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Tell us: What’s the best restaurant for outdoor dining?

Outdoor dining returns to Boston on May 1.

Customers eat outside Life Alive Organic Cafe on Boylston Street in April 2022. Jonathan Wiggs/Globe Staff

By Kristina DaPonte

1 minute to read

Now that we have officially entered spring, it’s time for restaurants to bring bring some of their tables and chairs out from storage — outdoor dining is making its return.

Restaurants

Boston’s Outdoor Dining Program will enter its fifth summer on May 1, which allows eligible restaurants in almost every neighborhood to offer outdoor dining as a sit-down option.

“Our restaurateurs reflect the diversity and talent of our city’s residents, so we’re thrilled to continue outdoor dining for another year to keep our small businesses thriving,” said Segun Idowu, the chief of economic opportunity and inclusion for the city of Boston, in a press release.

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For the second year in a row, however, the North End will be mostly excluded from setting up outdoors. This is due to the neighborhood’s often-narrow sidewalks.

“According to the city’s application, sidewalk-only patios for dining need to leave at least 11 feet, not including the curb, for pedestrians,” Boston.com reported in early February.

Boston is a bustling city in the spring — tourism begins to ramp up and people start to spend more time outside as the weather gets warmer. With the change in seasons comes customers opting to enjoy a meal while soaking in some sun.

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Tell us: Where are the best restaurants for outdoor dining? Help us update last year’s guide of the best spots in Boston to dine outdoors. Share your favorites by filling out the survey below or e-mailing us at [email protected].

Where is Greater Boston's best restaurant for outdoor dining?

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