With warmer weather, and trees and flowers in full bloom, Utah County is often at its best this time of year. (Only skiers would argue.) Why not enjoy all of this seasonal loveliness by eating a meal outside? There are plenty of local restaurants with summer patio seating. Here are a few of our favorites:

The Trellis Café at Thanksgiving Point

Located in the Thanksgiving Point Gardens Visitor Center, the Trellis Café has arguably the best outdoor dining views in Utah County. Its patio seating looks out over 55 acres of stunningly manicured gardens. The menu features a selection of breezy lunch dishes such as soups (Tomato Basil), salads (Chopped Chicken) and sandwiches (Smoked Turkey and Avocado). Note that the Trellis Café is only open for lunch (11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday) and only open during the Gardens’ season (roughly April through October). Still, dining at the Trellis Café is a seasonal culinary opportunity you don’t want to miss.

— 3003 N. Thanksgiving Way, Lehi, (801) 768-4996, www.thanksgivingpoint.org/trelliscafe

The Smoking Apple

Barbecue is best enjoyed outdoors, and there is plenty to savor at this charming, locally owned Lindon restaurant. The Smoking Apple specializes in barbecued meats such as ribs, brisket and pulled pork. Throw in a couple of sides such as sweet corn bread and coleslaw, and you’ve got yourself a hearty meal for less than $10.  We suggest ordering a helping of thick-cut sweet potato fries — with fry sauce, of course! — and enjoying them outside on a hot summer night.

— 70 N. State St., Lindon, (801) 406-9928

Pizzeria 712

Happy Valley may be far from the Old World, but you can simulate the feel of European cafe dining at Pizzeria 712’s small outdoor patio. A collaboration between chef/owners Colton Soelberg and Joseph McRae, Pizzeria 712 uses products from local farmers and vendors. The atmosphere is casual and the menu boasts creations that go far beyond a greasy slice of pepperoni. Think a pizza made with roasted cauliflower, gruyère, riccotta, tarragon and white truffle oil, or one with gouda, potato, caramelized shallot, sage and seranno creme fraiche. Delizioso!

— 320 S. State St., Orem, (801) 623-6712, pizzeria712.com

Guru’s Café

Enjoy the sights and sounds of downtown Provo with outdoor seating at Guru’s Café, where you can hopefully experience not only ingestion, but also enlightenment. (So says the restaurant’s website: “Enlightenment comes in many forms. … at Guru’s you can get one step closer to your illuminating jackpot by embarking on your journey with a belly full of healthy, affordably priced gourmet foods.”) Guru’s offers breakfast, a substantial selection of vegetarian options, and everything from “blissful sandwich wraps” to “ignite the fire tacos and burritos.” Good karma is optional, and available only with good behavior.

— 45 E. Center St., Provo, (801) 375-4878, www.guruscafe.com

Rumbi Island Grill

You most certainly aren’t near a beach when dining on University Parkway in Orem, but the food at Rumbi Island Grill at least will make you think of some place tropical. Sit underneath a red umbrella on the patio tables, and enjoy Island-themed entrees such as the Luau Pork Sandwich, the Pacific Honey-Orange Chicken Rice Bowl or the “Volcano”-Spice Blackened Mahi. Ordering a key lime pie for dessert might almost make up for the fact that you are landlocked and nowhere near an island paradise. Almost.

— 299 E. University Parkway, Orem, and other Utah locations, (801) 655-1164, rumbi.com