Skip to content
  • X

Subscribe

Magazine | Newsletters
  • Food & Drink
  • News
  • Culture
  • Style
  • Home
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Things to Do
  • Travel
  • Best of NoVA
  • Best Restaurants
  • Most Influential
  • Top High Schools
  • In This Issue
  • Home
    • Food & Drink
  • These NoVA Restaurants Have the Best Outdoor Patios for Your Next Celebratory Meal
Ashby Inn
  • Food & Drink

These NoVA Restaurants Have the Best Outdoor Patios for Your Next Celebratory Meal

From French to Greek, our critic shares her favorites for a memorable meal alfresco.

By Alice Levitt August 14, 2020 at 8:00 am

 

Updated June 16, 2022. For those wanting to enjoy the next special occasion under the glow of the summer sun, here are some of our favorite places for a memorable meal alfresco. 

Ashby Inn & Restaurant

You’ll have views of the rolling hills of rural Paris from the patio, which has both covered and uncovered portions, at this elegant country inn. Your meal will come from foods gathered on the property, including plums and purslane served with the crispy, tender duck breast. 692 Federal St., Ste. D, Paris

Clarity

Open for lunch and dinner, guests will have a memorable meal on the patio of this Vienna favorite. With a menu that includes heirloom tomato salad, hand-rolled potato gnocchi, German chocolate cake, and much more, you will leave the restaurant with a smile on your face and a stomach full of delectable dishes. 442 Maple Ave. E., Vienna

Field & Main

Dine among the trees next to the Marshall farm-to-table restaurant, safely canopied by your very own cabana. Whatever you order, try to save room for something pork-based. The meat comes from a pig raised by the Marshall Montessori school, so it’s ethical, local, and carefully prepared. 8369 W. Main St., Marshall

L’Auberge Chez François

Look out at the gardens where your food is being grown at this Great Falls restaurant that’s been winning fans for 66 years. The prix fixe menu includes French favorites, from crêpes to soufflés, but the classic service is what stands out most. 332 Springvale Rd., Great Falls

Nostos

A flaming saganaki, a fish carved tableside, and some ouzo? That practically spells “celebration.” Sit under a tent for a taste of Greece that will transport you from Vienna to the Mediterranean for the length of your meal. 8100 Boone (Aline & Leesburg) Blvd., Vienna

For more restaurant recommendations, subscribe to our Food newsletter.

Alice Levitt

Alice Levitt

Contributing Food Critic/Editor

Alice Levitt has been writing for Northern Virginia Magazine since 2020. She began her restaurant critic journey at Seven Days in Vermont in 2007 before moving on to Houstonia Magazine in Texas. Her food, travel, and health innovation stories have appeared in Vox, EatingWell, Simply Recipes, Allrecipes, and many other national publications.

  • Email

Trending in NoVA

3 Farms to Pick Your Own Blueberries in Northern Virginia

Chantilly Ikea Announces Opening Date

These Northern Virginia Farms Are Cultivating Rare, Unexpected Crops

10 Northern Virginia Restaurants Offering Father’s Day Menus

Where to Watch the FIFA World Cup in Northern Virginia and DC

things to do newsletter

Our Top Stories In Your Inbox

Our newsletters delivered weekly.

Subscribe

Feeds

RSS Feed Follow in Feedly

You May Also Like

Person pouring draft beer into cup

Celebrate Virginia250 with 5 Limited-Edition Craft Beers at NoVA Breweries

Flavor Hive worker preparing food

Best of NoVA 2026: Dig into Northern Virginia’s Best Food

Multiple menu items on a table at Cafe Monet

10 Northern Virginia Restaurants Offering Father’s Day Menus

  • X

Company

  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Writer’s Guidelines
  • Internships
  • Terms of Use

Magazine

  • Magazine
  • Subscription
  • Newsletter
  • Back Issues

Talk to Us

  • Contact Us
  • Submit an Event
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

Shopping

  • Subscription
  • Back Issues
  • Plaques
  • Realtor Client Gift Subscriptions

On Newsstands Now

June 2026 best of nova cover

Copyright © 2026 Northern Virginia Magazine

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Hey AI.