Why sit indoors to eat in Wales when our outside dining options can be found in so very lovely places?
True, our weather is a little unpredictable, even in the height of summer, but with undercover provisions made and the chance of some sun not totally out of the question, you must soak up the socialising to make up for lost time.
All establishments will have new measures and social distancing-friendly covers, so please check out each place for their up-to-date plans, which are very changeable at the moment.
And once you've booked your table, sit back and relax. Here are some of Wales' best outdoor dining spaces.
1. Hills, Brecon
Just look at that view. Yup, we're talking about the scenery AND the burgers front and centre.
This joint in the middle of the Brecon Beacons serves towering burgers with a selection of mouth-watering monthly specials and old favourites on the menu.
Why not try the chips and gravy burger for a full meal in one so you can spend more time looking at the mountains?
Booking can be found here.
Where : Bishops Meadow, LD3 9SW
2 . Star on the Hill, Usk
Another Welsh pub with another sumptuous mountain view, and good food and drink, too.
There's loads of space at The Star and they have a new outdoor bar. You can even kick back on the grass if you can't find a seat.
Menu ranges from fancy small plates - like bao buns and mussels - to proper pub grub like bangers and mash or curry half and half.
Call 01291 650256 for bookings.
Where : Llanfihangel Tor-Y-Mynydd, NP15 1DT
3. Dusty Pizzeria, Cardiff
Fresh, handmade, wood fired pizza with cool, rustic surroundings, all al fresco.
You can also get coffee and desserts there too and incase of the wet Welsh weather there's plenty undercover.
Bookings encouraged, but walk-ins okay, too. Call 07506659306.
Where: Papermill Road, CF11 8DH
4. Runwayskiln, Pembrokeshire
With their successful lockdown 'At Home' feasts taking a break until October the team at Runwayskiln are bringing back outdoor dining for two/three-course lunches for September.
With a different menu every week you can be sure to find local, fresh produce on the menu and fresh fish, too. Unfortunately for coffee and cake lovers, they won't be available through September.
Make sure you book - don't worry there'll be a marquee in case it's a bit wet - as you won't want to miss this lunch with a view.
Check the menus and book at Runwayskiln's website.
Where: Marloes Sands, SA62 3BH
5. Langland's Brasserie, Swansea
A stunning place to eat breakfast, lunch or dinner as it overlooks the beautiful Langland Bay.
Now bookings can be made for the terrace, which is partially covered and has outdoor heaters, for you to kick back and take in the view while tasting the moules or having traditional fish and chips.
Book a table at www.langlandsbrasserie.co.uk
Where : Brynfield Road, SA3 4SQ
6. Hare & Hounds, Vale of Glamorgan
Open right through lockdown, doing takeaways and as a bakery, the Hare & Hounds is taking bookings outside and serving a lovely garden menu of dishes like Cardigan Bay crab risotto and grilled squid with fennal.
You will truly feel like you're in the heart of the Vale here. And their sister venue in Cardiff, the Heathcock is just as gorgeous. Both in menu and in outdoor space.
Call 01446 774892 to book.
Where : Maendy Rd, Aberthin, CF71 7LG
7. The Lobster Pot, Anglesey
You guessed it, the Lobster Pot serves a marvellous array of seafood and has been doing so since 1946.
From lobster and crab salads to the classic grilled lobster mains and there's a paella too, what better way to eat Angelsey seafood than overlooking Church Bay.
Bookings only, so contact the Pot via Facebook.
Where: Church Bay, Anglesey, LL654EU
8. Depot
With loads of tables and a swathe of different street food vendors each week (Franks Hotdogs, Hot Damn Wings, Bearded Tacos and more) from who you order via an app, DEPOT is a great city centre place to get fed and watered if you all fancy something different to eat - and it looks pretty, too.
Where : Williams Way, Curran Embankment, CF10 5DY
And here's more on eating outdoors at the capital's Castle Quarter
9. The Griffin, Dale
Just one of the many lovely, hidden away (kind of) spots in Pembrokeshire, the pub has lots of outdoor seating including a roof top dining spot.
Serving fresh seafood like pints of prawns and mussels, you can also get to the spot by boat.
Where: Dale, Pembrokeshire, SA62 3RB
10. Cardiff Distillery
How cool are these dining bubbles? Found in Pontcanna in the capital, the Distillery - formally Cathedral 73 - has put these in to allow people to eat and drink (in rain or shine) and adhere to post-lockdown rules.
Food and drinks are ordered via an app to ensure customers and staff come into as little contact as possible, and so you don't have to go back and fore the bar.
The Distillery serves fresh wood fired pizza at the weekend, and they also do a nice line in small plates and mezze boards. And, of course, cocktails and gin.
To make a reservation you can call 029 2023 5005.
Where: 73 Cathedral Road, CF11 9HE
11. The Dragon Inn, Crickhowell
The Dragon has the best view up to the rolling hills around it, including Hywel's Seat (which you can see in the background of this image)
Food includes dishes made from ingredients sourced from many local businesses, they make their very own Dragon Burgers from premium local steak.
Call to book on 01873 810362.
Where: 47 High Street, NP8 1BE
12. Pizza Tipi, Cardigan
A completely lovely place to sit and dine right on the River Teifi.
Pizza is their name and they are most certainly winning their game. Undercover seats in the tipi, too.
No takeaways either, so you have to sit and enjoy the views to enjoy a pizza.
Click here to book.
Where : Cambrian Quay, SA43 1EZ
13. Uisce by Heaneys, Cardiff
The site of chef and Great British Menu contestant Tommy Heaney's introductory pop-up, Uisce is a coffee and wine bar serving rustic comfort food. Think freshly shucked oysters, small plates and fine wines.
They've done the outdoor up really lovely, too with a fairy-lit canopy and their smart indoor furniture.
Call 029 2022 0463 to book.
Where: 4 Romilly Cres, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9NR.
14. 57 Bridge Street, Usk
This Usk deli has pulled out all the stops, turning their car park into a covered, outdoor space for diners complete with a new gin & fizz bar.
Try their homemade focaccia with an antipasto platter, or their bavette steak is **chef's kiss**.
Call 01291 673734 to get your space.
Where: 57 Bridge Street, NP15 1BQ
15. Dylan's
Wow, set over three Welsh sites, Dylan's restaurants are not short of a cracking view no matter which venue you choose.
The above is in Criccieth, and is situated in the glass fronted, Art Deco styled Morannedd building and it overlooks the bay towards Harlech Castle.
The Menai Bridge and Llandudno venues have equally as lush outdoor spaces.
Currently serving al fresco at all sites the menu is vast but inviting, including a whole host of fish tacos, seafood mains like seafood chowder and teriyaki seabass and more.
Booking and location information at www.dylansrestaurant.co.uk.
16. The Worm's Head Hotel, Gower
This place has a dreamy view over Worm's Head and Rhossili Bay and you can see it from the terrace (and your hotel room if you're lucky enough to stay the night).
Daily specials are on offer and you might be lucky to try the Rhossili Bay fishcake.
Call 01792 390512 for information.
Where : Rhossili, SA3 1PP
17. Chateau Rhianfa, Anglesey
A place to really be surrounded by gorgeousness, from the views over the Menai to the hotel itself, a Grade II listed French-inspired chateau.
A luscious place to sit and enjoy dinner filled with dishes inspired, and made from, produce from Snowdonia and Anglesey.
To enquire or book call 01248 880090.
Where: Beaumaris Road, Menai Bridge, LL59 5NS
18. Penlon Brewery, Pembrokeshire
This New Quay brewery and their pizza oven are summer eating on a plate - literally.
The view over the beach and Cardigan Bay are outstanding.
Choose from Super Green or Pedwar Caws and sup a pint in their beer garden.
Call the brewery for latest on booking on 01545 560252.
Where: St John Street, New Quay, SA45 9NN
19 . The Druidstone, Broad Haven
If the stunning view over St Bride’s Bay isn't enough, The Druidstone offers a range of tipples as well as top-notch food.
The pub itself enjoys a fine reputation having been in the Good Food Guide consistently since 1974. Food is homemade and locally sourced where possible, including Welsh lamb and fresh fish.
The terrace provides the perfect spot to kick back and take in the glorious Pembrokeshire scenery.
Where: Welsh Road, Broad Haven, Haverfordwest, SA62 3NE
