With summer here, all I want to do is dine outside. I love restaurants with fantastic outdoor patio areas where I can dine in the fresh air. There is nothing better in my opinion than the sun warming your back while you’re sipping a cocktail and enjoying some good eats.

I’ve rounded up a list of the top 6 best outdoor dining spots in Coeur d’Alene (I just couldn’t narrow it down to 5!) for you to enjoy this summer—weighted with a regard to their outdoor ambiance, experience, and my preference for scenery. Make sure to check them out on your next visit!

#1 The Floating Green Restaurant

The Floating Green Restaurant gets my vote for the best outdoor dining spot in Coeur d’Alene. (I mean, just look at the view in the picture below!) If you’re into golfing, you’ve probably heard of the famous floating green at the Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course on Coeur d’Alene Lake. This restaurant is right across from the floating green, making it fun to watch people golf as you eat. You can’t beat the views here with the lake and the mountains. It is breathtaking. There are tables with umbrella shades so you don’t get too hot while you eat. While I love this restaurant for its views, I sadly can’t rave about the food and drinks. They are hit and miss. (However, the last time we went the nachos and hamburger didn’t disappoint!) This isn’t a place to go if you’re looking for the best meal in town, but for the scenery, you can’t beat it.

Pro Tip– If you are spending time on the water and want to visit The Floating Green Restaurant, you can boat in and tie up at the transient docks. The Coeur d’Alene Resort also offers a water shuttle service.

900 S. Floating Green Dr.

The Floating Green Restaurant_CityNibbler_Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

#2 Terraza Waterfront Café

Terraza opened in the summer of 2021, and it is making a huge splash in the Coeur d’Alene restaurant scene. It is owned by the same people who run Fire, a popular pizza place in downtown Coeur d’Alene. Besides the very high menu prices for this area, I can’t find much that I don’t love about this place. The outdoor dining space is incredible. It is located right on the Spokane River allowing guests to experience great views of the lake and mountains and watch boaters driving by. Every table has the option for an umbrella, creating the perfect amount of shade when desired. The food is Mexican/Latin with a creative and modern flair and so well done. Everything that I have tried is utterly delicious, and I can’t wait to go back and try more menu items. Don’t miss the chips and guacamole and the spicy margaritas!

Pro Tip— If you’re spending time on the water and want to boat in and tie up somewhere for food, Terraza Waterfront Café allows you to do that. Just make a reservation beforehand!

1950 Bellerive Ln #106

Terraza Waterfront Cafe_City Nibbler_Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

#3 Anthony’s

Anthony’s has done an amazing job creating a gorgeous outdoor space for their guests. It is located at The Village at Riverstone overlooking a pond near the Spokane River. Their patio is stunning, bordering a nice walking path with beautiful landscaping. They have heat lamps and a rock fireplace that can be turned on at your request. The food at Anthony’s is seafood based and so well done. It’s a special occasion type of place, (with special occasion type of prices) serving dinner only. Their cocktail menu is one of the best in town and they offer a wide wine list. The service at Anthony’s is always stellar too, taking care of your every need. Whether you’re going for dinner or for drinks, Anthony’s is a fantastic choice. Don’t miss their Sunset Menu (M-F until 5:30 PM) with three courses for only $28!

1926 W. Riverstone Dr.

Anthony's_CityNibbler_Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

#4 Bardenay

Bardenay is located right next door to Anthony’s at The Village at Riverstone. Bardenay is more casual and family friendly than Anthony’s, perfect for a fun Friday night evening out. Their outdoor patio is cozy with the views of the water and the beautiful landscaping in this area. Some tables are shaded with umbrellas while others are in full sun, making something for everyone. I love their happy hour menu, served everyday from 3-5 PM. You really can’t beat the combination of the setting and the happy hour prices at Bardenay, and I find myself there more often than I’d like to admit. I’ve fallen in love with their Rum Rita, sweet potato fries, and grilled cheese skewer with tomato jam.

1710 W. Riverstone Dr.

Bardenay_CityNibbler_Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

#5 Le Peep

If you’re wanting a great view for breakfast or brunch, Le Peep is the place. It is located at The Village at Riverstone right on the Spokane River, next door to Terraza Waterfront Café. It’s a charming location with a large outdoor patio area, the perfect place to spend a Saturday morning sipping some hot coffee. They are famous for their pancake specialities, switching it up month by month. While I don’t think Le Peep makes the best breakfast food in town, it does have the best outdoor dining space as far as breakfast places go. The food is average but the location makes up for it. They are only open until 2:30 PM, so get in early!

Pro Tip— Need some hot coffee and a stack of pancakes after your early morning surfing session? Boat in and tie up at Le Peep, and they’ve got you covered!

1884 Bellerive Ln.

Le Peep_CityNibbler_Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

#6 Crafted

Crafted makes great food, some of my favorite in town, but the main reason I love Crafted is because of their outdoor space. Crafted is located on Sherman Ave, the famous downtown street in Coeur d’Alene. They have a big inviting patio area that is the ideal place to hang on the weekends. (And they have one of the best and largest beer lists in town!) They often have live music during the summertime and games set out for children to play while they’re waiting for their food, like giant Jenga and a bean bag toss. It’s a great atmosphere that’s perfect for the whole family or for a night out with friends. They have a few fires too which is nice when you want to warm up in the later evening. While there aren’t any views of the lake or any other grand landscape, the space that they’ve created is fun in itself and I find myself coming back over and over again.

523 Sherman Ave.

Crafted_CityNibbler_Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Hungry for more Coeur d’Alene eats? Check out this post for the best burgers and this post for the best coffee. Leave me a comment below if you’d like to connect!