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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 May 29, 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.

4.7 (1975)
$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
RoxyVIP
Dined 1 day ago
The dishes are innovative, even if it wasn’t always my preferred flavor profile. The steak was cooked perfectly and the seasonal veggies were fantastic. The stracciatella had so many deliciously layered flavors. I will definitely be returning to try other things on the menu. The yuzu lychee martini was delightful. The preparation was neither too tart nor sweet. It had a perfect balance. The r’espresso martini with the resposado twist on the classic had a distinct bite that was delicious.

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
RoxyVIP
Dined 1 day ago
The dishes are innovative, even if it wasn’t always my preferred flavor profile. The steak was cooked perfectly and the seasonal veggies were fantastic. The stracciatella had so many deliciously layered flavors. I will definitely be returning to try other things on the menu. The yuzu lychee martini was delightful. The preparation was neither too tart nor sweet. It had a perfect balance. The r’espresso martini with the resposado twist on the classic had a distinct bite that was delicious.
4.6 (2544)
$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
ParkerVIP
Dined on Apr 5, 2025
Great patio space, great vibes, excellent service that kept the drinks flowing, and delicious pastries and entrees! Loved the shrimp and grits, the wagyu breakfast burger was also incredible!! Had a wonderful brunch!

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
ParkerVIP
Dined on Apr 5, 2025
Great patio space, great vibes, excellent service that kept the drinks flowing, and delicious pastries and entrees! Loved the shrimp and grits, the wagyu breakfast burger was also incredible!! Had a wonderful brunch!
4.6 (11959)
$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
Caitlin
Dined 5 days ago
Love this place! So nice to have good food and service at a rooftop!

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
Caitlin
Dined 5 days ago
Love this place! So nice to have good food and service at a rooftop!
4.7 (5124)
$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
Carol
Dined on Apr 4, 2025
Beautiful food and service. We eat there often an it’s always excellent.

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
Carol
Dined on Apr 4, 2025
Beautiful food and service. We eat there often an it’s always excellent.
4.4 (2364)
$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
StephanieVIP
Dined on Mar 30, 2025
We had a lovely dining experience here! It's such a lovely setting and the food gave off spring vibes with the flavors, brightness and preparation. The portions were sized perfectly. The cocktails were fun and vivacious (all of their gin cocktails used Beefeater's which is a huge positive for me). Bring your sunglasses as it is a greenhouse. I highly recommend!

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
StephanieVIP
Dined on Mar 30, 2025
We had a lovely dining experience here! It's such a lovely setting and the food gave off spring vibes with the flavors, brightness and preparation. The portions were sized perfectly. The cocktails were fun and vivacious (all of their gin cocktails used Beefeater's which is a huge positive for me). Bring your sunglasses as it is a greenhouse. I highly recommend!
4.5 (11475)
$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
Linda
Dined 1 day ago
Beautiful place. Beautiful view. Everything was great

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
Linda
Dined 1 day ago
Beautiful place. Beautiful view. Everything was great
4.7 (1609)
$30 and under
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
MayaVIP
Dined on Apr 5, 2025
The food was quite delicious, well presented, and served timely. It was a great date night spot, as the ambience was fantastic.

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
MayaVIP
Dined on Apr 5, 2025
The food was quite delicious, well presented, and served timely. It was a great date night spot, as the ambience was fantastic.
4.7 (247)
$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
Pamela
Dined on Apr 15, 2025
Just a wonderful restaurant. Everything we ate was delicious. My friend and I had the duck breast and scallops. I would order both of these again, especially the Duck, since I don’t eat it much, it was excellent. The couple sitting next to us ordered the venison burger and chicken. He said his burger was a tad dry and her chicken looked boring. So order the right dishes! Our drinks were great and just as described. The bread pudding is a must! I’m so happy we chose Manuela. But I’m not in a hurry to return. It’s a must-go at least once. A great choice if you’re in the Arts District. A must-go if you’re invited to a party there, or if someone else is paying. Lol but fr fr. Manuela is definitely a winner!

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
Pamela
Dined on Apr 15, 2025
Just a wonderful restaurant. Everything we ate was delicious. My friend and I had the duck breast and scallops. I would order both of these again, especially the Duck, since I don’t eat it much, it was excellent. The couple sitting next to us ordered the venison burger and chicken. He said his burger was a tad dry and her chicken looked boring. So order the right dishes! Our drinks were great and just as described. The bread pudding is a must! I’m so happy we chose Manuela. But I’m not in a hurry to return. It’s a must-go at least once. A great choice if you’re in the Arts District. A must-go if you’re invited to a party there, or if someone else is paying. Lol but fr fr. Manuela is definitely a winner!
4.7 (297)
$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
Therese
Dined on Apr 14, 2025
The food is next level. Cocktails delicious. Beautiful interior. One of my go-to places.

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
Therese
Dined on Apr 14, 2025
The food is next level. Cocktails delicious. Beautiful interior. One of my go-to places.
4.6 (5998)
$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
JaimeVIP
Dined 7 days ago
We love Paradise Cove! When we arrived, they told us we had the best table in the house. It really was! Perfect view of the ocean out on the sand. This was our second visit, both times we have sat outside and enjoyed it. We were a little bummed because we saw an Instagram post about visiting the cafe for brunch which we thought they would have at 11:30 but they informed us it ends at 11 just a headsup for anyone craving their breakfast, it’s not really a brunch. We had our heart set on waffles for Easter but will have to come back another time. Food and service was good! Views were great, atmosphere in general is what you come for.

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
JaimeVIP
Dined 7 days ago
We love Paradise Cove! When we arrived, they told us we had the best table in the house. It really was! Perfect view of the ocean out on the sand. This was our second visit, both times we have sat outside and enjoyed it. We were a little bummed because we saw an Instagram post about visiting the cafe for brunch which we thought they would have at 11:30 but they informed us it ends at 11 just a headsup for anyone craving their breakfast, it’s not really a brunch. We had our heart set on waffles for Easter but will have to come back another time. Food and service was good! Views were great, atmosphere in general is what you come for.
4.7 (6628)
$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
Alex
Dined 4 days ago
Great Food. Great Service. Great Ambience. I would come back here again. A+

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
Alex
Dined 4 days ago
Great Food. Great Service. Great Ambience. I would come back here again. A+
4.7 (3151)
$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
Brendan
Dined 4 days ago
Incredible food, drinks, and ambiance! Redbird is hands down my favorite LA restaurant!

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
Brendan
Dined 4 days ago
Incredible food, drinks, and ambiance! Redbird is hands down my favorite LA restaurant!
4.6 (782)
$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
AlexanderVIP
Dined on Apr 19, 2025
The food was really good. Our server was fantastic!

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
AlexanderVIP
Dined on Apr 19, 2025
The food was really good. Our server was fantastic!
4.7 (2091)
$31 to $50
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
Gary
Dined on Apr 11, 2025
Good experience. Great consistent service since the last time we dine there a while ago. Highly recommended this place.

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
Gary
Dined on Apr 11, 2025
Good experience. Great consistent service since the last time we dine there a while ago. Highly recommended this place.
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