Our Summer Picks For Patio Dining In L.A.
Our summer picks for patio dining
Chicago | New York | San Francisco
Don't stress about snagging that perfect open-air table: We've compiled some of the best alfresco restaurants from across Los Angeles.
RESTAURANT | WHY YOU SHOULD EAT THERE |
Goldie's |
Although this stylish 3rd St. restaurant is only months old, its lush, eco-chic patio already feels classic. With a living wall of flowering succulents and Thomas Lin's ethereal, wood-fired California cooking, a summertime visit is essential. 8422 W. 3rd St., West L.A.; 323-677-2470 or goldiesla.com |
Cliff's Edge (Silverlake) |
This clandestine Silverlake spot has always been known for its shady, sprawling tree-lined canopy. But when new chef Vartan Abgaryan introduced harmonious small plates, such as chicken-liver terrine with kumquats, our enchantment blossomed all over again. 3626 W. Sunset Blvd., Silverlake; 323-666-6116 or cliffsedgecafe.com |
A.O.C. Wine Bar |
Suzanne Goin recently moved her storied wine bar into the former Il Covo location, a handsome wood-lined hideaway with a sizable open-air space. Goin's magical Mediterranean touch still rings true: Opt for simple creations such as roast chicken with bread salad. 8700 W. 3rd St., Mid-City.; 310-859-9859 or aocwinebar.com |
Night + Market (West Hollywood) |
Sheltered by banana-leaf fronds and tiki torches, the rear patio feels closer to the Mekong River than the Sunset Strip. Once the sun dips, share bowls of chef Kris Yenbamroong's spicy-sour Northern Thai street food, such as nam kao tod and grilled pork collar. 9041 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood; 310-275-9724 or nightmarketla.com |
Sunny Spot (Marina del Rey) |
Roy Choi knows there's no better way to crush a weekend hangover than with a tall glass of rum punch and plantain-heavy mofongo and eggs. Both the outdoor dining room and the menu channel a laid-back Caribbean vibe. 822 Washington Blvd., Marina del Rey; 310-448-8884 or sunnyspotvenice.com |
Ray's |
Ensconced by the main hall of LACMA, Ray's is likely the most ambitious museum restaurant in the country. The kitchen cooks in broad strokes, matching artful squid-ink pasta with massive installations in full view of the tables. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-City; 323-857-6180 or raysandstarkbar.com |
Pingtung Eat-In Market (West Hollywood) |
The combination of good dim sum and a sun-drenched patio has eluded Angelenos for too long. Enjoy steamers of plump har gow while people-watching on Melrose, or sit in the back garden to sip oolong tea in Zen-like solitude. 7455 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood; 323-866-1866 or pingtungla.com |
Gjelina (Venice) |
The über-hip Abbot Kinney crowd has taken up permanent residence in Gjelina's cozy, vine-covered courtyard. But there's more to the restaurant than looking cool: dishes like squash-blossom pizza and grilled razor clams are immensely satisfying. G1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice; 310-450-1429 or gjelina.com |