With the summer sunshine finally here, we will be spending as much time outside as possible - including dining al fresco.

From fine dining to the perfect pasta, here are seven of the best places in Norwich to dine outside. 

1. Benedicts

Eastern Daily Press: Benedicts in Norwich, run by chef Richard Bainbridge (pictured) and his wife Katja, has launched a

The outdoor dining area is back open at the front of Benedicts in St Benedicts Street, which is partially pedestrianised.

A special al fresco dining menu with nibbles, starters, mains, such as barbecue monkfish, and desserts is available Tuesday to Thursday from 5pm-8.30pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 12noon-8.30pm.

Benedicts was opened in June 2015 by chef Richard Bainbridge, who won BBC Two's Great British Menu the same year, and his wife Katja.

2. Rooftop Gardens

Eastern Daily Press: Rooftop Gardens in Rose Lane, NorwichRooftop Gardens in Rose Lane, Norwich (Image: Rooftop Gardens)

The Cathedral terrace at Rooftop Gardens in Rose Lane, is the restaurant's largest sitting area, and has panoramic views over the city.

The bar is launching a series of themed bottomless brunches such as Mexican and Greek events with menus and drinks catered to the theme.

READ MORE: 7 of the best places in north Norfolk for outside dining

3. Maids Head

Eastern Daily Press: The courtyard at The Maids Head Hotel in Norwich has had a spring makeover.

The Maids Head Hotel in Tombland offers outdoor dining and drinks for all in its courtyard area.

You can enjoy afternoon tea, food from the casual bar menu or just pop in for a cocktail, with entry through the main hotel entrance.

4. Assembly House

Eastern Daily Press: The Assembly House outside spaceThe Assembly House outside space (Image: The Assembly House)

Sit on the suntrap lawn and listen to the fountain as you enjoy high-end food out of the front of the grand Georgian hotel.

The Assembly House was recently included in The Sunday Times' list of the 23 best places for afternoon tea in the UK.

5. Yard

This suntrap courtyard around the back of the popular Norwich Lanes restaurant is the perfect hidden spot for some Italian dining.

Eastern Daily Press: Dumas Sour cocktail at Yard in the courtyard spaceDumas Sour cocktail at Yard in the courtyard space (Image: Yard Norwich)

Offering a range of affordable pasta dishes, Yard in Pottergate is run by George Colley, also behind Brick Pizza, and Nathaniel Crothers and customers can tuck into authentic Italian dishes. 

Choose from sitting outside the front of the restaurant or in the courtyard around the back.

6. Farmyard

Eastern Daily Press: Farmyard outside seatingFarmyard outside seating (Image: Farmyard)

Sit al fresco in St Benedicts Street as you enjoy the bistro-style dining at Farmyard.

Michelin-listed city restaurant serves up the very best Norfolk produce to be enjoyed in the sunshine as you watch the world go by.

7. Briton's Arms

Eastern Daily Press: The garden at The Briton's ArmsThe garden at The Briton's Arms (Image: The Briton's Arms)

A hidden gem of the city, the garden at the Briton's Arms is a tranquil spot to enjoy a meal.

The Elm Hill courtyard is surrounded by pretty plants for a peaceful dining experience.