On May 24, Bellevue launched its third season of dedicated outdoor “Al Fresco” dining space. Originally conceived as a relief program for restaurants in the Old Bellevue area struggling with indoor capacity restrictions due to COVID-19, the “Al Fresco” dining program has become a popular fixture and a hub for summer activity in downtown Bellevue.

Thanks to a partnership with the Bellevue Downtown Association, Old Bellevue merchants, and Microsoft, the City says this year’s program will mark the beginning of a gradual transition from pandemic recovery to long-term outdoor dining operations and support.

The latest Al Fresco outdoor dining program will run through mid-September. In addition to outdoor dining expansions in the parking lane at select restaurants along Main Street, the Bellevue Downtown Association will promote other outdoor dining spaces on the sidewalk and on private property across the city. This year, more than 40 other restaurants are participating.

Businesses interested in participating in the program can find options and resources on the city’s website at bellevuewa.gov/outdoor-dining. Customers interested in dining out and supporting local restaurants can find a map of participating locations on the Bellevue Downtown Association website.