Best Spots for Outdoor Dining in Roseville

Last night’s cooler temperatures left me wishing for fall and cooler weather. Even though we’re not out of summer heat in Roseville yet, the evenings are cooling down, which makes it a great time to take advantage of outdoor dining spots in Roseville.

Earlier this summer, The Sacramento Bee had a list of 21 best outdoor dining spots in Sacramento, but none in Roseville made the list. It got me thinking: Which Roseville restaurants offer patio dining?

I’ve put together this list of suggestions for outdoor dining locally. If I’ve missed one of your favorites, I’d love to know.

Without further ado, some of my favorite outdoor dining options in Roseville are (depending on what type of outdoor dining experience you’re in the mood for):

Prime people-watching patios:

Sometimes the best thing about eating outside is people watching. Sunglasses on, drink in hand and I could sit for hours just watching.

Paul Martin’s American Bistro: The patio is small, but it’s one of my favorites for people watching in Roseville. Grab a cocktail and watch the couples drive up in their Ferraris and Corvettes and dressed to impress at .

Zocalo: It’s always fun to people watch at the Fountains at Roseville and might be the best spot to do so. Zocalo’s corner spot at the Fountains at Roseville is great for people watching almost any time of the day.

Dave & Buster’s: Also at the Fountains, across from Zocalo, the patio at is set on the side of the restaurant, next to a walkway near Big Spoon, where people constantly walk back and fourth from the shopping center to their cars. An added bonus is their patio has fire pits for cooler nights.

The Cheesecake Factory: This patio is prime for watching passerbys day and night. Great to watch people go in and out of the while you dive into a slice of cheesecake.

Romantic patios:

It’s all about the ambiance that makes a patio a romantic setting and these two restaurants really set the stage for a romantic date night outdoors.

La Provence Restaurant & Terrace: patio is the most romantic patio backdrop in Roseville, in my opinion. The twinkling lights, trees surrounding the terrace and nearby creek make this one of my favorite outdoor date-night spots in Roseville.

Il Fornaio: Located in the outdoor promenade at the Westfield Galleria at Roseville, one of the best features about patio is the corner fireplace. Even though the restaurant is located at a busy mall, it’s easy to forget the busyness in the promenade and focus on your dinner and date.

Enjoy coffee outdoors:

Whether you’re catching up with an old friend or enjoying time to yourself, here are a few suggestions for sipping your drink in the sun (or under an umbrella):

Extreme Java Jungle Café: This has a small setup for outdoor seating lining Vernon Street, so it’s also a great place for people watching. Plus, you can watch the transformation taking place across the street at the Roseville Civic Center, where construction crews are working toward creating a .

Bloom Coffee: Located in the line of shops near Paul Martin’s, there always seem to be people outside enjoying the Roseville weather. There’s plenty of room on the large sidewalk patio for you to grab a seat and relax with your mocha.

Peet’s Coffee: could easily fit under best people-watching patios in Roseville. It seems to have a steady busyness and especially great when the Foothill Farmers’ Market runs Tuesday mornings just across the parking lot. Grab some farm-fresh fruit, an iced tea and enjoy the day.

Tucked-away patios:

Sometimes when you eat out, you want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Check out some of these somewhat secluded patios in Roseville:

Mikuni Kaizen: Even though this restaurant is in the busy Fountains at Roseville shopping center, the patio sits to the side of the restaurant, somewhat secluded. In the evening, the lights above the alleyway give off a soft light.

Dining with friends:

If you’re eating out with a group of people and don’t mind lively patios, here are a few to check out:

Mas Cocina Mexicana: At , you have two outdoor dining options — a smaller and quite area along the front of the entrance or the patio along the side. On Friday nights, you’ll also get to listen to a live mariachi band.

Sports Page Restaurant & Bar: Across the street from Mas, also has a great patio area. Outdoor fans keep diners cooler during the summer. Plus, the restaurant also hosts tastings on its patio. 

Yard House: Dining in patio, you’ll find large TVs, an art-lined wall and a large tree in the center of the space. What I like about this patio is the feeling of being inside, but still able to enjoy the fresh outdoor air.

Did I miss some of your favorites? What are some of your favorite outdoor dining spots in Roseville?

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