Best places for Outdoor Dining in Yorkshire

As we look forward to the warmer, sunnier months ahead (hopefully), what better way to enjoy a leisurely drink, light lunch or sharing plates than outdoor dining?

There are plenty of great options in Yorkshire, so to make things easier, we have collected our favourite foodie spots all of which have great space and seating to go Al-Fresco.

Want to browse by area – North Yorkshire | East Yorkshire | South Yorkshire | West Yorkshire

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North Yorkshire Outdoor Dining Destinations

SORA

First, we have Sora. Sitting prettily on the 7th floor of luxury hotel Malmaison in York, the newly opened rooftop bar and restaurant serves up some of the best pan- Asian food in the city. Sip on your favourite cocktail while taking in the views of the minster for an ultimate outdoor dining experience. Or watch dusk fall on the city while snuggled up to an outdoor heater grazing on a Sashimi Platter.

2 Rougier St, York YO90 1UU – 01904 946060

Bosuns

If you’re looking for some outdoor dining inspo, this idyllic restaurant just outside of York has to be on your list. Enjoy one of their classic, contemporary dishes such as Pork Tomahawk or Confit Poached Salmon from their a la carte menu, while taking in the picturesque views of the boatyard. You can even hire your own boat if you fancy a go after your meal on the terrace!

The Boatyard, Ferry Ln, Bishopthorpe, York YO23 2SB – 01904 439739

Grantley Hall – 88 Terrace, Nortons, Orchard

You really are spoilt for choice with al fresco dining spots at Grantley Hall. The Orchard provides a tranquil indoor-to-outdoor experience, with seating available in their bell tent and on their Veuve Clicquot champagne terrace. Their Norton Courtyard offers traditional British classics to dine on and delicious drink options to enjoy with friends all day and night. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s even a Grade-II listed Japanese garden provided by EightyEight Bar and Restaurant with atmospheric water features to explore either pre or post-dining in the exquisite Asian-fusion restaurant.

Grantley Hall, Ripon HG4 3ET – 01765 620070

The Coniston Hotel, Country Estate and Spa

The Coniston Hotel are offering a brand new unique outdoor dining experience this summer. Get your friends and family together for lakeside dining in one of the Coniston’s bell tents. You can choose from The Consiton’s signature afternoon tea experience and a bottle of prosecco or their Pizza & Pop experience, perfect for a family day out.

Check out our other top spots for afternoon tea: Afternoon Tea in Leeds

Also on this stunning estate, The Coniston’s AA-Rosette awarded The View restaurant provides one of the best (if not THE best) views of the Yorkshire Dales. You can see why they called their restaurant The View! Dine in the sunshine and enjoy lunch, afternoon tea or dinner on the terrace. And look out for Malham Cove on a clear day!

Coniston Cold, Skipton BD23 4EA – 01756 748080

Blue Lion, East Witton

Surrounded by stunning views of the Yorkshire Dales, the Blue Lion in East Witton lies in the heart of Wensleydale. Providing the perfect respite after a day of exploring the Dales, take a seat on one of their outdoor benches and enjoy one of their seasonal dishes made with only the best Yorkshire produce. Sip on an ale from the bar and relax in the North Yorkshire sunshine.

Main Road, East Witton, Leyburn DL8 4SN – 01969 624273

West Park Hotel Courtyard

Hidden away from prying eyes, West Park Hotel’s Courtyard really is one of the best outdoor dining spots in Yorkshire. Every Friday and Saturday sees the team serving up some of the best seasonal dishes in the area, featuring Fish Platters, Wagyu Burgers and Celeriac Wellington. When the evenings start to cool down, heaters and blankets are provided for all their guests. Bank holidays are also something special in the Courtyard, with live saxophonists and DJs.

19 W Park, Harrogate HG1 1BJ – 01423 524471

Feversham Arms Hotel

If you fancy dining poolside this Summer, head over to the Feversham Arms Hotel & Spa. Guests are invited to dine from their lunch or afternoon tea menus on their poolside terrace for a dining experience completely unique to North Yorkshire. From wraps and club sandwiches to sharing charcuterie boards and flat iron steaks, there’s so much available on the menu to dine al fresco.

1-5 High St, Helmsley, York YO62 5AG – 01439 770766

Abbey Inn Byland

Fancy tucking into a Salt-aged Beef Rump hot sandwich overlooking the ruins of what was once one of the greatest monasteries in old England? Of course you do! The Abbey Inn at Byland serves up classic gastro-pub grub, soft serves and sweet treats on their exclusive Garden Menu. All you need to do is hope for a bit of sunshine for your visit!

The Abbey Inn, York YO61 4BD – 01347 868204

The Star Inn The City

Another York edition to our list, The Star Inn The city has two outdoor dining areas to brag about, with their heated terrace offering superb views of the river running through the city. Aiming to bring a taste of the countryside to York, you can expect dishes such as Hay Baked Celeriac, Yorkshire Lamb Rump and Roast Yorkshire Wolds Chicken Breast, all made with locally sourced ingredients.

Lendal Engine House, Museum St, York YO1 7DR – 01904 619208

Weetons Food Hall

If you live near or around Harrogate, you’ve probably heard of Weeton’s Food Hall. But did you know they also have a gorgeous outdoor dining area? Dine in some of Weeton’s favourite all-day brunch dishes while taking in the stunning views of Crimple Valley. Each dish has been designed by Weeton’s executive head chef, keeping their menus seasonal and tasty.

The Carr Leeds Rd, Pannal, Harrogate HG3 1EW – 01423 873102

Alice Hawthorn

Named as one of the Best Places to Stay by the Sunday Times, one of the best Yorkshire Pubs by Hardens and the Michelin Guide and Dining Pub of the Year by Yorkshire Life. These are just a few reasons why The Alice Hawthorn is well worthy of a visit however they also have a picturesque outdoor dining area, perfect for a little escape during a sunny afternoon. Hand-stretched sourdough pizzas and dishes from the grill are also on the menu every Saturday evening.

The Green, Nun Monkton, York YO26 8EW – 01423 330303

Seaview Restaurant, Saltburn by the Sea

The first venue to kick off our list is the Seaview Restaurant at Saltburn by the Sea, the ideal destination for seafood lovers. Seaview does what it says on the tin, providing an unrivalled sea view on the North Yorkshire coast. You can easily pretend you’re sitting on a terrace in the White Isles instead of a Victorian seaside town. Expect the freshest Yorkshire seafood, the best sunset views and stunning décor.

Lower Prom, Saltburn-by-the-Sea TS12 1HQ – 01287 236015

Fairfax Arms, Gilling, near York

The Fairfax Arms in Gilling is easily in one of the prettiest villages just outside of York. Lying at the bottom of the hill that leads up to Giling Castle, this is yet another outdoor dining spot in Yorkshire with a great view. Their Orangery extension opens out to a beautiful beer garden, where you can enjoy some of your favourite summery tipples as well as some dishes from their summer menu.

Main St, Gilling East, Helmsley, York YO62 4JH – 01439 788212

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East Yorkshire Outdoor Dining Destinations

Highfield House

With a passion for seasonal and regional produce, the multi-award-winning Highfield House serves up British dining and had to be up there for an indulgent Al-Fresco experience. Both owners Andy and Lindsey head up the 1864 restaurant, which opened in July 2023, and proudly focus on foraging, gardening and prepping the food to the highest level. If ingredients aren’t supplied by their own gardens, they are sourced by some of the best farmers in the East Yorkshire region.

If you fancy just stopping for a drink, The Library Bar at Highfield House is open for walk-ins, priding themselves on their specialist cocktails and healthy wine list.

Windmill Hill, Driffield YO25 5YP – 01377 256231

Pipe and Glass

Boasting two outdoor dining areas, the Pipe and Glass just outside of Beverley is certainly one of the best outdoor dining destinations in East Yorkshire. The Michelin-starred gastro-pub serves guests on both their patio area looking out to the chef’s garden and the informal picnic bench area at the front. Make the most of the rare British sunny summer days at the Pipe and Glass.

W End, South Dalton, Beverley HU17 7PN – 01430 810246

The Westwood Beverley

This is the ultimate outdoor dining space. Covered AND heated, The Westwood in Beverley provides an outdoor dining terrace with comfort in mind. Enjoy a leisurely lunch or an intimate al fresco dinner with friends and family or for a lovely summery date night. Tuck into a delicious steak from a la plancha in the surroundings of an old Georgian courthouse.

New Walk, Beverley HU17 7AE – 01482 881999

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South Yorkshire Outdoor Dining Destinations

Kelu

Kelham Island, once the centre of Sheffield’s steel industry, is now a local and visitor-alike food hotspot. Kelu is new to the scene, owned by the family who brought us the successful Sardinian restaurant Domo. Their rooftop sky lounge bar is a perfect summer evening spot with antipasti and small plates served to compliment their Italian cocktails.

Aperol Spritz and some Sardinian nibbles with a sunset? Yes, please.

Unit 3.1 krynkl, 294 Shalesmoor, Sheffield S3 8UL – 0114 2991331

Domo

A firm favourite for many Yorkshire food lovers, Domo is known for its stunning dusty pink interior, which hints at Sheffield’s industrial past. Of course, their extensive menu of Sardinian dishes never disappoints, and their new patio seating area makes this restaurant a perfect choice for outdoor dining with great company.

Some highlights include their Burgos, bruschetta with creamy aubergine and figs, and their satisfying calzones, ending with an indulgent homemade tiramisu. 

Eagle Works, 34-36 Cotton Mill Walk, Little Kelham St, Sheffield S3 8DH – 0114 3221020

Spencers Arms

In the pretty village of Cawthorne, Barnsley, Spencer’s Arms is taking what we think we may know about ‘pub grub’ to a whole new level. Using seasonal ingredients and boasting a large lit terrace and outdoor bar, this pub is here to impress. They have even started serving stone-baked pizzas, including their ‘Nice & Spicy’ topped with Calabrian Nduja sausage, fennel salami and Peppadew peppers.

Love pizza and pasta dishes? Check out our Italian restaurant picks

21 Church St, Cawthorne, Barnsley S75 4HL – 01226 792795

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West Yorkshire Outdoor Dining Destinations

Shibden Mill Inn

Boosting a spacious garden and patio, Shibden Mill Valley is an award-winning country inn with stunning views and a seasonal a la carte menu. Originally a corn and spinning mill, in the 17th century, this favourite was later converted into a country pub in 1890. Mains include Beef feather blade with horseradish mash, smoked bacon, shimeji, baby onions, and smoked cauliflower cheese. Or for a slightly lighter lunch bite, enjoy a wood-fired focaccia alongside your pint for an upgraded pub garden experience.

No need to book either, the garden and patio seating is open for walk-ins only.

Shibden Mill Inn, Shibden, Shibden Mill Fold, Halifax HX3 7UL – 01422 365840

Angelica & Crafthouse

Located on the fifth and sixth floors of Leeds Trinity Centre, Angelica Crafthouse offers modern British dining. With seating in their heated rooftop terrace showcasing panoramic views of the city, they provide the ultimate summer evening dining and drink experience.

On Saturday you can indulge in afternoon tea overlooking the city. Angelica Crafthouse also has a sunset hour cocktail menu, whether you go for a punchy mojito or a classic espresso martini (they are even 2-4-1 on Monday-Thursdays).

Level 5 & 6, Trinity, 70 Boar Ln, Leeds LS1 6HW – 0113 897 0099

The Weston

When it comes to lunch, quality coffee and cakes, The Western has so many options to choose from. This large site, next to Yorkshire Sculpture Park was inspired by the land works of Michael Heizer and Robert Morris, designed to cause minimal impact on the natural surroundings. 

It proves the perfect stop for a light bite or pick-me-up after exploring the gallery, especially with its large outdoor terrace overlooking the woodland. Their summer set menu features fresh but nourishing mains – seared salmon, roast chicken with buttered summer beans and garlic bruschetta. No bookings either, so just head on in!

The Weston, Huddersfield Rd, Haigh, Barnsley S75 4BX – 01924 930004

Flying Pizza by San Carlo – Leeds

A new pick for us, San Carlo Flying Pizza offers an elegant outdoor dining experience, with a stunning terrace and retractable roof. Their terrace is completed with studded olive trees, giving you a true taste of Italy, in Leeds.

The menu features signature Italian dishes and smaller sharing starters, including fresh roasted scallops, bruschetta and garlic king tiger prawns. They also have a good selection of vegetarian options, and their pizza menu is the star of the show.

For more new openings across Yorkshire, check out our blog.

60 Street Ln, Roundhay, Leeds LS8 2DQ – 0113 266 6501

Harvey Nichols Fourth Floor Brasserie

For a luxurious feel, Harvey Nicholas Fourth Floor Brasserie, in Leeds city centre, combines award-winning design, great food and champagne for the ultimate al fresco fine dining experience. 

Their grazing platter is perfect for a lighter bite to go with drinks, and their puddings include a whipped rice pudding with strawberries, basil, prosecco jelly, pistachios, and strawberry jam ice cream. With a plant-based menu, summer menu and kids options too, this terraced brasserie is a crowd-pleaser, with Yorkshire’s finest quality ingredients at the forefront of their dishes.

107 – 111 Briggate Harvey Nichols Fourth Floor, Leeds LS1 6AZ – 0113 204 8000

Shears Yard

With a contemporary a la carte menu, Leeds’ Shears Yard provides a relaxed feel to fine dining, and a lovely fairy-lit green patio to enjoy your food and drinks this summer. Their tasting menu can be paired with quality wines, and they have vegan and vegetarian choices to suit all guests.

Also, not to mention Shears Yard has some beautiful dessert options  – pear & pistachio frangipane and hibiscus & white chocolate creme brulee are catching our eye. 

11 – 15 Wharf St, Leeds LS2 7EH – 0113 244 4144