14 alfresco dining spots in Australia for perfect summer days

These chic venues embrace the warm weather in style.

Warm weather and longer days call for sitting outdoors enjoying delicious seasonal bites and refreshing cocktails. And thankfully, Australia is blessed with some breezy alfresco dining spots to relax and catch up with friends in style.  

Whether it’s for casual summer spritzes or lazy long lunches, a restaurant with water views or a lush rooftop bar, these venues allow you to make the most of the pleasant weather. 

1. Catalina, Sydney, NSW 

This iconic restaurant in Sydney’s east offers chic waterfront dining and an elevated menu that celebrates the best of Australian coastal produce. Book a table at the outdoor bar for sunset and be treated to sweeping views of the harbour, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters, pan-fried king prawns and premium margaritas.  

2. In The Hanging Garden, Hobart, Tas

The Garden is a lush oasis.

In The Hanging Garden is undoubtedly the spot to hang on sunny days in Hobart. This live music and cultural precinct features a multi-level beer garden with outdoor dining and bars. Head up to The Garden to taste seasonal Tassie food, wine and beer in a verdant oasis, or relax at the Cathedral with its spacious lawn and Mexican, pizza and sandwich offerings. 

3. Rick Shores, Burleigh Heads, Qld

Walk-in dining in the patio areas is on a first come first serve basis. (Image: Mathilde Bouby Photography)

One of Burleigh Heads’ most-loved dining destinations, Rick Shores offers relaxed beachside dining and bold pan-Asian flavours in share plate style. The space is sophisticated yet relaxed with expansive windows that create an indoor/outdoor flow that allows diners to enjoy unobstructed beach and ocean views. The Moreton Bay bug roll and crispy soft-shell crab are not to be missed. 

4. Pee Wee’s at the Point, Darwin, NT 

Indulge in fresh seafood by the water. (Image: Tourism NT/Christopher Nayna)

This Top End favourite is the ideal place to make the most of the balmy, tropical weather. Plant yourself at one of the tables on the water’s edge at sunset to enjoy views of the marina and harbour. The menu offers a tasty range of fresh seafood and local delicacies with the wild-caught barramundi being a must-order. 

5. Farmer’s Daughters rooftop, Melbourne, Vic

Enjoy light deli snacks and seasonal cocktails on the rooftop. (Image: Arianna Leggiero)

Melbourne institution Farmer’s Daughters brings regional Victoria, to the heart of the city. The venue’s verdant rooftop bar is an oasis that offers a deli-style menu with bites including potato rösti with nduja, stracciatella, bee pollen, and spring crudité with romesco dip and seeded rye toast. Inventive cocktails like the ‘Jala-Pinot’ with campfire roasted jalapeno and grapefruit infused tequila, pinot noir reduction, lime and grapefruit make for a perfect summer sipping experience. 

6. Skol, Perth, WA 

Find good vibes at SKØL.

SKØL is the Scandinavian word for ‘cheers,’ and there’s plenty to celebrate at this charming spot in Scarborough that encourages good times. The vibrant menu features fresh, shareable plates, creative cocktails, tap beer and a selection of local and international wines. Choose between sitting on the sunny front porch of the heritage-style house or in the plant-filled courtyard.

7. Albert’s Wine Bar, Melbourne, Vic

Albert’s Wine Bar exudes Parisian charm. (Image: Kate Shanasy)

With its carriage green palette, lattice detailing, cosy vibe, and street front seating, this neighbourhood cafe by day and wine bar by night would feel right at home in Paris. The rotating list of wines is sourced from authentic small-batch producers from all over the world and is to be enjoyed with small plates like charred leeks with parmesan custard, hazelnuts, capers and burnt butter or larger plates like rigatoni with vodka sauce and smoked ricotta. 

8. The White Horse, Sydney, NSW 

Enjoy breezy cocktails on the lush rooftop terrace. (Image: Gavin Green)

This Sydney stalwart received a major renovation last year that transformed it into the chic hotspot it is today. Head upstairs to the lush rooftop terrace for breezy cocktails like the Bizzarro × PS40 strawberry and yuzu spritz and seasonal bites like fried prawns with nahm jim and four cheese croquettes. 

9. Pinchy’s Lobster & Champagne Bar, Melbourne, Vic

Head upstairs to indulge in lobster rolls and champagne.

When the weather warms up, champagne and seafood really are where it’s at, and Pinchy’s Lobster & Champagne Bar in the CBD delivers the goods. Swathed in lashings of pink, this playful rooftop bar is a go-to spot for lobster rolls and Alaskan crab paired with a glass of bubbles or chablis. 

10. The Fig Tree, Kangaroo Island, SA

Taste your way through the hyper-local seafood menu underneath an ancient fig tree.

When it comes to special dining experiences in Australia, it’s hard to look past a meal at this Snelling Beach wilderness eatery on Kangaroo Island. Diners tuck into a three-hour Mediterranean-inspired feast that takes place underneath an ancient fig tree. Dishes hero coastal foraged ingredients and hyper-local seafood. Think: saltbush porchetta with apple and cavolo nero, and golden kelp focaccia with whipped ricotta and Ligurian honey. 

11. Meelup Farmhouse, Cape Naturaliste, WA

Nestled in a beautiful rural setting on a charming hobby farm at Cape Naturaliste, Meelup Farmhouse is a delightful spot to enjoy delicious seasonal dishes and breathe in fresh country air. Sip on vino from local wineries and tuck into plates that champion ingredients from WA’s south-west like chicken, leek, and bacon terrine with croutons, farmhouse-made gherkins and relish.

12. RAFI, Sydney, NSW

RAFI will transport you to the Mediterranean.

An underrated gem in Sydney’s North Sydney, RAFI’s alfresco areas feature orange umbrellas and lush foliage that will transport you to the Mediterranean. The menu is inspired by the coastal elements of Sydney, so expect ceviche, oysters, whole fish, lobster and prawns (hummus with crispy chickpeas and green chilli is also not to be missed), alongside refreshing yuzu and peach spritzes. RAFI has also recently opened a sister venue at URBNSURF Sydney.

13. Herringbone, Adelaide, SA

Dine on great food in the cosy courtyard.

This laidback restaurant in the Adelaide CBD is known for its charming ambience and great food. The light-filled courtyard, where diners sit under a tree, is the perfect spot to while away a few hours sipping South Australian drops and nibbling on modern Australian dishes including standout options like local prawn mafaldine and hot smoked mulloway crostini.

14. Rizla, Canberra, ACT

Riesling enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice at Rizla. (Image: Supplied)

Riesling and summer are a match made in heaven and if you’re a fan of the grape, you’ll find yourself in good hands at Rizla. Renowned as Braddon’s best wine bar, this venue has a 14-page strong wine list with a strong focus on the white grape and a menu of snacks designed to pair perfectly with it. Swing by for afternoon bevs in the relaxing outdoor space.