20 Best Los Angeles Restaurants For Outdoor Dining

Thanks to the mild, sunny Southern California weather, activities in LA take place outdoors almost year round — and that includes dining. Whether you're perched on a rooftop overlooking the downtown skyscrapers, enjoying the coastal breeze in Venice, or people-watching on a patio among the bar scene in West Hollywood, you can choose from an endless amount of outdoor eateries throughout the city.

This list will help point you to some of the best places, both in terms of food and ambiance, to narrow down your search for outstanding outdoor dining. The restaurants below cover many areas in town, from the coast of West L.A. to Burbank and down to Chinatown. Whether you prefer the classic dishes and elegance of a French bistro, the laidback atmosphere of a restaurant serving New American cuisine, or perhaps what the city is best known for, mouthwateringly delicious Mexican food, you will find something to suit almost every preference and palate.

Located right on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, Eveleigh gives you the feeling of dining on someone's private patio, surrounded by charming wooden furniture, strings of lights, and greenery. This laidback, right-at-home feeling makes sense considering the restaurant is housed in a historic residence built in 1923, one of the few buildings in the area that dates back to the days when a lot of West Hollywood used to be farms and orchards.

Though it's usually open only in the evenings during the week, after 5 p.m., Eveleigh is well-known for its weekend brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. The establishment bills itself as a Rustic American restaurant focused on country cooking, but the menu also includes a smattering of pizzas; the Pizza Bianca is especially delicious and highly recommended. Be sure to order one of the many fresh and delicious salads as an appetizer as well. Reservations are recommended, especially on a weekend.

Viviane is a Beverly Hills poolside hotspot where you can sit in one of the surrounding tables or semi-private cabanas to enjoy perfectly crafted cocktails and a delicious menu to boot. If you've already dined at Viviane and want to try something different there, try showing up on a Wednesday or weekend. 

The restaurant has themed "Wednesdays in Italy" with Italian specials like rigatoni bologna and tartufo arugula. The pasta is all made fresh in-house, giving the dishes an extra authentic quality. On weekends, you can go with a friend or group to take advantage of the Weekend Roast special, which costs $75 per person, at the time of publication, and includes salad, mushrooms, a juicy ribeye, truffled potatoes, and dessert, making it well worth the price. Otherwise, just pop in for a fabulous poolside brunch with continental and American cuisine featuring fresh, local California ingredients with a focus on healthy, balanced meals. 

It may be known first and foremost as a spot for drinks, but Ysabel's classy ambiance has also made it a top outdoor dining destination in the Fairfax area. Just a few steps away from Melrose Avenue, the entrance to Ysabel can be easy to miss as it is tucked away, located through a tunnel behind a cream-colored building. However, its hidden nature makes it seem a world away from the nearby busy intersection, creating a beautiful and intimate date night spot.

Ysabel's menu changes quite frequently, so today's recommendations may be gone in a few months, but you can't go wrong with either the lobster risotto or one of the many exquisitely cooked steaks. Don't skip out on the cocktails when you come here, as the mixologists at the bar are known for making some fabulous concoctions, like the Reesh, which uses poblano pepper-infused tequila, and the Olivia, which employs Suntory Haku Vodka as a base and adds St. Germain, blackberries, and agave for some floral and fruity notes.

Though the menu at Castaway Burbank is perhaps a tad expensive, featuring a mix of scrumptious seafood as well as meat, people come to this restaurant primarily for the view, which is worth the price. If you want to watch the sunset over all of Los Angeles (on a clear day, of course), book a table in advance, as you'll have trouble finding a last-minute opening at dusk. Take in the view of the hills, the city lights, and even downtown LA in the distance, while enjoying the warmth of the nearby firepits. 

Castaway is famous for specials like the Seafood Tower, perfect if you want a sampling of a variety of ocean dwellers, and the Steak Progressive. This meat lover's dream includes four different cuts of steak, including filet mignon, 30-day dry-aged ribeye, Wagyu Zabuton, and prime hanger steak. This spot is perfect for those who want a night out with a big group of family or friends, as a lot of the dishes are meant for sharing. Vegetarians need not worry, as options like the wild mushroom pappardelle pasta are meat-free and delicious.

Many Los Angeles restaurants, especially those in neighborhoods frequented by young people like West Hollywood or downtown L.A., tend to have an ultra-modern aesthetic and focus on making everything look and feel as new and trendy as possible. Barrique provides a welcome alternative due to gourmet Italian cuisine served to customers by candlelight in a charming old house and patio in Venice. 

Instead of a selection of the same old dishes served everywhere, you will find some truly creative twists featuring handmade pasta. Standouts include black ink linguine with lobster and mushrooms, as well as red beet tagliolini pasta with quail ragu and cheese fondue. Since Barrique also doubles as a wine bar, it would be a shame to miss out on the truly incredible selection of red and white wines available, most of them imported directly from Italy. 

Barrique is one of the most romantic outdoor dining spots in L.A., with wooden furniture, hanging plants, and a cozy and intimate vibe out on the patio, so set up a great date night here soon.

Perch specializes in serving French small plates, complemented by a wonderful selection of wines and cocktails. However, the most impressive aspect of this restaurant and bar is its rooftop location. Customers get to dine 15 floors up, overlooking the skyscrapers and brights lights of downtown Los Angeles. Less crowded than other famous rooftops, Perch has retained a nice intimate feel even as its popularity has skyrocketed over the years. 

Drop by between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. for the happy hour menu, which unlike the casusal salty dishes served at most happy hours, serves mouthwatering small bites like the wild mushroom arancini and the brioche beef slider. If you want some fine French-inspired cuisine, but don't necessarily want to make the trek up to the rooftop, Perch's restaurant also offers delivery. As the restaurant has become a well-known vista point, reservations are highly recommended, especially if you want to grab an outdoor table with a good view.

Australian restauranteur Nicholas Mathers (also a co-owner of Eveleigh) has set up an astounding number of thriving restaurants on both coasts of the U.S., and the Mediterranean-inspired Elephante beach house in Santa Monica is no exception. The space incorporates natural elements like wood and stone into its design in order to create an inviting, comfortable space, where diners can admire ocean views while indulging in fresh and healthy Italian food.

Reservations are strongly recommended as this is one of the most popular dining spots on the L.A. coastline. If you plan on dining with a large group of people, know that Elephante requires groups of eight to 12 people to order from a special price-fixed menu. The restaurant is also a favorite among local celebrities, so it's entirely possible you might spot someone famous while dining out here. However, you might not even notice because the view of the multi-hued sunset over the Pacific Ocean will likely grab all your attention.

The restaurant at Cara Hotel prides itself on sourcing local ingredients from California farmers, making their cooking process more sustainable, ethical, and fresh and flavorful to boot. When you walk into the restaurant, the posh white furniture and romantic lighting surrounding the beautiful turquoise pool may make you feel like you've entered a movie set. The establishment is open from breakfast through dinner, but the outdoor environment is definitely best enjoyed in its evening light. You can sit in the courtyard surrounding the pool or one of the two front patios.

Though walk-ins are accepted, this restaurant has become a trendy spot in L.A., in addition to seating a lot of the hotel guests staying in the rooms up above, so you may want to make a reservation in advance. Before heading out the door, keep in mind that Cara is a cashless restaurant. Once you're there, you can't go wrong with almost any dish on the menu, but the branzino and black truffle pappardelle are truly exceptional.

Messhall reflects the laidback nature of its surrounding neighborhood of Los Feliz. It's a popular spot for locals to get together as well as pick up food to eat in the comfort of their own homes. Serving brunch, lunch, and dinner, this casual but cool eatery has tons of outdoor seating in an area called The Backyard, where you can sample the menu's draft beers and some good old-fashioned American classics, including juicy burgers and crispy chicken sandwiches. 

The BBQ packages are great for big groups or delivery, including meats like sirloin, pulled pork, chicken, and baby back ribs. If you're looking for something different, Messhall has new specials every day, and is also famous for its fresh oysters, a great appetizer to eat while you're waiting for your main course. Thanks to its casual atmosphere and ample seating, this eatery usually doesn't require a reservation — just drop by!

One of the most expensive options on this list that is also entirely worth the price is the famous Nobu restaurant, perched on the sands of Malibu. Iron Chef Nobu Matsuhisa's restaurants have become world-renowned, known for the quality and freshness of the Japanese sushi and cuisine served at each and every location. Los Angeles has two Nobu restaurants, one in West Hollywood, and the other in the ultra-rich neighborhood of Malibu. When deciding on a great outdoor dining space, the latter's view is absolutely unrivaled.

Trust the knowledgeable kitchen at Nobu's, and go ahead and try the Nobu Signature or omakase menu. The chef picks some of the regular menu's highlights, brainstorms which flavors pair with what, and serves a multi-course tasting menu so you can sample the delicious flavors Nobu has to offer. The restaurant opens at 12 noon every day, at the time of publication.

Ka'teen will transport you straight to the tropical setting of the Yucatan Peninsula, calling to mind Tulum but without the crowds. The man at the head of the kitchen is Chef Wes Avila, a local Los Angeles legend who has worked in some of the best kitchens in the city. Avila also founded Guerilla Tacos, which he elevated from a humble food cart to one of the Arts District's best taco joints.

Decorated with jungle-like greenery, dark wooden accents, and strung-up lights, this restaurant serves gourmet Mexican cuisine, more specifically historic dishes of the Yucatan made with fresh, local ingredients. Everything on the menu is a tasty culinary adventure, so whatever you order, ranging from the cochinita pibil and lamb shank barbacoa to the various ceviches, will not disappoint. 

As a bonus, Ka'teen has a cool program to encourage responsible driving, wherein designated drivers get a complimentary non-alcoholic drink. The restaurant is only open for dinner on weekdays, and also brunch on weekends.

Unlike many of the upscale and expensive restaurants in the Malibu area, Neptune's Net prides itself on being a laidback local hangout. The kitchen serves a mix of fresh seafood, burgers, and some refreshing beers to accompany the food. Though you might spot a celebrity here, and the eatery, established in 1956, has been featured in plenty of movies like Point Break and Fast and Furious, it's the furthest thing possible from a snobby paparazzi spot. In fact, it's more well-known as a biker hangout for both local motorcycle clubs and people taking their rides up the Pacific Coast Highway.

The restaurant does not take reservations, but for those hoping for a late-night dinner, keep in mind that it closes early, even on the weekends. Pick your seat carefully, as you can either sit on the "restaurant side", which serves fried food and canned beverages, or the "seafood side", which specializes in fresh seafood and draft beers.

At the treehouse-inspired Cafe on 27 you can have a great meal and coffee while enjoying a magnificent view of Topanga Canyon from up in the forest. Though you're just a few miles away from central Los Angeles, you will feel a whole world away in the quiet wilderness of the Santa Monica Mountains.

Cafe on 27 has an emphasis on healthy and fresh food, so you won't find any alcohol here, but you may want to try one of the restaurant's specialty smoothies, like cacao for chocolate or Pina Cream Breeze. Breakfast and brunch are served all day up until the restaurant closes. Don't skip the dessert section, where you will find great treats for your sweet tooth like the red velvet cake and the house mix berry pie. 

Reservations are strongly recommended, and actually required on Fridays through Sundays (as well as holidays); otherwise, you can expect a very long wait. Bring your dog with you, as the patio is pet-friendly.

Among the many popular cafes and restaurants lining Hillhurst Avenue in Los Feliz you will find Alcove Cafe & Bakery, still one of the top hangouts in the area thanks in part to its comfortable, plant-filled outdoor area. The ivy-covered cafe and decorative brick walls pay homage to the historic nature of the building, as Alcove is housed in two of the oldest bungalows in the area.

Alcove is a great stop for a brunch or lunch catch-up with a friend, as its menu focuses on home-baked goods and breakfast items like pancakes, biscuits, and eggs. The kitchen also serves its own twists on classics like eggs Benedict, serving a short rib Benedict with dry-aged braised short rib in place of the usual bacon or ham. The adjoining building, known as Big Bar, is part of Alcove but specializes in expertly made cocktails. Reservations are strongly recommended on weekends when Alcove is bustling with locals.

If you want to dine outdoors, but the weather is showing a possibility of wind or rain, Openaire in Koreatown is a great way to enjoy an outdoor view while being sheltered in the beautiful greenhouse section of the patio. The hanging plants, wooden accents, and white and light-colored furniture emphasize the open, airy nature of the space (hence the name, Openaire). You can also dine on the fully outdoor patio.

The star of this Line Hotel restaurant is its menu, created by highly-regarded Chef Josiah Citrin, who has two Michelin stars to his name. Openaire is open for breakfast and lunch on Mondays through Fridays and dinner on Wednesdays through Sundays. A lot of locals love the restaurant's brunch service, an exclusive weekend deal that takes place between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The menu constantly changes, a reflection of Chef Citrin's creativity, but you might be able to try dishes like the crispy pig ears and grilled branzino with minari, citrus, and mint.

If you're heading to Firefly for dinner, the mushroom pappardelle and jidori chicken are both excellent options, with a Spanish octopus or beet and goat cheese salad as an appetizer. Firefly is incredibly mindful of customers with dietary restrictions and preferences, so they clearly label the many items on the menu that are gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan.

The dimly lit, library-like interior of this Studio City restaurant will temporarily make you forget you're in the sunny city of L.A., calling to mind an upscale New York or London eatery instead. If you want to enjoy a warm summer evening, the brightly accented patio with hanging lights and bougainvilleas is a much better option, as well as one of the most romantic outdoor dining areas in the city. Firefly is only open for dinner service, starting at 5 p.m. every day, except Sunday, when it opens at 4:30 p.m., at least at the time of publication. 

The Strand House in Manhattan Beach captures most of what diners look for in the California restaurant scene: fresh farm-to-table ingredients, grand ocean views, friendly service, and sleek decor. The menu also reflects California influences, as Chef Chris Park and his staff browse local farmers' markets for in-season, local ingredients that inspire them to create dishes like the chili-spiced avocado salad and the squash curry. While the cuisine served here primarily focuses on seafood, offering an array of delicious ocean dwellers from scallops to salmon, there are also meat and vegetarian options for those who prefer them.

Based on the upscale setting, you might think that a corporate hospitality group runs this joint, but the idea for The Strand House was actually thought up by a group of local families. This family touch trickles down to the service, which makes customers feel right at home. Enjoy a fresh salad and seafood lunch, or make a reservation to grab a table just in time for sunset.

You can indulge in the offerings of a French bistro right in the heart of Culver City, at Simonette Restaurant in the historic Palihotel. One of the perks of eating here is the bright, charming outdoor courtyard, as well as the happy hour offerings Tuesdays through Sundays. These include French dishes like croquettes, as well as some refined American burgers, such as the Burger Parisienne with caramelized onions and bordelaise sauce. 

At Simonette, the atmosphere is fun and convivial, with many dishes meant to be shared among friends; while the restaurant is elegant, it is by no means uptight. The staff is incredibly welcoming and friendly, regardless of whether you are a hotel guest or just walked in off the street. For dinner, go for a very classic French dish like the bouillabaisse boil or poisson en papillote, made of fish with fennel, leeks, carrot, and tomato.

Saffy's serves some of the most authentic Middle Eastern cuisines within Los Angeles, as the many regular customers who originally come from that area of the world will confirm. Located in East Hollywood, Saffy's retains a neighborhood feel in one of the busiest areas of the cities as it is situated on Fountain Avenue, which becomes rather a small side street in this part of the city. 

The restaurant was founded by Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis, the chef-owners of the locally famous Bestia and Bavel restaurants. In keeping with the Middle Eastern feel of the restaurant, Saffy's functions exclusively as a coffee and tea shop between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., and serves a traditional Arabic breakfast from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (try the shakshuka). It opens for restaurant service from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily. For your main course, definitely try the wood-fired shawarma, one of the best items on the menu.

Chef David Chang, the founder of ultra-prestigious Momofuku in New York, has another hit restaurant on his hands with Majordomo. Though the menu takes its overall inspiration from Korean cuisine, there are a lot of twists and interesting updates, citing flavors from Korea to Italy. Go for dishes you're unlikely to find elsewhere, like the duck confit crispy rice and grilled yu choy. Adventurous diners will love this one-of-a-kind establishment in Chinatown. Majordomo is best enjoyed with a big group, as you can also get a variety of dips to try, ranging from the traditional (butter and honey) to the slightly more out there (whipped bone marrow and caviar).

The restaurant's interior is a smartly decorated revamped industrial space, and the patio has a laidback, comfortable ambiance. Though the restaurant is not as jam-packed as it was when it first opened, when customers needed reservations over a month in advance, reservations are still highly encouraged.