8 Restaurant Patio Ideas Your Customers Will Love

Shake off the winter blues—it’s finally patio season!

As the sun gets enthusiastic about shining brighter than ever, you’re going to want to give your customers an aesthetic space where they can soak up the rays, share some snacks, and clink glasses to longer days!

Keep scrolling to discover our top restaurant patio ideas and trends that are sure to attract the crowds. 

Tips to Elevate Your Customer’s Outdoor Dining Experience 

Setting up a cozy, yet functional restaurant patio is essential for improving customer experience, attracting new foot traffic, and creating a lasting impression. Consider these trending restaurant patio ideas for your business. 

1. Drape Aesthetic Lighting Across Your Dining Area

One of the best restaurant patio ideas is to add lights to your outdoor space. It might be summer, but the sun eventually sets—so you have to be ready with aesthetically-pleasing lighting. A bright place is always inviting and is one of the easiest ways to attract customers to dine at your restaurant.

2. Incorporate More Greenery 

A patio will always look good when surrounded by greenery. The colour green creates a refreshing ambience that does a great job of attracting customers. Placing different plants on your patio can improve air quality, while serving as decorative centrepieces that elevate the spring and summer vibes. 

 There are many creative ways to elevate your patio using greenery—check out these ideas: 

• Place a basket of fresh flowers at the centre of each table. Studies actually reveal that flowers are capable of increasing levels of positive energy and reducing stress;
• Use tall plants like monstera, bamboo palms, and banana trees as dividers between the tables for a sense of privacy;
• Be particular when choosing the pots for your plants since this contributes to the overall style of your restaurant patio.

3. Provide Umbrellas for Shade

When you have a restaurant with a patio, it’s essential to think about your customers' needs—such as some form of shade to protect them from the sun or summer drizzles.

By strategically placing patio umbrellas, you can ensure that your guests will dine comfortably as they enjoy the summer breeze. This simple addition also protects your customer’s furry friends who may be patiently waiting on the other side of the fence.

4. Take Advantage of Your Patio Views 

When designing your restaurant patio’s setup, don’t forget about leveraging the stunning views. If your establishment offers a view of the ocean or a city skyline, then place tables and arm chairs in a way that customers can get a clear view of it all.

If your restaurant is located on a busy street, your customers will likely still enjoy people (or dog) watching. Use your location to your advantage. This is one of the restaurant patio ideas that’s bound to get you some positive reviews and attract repeat customers.

5. Provide Varying Table Heights 

Did you know that adding different table heights can make your patio look more inviting? Consider including a place for fine dining, an area for lounging, and a section to enjoy the restaurant’s scenery. You can match each setting by providing varying table heights:

• Fine dining requires a standard table height that reaches your torso when seated.
• Lounge areas should have low tables and comfy chairs.
• Tall patio tables are great for those who are just having a drink while enjoying the view.

6. Create Playlists That Fit the Patio Season Vibe 

All these restaurant patio ideas will be in vain if you don’t pair them with the perfect soundtrack. This enhances the ambience, especially when the music goes well with the layout of your patio. 

7. Add An Outdoor Patio Bar To Attract Customers

Take your patio to the next level by creating an outdoor bar. This extra level of care creates an exciting atmosphere that will really liven up the mood after dinner service. Plus, you’ll attract customers who can visibly see and feel the energy of your restaurant patio.

8. Keep Your Customers Warm

Even though patio season is warm, it’s not impossible for the temperatures to drop at night, which is why it’s always great to have a supply of patio heaters ready. All you have to do is place them in various sections, so the heat spreads evenly throughout the patio.

Bring Your Restaurant Patio Ideas to Life 

Don’t wait until the summer rush is gone to stock up on patio season essentials! Find the best patio supplies at s.t.o.p. Restaurant Supply and turn your establishment into a summer dining hotspot.

We’re the #1 online store for restaurant, catering, and kitchen supplies in Canada—browse through our full catalogue to discover more incredible finds!