Al fresco dining: Try these SouthCoast restaurants to enjoy a meal outdoors this summer
During the pandemic, outdoor dining became a necessity for those looking to go out for dinner and get a change of scenery — getting dinner with family and friends posed less of a risk while out of the confines of an enclosed space and still allowed diners to enjoy good food and great conversations.
There are many restaurants that have always offered dining on their patio but some created a safe place just to accommodate recent events. Here is a list of restaurants where you can enjoy your meal under the sun or the stars.
Pack a sweatshirt for New England weather and bring your appetite to try some of these local favorites.
Looking for dinner with a view?: Here are some SouthCoast restaurants to check out.
Cork Wine and Tapas
90 Front St., New Bedford | https://www.corkwineandtapas.com
Specializing in creative cuisine, Cork Wine and Tapas offers a dynamic menu that features both tapas and full entrees. Enjoy the Lobster Mango Salad with mango salsa, bib lettuce, and baguette crostini ($25) or the Bavette Steak with a chorizo sweet potato hash, grilled asparagus, and a lemon garlic chimichurri sauce ($32).
Cisco Kitchen + Bar
1482 East Rodney French Blvd., New Bedford | https://www.ciscokitchenbar.com
Cisco Kitchen + Bar has live music, a brewery, a distillery, and a dining experience serving innovative coastal cuisine. Start off with the Chowder Poutine which is clam chowder, french fries, garlic aioli, Cotilla cheese, and pulled pork ($12). Then you have to try one of their many sushi options like the New Bedford Roll, spicy scallop with tempura crumbs, topped with tobiko, and a mango sauce ($16).
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19 Prime Tapas
19 Jeremiah V Sullivan Dr., Fall River | https://19-prime-tapas.business.site
For tapas with a Mediterranean flair head over to 19 Prime Tapas. Get the Charred Lamb Pops — five "pops" with a blackberry port wine and a demi reduction ($16), or Mediterranean Octopus with charred octopus, peppers, garlic, onions, potatoes and white wine ($22).
Portas Da Cidade Restaurant and Lounge
231 State Road #A, Westport | https://www.portasdacidade.com
Portas Da Cidade keeps the family tradition alive with traditional recipes passed from generation to generation. Next time you go out for dinner taste test the Paelha á Valenciana, lobster, shrimp, littlenecks, scallops, chourico, pork, and chicken blended with saffron rice in a mild red sauce ($29.99); or Espetada á Madeirense, Madeira style shish-ka-bob served with Portuguese fries, rice, and seasonal vegetables ($21.99).
Towne House & Douro Steakhouse
37 Purchase St., Fall River | https://www.townehousefr.com
Portuguese-inspired dishes and classic cuts with amazing sides are waiting for you at Town House & Douro Steakhouse. For an app try the Giant Meatball, a veal, hot sausage, beef meatball with a house red sauce ($9). A great entree would be the Filet Mignon Gnocchi, a petite tender filet over a creamy spinach and sun-dried tomato sauce with gnocchi ($25).
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The Aviary Restaurant
2229 GAR Hwy, Swansea | https://theaviaryrestaurant.com
The Aviary boasts a fresh, local, and seasonal menu enjoyed in an upscale, casual atmosphere. Fish Tacos are always a fan favorite try the blackened and grilled cod with cilantro-lime crema, black bean hummus, avocado, scallions, and black garlic glaze on two flour tortillas ($16); or try the Wild Mushroom Risotto, traditional risotto, wild mushrooms, parmesan and mascarpone, truffle cream sauce, and arugula ($22).
Fall River Grill
363 2nd St., Fall River | https://www.fallrivergrill.com
Focused on simple, delicious Portuguese and American Cuisine Fall River Grill is a casual restaurant and bar. You can't go wrong with Lapas dos Açores, 12 limpets from the Azorean Islands doused with a spicy marinade and garlic, served on a sizzling skillet ($12), or Galinha Alentejana, cubed chicken and fried cubed potatoes served with little necks ($16).
Tia Maria's European Cafe
42 N Water St., New Bedford | http://www.tiamariaseuropeancafe.com
A food-centric Portuguese family-owned restaurant Tia Maria's outdoor dining along the cobblestone streets is a treat. Dine on the Chicken Mozambique Sandwich, grilled chicken in a mild saffron garlic sauce served in a Portuguese roll with rodelas ($9.45); or Tia's Burger topped with bacon, deli ham, cheddar, green and hot peppers, and a fried egg served with rodelas ($13.25).
Lorenzo's Italian Restaurant
500 W Grove St., Middleboro | https://lorenzos.net
A third-generation family-owned Italian restaurant and bar, Lorenzo's specializes in fresh pasta, hand-cut veal, and Italian favorites. Sample the Eggplant Parmigiana, layers of tender eggplant, tomato sauce, and lightly seasoned ricotta cheese, baked with parmigiana cheese, and served with homemade pasta ($19.95); or Veal Saltimbocca, tender veal scallopini sautéed with mushrooms in a Marsala wine sauce topped with fresh sage, imported prosciutto, and fresh mozzarella cheese served over angel hair pasta ($22.95).
Elisabeth's
1 Middle St., Fairhaven | https://www.elisabethsfairhaven.com
At Elisabeth's, you will get innovative dishes, handcrafted cocktails, and fresh seafood all in a great atmosphere. For a lighter fare, there is a Grilled Vanilla-Poached Pear served on greens with sun-dried cranberries, goat cheese, candied pecans, and a strawberry vinaigrette ($11.95) or Grilled Maple Glazed Scallops on greens with grilled corn relish and mashed potatoes, garnished with bacon and grilled asparagus ($25.95).
Bittersweet Farm
438 Main Road, Westport | https://www.bittersweetfarmwestport.com
Rustic dining and upscale American fare are what Bittersweet Farm is known for. There are lots of offerings such as Bacon Bleu Flatbread, bleu cheese, bacon, arugula, caramelized onions, mozzarella, and a balsamic glaze ($13); or Korean Tofu Tacos, filled with bok choy, snap peas, and shredded carrots, tossed in Asian chili ($18).
Fireside Classic American Grille
30 Bedford St., Middleboro | https://www.firesidegrille.com
The Fireside Classic American Grille is a family restaurant with delicious choices of chicken, steaks, seafood, and pasta at a price for everyone. While dining outside order the Brussel Sprout Salad, crispy brussel sprouts, quinoa, pineapple, purple cabbage, carrot, bacon, toasted pine nuts, with a sweet chili vinaigrette ($16.95); or Buttermilk Fried Chicken, two chicken breast, deep-fried in a special batter served with whipped potatoes, mac and cheese, and roasted chicken gravy ($18).
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Outdoor dining at Fall River, New Bedford area restaurants
