Bar Bambino's Patio
photo: Elizabeth Tichenor
San Francisco's summers can make for chilly outdoor dining, but fortunately a spate of restaurants have launched their patios before the fog rolls in.
The granddaddy of all terraces, Americano at the Hotel Vitale, has torn down its plastic weatherproofing, unofficially kicking off the season. And, just down the street, Ducca is luring the post-work crowd with Venetian fare enjoyed in its massive outdoor space, which also features several satellite bars, a fire pit and loads of heaters for fog insurance. Meanwhile, at the city’s newest waterfront perch, EPIC Roasthouse, sun-seekers can enjoy lunch and dinner on a heated patio overlooking the Bay. Other notable city spots offering fresh-air feasting: Bar Bambino, Enrico’s, Foreign Cinema, La Terrasse and Waterbar.
Looking beyond the Bay, several northern and southern restaurants are ratcheting up their alfresco options as the mercury starts to rise. Go Fish's expanded patio, shaded by awnings and the leafy branches of four mulberry trees, takes the title of Napa’s largest outdoor bar, complete with a flat-screen TV, live music on Thursdays and a misting system to keep patrons cool. Down south, at Palo Alto's modern Indian restaurant, Junnoon, the large patio provides a perfect spot for midday diners to break out of their eggs-and-bacon rut – the dosa brunch menu, served Saturday, 11 AM–2 PM, offers a live jazz guitar accompaniment and a generous side of sunshine.
– Meesha Halm