alfresco

adjective or adverb

al·​fres·​co al-ˈfre-(ˌ)skō 

: taking place or located in the open air : outdoor, outdoors

an alfresco lunch

an alfresco café

dining alfresco

Did you know?

In addition to describing a type of dining, alfresco can also describe a kind of painting. The word fresco, which comes from the Italian adjective fresco, meaning "fresh," refers to a method of painting on fresh plaster. Although the "outdoors" sense of alfresco is by far the most common in current use, the term is sometimes used to describe painting done in the fresco manner—that is, on fresh plaster.

Synonyms of alfresco

• outdoor

Examples of alfresco in a Sentence

the restaurant's shaded terrace is highly recommended for those seeking to dine alfresco

during the summer months, the theater company puts on a series of alfresco performances

Recent Examples on the Web

The exclusive restaurant, which only serves hotel guests and club members, also offers alfresco dining in a courtyard shaded by expansive oak trees. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026

For a vibrant alfresco experience, COYA City's courtyard provides lighter Peruvian dishes, ceviches, and superb cocktails, perfect for summer lunches. — Lela London, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026

Each apartment opens to a private terrace with alfresco dining and lounging areas, a bar/café, and an ocean-facing infinity pool. — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2026

This past year has seen a number of new restaurants offering alfresco seating. — John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 28 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for alfresco

• fresco

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