WE can finally eat inside again - but the weather is beckoning us to carry on eating outside in the fresh air.

Restaurants are back open for indoor dining, but which places in the Colchester area have the best outdoor seating to enjoy over the summer months?

TripAdvisor has listed the top five best outdoor eating venues in the area to book according to its users.

Here is the list:

  • Sorano's, in Tenpenny Hill, Thorrington, Colchester

The venue is an Italian eatery which offers a secluded patio area to enjoy your meal surrounded by flowers.

One glowing review said: "It has the best calamari we’ve ever eaten, the best lasagne I’ve ever tried and the best Tiramisu we have ever tasted."

To view the menu visit, soranosrestaurant.co.uk.

  • The Red Dog, Kelvedon Road, Inworth, Colchester

The restaurant has more than 300 excellent reviews from TripAdvisor users for its cuisine.

It offers breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as vegan and vegetarian dishes for those of your who prefer not to eat meat.

It also has a great British grill range of meals options.

Guests can eat indoors or within its stunning courtyard.

To book visit, thereddog.co.uk.

  • The Wooden Fender, Colchester Road, Ardleigh, Colchester

Backing onto stunning fields, this venue is a breath of fresh air outside of the town centre.

There are plenty of places to park and countryside views for miles.

To find out more visit, woodenfendercolchester.co.uk.

  • The Gilt Rooms, in Mersea Island, Colchester

Situated in West Mersea, this quaint cafe has been voted by TripAdvisor users as one of the best places to eat outside.

One review said: "This was the our first visit to The Gilt Rooms and I must say it was fantastic, the best afternoon tea I have ever had. The food and staff were amazing, we shall definitely be back again."

Book via thegiltrooms.com. 

  • The Sun Inn, Feering, Colchester

Highly rated for its Sunday lunches, the Sun Inn is a charming place to enjoy a meal outside on its patios during the warmest months of the year.

To find out more about the venue visit suninnfeering.co.uk.

Where is your favourite place in the area to enjoy a meal outside? Let us know in the comments below.