Outdoor Dining Trends: 2021 Edition

Outdoor dining hit it big in 2020 when diners across the country moved to outdoor patios and rooftops for safe, socially distanced restaurant meals. This year, 2021 has us coming together again, but alfresco dining is definitely here to stay! We're here with some outdoor dining trends we expect to see as we move forward into 2021 and beyond.  

This year, expect to see more comfortable options for outdoor dining in any season. In the past, it was somewhat accepted that outdoor dining was entirely at the whim of nature. Hot in the summer, cold in the winter, closed for rain—anything could ruin plans for eating outside. Since the pandemic, a number of solutions have emerged as restaurants and diners sought more comfortable year-round outdoor options. Covered patios began popping up at record speed last summer to provide shade and shelter from the elements, while climate control upgrades offered a little extra boost of cool air or dry heat depending on the changing temperatures. With powerful fans, cool mist systems, industrial space heaters, and weather protection, even the peak months of summer and winter are no match for outdoor dining in 2021! 

Outdoor dining for groups has become a popular option over the last year, and with many events rescheduled in 2020, large patios and outdoor private event spaces are expected to be in high demand this year. Outdoor dining areas big enough to fit large groups offer a relaxed environment for mingling over dinner and drinks. Plus, with an on-site restaurant, it’s exquisitely convenient to arrange your event menu, service, and clean up. Simply allow guests to order entrees a la carte, or plan your own custom meal with pre-selected appetizers and main dishes. Add cocktails and a few decorations, and it’s a patio party fit for any occasion. Keep an eye out this year for more oversized patio spaces designed for seating more people. Whether it's a private event, a work party, or a full family gathering, comfortable outdoor dining options for everyone are finally on the menu. 

One of the best things to come out of 2020 was a return to homemade and homegrown. While there's been a resurgence in the past decade toward locally-grown ingredients, this year we expect to see real enthusiasm for garden-fresh casual gourmet. Whether it's fresh bread, locally grown produce, or made-from-scratch meals, there's nothing quite like serving up something made with love. And there's no better place to enjoy it than outside. This year, we'll be digging into fresh salads, fragrant herbs, and sweet fruits outside, where it's easy to connect with the community. 

Looking for restaurants with outdoor dining in Smyrna ? Zucca Bar & Pizzeria is the top spot! With a covered patio and plenty of fans to keep you cool, it’s the one of the best places to eat outside, no matter how hot it gets this summer! For the best Italian food in Smyrna, check out our menu online and explore our made-from-scratch menu items, like field-fresh tomato sauce and hand tossed pizza dough. There's no better way to spend the day outdoors than at Zucca Bar and Pizzeria ! Join us on the patio all summer long!