When the weather gets warm, the world reemerges in a celebration of all things fun and sun, and what’s more fun than gathering with family and friends over a fantastic meal?
Summer days are ahead, which, for food lovers, means one thing: it’s the season to enjoy eating in the great outdoors. No matter where you live in california, there are plenty of places to enjoy great bites on gorgeous patios, but some restaurants go above and beyond.
These are some of the most out-of-the-ordinary restaurants in America for outdoor eating, and hopefully, one is near you (or somewhere in your travel plans).
The list includes top outdoor dining destinations from 18 locations in California — a whopping 18 in California alone. Unsurprisingly, a bunch of OpenTable’s picks are in other warm-weather states like Florida and Hawaii. But the list wasn’t just based on who’s got the best weather. Instead, the restaurants were chosen from more than 20,000 in all 50 states, based on over 5 million restaurant reviews by OpenTable users. In other words, a collective hive of the hungry.
Photograph: dcwlifestyle
What is it? One of L.A.’s most quintessential seen-and-be-seen restaurants, complete with a stunning oceanfront location so close to the beach that you’ll overhear children playing on the sand.
Why we love it: Nobu Malibu is one of those places that’s so stunning, you may just hear yourself muttering, “Is this real life?” Whether you’re looking to gawk at celebrities or just want to celebrate a special occasion, the current location on PCH offers excellent views of the water during the day—and a moody, somehow even better atmosphere at night. The pricey fusion-style Japanese cuisine may no longer be cutting-edge, but in our experience it’s still quite delicious and extremely consistent, from signatures like the yellowtail jalapeño sashimi and miso black cod to newer seasonal dishes. Beyond food and ambience, top-notch service and plenty of well-lit nooks and crannies for snagging the perfect selfie make the hassle of booking a table here worth it.
Time Out tip: Reservations are only available over the phone—310-317-9140—up to 30 days in advance, and the phone lines open at 10am.
Address: 22706 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
Opening hours: Mon–Thu noon–10pm; Fri, Sat noon–11pm; Sun noon–10p
Photograph: dcwlifestyle
What is it? An indoor-outdoor restaurant in Burbank with sweeping views of the San Fernando Valley.
Why we love it: Castaway’s gem of a patio is hardly a secret. In fact, it’s been one of the San Fernando Valley’s special-occasion go-tos for decades. But the old-fashioned restaurant that native Angelenos might have gone to before prom now sports a whole new taste and look: Today’s Castaway boasts a revamped food menu and sleeker, more modern décor, while its stellar, sweeping views of the Valley, Downtown and beyond still remain as gorgeous as ever. Steaks, whole roast fish, impressive charcuterie boards and luscious pastas are now the norm, and make for perfect snacky fare, full dinner or bottomless brunch on that spacious patio with one of L.A.’s most romantic views. During brunch, it’s also one of the places in town where you can find bottomless mimosas in flavors like lavender activated charcoal and pineapple jalapeño.
Time Out tip: The restaurant is particularly popular for major holidays like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Easter—so if you’re trying to avoid the crowds, I recommend booking a table far away from those dates.
Address: 1250 E Harvard Rd, Burbank, CA 91501
Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11am–9pm; Fri, Sat 11am–10pm; Sun 11am–9pm
Photograph: dcwlifestyle
What is it? A pair of restaurants—one full-service, one slightly more casual—bookending the famous Malibu Pier.
Why we love it: Waterfront? This spot’s water-on. While the grab-and-go Malibu Farm café (located at the end of the pier) remains closed as of writing due to the recent wildfires, you can still visit the full-service Malibu Farm restaurant closer to the entrance. The restaurant is walk-in only for breakfast and lunch, but you can make reservations for dinner, with slots starting at 4:30pm. Take in the ocean views from the patio while enjoying classic, straightforward fare like fish tacos, lobster mac and cheese and nachos (which can also be made meat-free). I can’t say the food at Malibu Farm is all that great, but it’s decent. Paired with the view, however, it’s a wonderful place to enjoy the smell of the ocean breeze—and who could be mad at that?
Time Out tip: If you’re in the mood for something lighter or only stopping by for a quick snack, the restaurant also offers a full smoothie and juice menu.
Address: 23000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Opening hours: Restaurant: Daily 9am–7pm; Café: Temporarily closed
Photograph: dcwlifestyle
What is it? A Tulum-like, all-day terrace restaurant and bar serving seasonal California Italian cuisine and breezy cocktails.
Why we love it: Vibes: the only word that comes to mind after the elevator ride up to Élephante. Located upstairs from the Laemmle Theater, Élephante boasts one of Santa Monica’s best indoor-outdoor spaces, with resort-like interior design that feels ripped from the pages of Conde Nast Traveler. Inside, chic modern wood furniture and a selection of cacti and lush houseplants set the stage for a stunning view of the ocean from the aptly-named Sunset Room. Meet friends during the day for brunch and lunch, then bring a date at night for low-lit romance. Our go-to is the whipped eggplant dip with puffy house-made flatbread, but there’s also excellent pizza, pasta and a sunny weekend brunch with the likes of soft polenta with eggs, crab and sweet corn.
Time Out tip: Don’t come here exclusively for the food—you’ll likely be disappointed.
Address: 1332 2nd St Rooftop, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Opening hours: Mon–Thu 10am–midnight; Fri, Sat 9am–1am; Sun 9am–midnight
Photograph: dcwlifestyle
What is it: A Mexican restaurant in Los Feliz that offers stellar cocktails alongside a list of rare mezcals and tequilas, some of which you can’t find anywhere else in the United States.
Why we love it: Mírate wows us with its dreamy open-air dining room and excellent seating options—from well-appointed tables and low-slung armchairs to stools at the glittering bar. The towering tree overhead gives the space an enchanted forest-like feel, and the various nooks and crannies add a dimension of coziness for pairs and even groups of four. The Baja-inspired menu of tasty tacos and other drinking snacks offer the same cutting-edge blend of global ingredients and Mexican culinary traditions that has made the now-closed 90210 original, Mírame, popular across the city. Stop by on the weekends for a standout brunch that includes horchata-soaked French toast and housemade tepache, a pre-Hispanic fermented beverage made with pineapple.
Time Out tip: If you’re not a fan of tequila and mezcal, opt for the La Sonodora, a gin-based clarified milk punch.
Address: 1712 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5–11pm, Fri 5pm–midnight, Sat 11am–midnight, Sun 11am–11pm
Photograph: dcwlifestyle
What is it? An impeccably designed French restaurant that’s taken over the old Dominick’s space on Beverly Boulevard.
Why we love it: True to its name, Amour conjures visions of romance with a candle-lit dining room, cozy lounge seating by the fireplace and a brick-lined, checker floored courtyard. During daylight hours, the sunshine makes the immaculately decorated patio feel straight out of a storybook. Step into the little library on your way back from the restroom and leave your loved one a message in a book—it’s not only allowed, it’s encouraged. The traditional French bistro fare runs on the pricier side, but the dreamy setting, first-rate service and excellent cooking make Amour an ultra-dreamy dining destination fit for date nights, anniversaries, birthdays and of course, Valentine’s Day. The kitchen’s precise saucework translates into straightforward, well-executed entrées, a standout steak tartare and French classics like onion soup, escargot and frog legs.
Time Out tip: If you’re booking ahead, ask for the fireside table. It’s one of the best pairs of seats in the house.
Address: 8715 Beverly Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90048
Opening hours: Tue, Wed 5:30–9:30pm; Thu 11:30am–2:30pm, 5:30–9:30pm; Fri, Sat 11:30am–2:30pm, 5:30–10:30pm; Sun 11:30am–2:30pm, 5–9:30pm
Photograph: dcwlifestyle
What is it? A mostly outdoor hotel restaurant at the Tommie Hollywood with a menu designed by award-winning local chef Wes Avila.
Why we love it: Situated on a buzzy block in Hollywood, Ka’teen channels sceney Tulum resorts with a reed tunnel entrance, a lush outdoor dining room and Avila’s expansive, Yucatan-inspired menu. Here, the founder of the award-winning Guerrilla Tacos (RIP) offers plenty of crowd-pleasing small plates, though larger format dishes like the lamb neck barbacoa and pescado zarandeado (grilled whole fish) easily steal the spotlight at Ka’Teen. I also like the corn esquites, queso fundido and potato taquitos. The beautifully designed space is perfect for a dressy girls’ night, a stylish date night and, well, any night for the typical area crowd.
Time Out tip: On Tuesdays, Ka’teen hosts Taqueria Tuesdays, which nods to Avila’s culinary beginnings at Guerrilla Tacos with $19 taco sets filled with the likes of wild boar, slow-braised pork belly, and sweet potatoes with braised leeks.
Address: 6516 Selma Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Opening hours: Tue–Thu 6–10pm; Fri 6–11:30pm; Sat 5:30–11:30pm; Sun 11:30am–2:30pm, 5:30–10pm
Photograph: dcwlifestyle
What is it? A 10th-floor Downtown rooftop restaurant courtesy of Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard.
Why we love it: While the view from the Hoxton’s rooftop space isn’t as impressive as nearby Cara Cara, the memorable food at Cabra more than makes up for it. Like the Girl & the Goat in the Arts District, this is an imported concept that originally opened in Chicago. The Peruvian-inspired small plates translate beautifully here thanks to Izard’s usual sharp, playful takes on classic dishes like striped bass ceviche and lomo saltado. From appetizers to dessert, there’s something memorable and delicious for everyone to love at Cabra, including a pair of vegetarian entrées, including grilled maitake mushrooms with chili crunch persimmon and sungold tomato salad. I particularly liked the quinoa and beet salad’s cornucopia of bright flavors and textures, while caramel-covered picarones—sweet potato doughnuts topped with puffed rice—stood out on the dessert front.
Time Out tip: Most of the time, you can skip the pricey valet and find metered parking along Broadway or on nearby Main Street.
Address: 1060 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5–10pm; Fri, Sat 5–11pm; Sun 5–10pm
Photograph: dcwlifestyle
What is it? A modern American restaurant in Studio City that’s one of the city’s most romantic restaurants.
Why we love it: Firefly’s heated patio may be the closest thing to a modern-day secret garden in L.A., walls of tangled ivy included. Decorated in candles and twinkling lights, it’s the main reason to pay a visit to Firefly, which serves straightforward, crowd-pleasing New American fare that includes mushroom pappardelle, miso glazed cod and shrimp spaghetti. As for appetizers, the menu contains all the usual suspects: meatballs, burrata, a little gem salad, crudo and a tuna tartare. In other words, don’t expect any surprises here—though I will say that the food is generally well-executed. For dessert, I like the sticky toffee cake and white chocolate creme brulée.
Time Out tip: Firefly is extremely popular, so I recommend making reservations—or at least managing your expectations as a walk-in.
Address: 11720 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604
Opening hours: Mon–Wed 5pm–midnight; Thu 5pm–1am; Fri, Sat 5pm–2am; Sun 4:30–11p
Photograph: dcwlifestyle
What is it? An enormous events-venue-turned-restaurant in Woodland Hills.
Why we love it: With multiple dining rooms, an atrium and a sunken garden, Casaléna has quickly become one of the San Fernando Valley’s go-to spots for date nights, big group dinners and other dining occasions, big or small. The ambiguously Mediterranean menu might offer little in the way of surprise, save for the fact it’s extremely well-executed, from the delicious spicy vodka pasta to the airy slices of bread accompanying the whipped eggplant dip. There’s Wagyu meatballs, pizza, pasta, steak and chicken parm: What’s not to love? In truth, however, the tasty food and cocktails are only half the equation here—you’re visiting, of course, for the downright stunning ambience.
Time Out tip: On weekdays from 11:30am to 3pm, Casaléna offers an excellent three-course lunch prix-fixe deal for just $36 per person—just note that everyone in the party must participate.
Address: 22160 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11:30am–midnight, Fri 11:30am–2am, Sat 10am–2am, Sun 10am–midnight
Photograph: dcwlifestyle
What is it? A longtime plant-based Mexican eatery on Melrose Avenue.
Why we love it: Gracias Madre is home to one of our favorite patios in all of L.A. County, and the food’s half-decent as well. Despite the glittering neighborhood and even more scene-y weekend clientele, Gracias Madre’s beautiful patio manages to create a lively atmosphere that’s welcoming to all—a feat you can chalk up to the courtyard’s 80-year-old olive trees, colorful umbrellas in the afternoon and a fireplace and heat lamps on cooler winter evenings. To start, dip into a bowl of guacamole paired with one of the bar’s phenomenal cocktails, and order one of our favorite entrées from Gracias Madre: the potato pimiento flautas.
Time Out tip: The happy hour here is seriously killer. Available from 3 to 6pm on weekdays, you’ll find steeply discounted margaritas, beer and wine and a $10 “Happy Madre” meal that includes a jackfruit slider, fries and a beer.
Address: 8905 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11am–9pm; Fri, Sat 11am–10pm; Sun 11am–9pm
Photograph: dcwlifestyle Hotel
What is it? A dreamy hotel restaurant at the border of Thai Town and Los Feliz.
Why we love it: With a stunning reflective pool, olive and palm trees and an open-air skylight, Cara will transport you far, far away from the chaos of Thai Town, located just a few minutes’ walk around the corner. Come nightfall, the space’s mood lighting transforms Cara’s coastal Mediterranean design from merely breezy to downright romantic. Book a reservation to snag a seat by the pool and order from a crowd-pleasing, straightforward menu, including a tasty prosciutto and burrata starter paired with grilled sourdough from Santa Monica’s Jyan Isaac Bread. Walk-ins are likely to end up in the front patio and bar area, where Wednesday salsa dancing and weekend DJs liven the space up for an impromptu date night. Throw in the solid food and cocktails, and it’s no wonder Cara has become a shoo-in for anniversary dinners and other special occasions.
Time Out tip: Head here on Wednesday nights for salsa dancing and Sunday afternoons for live jazz.
Address: 1730 N Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Opening hours: Mon–Thu 8am–10pm; Fri, Sat 8am–10:30pm; Sun 8am–10pm
Photograph: dcwlifestyle
What is it? The Beverly Hills Hotel’s historic on-site restaurant, which has hosted countless stars over the years.
Why we love it: The food is generally overpriced and mediocre, but you can’t deny the Old Hollywood appeal of the pastel pink patio at the Polo Lounge, where vibrant pink bougainvillea and cozy cabanas—once reserved for Golden Age stars trying to stay away from the cameras—still translate into one of the most beautiful outdoor dining spots in the city. During the day, the Polo Lounge mostly hosts monied locals and the power lunch set, but even if you’re not a talent agent trying to woo an A-list client, you’ll probably find a meal at the Polo Lounge pretty glamorous anyway. The impeccably trained staff is extremely knowledgeable on all the celebrities that have dined there (both living and dead). As for what to order, I recommend focusing on the starters and soups—the protein entrées are mostly disappointing, but you can’t go wrong with the classic steak tartare or any of the pastas. Unless you like mushy, slightly wet salad, skip the McCarthy salad.
Time Out tip: In the evenings, order the Polo Lounge’s signature chocolate soufflé (or one of the rotating seasonal flavors) for one of the city’s most iconic desserts.
Address: 9641 Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Opening hours: Daily 7am–11pm
Photograph: dcwlifestyle
What is it? An upscale Middle Eastern concept in Hollywood from Top Chef Middle East winner Charbel Hayek.
Why we love it: Located in the sprawling former Le Jardin space, Laya is a fully outdoor restaurant best known for its minimalist-meets-Tulum design, which comes complete with a fire pit and two bars perfect for catching a drink before or after a nearby show. The Eastern Mediterranean-leaning menu includes a section of straightforward kebabs and larger entrées with plenty of options for vegans and vegetarians. Among Laya’s smaller appetizers, I enjoyed the Australian Wagyu kibbeh nayeh and freshly made pitas paired with olives, balls of goat cheese and za’atar spice in olive oil. For dessert, I recommend the knafeh, which pairs sweet cheese and phyllo dough with a fragrant simple syrup, or opt for the showier rose soft-serve topped with a delightful cloud of pink cotton candy.
Time Out tip: If you prioritize food over ambience, head to Hayek’s other restaurant, Ladyhawk, in West Hollywood.
Address: 1430 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Opening hours: Tue, Wed 6pm–midnight; Thu–Sat 6pm–1am
Photograph: dcwlifestyle
What is it? A casual Korean takeaway concept inside a charming bungalow complex at the edge of Chinatown.
Why we love it: Five years ago, Rustic Canyon alum Jihee Kim built a devoted online fanbase for her seasonally driven banchan pickups during lockdown. Now, Perilla LA has opened a permanent storefront on the border of Echo Park and Chinatown, where in-the-know diners have already begun flocking for Kim’s delicious, vegetable-forward Korean side dishes and made-to-order lunch plates. Delicate gyeran mari (rolled eggs), ong choy yuba muchim (water spinach and tofu skin salad) and tomato kimchi offer subtle, heady pleasures for your next summer picnic, but you can also enjoy your lunch on the few patio tables outside or in the Alpine Street complex’s outdoor dining area, which borders a vegetable and herb garden and calls to mind a friend’s backyard more than anything else.
Time Out tip: Build yourself a picnic with pastries from nearby Bakers Bench and a drink or two from Heavy Water Coffee.
Address: 1027 Alpine St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Opening hours: Mon 11am–3pm, Wed–Sun 11am–4:30pm
Photograph: dcwlifestyle
What is it? A beautiful, vaguely French bistro in West Hollywood.
Why we love it: Taking over the old Ago space on Melrose, this glittering indoor-outdoor eatery from the Boujis Group (who also run nearby Olivetta) draws design and culinary inspiration from the French Riviera—and most of the restaurant’s seating options are outdoors. The extensive, largely traditional menu aims to please with steaks and plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, but there’s a handful of standout items concentrated in the seafood, caviar and appetizer sections. On my visit, I enjoyed the hamachi carpaccio and caviar gougeres. If you’re feeling particularly spendy, indulge in the well-made cocktails and desserts—especially the delicious pistachio soft-serve. While it’s unlikely that Chez Mia will impress the average epicure, the restaurant fits right in with the area’s see-and-be-seen dining scene—and still makes for a lovely, though fairly pricey, night out in West Hollywood.
Time Out tip: The warm fougasse bread with salted Normandy butter is an absolute must-order (especially if you’re trying to bring down your check average).
Address: 8478 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Opening hours: Tue–Thu 5–11:30pm; Fri, Sat 5pm–12:30am
Recommende
18. Spago of Beverly Hills
Photograph: dcwlifestyle
What is it? A Wolfgang Puck and L.A. classic known for its power lunches and celeb sightings, as well as a fine dining institution still serving haute bites that will please a crowd for any special occasion.
Why we love it: A retractable roof, two outdoor fireplaces, olive trees and white tablecloths make the Spago patio one of the most coveted fine-dining places to dine in all of L.A. Plus, 43 years after opening, the kitchen is still tinkering here and there to keep things feeling fresh. The bar area’s newly renovated, with a livened–up the cocktail menu that includes non-alcoholic options and drinks inspired by the last three decades and the future. The smoked salmon pizza, spicy tuna cones and the Austrian-American chef’s famous wienerschnitzel still hit like it’s 1982, but what really distinguishes Spago is its approach to service—the likes of which you’d be hard-pressed to find outside of tasting menus these days.
Time Out tip: If it’s your first visit you can order Spago’s iconic tasting menu for the classics, but if you’re a repeat guest, the most fun you can have is off-roading with the fleeting and hyper-seasonal specials, especially when it comes to dessert.
Address: 176 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Opening hours: Tue–Thu 5–10pm; Fri, Sat 5–10:30pm; Sun 5–10pm
Read trusted, award-winning journalism.
Just $10 for 3 months.
Kendrick Lamar Follows U2 With A Historic Grammy Win
When the weather gets warm, the world reemerges in a celebration of all things fun and sun, and what’s more fun than gathering with family and friends over a fantastic meal?
The best mascara is, without a doubt, one of the most frequently mentioned topics. They all want to know what exactly is making our lashes look like falsies.
Coming up with the best Christmas gifts seems to be getting trickier every year. It can’t be just us. We’re almost paralysed by choice – and even when we do land on a good idea, we realise we already bought them something similar circa December 2021.
Comments
Adam Gordon
Thanks for sharing this information is useful for us.
dcwlifestyle
Always happy to be of service.