Seattle Magazine: 10 of our favorite hidden restaurant patios

It's finally warm enough to enjoy dinner al fresco! Try any of these tucked-away spots.

The Pink Door This sun-dappled Post Alley patio is at the top of our summer checklist. With colorful floral tablecloths and hanging flowerpots, it's always, always bustling on summer days and warm night, and the view of Elliott Bay is matched only by the good vibes. To eat: antipasti, Bloody Marys and simple pastas made with fresh-from-the-market produce...perfection! >> Pike Place Market, 1919 Post Alley; 206.443.3241; thepinkdoor.net

Ponti Seafood Grill Situated just above the ship canal and strung with white lights at night, this longtime favorite patio with linen-clothed tables is romantic and secluded. During the day, watch boaters pass by while you catch some rays and nosh on pan-Asian dishesahi tuna poke, five-spice-cured black codjust right for hot weather. >> Queen Anne, 3014 Third Ave. N; 206.284.3000; pontiseafoodgrill.com

Le Grand Bistro Amricain Offering a view well worth paying the 520 tolls for, the two decks of this French bistro are set above Kirkland's Carillon Point, where white yachts bob next to docks on sparkling Lake Washington. At sunset, the Seattle city skyline glimmers. And to boot: the best nioise salad in the city. >> Kirkland, 2220 Carillon Point; 425.828.7778; bistrolegrand.com

La Rustica A true gem, this humble, lovely Italian spot has a flower-lined patio strewn with ivy and terra cotta pots that will transport you far, far away. You can gaze out for miles over Puget Sound at wooded islands and the snow-capped peaks of the Olympics as you twirl linguine di mare (mixed seafood pasta) onto your fork (all the pastas are tasty here). In authentic Italian fashion, you can taste the love. >> West Seattle, 4100 Beach Drive SW; 206.932.3020; larusticarestaurant.com

Madison Park Conservatory When blue skies and warm evenings stretch out before us, Madison Park always comes to mind. The restaurant has a roomy patio with tree-filtered views of Lake Washington, but the real appeal is the unmatched people watching: beach-going hipsters in flip-flops, locals in their linen suits and everything in between. Don't miss the hamachi crudo with blood oranges and olives, octopus with chiles and preserved lemons (served seasonally). >> Madison Park, 1927 43rd Ave. E; 206.324.9701; madisonparkconservatory.com

Oddfellows Cafe The only view from this secret sliver of open space at the rear of Oddfellows Cafe is of the 1012 other people seated at bistro tablesbecause its literally surrounded by brick walls. But the view is still pretty good, considering, since there's rarely a style slouch in the bunch. To eat: homemade coffee cake early, cured-meat plates and Bibb lettuce salads later, with a chilled bottle of ros, of course. >> Capitol Hill, 1525 10th Ave.; 206.325.0807; oddfellowscafe.com

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Seattle Magazine: 10 of our favorite hidden restaurant patios