Beautiful weather calls for lots of time outdoors, and when you can combine being outside with delicious food – that’s a definite win! Naperville and the surrounding area has a treasure trove of outstanding restaurants, offering a wide variety of cuisine and ambiance. Our family loves going out to eat together, especially when we can also enjoy outdoor dining at some of our favorite haunts. Here’s the Montano family’s list of our favorite outdoor dining in the Naperville area.

Mesón Sabika

Outdoor patio of Meson Sabika in Naperville, IL.

1025 Aurora Ave., Naperville
mesonsabika.com

When you ask locals where they should go for a night out, Mesón Sabika is often at the top of the list. This Naperville restaurant is a converted mid-1800s mansion and estate that has been a food scene staple for 35 years. Their patio is magic – it is stunning and secluded, and it is one of those places you feel like you can breathe a little deeper.

Serving Spanish cuisine, you can enjoy tapas, delicious specials, paella, and a robust wine list, all in a quaint and charming location unlike anywhere you’ve ever been. If you’ve never had paella, it’s a must. Order it at the same time as several tapas (the Tortilla Española is fantastic and authentic), and enjoy your wine or sangria while it is made to order.

Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House

55 S. Main St., Naperville
https://hugosfrogbar.com/locations/naperville/

Hugo’s is in the heart of downtown Naperville, just steps from one of the public parking lots. Their outdoor dining is in front of the restaurant along Van Buren with vibrant planter boxes creating a barrier from the busy-ness of the street. But the hustle and bustle is part of the fun – Hugo’s patio feels like you’re at a European café.

Their menu is primarily fish and seafood, but as part of the Gibson Restaurant Group, they also have several of Gibson’s famous steaks. If seafood isn’t your thing, don’t count out Hugo’s – their Saturday and Sunday brunch is fantastic and has quite a few non-fish options.

Gia Mia

110 S. Washington St., Naperville
https://www.giamiapizzabar.com/welcome

Gia Mia opened their first location in 2015, and has expanded quickly with locations in Naperville, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Wheaton, Geneva, St. Charles, and a location opening soon at Yorktown in Lombard. The Naperville location opened in 2022, and (in our opinion) offers the best ambiance. The restaurant is in the old Nichols Library building, giving a historic vibe combined with modern flair.

The stone patio at Gia Mia is elevated from the street but offers all the people watching you could want along Washington. The menu is described as “Italian inspired,” and that’s exactly what it is – a combination of traditional Italian dishes like Neapolitan style wood-fired pizza and Bolognese alongside inspired salads and elevated entrees. You have to get the ricotta + honeycomb appetizer – trust us.

Empire

48 W. Chicago Ave., Naperville
https://www.empireburgerbar.com/

If you want to dine outside no matter what the weather’s doing, Empire is your place. Their large rooftop dining space has retractable roofs, so you don’t have to worry about rain spoiling your meal. Empire has done everything right with their rooftop dining, from the décor to the outdoor bar to the spacing of the tables so you don’t feel cramped.

While Empire is known for their burgers, they also have delicious sandwiches and salads. Don’t say no to dessert – the fried donuts and fried cheesecake are both outstanding. That said, Cookie Dough Creations is just down the street and is another delicious way to end your meal…

Santo Cielo

123 Water St. Suite 509, Naperville
https://www.stcielo.com/

Santo Cielo offers one of the best restaurant views in all of Naperville with its prime location of the 5th floor of Hotel Indigo. Their “outdoor dining” comes by way of the Sunset Room with large windows that can open to give you a view of the DuPage River and Riverwalk.

The food and cocktails are amazing. The menu is largely Latin inspired, but there are some surprises like bao buns. You’ve got to love a place that is so committed to great food that they are willing to step outside of the box a little.

Hardware

2000 W. Orchard, North Aurora
https://eathardware.com/

If you haven’t been to Hardware, stop what you’re doing and make a reservation. Not only is the building just plain cool, but many of the greens, fruits, and nuts on their menu are grown onsite. It is a true farm-to-table experience, and you can taste the freshness in every dish. They have an enviable whiskey menu, beer brewed onsite with hops they grow, and an environmentally conscious wine list.

The outdoor space at Hardware is also outstanding, with lots of greenery and trees to make it feel like a lovely oasis away from everything else. Hardware will be a restaurant you come back to time and again!

Sovereign

24216 Lockport St., Suite B, Plainfield
https://www.sovereigntap.com/

Situated in the pie-shaped area at the intersection of Lockport and Main, Sovereign is one of our favorite restaurants in Plainfield. Their patio is tucked next to the building, far enough removed from the street that you can enjoy your meal and conversation. The patio is lovely – with beautiful modern pavers and planter boxes. It’s a great place to stay awhile.

The menu is super fun with creative names like Piggy Stardust (pork chop sandwich) and Paradise by the Dashboard Light (brisket meatloaf – get it?). Their drink menu is robust, too, from beer to wine to cocktails to mocktails (real ones that aren’t just soda and syrup).

NWB - Next Whiskey Bar

24205 W. Lockport St., Plainfield
https://www.nwbars.com/

You know those seaside patios in Florida or South Carolina? That is the vibe you’ll get at NWB (minus the water, of course). Something about the blue siding with white trim and the elevated wood deck just feels coastal. It’s also quaint, making it a little tricky to get an outdoor table on a beautiful evening, but if you do, you won’t want to leave.

The menu is primarily elevated American cuisine, but there are global influences on several dishes. They also have a great cocktail menu and whiskey doughnuts (served with a whiskey caramel sauce) that you’ll want to try.

Two Brothers Roundhouse

205 N. Broadway St., Aurora
https://www.twobrothersbrewing.com/restaurants-roundhouse

Chances are good you’ve driven by the Roundhouse even if you’ve never been there. It’s near the Aurora Metra Station in a historic train turn-around, and the outdoor dining area is fully enclosed by the building. There are events most Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, so it’s a great time to check out the restaurant and outdoor area. The food is also really good – think upscale pub fare. Definitely order the Beer Brezen for the table!

Two Brothers Tap House in Warrenville is where they brew their beer and distill their spirits, and they know what they’re doing. Their craft brews are some of the area’s best! There is also a small outdoor dining area at the Tap House that is enclosed with screens, keeping those pesky mosquitos away.One of the best parts about living in Naperville is all the incredible parks, forest preserves, and family outings we have just a short drive away from home. As you can see, we take full advantage of living in this area, and we hope that our favorite family spots help you make you this summer one your family will remember for years to come!

Related: Improve the Overall Outdoor Aesthetic with a Paver Patio and Driveway in the Naperville, IL Area

La Quinta de los Reyes

36 E. New York St., Suite 32, Aurora
https://laquintaaurora.com/

It goes without saying that we are big fans of authentic Mexican food, and La Quinta de los Reyes is one of our favorite places to get it. They have both all-season patio (which is actually indoors but with large windows) and an outdoor dining area with a gorgeous painted mural on the side of the building. While you’re in the heart of downtown Aurora, it feels like you’ve been transported to a little village in Mexico.

They have many of the dishes you love at other Mexican restaurants, but they also have items you won’t find anywhere else. Their Parrillada los Reyes and Parrillada de Mariscos are both solid choices, and they come to the table with a Sterno to keep it warm while your party enjoys their meal. They also have live music on Fridays and Sundays. Your entire family will love La Quinta de los Reyes!

Enjoying great food together is one of our family’s favorite ways to connect and spend time in each other’s company. We hope this list of great outdoor dining spots inspires you to explore Naperville and the surrounding area. There are so many great places to try!

The Best Outdoor Dining in the Naperville Area