Outdoor seating has become a popular feature for restaurants, but its impact on basil usage is often overlooked. When diners choose to eat outside, their sensory experience changes—fresh air enhances the aroma and taste of dishes, particularly those featuring herbs like basil. This heightened appreciation often leads to increased demand for basil-heavy menu items, such as caprese salads, pesto pasta, or garnished cocktails.

Additionally, outdoor dining areas may require more visually appealing presentations, prompting chefs to use extra basil for plating. Seasonal factors also play a role: in warmer months, when outdoor seating is busier, basil thrives and is more readily available, encouraging higher usage. Conversely, in colder climates, maintaining outdoor seating might reduce basil demand due to limited herb growth.

Restaurants with garden-to-table concepts may even plant basil near outdoor seating to impress guests, further integrating the herb into their dishes. Ultimately, outdoor seating doesn’t just boost ambiance—it directly shapes a restaurant’s basil consumption patterns.