When it became apparent how important it was to have a covered outdoor dining space to stay afloat during the pandemic, Nathanial Zimet, executive chef ofBoucherie,built his own. It features a permanent covering surrounded by trellises growing new evergreen wisteria vines, picnic tables and benches, as well as smaller four-top tables and purple chairs to match the flowers when they start to bloom. The modern Southern restaurant offers a fab cocktail program along with the likes of blackened shrimp and grit cake and whole hog pulled pork.

Chef Alison Vega-Knoll sets a high bar for pescatarians atStation 6,from her charbroiled oyster pasta to one of the best seafood gumbos in town. Enjoy her top-of-the-catch fare on the breezy front-covered patio lined with fans to keep the air moving. Heaters turn on in the winter.

This Uptown locals' favorite for crawfish has covered outdoor seating in the front and back, though the few tables along the front porch are the most coveted. A neighborhood throwback with a lively but relaxing atmosphere, regulars also love Frankie and Johnny’s for po’ boys, chargrilled oysters, and cold beers.

Like the originalFelix’s in the French Quarter, the main draw at this Lakefront location is the oysters — the second is the view over the lake. There’s second-floor outdoor seating and a covered, open-air patio under the restaurant on the water level that serves up live music and a truncated menu of oysters and boiled seafood. See also Blue Crab on the Lakefront.

Cafe Navarre is a quintessential neighborhood spot, a cozy corner restaurant tucked away on a Lakeview side street. It specializes in salads, sandwiches, and pizza, making it good for the whole family, as well as an impressive menu of frozen drinks, served on the covered patio out front or in the backyard. It’s a popular weekend brunch destination, so be prepared for a potential wait.

This gorgeous church-turned-restaurant in Mid City offers a large covered patio with a clear roof above stylish wooden slats — think oversized pergola with pizzazz. There’s a tasty all-day menu featuring Mediterranean favorites, salads and sandwiches, and brunch served on weekends.

Parkway was a master of pivots throughout the pandemic, from quickly establishing an efficient curbside service model to adding tenting to let seating spill outside. This patio isn’t the most open-air of the bunch — it’s more of an extension of the restaurant — but it is one of the most protected from the elements; no need to fear a storm spoiling your po’ boys and gumbo here.

Imagine dining in a treehouse in the south of France. Except for the beach views,Cafe Degasdelivers. From twinkling lights to a tree in the middle of the front patio, this is al fresco dining with gobs of panache. Don’t miss the floating islands doused in creme Anglaise for dessert.

Opened in 2016, this Central City spot housed in a corrugated metal building is known for its custom smokers and pushing creative boundaries, undoubtedly one of the top barbecue spots in town. It also boasts a huge covered patio decked out with televisions and string lights, making it one of the city’s best spots for rainy game days. Don’t miss the burnt ends, spoon bread, or Brussels sprouts.

AlthoughHerbsainthas scattered sidewalk tables under umbrellas and of course that lovely courtyard, there’s also a covered sidewalk area with seating out of the rain. Pull up a chair and enjoy some ofchef de cuisine David Rouse’s savory takes on contemporary, seasonal French-Southern cuisine along with rustic Italian dishes.

The Boweris an inviting space forin the Lower Garden District with a Gulf and farm-to-table dinner menu, a lovely covered outdoor patio, and a chill vibe. Dishes like a whole roasted branzino with black rice and fennel and a spectacular seared scallops option with farro and Maggie mushroom conserva are excellent. For brunch and lunch, Birdy’s next door, from the same owners, also has a beautiful covered patio.

This taco filling station in Bywater has a spacious covered patio out front facing St. Claude Avenue.Galaxie’shandsomely restored gas station, originally designed by Walter Teague, offers a fabulous setting for a taqueria inspired by Mexico City street fare. Try the al pastor tacos, pork shoulder roasted with pineapple and topped with cilantro and jalapeno.

N7is still a hotspot, and for good reason — the French-leaning bistro boasts lovely outdoor seating, including a spacious covered patio. Add to that some dishes not easily found on New Orleans menus — smoked mackerel, wagyu tataki, and duck l’orange, for example — and a huge menu of wines from small producers across the globe (including lots of natural varieties), as well as rare spirits, and sipping drinks out back can feel like a mini-vacation.