by UP Staff

(Originally published April 1, 2021. Revised April 15, 2025)

As the weather warms up, Charlotte diners head toward patios — both at home and when dining out. The allure of open-air ambiance, soft breezes, and golden-hour lighting creates an inviting setting for leisurely fine dining meals, for both sharing time with friends and those romantic evenings.

On a more informal note, we recently revised our list of our favorite casual dining patios you should also check out.

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BARREL & FORK
Cornelius
Whether enjoying cocktails by the firepit or dining on the porch of this historic 1906 house 40 minutes north of Charlotte, this restaurant is all about enjoying good food and drink in a relaxed setting.

BARRINGTON’S RESTAURANT
SouthPark
Enclosed with a stone wall and adorned with twinkle lights and heaters, the small patio at Barrington’s is as quaint as the restaurant’s inside dining room.

COPPER
Dilworth
Enjoy modern interpretations of classic Indian cuisine while sitting on the side patio of this turn-of-the-century East Boulevard bungalow.

COQUETTE
Uptown
A taste of Paris in the heart of Uptown. Pâtisserie and lunchtime bistro by day and classic brasserie in the evenings, you can enjoy a glass of bubbles or a classic French 75 on the recessed terrace on South Tryon Street as you enjoy the restaurant’s classic dishes.

THE CRUNKLETON
Elizabeth
In the heart of Elizabeth, the all-weather enclosed patio is a place to enjoy the restaurant’s extensive whiskey selection and craft cocktails along with its hearth-fired cuisine — no matter what the season.

THE FIG TREE
Elizabeth

This historic 1913 home offers a large front porch as well as a veranda for al fresco dining. Boasting one of the city’s most refined wine cellars, The Fig Tree’s menu is a study in classically prepared dishes with a few modern twists.

FLOUR SHOP
Montford Park
The small side patio is a comfortable spot to enjoy chef Trey Wilson’s handmade pastas, wood-fired oven breads, and open-grill entrées.

FIN & FINO
Uptown
Just off South Tryon, patio diners can enjoy a number of fresh, sustainably caught or raised seafood dishes along with a creative, often whimsical craft cocktail list.

KINDRED RESTAURANT
Davidson
The brick alleyway alongside this James Beard-nominated restaurant fits in well with Kindred’s approachable yet high-end cooking style and familial service.

PEPPERVINE
SouthPark
Often overlooked as newer restaurants cover the Charlotte landscape, this SouthPark mainstay offers one of the city’s most refined dining experiences that can be enjoyed al fresco on Peppervine’s patio in SouthPark’s Piedmont Row development.

ROSEMONT
Elizabeth
The Crunkleton’s sister restaurant across the street on 7th Street combines a nice wine bar with fine dining. The patio area includes a pass-through bar section.

SEA LEVEL
Uptown
A small, secluded oasis from the Uptown bustle, the patio here is a great place to enjoy happy hour oysters and cocktails as well as dig into the restaurant’s well-crafted entrées.

STAGIONI: FOUR SEASONS OF FOOD
Myers Park/Eastover
This pasta and wood-fired pizza spot offers plenty of outdoor seating. Enjoy seasonal Italian cuisine in front of the former home of infamous Charlotte hostess Blanche Reynolds Gormajenko.

THE BAR AT SUPPERLAND
Plaza Midwood
Separate from the main restaurant and home to James Beard semifinalist Colleen Hughes’ innovative cocktails, patio diners here can order from the full Supperland menu so they can savor the best of both.