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These 15 Los Angeles restaurants crush the outdoor dining game

A photo of Red logo
by Lisa Kwon, Karen Palmer
Updated 29 May 2024

Los Angeles has mastered the year-round patio dining game with spectacular waterside seating, nature-filled decks, and charming courtyards. Sunsets, ocean breezes, and umbrellas all dial up the dreamy Californian vibes in the city’s best outdoor restaurant setups.

A Spanish-style courtyard at a local Cali Mediterranean staple is ideal for an outdoor celebration. The Pacific breeze sets the scene for leisurely lunches at a beachside seafood cafe in Malibu. An open-air dining room known for award-winning cocktails has views of a historic bell tower.

The City of Angels doesn’t lack top-tier places for an alfresco meal, but some rise above the rest. Here are LA’s 15 best restaurants for dining outside.

4.6 (1918)
$31 to $50
Italian
Woodland Hills

Mediterranean restaurant Casaléna is sweeping in every sense of the word: The sprawling space has several different dining rooms, and the menu spans everything from Greek salads to housemade pastas to chicken Santorini. The photogenic garden, which clocks in at 2,000 square feet, is equally impressive in both scale and beauty. It’s the sort of comfortable spot where you could happily brunch with mimosas made with fresh-squeezed juice, or spend a romantic evening splitting a Wagyu tomahawk steak.

Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 2 days ago
Great spot to go and eat for personal or professional dinners.

Mediterranean restaurant Casaléna is sweeping in every sense of the word: The sprawling space has several different dining rooms, and the menu spans everything from Greek salads to housemade pastas to chicken Santorini. The photogenic garden, which clocks in at 2,000 square feet, is equally impressive in both scale and beauty. It’s the sort of comfortable spot where you could happily brunch with mimosas made with fresh-squeezed juice, or spend a romantic evening splitting a Wagyu tomahawk steak.

Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 2 days ago
Great spot to go and eat for personal or professional dinners.
4.6 (2536)
$50 and over
Italian
Santa Monica

Fia’s garden patio is magical, made extra-romantic with string lights, old-growth trees, and an outdoor bar that brings the buzz. Come with a date to bask in the charming space and bond over Californian Italian plates like housemade cavatelli with brown butter and black truffle and whole-grilled seabass with tomato bruschetta. Go for the prix-fixe garden brunch for a daytime hangout, bookable through OpenTable Experiences.

Top review
OpenTable DinerVIP
Dined 2 days ago
We had a wonderful evening at Fia. The outdoor seating was lovely and our server, Brittany, was amazing! She catered to our every need promptly and professionally. We started with the meatballs which were delicious…they practically melt in your mouth and the marinara sauce and accompanying bread …fabulous. Next came the salad. We are picky about our Caesar’s Salad, but Fia knocked it out of the park. We shared it which was good because it was huge. Served with fresh anchovies, very crisp romaine and the dressing was on point…perfect blend of garlic and lemon…neither overpowering the other. And the piece de resistance was our main entree which again, we shared…Parmesan Chicken. It was divine! First of all, it could easily feed three people. It was lightly breaded and very tender and moist. Seasoned just right with just the right amount of melted cheese on top and that marinara sauce!!!! Valet parking was a plus.

Fia’s garden patio is magical, made extra-romantic with string lights, old-growth trees, and an outdoor bar that brings the buzz. Come with a date to bask in the charming space and bond over Californian Italian plates like housemade cavatelli with brown butter and black truffle and whole-grilled seabass with tomato bruschetta. Go for the prix-fixe garden brunch for a daytime hangout, bookable through OpenTable Experiences.

Top review
OpenTable DinerVIP
Dined 2 days ago
We had a wonderful evening at Fia. The outdoor seating was lovely and our server, Brittany, was amazing! She catered to our every need promptly and professionally. We started with the meatballs which were delicious…they practically melt in your mouth and the marinara sauce and accompanying bread …fabulous. Next came the salad. We are picky about our Caesar’s Salad, but Fia knocked it out of the park. We shared it which was good because it was huge. Served with fresh anchovies, very crisp romaine and the dressing was on point…perfect blend of garlic and lemon…neither overpowering the other. And the piece de resistance was our main entree which again, we shared…Parmesan Chicken. It was divine! First of all, it could easily feed three people. It was lightly breaded and very tender and moist. Seasoned just right with just the right amount of melted cheese on top and that marinara sauce!!!! Valet parking was a plus.
4.6 (11921)
$31 to $50
French American
Downtown

Perch LA’s two-story rooftop overlooks Pershing Square, Downtown, and beyond. Couches, cane chairs, tables, plants, bars, and live music come together to create a lively scene. Toast the stunning view with a well-crafted cocktail like Penthouse Passion (tequila, mint, lime, and passionfruit) and French classics like steak frites and an unmissable orange cardamom crème brûlée.

Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 4 days ago
This is a vibey spot with great music selection and exceptional service. Really enjoyed the drinks and food, but the environment and the staff made the dinner extra special.

Perch LA’s two-story rooftop overlooks Pershing Square, Downtown, and beyond. Couches, cane chairs, tables, plants, bars, and live music come together to create a lively scene. Toast the stunning view with a well-crafted cocktail like Penthouse Passion (tequila, mint, lime, and passionfruit) and French classics like steak frites and an unmissable orange cardamom crème brûlée.

Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 4 days ago
This is a vibey spot with great music selection and exceptional service. Really enjoyed the drinks and food, but the environment and the staff made the dinner extra special.
4.6 (5125)
$30 and under
Californian
Beverly / Fairfax / La Brea / Third St.

A.O.C. in Beverly Grove has long been a go-to for special occasions thanks to chef Suzanne Goin’s refined Californian Mediterranean small plates. The restaurant’s Spanish courtyard-style patio is a stunner all year round, full of ivy, trees, and even balconies. Grab a seat and order favorites like bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with Parmesan and green quinoa dumplings with sumac yogurt. The wine list is also a winner for its extensive organic, biodynamic, and sustainable selections.

Top review
HoneyVIP
Dined on 23 Feb 2025
Exceptional food and great service! We had a great time and will definitely come back

A.O.C. in Beverly Grove has long been a go-to for special occasions thanks to chef Suzanne Goin’s refined Californian Mediterranean small plates. The restaurant’s Spanish courtyard-style patio is a stunner all year round, full of ivy, trees, and even balconies. Grab a seat and order favorites like bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with Parmesan and green quinoa dumplings with sumac yogurt. The wine list is also a winner for its extensive organic, biodynamic, and sustainable selections.

Top review
HoneyVIP
Dined on 23 Feb 2025
Exceptional food and great service! We had a great time and will definitely come back
4.4 (2355)
$31 to $50
Californian
Koreatown

A lush rooftop garden is the draw at Openaire, set on the second floor of the trendy Line Hotel. Award-winning chef Josiah Citrin—behind the two-MICHELIN-starred Mélisse—runs the kitchen, and his menu celebrates California-centric flavors and local ingredients in dishes like charred sprouted cauliflower and slow-roasted trout with cannellini beans and pea tendrils. A chic brunch, with bottomless mimosas and bloody marys, pairs especially well with this swanky poolside venue.

Top review
OpenTable DinerVIP
Dined 5 days ago
Our hostess was able to seat us inside but once inside the server didnt tend to us as much. The food was okay, but the vibe was perfect.

A lush rooftop garden is the draw at Openaire, set on the second floor of the trendy Line Hotel. Award-winning chef Josiah Citrin—behind the two-MICHELIN-starred Mélisse—runs the kitchen, and his menu celebrates California-centric flavors and local ingredients in dishes like charred sprouted cauliflower and slow-roasted trout with cannellini beans and pea tendrils. A chic brunch, with bottomless mimosas and bloody marys, pairs especially well with this swanky poolside venue.

Top review
OpenTable DinerVIP
Dined 5 days ago
Our hostess was able to seat us inside but once inside the server didnt tend to us as much. The food was okay, but the vibe was perfect.
4.5 (11420)
$30 and under
Steakhouse
Burbank

To properly earn LA stripes, you need to have an alfresco meal at Castaway. The scenic steakhouse is known for an outdoor dining area that has one of most breathtaking views of the city and the valley. Drink in the sunset with a cocktail like the citrusy-tasting Shiso Vain with shiso-infused tequila. No matter the occasion, the views at Burbank landmark will turn your night into a special memory.

Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 3 days ago
For our first time, it was good. The waiter could have been a bit better and not so passive aggressive with his toon but other than that we may return one day

To properly earn LA stripes, you need to have an alfresco meal at Castaway. The scenic steakhouse is known for an outdoor dining area that has one of most breathtaking views of the city and the valley. Drink in the sunset with a cocktail like the citrusy-tasting Shiso Vain with shiso-infused tequila. No matter the occasion, the views at Burbank landmark will turn your night into a special memory.

Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 3 days ago
For our first time, it was good. The waiter could have been a bit better and not so passive aggressive with his toon but other than that we may return one day
4.8 (1602)
$31 to $50
Mediterranean
Santa Monica

Soak up the sun on top of the Santa Monica Proper Hotel at this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant. The poolside spot channels a coastal getaway with hand-woven furniture and palms that offer plenty of privacy. Impress out-of-towners or close friends with an elegant outdoor spread that includes charred octopus, hummus, and herbed labneh. For a heartier meal, Calabra serves mains like Moroccan-spiced grilled rack of lamb and a goat cheese-topped burger with za’atar fries.

Top review
Serineh
Dined 6 days ago
We were there during lunch time, the food was delicious. The service and ambiance was also so great. Would definitely be back.

Soak up the sun on top of the Santa Monica Proper Hotel at this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant. The poolside spot channels a coastal getaway with hand-woven furniture and palms that offer plenty of privacy. Impress out-of-towners or close friends with an elegant outdoor spread that includes charred octopus, hummus, and herbed labneh. For a heartier meal, Calabra serves mains like Moroccan-spiced grilled rack of lamb and a goat cheese-topped burger with za’atar fries.

Top review
Serineh
Dined 6 days ago
We were there during lunch time, the food was delicious. The service and ambiance was also so great. Would definitely be back.
4.8 (240)
$31 to $50
Californian
Downtown

Like the Hauser & Wirth gallery that gives this Arts District favorite its home, Manuela is known for vibrant flavors. Its dog-friendly patio sits in a courtyard that art enthusiasts walk through to explore the exhibits, making it great for people watching. Executive chef Kris Tominaga can be found working in the courtyard’s kitchen garden, prepping vegetables for a seasonal Californian menu with dishes like roasted Liberty duck breast with smoked soubise and satsuma tangerines.

Top review
garethVIP
Dined on 17 Feb 2025
Great experience. Great fokd and service. Really cool decor / location

Like the Hauser & Wirth gallery that gives this Arts District favorite its home, Manuela is known for vibrant flavors. Its dog-friendly patio sits in a courtyard that art enthusiasts walk through to explore the exhibits, making it great for people watching. Executive chef Kris Tominaga can be found working in the courtyard’s kitchen garden, prepping vegetables for a seasonal Californian menu with dishes like roasted Liberty duck breast with smoked soubise and satsuma tangerines.

Top review
garethVIP
Dined on 17 Feb 2025
Great experience. Great fokd and service. Really cool decor / location
4.8 (287)
$50 and over
Mexican
Atwater Village

Mexican seafood spot Loreto has thrilled Frogtown diners with its modern space, mezcal martinis, and dry-aged fish since it opened in 2023. Opt for a ceviche and tostada dinner alfresco on the compact outdoor patio, which brings the restaurant’s chic warehouse atmosphere outside. A showstopping zarandeado—a whole fish served with accouterments like black beans, avocado, habanero onions, and mini quesadillas—is a must for big groups who want a taste of the California peninsula.

Top review
SamP
Dined 1 day ago
Unreal food, unreal drinks, amazing space. Our servers were awesome. Can’t go wrong here

Mexican seafood spot Loreto has thrilled Frogtown diners with its modern space, mezcal martinis, and dry-aged fish since it opened in 2023. Opt for a ceviche and tostada dinner alfresco on the compact outdoor patio, which brings the restaurant’s chic warehouse atmosphere outside. A showstopping zarandeado—a whole fish served with accouterments like black beans, avocado, habanero onions, and mini quesadillas—is a must for big groups who want a taste of the California peninsula.

Top review
SamP
Dined 1 day ago
Unreal food, unreal drinks, amazing space. Our servers were awesome. Can’t go wrong here
4.6 (6006)
$30 and under
Seafood
Malibu

For a meal smack-dab on the Pacific shore, go to Paradise Cove, an idyllic cafe on its namesake pier. With tables set up—quite literally—in the sand, it might be some of the closest oceanfront dining in all of Los Angeles. After you’re done sharing a seafood tower and fish tacos piled high with guacamole, pico de gallo, and sour cream for lunch, mosey on over to the rental table to reserve a chaise lounge or a palapa on-site and make an entire day of it.

Top review
Guadalupe
Dined 7 days ago
Great place loved it.

For a meal smack-dab on the Pacific shore, go to Paradise Cove, an idyllic cafe on its namesake pier. With tables set up—quite literally—in the sand, it might be some of the closest oceanfront dining in all of Los Angeles. After you’re done sharing a seafood tower and fish tacos piled high with guacamole, pico de gallo, and sour cream for lunch, mosey on over to the rental table to reserve a chaise lounge or a palapa on-site and make an entire day of it.

Top review
Guadalupe
Dined 7 days ago
Great place loved it.
4.7 (6623)
$31 to $50
Mexican
West Hollywood

With a sweeping green patio and tables covered with fringed Mexican fabrics, Gracias Madre is the ideal place for a pitch-perfect margarita and jalapeño-studded guacamole served with chips. Vegan Mexican food is the name of the game here, and with plenty of shareable dishes like queso fundido (made with cashew cheese) and soy chorizo empanadas, it’s a go-to for gathering with a crew on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 5 days ago
First time having vegan food and it was amazing! Other than the food, the service and ambiance were top tier!

With a sweeping green patio and tables covered with fringed Mexican fabrics, Gracias Madre is the ideal place for a pitch-perfect margarita and jalapeño-studded guacamole served with chips. Vegan Mexican food is the name of the game here, and with plenty of shareable dishes like queso fundido (made with cashew cheese) and soy chorizo empanadas, it’s a go-to for gathering with a crew on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 5 days ago
First time having vegan food and it was amazing! Other than the food, the service and ambiance were top tier!
4.7 (3138)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Downtown

Chef Neal Fraser’s Redbird sits in a former cathedral in Downtown LA and is easily one of the most stunning restaurants in the city. Its open-air dining room with views of the cathedral’s bell tower is a gorgeous place to experience Fraser’s elegant New American food. Get cozy in a cherry-colored banquette under the stars while you dig into shishito peppers with bottarga and a knockout heritage pork chop. And don’t miss a pre-dinner cocktail from Redbird’s award-winning list.

Top review
Chik
Dined 5 days ago
Excellent service. Great wine selections. Yummy, creative and healthy food. Beautiful settings. Always love this place.

Chef Neal Fraser’s Redbird sits in a former cathedral in Downtown LA and is easily one of the most stunning restaurants in the city. Its open-air dining room with views of the cathedral’s bell tower is a gorgeous place to experience Fraser’s elegant New American food. Get cozy in a cherry-colored banquette under the stars while you dig into shishito peppers with bottarga and a knockout heritage pork chop. And don’t miss a pre-dinner cocktail from Redbird’s award-winning list.

Top review
Chik
Dined 5 days ago
Excellent service. Great wine selections. Yummy, creative and healthy food. Beautiful settings. Always love this place.
4.6 (780)
$50 and over
American
West Hollywood

With a pedigree that includes MICHELIN-starred restaurants, chef John Fraser is known for next-level vegetable-forward cuisine. He brings that approach to the West Hollywood EDITION hotel with Ardor, where highlights also include an oasis-like terrace with leafy plants that seem to cover every possible square inch. It’s a fitting backdrop for Fraser’s deftly prepared produce, such as cedar-grilled asparagus with truffle aioli and cured egg yolk or roasted oyster mushrooms with lemon garlic oil.

Top review
Abisola
Dined 6 days ago
Favorite crab pasta was delicious as ever! My absolute appetizer go-to!!!

With a pedigree that includes MICHELIN-starred restaurants, chef John Fraser is known for next-level vegetable-forward cuisine. He brings that approach to the West Hollywood EDITION hotel with Ardor, where highlights also include an oasis-like terrace with leafy plants that seem to cover every possible square inch. It’s a fitting backdrop for Fraser’s deftly prepared produce, such as cedar-grilled asparagus with truffle aioli and cured egg yolk or roasted oyster mushrooms with lemon garlic oil.

Top review
Abisola
Dined 6 days ago
Favorite crab pasta was delicious as ever! My absolute appetizer go-to!!!
4.6 (2090)
$30 and under
Mediterranean
Pasadena

Located in a charming two-story brick building in the heart of Old Town Pasadena, Cafe Santorini is one of the area’s longest-standing restaurants. Its transportive second-floor balcony, surrounded by plants, offers bird’s-eye views of the courtyard below. Settle in for a Mediterranean meal of classic mezze like hummus and baba ganoush before moving on to moussaka or whole-roasted branzino with lemon.

Top review
SolitaVIP
Dined 3 days ago
always have great food here. i always order the salad with walnuts and apples and the linguini with clams . the hummus is always so fresh and yummy

Located in a charming two-story brick building in the heart of Old Town Pasadena, Cafe Santorini is one of the area’s longest-standing restaurants. Its transportive second-floor balcony, surrounded by plants, offers bird’s-eye views of the courtyard below. Settle in for a Mediterranean meal of classic mezze like hummus and baba ganoush before moving on to moussaka or whole-roasted branzino with lemon.

Top review
SolitaVIP
Dined 3 days ago
always have great food here. i always order the salad with walnuts and apples and the linguini with clams . the hummus is always so fresh and yummy
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