L.A.’s Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining, From Beachfront to Canyon
From Malibu decks to Topanga hideaways, these tables make a case for staying outside long after the sun goes down.
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Thanks to its typically sunny skies, warm temps and crisp ocean breeze, outdoor dining is a year-round pleasure in L.A. However, once the summer months roll around, al fresco dining becomes everyone’s favorite pastime and the only acceptable way to enjoy a meal. From Santa Monica to Silver Lake, you’ll find picturesque patios all across town, and while many of L.A.’s best rooftop bars and restaurants boast epic cityscapes, sometimes, all you need is a picturesque courtyard to cure the summertime blues.
Iconic spots like the Polo Lounge and Nobu Malibu are famous for their outdoor dining areas and elegant menus to match, but if you’re in the mood for a more casual eatery, head to Mariscos Za Za Zá for the freshest Mexican seafood in Frogtown. On the other side of town, Le Great Outdoor is another laid-back concept that recreates the backyard BBQ with French and Brazilian influences.
Though al fresco dining is always a treat during the day, many of the city’s prettiest patios come alive at night, with flickering candles, twinkling lights and lush greenery. Inn of the Seventh Ray in Topanga Canyon remains one of the city’s most romantic restaurants, while Yamashiro boasts some of the best views in SoCal. Whether you’re looking to enjoy modern Mexican fare in a Tulum-inspired setting or want to indulge in a modern, oceanfront omakase, we’ve rounded up the top L.A. restaurants for elevated outdoor dining.
The Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in L.A.
Cara Restaurant
- 1730 N Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Located within the Cara Hotel in Los Feliz, this restaurant is situated in an enchanting poolside courtyard flanked by lush palm trees and string-light-adorned olive trees. The neutral tiling complements the cream-colored walls and sheer white curtains, creating a Mediterranean ambiance that guests can enjoy while lounging in cushioned chairs at their marble bistro tables. The menu changes with the seasons, but you can expect produce-driven dishes like stuffed squash blossoms and farm-fresh salads. Larger format plates include the signature lemon pasta with plenty of aged Parmesan, grilled whole branzino and a handful of shareable steaks.
Yamashiro Hollywood
- 1999 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068
Take in one of the best views in Hollywood when dining high above the city at Yamashiro. This longtime Japanese oasis offers a zen-inspired escape with tranquil koi ponds and a 600-year-old pagoda, which also happens to be the oldest structure in California. In addition to its rich history, Yamashiro’s ambient outdoor setting has made it a culinary icon that never goes out of style. Dine under dim-lit lanterns while admiring the sweeping cityscape with a refreshing Kyoto Spritz in hand. Though most patrons come for the sushi, Yamashiro also serves plenty of cooked dishes, ranging from duck confit and short ribs to steak Diane and garlic noodles.
Inn of the Seventh Ray
- 128 Old Topanga Canyon Rd, Topanga, CA 90290
Tucked away on a windy road in Topanga Canyon, Inn of the Seventh Ray is a romantic and whimsical restaurant that looks straight out of a fairytale. Listen to the sounds of the trickling creek while sitting under glittering crystal chandeliers and twinkling gazebos at this dreamy dinner spot. Everywhere you look, lush greenery envelops the space. Though it is typically reserved for special occasions, you can enjoy a more laid-back experience by going for brunch. Should you visit in the evening, start with the yellowfin tuna crudo and homemade bread before diving into the famous creamy black truffle risotto.
Sogno Toscano
- 1512 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403
Santa Monica’s Sogno Toscano offers the ultimate al fresco experience on the Westside. The outdoor space is reminiscent of a modern Italian bistro, while a wall of thick greenery creates a sense of privacy, separating diners from the rest of Montana Avenue. Whether you’re embarking on a solo meal or enjoying a quiet date night, Sogno Toscano is a neighborhood eatery that never gets old. Though many restaurant charcuterie boards often fall flat, the ones here are made-to-order and worth exploring. Other appetizer highlights include the artichoke salad, beef meatballs and assorted bruschette. For your main course, transport yourself to a sidewalk in Florence with an Aperol Spritz and pomodoro pasta.
Polo Lounge
- 9641 W Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
As one of the 90210’s most historic restaurants, Polo Lounge at The Beverly Hills Hotel immerses guests in Old Hollywood glamour on a pink and teal patio covered in sun-drenched bougainvillea. Whether you’re embarking on a high-stakes power lunch or special celebratory dinner, this celeb-loved staple offers a whimsical background with an upscale menu to match. The McCarthy—one of L.A.’s best salads—is a must-order, especially during patio season, and pairs perfectly with a crisp glass of Whispering Angel rosé. And of course, no visit to the Polo Lounge is complete without one of the fluffy soufflés.
Zizou
- 2425 Daly St, Los Angeles, CA 90031
Zizou offers retro vibes and flavorful French-Moroccan cuisine in one of L.A.’s oldest neighborhoods. The small, irresistibly charming outdoor patio was a labor of love for Maati Zouitina and Boris Macquin, who laid the custom tiles by hand. Cozy booths and quaint bistro tables sit under glowing string lights, while verdant greenery acts as the main source of decor in the dining area. A trickling Moorish fountain helps set the scene for a crisp Lillet Spritz, accompanied by the tangy tabouli salad, fried calamari and tender apricot chicken tagine.
Casaléna
- 22160 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Looking for a summer date spot in the San Fernando Valley? Casaléna fuses Mediterranean-inspired fare with farm-fresh Southern California produce in Woodland Hills. The red brick building features modern glass windows and mile-high ceilings above the dining room, creating a contemporary Italian farmhouse setting. The patio, however, is the establishment's crème de la crème. Despite the courtyard's open-air design, the tall walls and surrounding trees make you feel completely isolated from the outside world. You’ll find mostly booth-style tables that back up to a wall of manicured hedges and vine-covered concrete. While you should dabble in apps like the spicy tuna crispy rice and stuffed squash blossoms, the sweet corn agnolotti is a must-order item (and probably one of the most underrated pasta dishes in L.A.).
Tacolina
- 2815 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Tucked away on a bustling corner of Sunset Boulevard, Tacolina is home to one of Silver Lake’s most immersive and transportive patios. Pale pink bistro tables cover a hand-laid red brick courtyard, while bright green palm leaves tower around every corner, making you feel as though you’re enjoying an evening in Tulum. After sunset, small tea light candles and overhead string lights create a warm glow, though you can also gather round one of the cozy fire pit tables or sit under a colorful sea of Mexican pom poms. Spend the afternoon sipping frozen margs and noshing on shrimp tacos and ahi tuna tostadas before popping into the on-site speakeasy, Jaguar Room, where you’ll find moodier vibes and more spirit-forward cocktails.
Laya Restaurant
- 1430 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Backed by Beirut-born chef Charbel Hayek, Laya Restaurant is an elegant Middle Eastern eatery right in Hollywood. Upon walking through a modern gazebo-like archway, guests enter a massive cream-colored patio with round fireplaces, glowing string lights and delicate olive trees. Spacious booths back up to textured, stone-engraved arches, and though you may come for the ambiance, you’ll stay for the food. Menu highlights range from the beetroot hummus to the Wagyu beef kabob, but make sure you save room for the knafeh and rose soft serve.
Nobu Malibu
- 22706 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Home to one of L.A.’s most famous and talked-about dining experiences, Nobu Malibu is a beachfront dream for sushi lovers and pop culture enthusiasts. This iconic Japanese restaurant has a rotating door of A-list celebs, with regulars ranging from the Beckhams to the Biebers, and boasts an open-air terrace that hovers just above Carbon Beach. Watch the waves kiss the shore as you sip the signature lychee martini and snack on an array of nigiri at one of the most scenic and star-studded patios in the city. Other menu highlights include the bite-sized wagyu tacos and deconstructed tuna crispy rice, but for the most decadent splurge, order the king crab tempura while sitting oceanside.
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele
- 1534 N McCadden Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90028
If you’re craving a slice of pizza straight from Napoli, L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is about as authentic as it gets. The Neapolitan-style pies were made even more famous when they made an appearance in the Julia Roberts film Eat, Pray, Love, but the Hollywood location has gained its own reputation as one of the best places for outdoor dining in L.A. The charming back patio boasts a cozy fire pit and a small chef’s counter where you can watch the puffy-crust dough rise right in front of you. Warm red brick walls cut you off from the nearby chaos of Sunset and Highland, creating a quaint Italian oasis in the heart of the city. Enjoy a Double Margarita alongside a bubbly glass of Lambrusco before ending the evening with tiramisu.
Bacari Silverlake
- 3626 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Though Bacari has become something of a local chain, the best location is without a doubt in Silver Lake. The tree-house-like setting is both romantic and whimsical, spanning 5,000 square feet, featuring leafy surroundings and towering bamboo shoots. Whether you’re visiting for a weekday dinner or weekend brunch, the tapas-style dishes pair perfectly with Bacari’s handcrafted cocktails. Sip on the refreshing Chill Pill, a balanced blend of tequila, lavender, cucumber and lime, while snacking on shared bites like the chicken schnitzel, Asian pear and brie flatbread and crispy green falafel.
