Best of Boston
Best Al Fresco Restaurant, Affordable
Sophia’s Grotto
Roslindale
In a mere four years this precocious trattoria has grown up into an authentic Old World beauty, its cloistered brick courtyard now mature with ornamental [...] read more»

2007 Best Al Fresco Restaurant, Affordable
Tavern On the Water
Charlestown
The spectacular views and lengthy menu—casual staples like chicken fingers, grownup entrees like ahi tuna—at this dockside cafe easily trump any pretentious, cheek-by-jowl patios elsewhere [...] read more»

2006 Best Al Fresco Restaurant, Affordable
Casa Romero
Boston
Not many restaurants are willing to dedicate a chunk of valuable real estate for the few weeks that merit outdoor dining. But chef-owner Leo Romero's [...] read more»
2005 Best Al Fresco Restaurant, Affordable
Croma
Boston
Croma's patio provides the perfect portion of sun to shade—not to mention delectable thin-crust pizza and fruity cocktails—for everyone from hipsters to stroller-toting moms. The [...] read more»
2004 Best Al Fresco Restaurant, Affordable
Garden of Eden
Boston
Few summertime pleasures are greeted as enthusiastically in this town as the chance to dine outdoors. But even considering the growing abundance of patio cafés, [...] read more»
2003 Best Al Fresco Restaurant, Affordable
Armani Cafe
Boston
When it comes to sidewalk repasts, it's been years since we felt the call of Newbury Street—too much pretense, not enough table space. But something [...] read more»
2002 Best Al Fresco Restaurant, Affordable
Casa Romero
Boston
If you think outdoor dining in the Back Bay is only about people-watching, take a detour to this hidden enclave off Gloucester Street. The restaurant's [...] read more»
2001 Best Al Fresco Restaurant, Affordable
Ben’s Café
Boston
The meal deal at Maison Robert is the prix fixe menu in Ben's Café, which is most enjoyable eaten outside. Three courses of French classics [...] read more»