From the warmth of Southern France to the blissful beauty of the Netherlands, Europe has some of the finest spots for alfresco dining. With the sun shining down on you, and the cool fresh air lifting the mood, it's no surprise that alfresco dining is a popular choice during the spring and summer months. To help you get inspired for your next trip in the sun, we've put together a list of some of Europe's best alfresco dining spots, from Michelin-starred restaurants to quaint café .
France
Paris
L' Entrepôt
This restaurant is a part of a larger arts centre and cinema, which hosts a number of regular debates, poetry nights and concerts. If you decide to enjoy a meal here, relaxing in the outdoor dining area is a must. Sheltered by large verandas, shaded by towering trees, and complemented by the live music, this spot makes for the perfect place to enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner by candle light.
There's plenty of choice available on the menu, and dishes range from a succulent Thai chicken salad, to a juicy steak, as well as brioche toast for dessert.
Le Moulin de la Galette
Located in Paris' cultural hub of Montmartre, this wonderful restaurant is situated in one of the area's last two remaining windmills. As you wander to the entrance, you'll be greeted with the enchanting wooden sails and mill of the Moulin Radet, which towers over the restaurant.
The outdoor courtyard is almost like a secret retreat, hidden behind climbing ivy and exotic plants, such as palms, so it makes for a wonderful place to enjoy a romantic meal. Dine on duck confit with red wine sauce and mashed potatoes, sirloin steak smothered in parsley butter sauce and sautéed potatoes, and vanilla crème brûlée for dessert.
Relax in the gardens of Le Moulin de la Galette
La Cantinetta
Known as one of the best Italian restaurants in the city, La Cantinetta also has one of the finest alfresco dining spots. The outdoor area has a Mediterranean-style tiled floor, and is decorated with palms, brightly coloured flowers, and towering trees that separate you from the rest of the bustling city.
In terms of food, the selection is varied and delicious, with Italian classics such as fresh burrata and slices tomatoes served as a starter, and seafood, such as grilled cuttlefish, and pasta dishes as the mains. As the evening draws closer, ask for a bottle of one of their best wines, and enjoy the cosy, candle-lit atmosphere.
Victor Café
Located in the four-star New Hotel of Marseille, Victor Café is a contemporary restaurant that offers blissful poolside dining. Top chef, Jérôme Pollo, is renowned for using fresh, local ingredients in his food, including the vegetables and herbs that are grown in the hotel's vegetable patch.
As you gaze at the breathtaking views of the city surrounding you, and the light twinkling over the swimming pool, be sure to treat yourself to a beautifully cooked Kobe beef steak. Other delightful dishes include swordfish steak and tiramisu with caramelised pear, which you can enjoy with a glass or two of the French wines on offer.
The Netherlands
Delft
Stads-Koffyhuis
During your time in the beautiful Dutch city of Delft, be sure to swing by this charming café that's perfect for a late breakfast or lunchtime treat. For the best experience, sit outside, where you can enjoy views of the Oude Delft (the oldest canal in the city) and Oude Kerk, a gothic church with a 75-metre tall tower that leans slightly.
As you relax with the scent of flowers, choose from a range of delicious sandwiches, fresh pastries and pancakes, as well as coffee, tea and local beers. One of the best drinks is the café's Satan Coffee, a delicious hot drink that's mixed with chopped ginger and topped with whipped cream.
Spy the leaning Oude Kerk as you sip on coffee from Stads-Koffyhuis
Amsterdam
Café de Jaren
Café de Jaren is famous for its terrace, which is located at the rear of the restaurant, on the Kloveniersburgwal canal. Shaded by beautiful hanging trees, you can look forward to relaxing by this long stretch of water whilst dining on delicious food. On top of the terrace, the restaurant also has an upstairs balcony, which provides visitors with views of the River Amstel.
Whether you're stopping by for a quick salad and coffee for lunch, or indulging in their wild boar with star anise, cinnamon and sweet potato dish, Café de Jaren has a full range of options that are available throughout the day. If you're in the mood to treat yourself, book a spot on the balcony for high-tea, where staff serve up mouth-watering scones, cakes and delicately cut sandwiches with refreshing pots of tea.
Spain
Madrid
La Terraza del Casino
Part of the Casino de Madrid, La Terraza del Casino is a two Michelin-starred restaurant run by top Spanish chef, Paco Roncero. Located on the casino's rooftop, you can look forward to admiring Madrid's skyline, as you relax under the glow of Victorian-style street lamps and candle light.
The food produced here is mind-blowing, and almost like a piece of edible artwork. The a la carte menu offers a range of tapas dishes, which include salmon marinated in miso, with deconstructed tartar sauce, and pesto gnocchi with squid. Mains are just as delectable, with the pigeon with gelé cru apples in cassis being a popular choice. Complement your meal with a bottle of wine from the restaurant's extensive list, but be sure to ask for professional assistance from the onsite sommelier first.
Admire the beauty of Madrid
Barcelona
Federal Café
After a day of exploring the beautiful architecture of Gaudi, and perusing the stalls of La Boqueria market, make sure you enjoy a pit stop at the Federal Café, which is located in the up and coming Poble Sec district. At the top of this three-storey building is an enchanting rooftop terrace, that's dotted with fresh potted herbs, tall plants and bushes, which shield you from the bustle of busy city life.
The café serves up plenty of mouth-watering organic food, including cakes and pastries, and makes for the perfect little oasis to relax in with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or tea after a busy day sightseeing.
Explore the sights of Barcelona
Sometimes the best meals are enjoyed in the bright sunshine and fresh air of outdoors. If this post has inspired you to make the journey to one of these top alfresco spots, be sure to make the journey with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle It takes just 35-minutes to cross the Channel, so you'll be sipping ice cold drinks on a sunny terrace in no time at all.