Fortunately, the Salem area is awash in buzzworthy outdoor options, from the region’s only rooftop dining room to restaurants overlooking lush parks and verdant gardens. So as you look for your next favorite meal—and a scenic locale to enjoy it in—here are 10 great spots for alfresco dining around the Salem region this summer (and, in some cases, all year long).

Sitting at the southern edge of downtown Salem, Basil & Board has earned well-deserved plaudits for a host of reasons: The Italian café and pizzeria prides itself on crafting pies with house-made dough and fresh ingredients, its bruschetta boards delight with crisp flavors, and its curated wine list spotlights selections from Italy and throughout the Pacific Northwest.

But the award-winning eatery is just as well-known for its rooftop patio—the only such option in Salem, and one of the only rooftop spaces in the Mid-Willamette Valley. Umbrellas shield diners from the elements, the spacious layout gives diners plenty of room to stretch out and relax, and the views—some of the best in Salem—invite visitors to linger for another sip or bite.

For years, The Kitchen on Court Street was Salem's favorite 24-hour diner, with booths and bar-tops creating a lively atmosphere all day and night.And while the restaurant hasn’t returned to 24/7 dining just yet, The Kitchen on Court Street’s wide-ranging menu can now be enjoyed on its all-new patio space in the heart of downtown.

The open-air space includes a roof to protect from the weather and generous lighting for after-dark dinner and drinks; the restaurant also hosts regular sets from local musicians to help recapture the energy for which it has long been known.

For many, Rudy’s Steakhouse is associated with a certain level of class and elegance. The upscale restaurant ages its beef in-house (as it's done since opening in 1998), exposed brick walls and ornate chandeliers create a romantic atmosphere, and the restaurant’s menu (from sauces and salad dressings to decadent desserts) is routinely made from scratch.

Of course, what's outside the restaurant is just as enchanting as what's inside. The patio at Rudy’s Steakhouse, flanked by greenery and artfully lit for after-hours dining, has long been a locals’ favorite for its relative seclusion in the heart of downtown Salem. In winter, heaters and personal fireplaces add a welcome dose of warmth.

You’ll find Azuls Taco House locations throughout the Mid-Willamette Valley—the regional chain boasts three outposts in the area—but the taqueria's West Salem location has (rightfully) earned acclaim for its outdoor patio space.

Picnic tables invite groups to hang out while sampling Azuls wide-ranging menu (which includes Thai- and Korean-inspired tacos), umbrellas protect from the elements, and towering bushes circle the patio—creating the vibe of a backyard party at the height of summer.

Gamberetti’s Italian Restaurant has become a beloved Salem institution over the years for its attention to detail: Pasta is made in-house daily, Beyond Meatballs are available to diners who'd like a flavorful vegetarian experience, and gluten-free noodles cater to diners with dietary sensitivities.

But the eatery, housed in downtown Salem's Pringle Plaza, is also loved for another feature: outdoor dining. The alfresco options at Gamberetti’s include open-air seats that overlook Pringle Park (awash in colorful blooms each spring), with personal heaters at each table for when the sun sets or temperatures cool.

Since 1983, Willamette Valley Vineyards has been one of the most recognizable—and most popular—wineries in the Salem area, thanks in part to its award-winning pinot noir.And there may be no finer place to enjoy that pinot—or the winery's myriad other offerings—than its Estate Tasting Room.

Willamette Valley Vineyards' tasting room comprises a sweeping patio, a large courtyard, and even a 65-foot lookout tower that affords views of surrounding vineyards and the lush, rolling hills of the region. Umbrellas provide shade on sunny summer afternoons, and igloo-like pods are set up outside to keep visitors warm in cooler months.

At the northern edge of the mid-Willamette Valley, The Kitchen at Aurora Colony Vineyards offers a verdant environment for enjoying its popular wines. The Aurora Colony courtyard boasts spacious seating and large umbrellas to pair with trees, shrubs, and other plants for a garden-like charm. Occasional live music adds a touch of whimsy to the ambiance.

The Oregon Garden Resort is rightly celebrated for its close proximity to the 80-acre Oregon Garden, home to more than 20 specialty gardens.And while the resort's many charms are too numerous to list here, its on-site Garden View Restaurant deserves special mention for a covered patio that boasts far more than basic outdoor dining.

Garden View Restaurant's pet-friendly patio affords views of the surrounding landscapes, protects from the elements, and places diners square in the middle of the gardens for which the resort is so well-known—all ideal for enjoying a menu that sources ingredients locally and finds inspiration in traditional Pacific Northwest cuisine.

Situated at the western edge of the mid-Willamette Valley, the family-owned Tater’s Café has attracted a devoted following in Dallas, thanks to a wide-ranging menu of homemade, fresh, and seasonal Pacific Northwest fare—such as classic breakfast dishes, steak, prime rib, and wild coho salmon.

And the terrace at Tater's is a sublime place to enjoy that ever-changing menu; the patio sits next to a small pond, is surrounded by trees and shrubs for a cozy vibe, and offers umbrellas to protect from rain and sun alike.

Few restaurants in the Mid-Willamette Valley offer close proximity to the meandering Willamette River like Territory, the on-site restaurant at The Independence Hotel. The restaurant dishes Pacific Northwest-inspired fare, usually with ingredients sourced from local growers, on a patio mere steps from the river—where ospreys and eagles can frequently be seen flying overhead or perched on nearby branches.

Diners can choose open-air seats (boasting umbrellas for shade) along the waterfront—or enjoy a covered setting under strands of lights and a glass roof. Floor-to-ceiling windows and doors allow some fresh-air on the covered patio, as well. Hotel guests wanting to complete the outdoor experience can head upstairs to The Independence Hotel’s rooftop patio to keep the fun going.