Dine on these green patios this summer

Is there anything better than enjoying a warm, San Diego summer evening with dinner and a few drinks on an outdoor patio? Our city does a lot of things right, and outdoor dining tops the list. For those summer nights when you don’t feel like cooking, head to these patios with delicious eats and some shade to beat the heat.

Farmer’s Bottega

Serving modern Americana-Italiano cuisine in Mission Hills, Farmer’s Bottega offers a secluded, garden-like patio perfect for “an intimate outdoor dining experience,” according to Manager Fernando Tovar. “Executive Chef Alberto Morreale uses innovative cooking techniques learning from his upbringing in Sicily. We partner with local farms to source the freshest ingredients and create our entrees with seasonal fruits and vegetables.”

The pet-friendly patio “is truly a hidden gem,” said Tovar. With plenty of shade during the day and romantic lighting and heaters at dinner, Farmer’s Bottega offers all the ambiance and comfort, along with terrific food and a great staff, you could ask for. This summer, Farmer’s Bottega is partnering with Southern Wine and Spirits, Young’s Market and Wine Warehouse to serve farm-to-fork dishes expertly paired with wines from boutique vintners and wineries.

860 West Washington St., Mission Hills. Visit FarmersBottega.com for more info.

Backyard Kitchen and Tap

“At Backyard, we’re passionate about what we do and always strive to exceed our guests’ expectations,” said Oliver West, General Manager at Backyard Kitchen & Tap. The Pacific Beach spot is known for the lively atmosphere on its dog-friendly patio that features live music, an outside bar, cabanas and a 25-foot fire pit. House-infused liquors and specialty cocktails pair well with their local, organic cuisine.

When it comes to food, “we are a little bit of everything,” West said. “Our focus isn’t so much on the style, rather on slightly elevated good old-fashioned dishes your grandmother would whip up.” Whether you’re in the mood for a Smoked Brisket Platter or Wild Mushroom Flatbread, your taste buds will be satisfied. Don’t miss the TIKI Sundays this summer, with TIKI cocktails and whole roasted pigs.

832 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach. Visit BackyardPB.com for more info.

Fig Tree Café

Fig Tree Café at Liberty Station is the only Fig Tree location that serves dinner, which is a good thing because you’ll want to linger on their patio all night. “It’s a beautiful, completely shaded patio surrounded by hand-potted greenery,” said Grant Price, Manager at Fig Tree Café. Guests who only know about Fig Tree for their breakfast and lunch options probably won’t need much convincing to try their dinner menu, with Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms, Firecracker Chicken Wings, Short Ribs or Ricotta Cavatelli.

According to Price, they’re expecting to upgrade their liquor license and offer a full bar by summer. “We’ll be offering specialty cocktails carefully hand-crafted to pair well with both breakfast and brunch as well as our dinner menu items,” he said. He recommends coming early for brunch or later in the afternoons on weekends to avoid long waits.

2400 Historic Decatur Road, suite 103, Liberty Station. Visit FigTreeEatery.com for more info.

Source: DiscoverSD