The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word PATIO
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
P
A
T
I
O
More clues leading to the result PATIO
- A pot I ordered for courtyard
- Pensioner storing it around courtyard
- Irish lad’s joyful cry in the courtyard
- Outdoor seating area with 50% in occupation?
- With some constipation, you might eat here
- Paved area with odd parts for plants I love
- Anticipation surrounding a spot for alfresco dining?
- Piano note – it reverberated round courtyard
- State rejected sex ring’s alfresco area
- A pot I ordered in courtyard
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Outdoor seating area" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case outdoor seating area = patio.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does PATIO mean?
PATIO noun- A paved outside area, adjoining a house, used for dining or recreation.
- An inner courtyard typical of traditional houses in some regions of Spain.