Alfresco means outdoors or in the open air, especially when eating. When a restaurant offers alfresco dining, they're inviting you to eat outside on a patio or sidewalk rather than inside the building. An alfresco lunch might happen on a picnic blanket in the park or at a table under the trees.

The word comes from Italian and literally means “in the fresh” or “in the cool air.” It suggests something pleasant about being outside: the breeze, the sunshine, the feeling of space around you. You could have an alfresco party in your backyard or an alfresco concert where musicians perform on an outdoor stage.

While you'll most often hear alfresco connected to eating and dining, people sometimes use it for other outdoor activities too. An artist might paint alfresco, working outside to capture natural light. The word carries a relaxed, enjoyable feeling, like you're choosing to be outside because it's nicer than being cooped up indoors.