Summer is here, and with it comes the excitement of dining outdoors. Whether you’re in the heart of New York City, enjoying the riverfront or skyline views, wandering through Napa Valley’s sun-soaked vineyards, or exploring Philadelphia’s rooftop terraces and garden patios, there’s nothing like a meal in the open air.
Even though some NYC restaurants no longer offer outdoor seating, I’m glad that there are still plenty of spots here, in Napa, and in Philly where you can enjoy incredible food while immersing yourself in beautiful surroundings. It’s the perfect time to connect with friends, family, or a special someone and maybe even inspire a memory that could live on in a hand-drawn restaurant print.
Dining al fresco isn’t just about moving tables outside. People choose outdoor seating for a variety of reasons:
Outdoor dining transforms a simple meal into a memorable experience: one that’s perfect to capture in a hand-drawn restaurant print that preserves the moment forever.
Over the years, I’ve drawn many restaurants that combine great food with incredible views. Each drawing captures the essence of being there — the sunlight, the views, and the energy — so that even months later, the memory lives on in a hand-drawn restaurant print
Here are ten of my favorites, available from my store:
A lively waterfront spot with sun-soaked decks. Its New York Harbor views make every meal feel like a mini escape from the city.
2. Angèle Restaurant & Bar (Napa)
Set along the Napa River in downtown Napa, Angèle blends French-inspired cuisine with serene riverfront seating, perfect for a leisurely lunch or dinner.
3. Auberge du Soleil (Rutherford)
Iconic Napa Valley vistas meet fine dining. Its sun-drenched terrace offers panoramic vineyard views, making it the perfect setting for a memorable meal.
4. Sam’s Social Club (Calistoga)
Located in Calistoga, Sam's Social Club offers a spacious outdoor patio, modern design, and a relaxed wine-country atmosphere that makes lingering over brunch, lunch, or dinner easy.
A lively rooftop hangout with Hudson River views, craft cocktails, and lively conversation. Summer evenings here feel electric.
Not technically outdoor seating, but Peak's floor-to-ceiling windows provide panoramic views of Manhattan giving the sensation of being outside, perfect for a memorable meal even if NYC weather turns soggy.
A quiet, tree-lined courtyard patio makes it ideal for brunch or an afternoon glass of wine, a romantic date night spent savoring Italian fare and good conversation.
8. Irwin’s Rooftop Terrace (Philadelphia)
Overlooking the Center City skyline, Irwin’s rooftop terrace pairs elevated comfort food with sunlit views. Perfect for a relaxed summer evening with friends or family.
Located in Philadelphia's historic Old City, Fork has a charming outdoor patio that complements its seasonal New American menu. It’s ideal for lingering over brunch or a celebratory meal.
With a lush, outdoor courtyard garden, Suraya brings Lebanese cuisine to life in the warm air. The setting elevates every dish and encourages relaxed conversation in a scenic environment.
Whether you’re enjoying NYC waterfronts, Napa vineyards, or Philadelphia rooftops, summer is the perfect season to create memories over a meal. Outdoor dining provides moments that linger, laughter with friends, a romantic dinner under the sun, or a quiet afternoon enjoying the world passing by.
A hand-drawn restaurant print is a beautiful way to immortalize those moments. Treat yourself or a loved one to an original hand-drawn print of a favorite waterfront spot or scenic patio you’ve celebrated summer at either here in the Big Apple or in some other beautiful corner of the world. Every time you glance at the print, it’ll transport you back to that summer day, preserving the experience for decades to come.
