10 New Jersey Backyards Turned Into Outdoor Dining Rooms
New Jersey homeowners are taking their dining experiences to new heights by transforming ordinary backyards into spectacular outdoor eating spaces. With our Garden State’s gorgeous summers and stunning fall seasons, it makes perfect sense to maximize outdoor living time. I’ve toured some of the most jaw-dropping backyard makeovers across the state, and let me tell you, these aren’t just patios with tables; they’re full-blown culinary sanctuaries under the stars!
1. Lakeside Luxury in Montclair
You wouldn’t believe what the Johnsons did with their sloping yard overlooking the reservoir! They terraced the entire space, creating three distinct dining levels connected by stone steps illuminated with tiny lights.
The main dining platform features a massive farmhouse table that seats sixteen (yes, SIXTEEN!) people comfortably. My favorite touch? The retractable awning system that can cover the entire area during unexpected summer showers.
Their outdoor kitchen would make professional chefs jealous, with a pizza oven that reaches 900 degrees in just 15 minutes. Talk about dinner and a view!
2. Cape May Beach Cottage Conversion
Martha’s 1920s beach cottage backyard was nothing but sand and scrubby grass until she worked her magic! Now it’s a dreamy dune-inspired dining haven with weathered wood, sea glass accents, and billowing white curtains.
The entire space sits on a raised wooden deck that seems to float above the natural dune landscape she preserved underneath. Genius move: building bench seating into the deck’s perimeter, maximizing space and offering storage underneath for cushions and throws.
Strings of oversized bulbs criss-cross overhead, creating the most romantic atmosphere when the sun sets over Delaware Bay.
3. Princeton’s Secret Garden Feast Spot
Holy cannoli! The Changs have created what I can only describe as a secret garden dining wonderland. Their Princeton property backs up to a wooded area, and they’ve enhanced this natural advantage by creating a walled garden that feels straight out of a fairytale.
The dining area is centered around a massive stone fireplace that serves as both cooking space and evening heat source. Climbing roses and wisteria form a living ceiling over the antique marble table they salvaged from a historic Princeton building.
Smart detail: the built-in refrigerated drawers hidden within what appears to be an ordinary garden wall. Sneaky and practical!
4. Hoboken Rooftop Miracle
Technically not a backyard, but I’m including Sophia’s Hoboken rooftop because what she accomplished in 400 square feet deserves a standing ovation! This urban oasis features a custom-built pergola with a retractable canvas roof system controlled by her smartphone.
The dining table? A stroke of genius; it converts from coffee table height for casual lounging to full dining height with a simple crank mechanism. During my visit, I couldn’t stop gushing over her vertical herb garden that doubles as a privacy screen from neighboring buildings.
Bonus points for the built-in speakers disguised as planters. Manhattan skyline views and surround sound? Yes, please!
5. Alpine’s Scandinavian-Inspired Haven
When winter hits, most New Jerseyans pack away their outdoor dining dreams. Not the Petersons in Alpine! Their Scandinavian-inspired backyard dining space embraces all four seasons with a minimalist concrete table surrounded by heated benches (yes, HEATED benches!).
The entire area sits under a geometric glass pavilion that keeps snow off while maintaining crystal-clear views of their wooded property. Motion-activated heaters kick on when you enter the space, making even January dinners completely comfortable.
My jaw dropped when they demonstrated how the glass walls can fully retract into the ground during summer months. Engineering marvel meets dining delight!
6. Cherry Hill Mediterranean Escape
The Rodriguezes transformed their suburban Cherry Hill backyard into a Santorini-inspired dream that transported me straight to the Greek isles! Whitewashed walls surround a cobalt blue tile dining space, with a pergola draped in grapevines providing dappled shade.
Their outdoor wood-fired oven isn’t just decorative; Maria bakes the most incredible bread in it while guests sip wine at the curved stone dining table. The clever use of levels creates distinct zones for cooking, dining, and after-dinner lounging.
Favorite quirky detail: the outdoor sink is actually a repurposed antique Greek olive oil vessel. Form and function have never looked so fabulous!
7. Rustic Farm-to-Table in Flemington
Farmer’s daughter turned tech executive Sarah hasn’t forgotten her roots! Her Flemington property features what might be the ultimate farm-to-table dining experience; literally 20 steps from garden to plate.
The dining area sits between her impressive vegetable garden and a renovated barn, under a simple wooden structure draped with twinkling lights. The massive dining table? It’s made from a 300-year-old oak that fell on her property during a storm.
Sarah installed a commercial-grade outdoor kitchen with specialized burners for canning and preserving seasonal harvests. During my visit, she pulled carrots from the ground and had them roasting in her outdoor oven five minutes later. Now that’s fresh!
8. Atlantic City’s Boardwalk-Inspired Backyard
The Millers took Atlantic City nostalgia to new heights by recreating boardwalk vibes in their suburban backyard! Their dining area features actual salvaged boardwalk planks forming both the floor and the custom table.
Vintage-style arcade lights provide the perfect ambiance, while retro beach umbrellas offer shade during daytime meals. The showstopper? A restored 1950s boardwalk food cart that’s been converted into a fully-functional outdoor bar with refrigeration.
Fun touch: instead of traditional table numbers for seating arrangements during parties, they use miniature versions of famous Atlantic City landmarks. I got seated at the tiny Lucy the Elephant during my visit; absolutely adorable!
9. Edison’s Tech-Forward Culinary Courtyard
Leave it to a couple of Silicon Valley transplants to create the most technologically advanced outdoor dining space I’ve ever seen! Their Edison backyard features a dining table with built-in induction cooking elements at each seat, allowing guests to cook their own food exactly to their liking.
The entire space is covered by a pergola with automated louvers that adjust based on sun position and weather conditions. My inner geek squealed with delight at their “smart serving system”; essentially a miniature railroad that delivers dishes from the main outdoor kitchen to various points around the dining area.
Coolest feature? Voice-activated lighting that can create different “dining moods” with a simple command.
10. Victorian Charm in Cape May Point
The Wilsons’ 1890s Victorian home in Cape May Point has a backyard dining space that honors its historic roots while adding modern comforts. Their wraparound garden features a secret dining nook accessible through an archway of climbing hydrangeas.
The dining table? A meticulously restored antique from their home’s original era, surrounded by authentic Victorian garden chairs they’ve carefully collected over decades. Instead of typical outdoor lighting, they use converted antique gas lamps now fitted with flickering LED bulbs that perfectly mimic the original flame effect.
Charming detail: vintage serving carts positioned strategically around the space, each stocked with period-appropriate serving pieces and linens.
