail in downtown Vienna draws a steady crowd on two wheels, by car, and on foot. Try the tasty fries, deviled eggs, pork belly, and popular hamburgers. Read more about Caboose Brewing Company and more Great Things to Do in Vienna Virginia.

There you have it; 25 of our favorite Northern Virginia outdoor dining options for enjoying a warm weather meal. What’s your favorite spot for an outdoor meal?

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This article was published in 2016 and updated in 2018.