These 12 New Orleans restaurants crush the outdoor dining game

Famously haunted, Muriel’s is a Creole grand dame that overlooks the action of Jackson Square. Architecturally restored to showcase its 19th-century glamour, the restaurant is equipped with multiple dining rooms, but it’s the wrought-iron balcony that shines. Grab a spot here during happy hour (on weekdays from 3 pm to 5 pm) and sip New Orleans classics like sazeracs or Ramos gin fizzes. Then head to the plant-filled, air-conditioned courtyard for an epic Cajun meal.

All of Brennan’s is wonderful, from its flamingo-pink exterior to its aviary-themed bar, but the courtyard is sheer magic. The beautiful space has landscaping and a burbling fountain, and it’s a setting fit for weddings, parties, and Champagne sabering, which happens at 5 pm from Thursday to Monday. If you’re here for a romantic dinner, the outdoor space invites lingering over Southern staples like Gulf fish amandine—don’t skip the bananas Foster, a boozy dessert that originated right here.

Cafe Degas has offered a leafy streetside setting since 1986, serving romance and elegant French food. The entire restaurant has an outdoor vibe—there’s a tree growing through the center of the main dining room, after all—but alfresco options also include covered seating on the front porch area and along the side. Come here for garlicky escargot and seared duck breast with summer fruit.

You can now dine on The Clubhouse’s cozy wraparound patio daily, courtesy of expanded hours thanks to the restaurant’s new owners, the Dickie Brennan Restaurant Group. The historic oaks and lush garden views are great any day of the week, but Saturday stands out for a top-notch brunch: Start your morning with a chicken and waffle sandwich and a bloody mary—and go ahead, have key lime pie for dessert. There’s a two-mile track just steps away for a much-needed after-brunch walk.

“Bower” is named after a green shaded escape, and that’s exactly the atmosphere at this lush Lower Garden District charmer. The modern farm-centric restaurant features a freshly redesigned covered back patio—an airy space that’s ideal for locally sourced dishes by executive chef Marcus Woodham, like spicy scallop arancini and basil spaghetti with preserved lemon and burrata.

While its French Quarter location attracts plenty of visitors, locals know that the views don’t get better than those at Landry’s on Lake Pontchartrain. Reserve an outside table overlooking the lake, where sailboats, fishing skiffs, and diving pelicans compete for your attention. Order a dozen Gulf oysters on the halfshell, cheesy crawfish bread, or fresh catch Pontchartrain, topped with crab, mushrooms, and a cream sauce.

Bring a swimsuit to lunch or dinner at this hidden Bywater gem. You’re here to enjoy chef Chris Barbato’s modern Italian and Creole food on a front veranda framed by columns and palm fronds, but your visit might also feature a dip in the pool by the back patio (day passes are available for a fee). Expect a daily-changing menu that could include beignets filled with blue crab and sofrito mascarpone, grilled salmon, and spaghetti puttanesca.

Take in jaw-dropping river views at this Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans restaurant steered by James Beard Award-winner Donald Link. Chemin à la Mer’s claim to fame is a wraparound patio that overlooks the Mississippi River’s hairpin turn—it’s the reason New Orleans is nicknamed the Crescent City. In addition to the drop-dead gorgeous view, a meal here features a grand oyster bar, specialty steaks, and Gulf seafood, all tributes to French traditions.

This second-floor balcony is popular for its streetscape views and lacy wrought-iron accents. Café Sbisa is a more-than-century-old French Quarter brasserie led by chef and partner Alfred Singleton, who started in the restaurant as a busboy. Singleton’s outstanding French Creole dishes include crab cakes made with Louisiana blue crab and fried oysters Sbisa, served over Herbsaint creamed spinach and topped with a Tabasco-laced hollandaise.

This Mid-City pub is an easygoing outdoor party space with loads of greenery and plenty of flat-screen televisions for watching games. It’s owned by chef Lenora Chong and her son Larry Morrow (the winning duo behind Morrow’s in the Marigny and Sun Chong in the Quarter) and boasts a tasty menu of drinks-friendly food like a salmon burger, hot wings with sweet Thai chile sauce, and a crispy catfish platter with fries.

While many restaurants added outdoor seating during the pandemic, there’s something extra-special about Lola’s 14-table outdoor courtyard. The candlelit hideaway at this Spanish jewelbox wows with views of live oaks and Esplanade Avenue’s stately architecture. Paellas are made to order, giving you time for an order of garlic shrimp or a cold Andalusian almond soup, ideal for a warm summer evening.

Chef-owner Samantha Castagnetti channels her northern Italian roots (she was born in Verona) at this elegant restaurant serving Mediterranean hits like shrimp scampi in pesto and spaghetti with veal meatballs. The sidewalk café setup along Barracks Street allows for ringside seats to live music in the Jazz Museum courtyard across the street, and you’ll see why The Italian Barrel is one of the most romantic outdoor escapes in town.