Top 10 Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Los Angeles

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Los Angeles is renowned for its near-perfect weather, making it an ideal city for outdoor dining year-round. From beachfront patios to rooftop gardens and hidden courtyards, Los Angeles’s outdoor dining scene offers something for every taste and occasion. This guide showcases the most exceptional outdoor dining experiences across the city, highlighting distinctive atmospheres, culinary excellence, and unforgettable views.

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Elephante (Santa Monica)

Cuisine: Italian-Mediterranean
What Makes It Special: Elephante’s rooftop terrace offers panoramic ocean views that perfectly complement Chef Thomas Lim’s coastal Italian cuisine. The breezy, Tulum-inspired design creates a sophisticated beachside atmosphere rarely found in Los Angeles.

Must-Try Dishes:

Wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas
Whole branzino with salsa verde
House-made pastas with seasonal ingredients

The restaurant’s natural wood elements, lush greenery, and unobstructed sunset views make it one of the most sought-after reservations in Santa Monica.

Nobu Malibu

Cuisine: Japanese-Peruvian Fusion
What Makes It Special: Few dining experiences rival Nobu Malibu’s oceanfront terrace, where celebrity sightings are as common as the crashing waves below. The minimalist outdoor space places diners directly over the Pacific, creating an unparalleled connection to the ocean.

Must-Try Dishes:

Black cod with miso
Yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño
Rock shrimp tempura

While certainly an investment, dining at Nobu Malibu transforms a meal into a quintessential Los Angeles experience, blending culinary artistry with natural beauty.

Broad Street Oyster Co. (Malibu)

Cuisine: Seafood
What Makes It Special: This casual seafood shack at Malibu Village offers a relaxed outdoor patio experience with some of the freshest seafood in Los Angeles. The unpretentious atmosphere belies the exceptional quality of their offerings.

Must-Try Dishes:

Connecticut-style warm butter lobster roll
Raw oyster selection
Uni pasta when in season

Perfect for a post-beach meal, Broad Street brings East Coast seafood vibes to the laid-back Malibu lifestyle.

Damian (Arts District)

Must-Try Dishes:

Cuisine: Modern Mexican
What Makes It Special: From acclaimed chef Enrique Olvera, Damian features a stunning patio with concrete walls, abundant greenery, and elegant minimalism. The outdoor space feels like a secret garden in the heart of the industrial Arts District.

Smoked clam tostada
Pescado a la brasa
Seasonal aguachile

The restaurant’s commitment to California ingredients through a Mexican lens makes it a standout in Los Angeles’s competitive dining landscape.

Cabra (Downtown)

Cuisine: Peruvian
What Makes It Special: Perched atop The Hoxton hotel, Chef Stephanie Izard’s rooftop restaurant offers sweeping views of downtown alongside a gorgeous pool deck. The vibrant, colorful space perfectly matches the bold flavors of the Peruvian-inspired menu.

Must-Try Dishes:

Ceviche mixto
Duck croquetas
Whole grilled fish with aji verde

The lively atmosphere makes Cabra ideal for group dining, with shareable plates and creative cocktails enhancing the social experience.

Cara Cara (Downtown)

Cuisine: California-Mediterranean

What Makes It Special: This rooftop restaurant at the Proper Hotel offers 360-degree views of downtown Los Angeles with fire pits, comfortable seating arrangements, and thoughtfully designed shade structures. The outdoor space balances urban energy with relaxed comfort.

Must-Try Dishes:

Wood-fired pizzas
Grilled octopus
Seasonal vegetable dishes

Cara Cara excels at creating a resort-like atmosphere in the middle of downtown, making it perfect for special occasions or impressive business dinners.

Ardor (West Hollywood)

Cuisine: California with Global Influences
What Makes It Special: Located at The West Hollywood EDITION, Ardor’s lush garden patio feels like dining in a sophisticated jungle. Chef John Fraser’s vegetable-forward menu perfectly complements the verdant surroundings.

Must-Try Dishes:

Milk bread with cultured butter
Crudités with green goddess dip
Mushroom risotto

The combination of privacy, greenery, and thoughtful design makes Ardor one of the most romantic outdoor dining options in Los Angeles.

Merois (West Hollywood)

Cuisine: Pan-Asian Fusion
What Makes It Special: Wolfgang Puck’s rooftop restaurant at the Pendry offers spectacular views spanning from downtown to the ocean. The elegant outdoor space features a retractable roof, ensuring comfort regardless of weather conditions.

Must-Try Dishes:

Whole crispy bass
Spicy tuna cones
Wagyu beef tartare

The sophisticated atmosphere and impeccable service make Merois ideal for milestone celebrations and special occasions.

Grandmaster Recorders (Hollywood)

Cuisine: Italian-Australian
What Makes It Special: Set in a former recording studio where David Bowie and Stevie Wonder once recorded, this multi-level venue features a stunning rooftop with views of the Capitol Records building and Hollywood Hills. The industrial-chic design references the building’s musical history.

Must-Try Dishes:

Scarpinocc pasta
Dry-aged duck
Tiramisu served in a vinyl record case

The unique blend of history, design, and culinary innovation makes this one of Hollywood’s most distinctive dining destinations.

Bacari Silver Lake

Cuisine: Mediterranean Small Plates
What Makes It Special: This neighborhood favorite features a charming, string-lit back patio that feels like dining in a friend’s particularly stylish backyard. The intimate space is surrounded by greenery, creating a secluded urban oasis.

Must-Try Dishes:

Open-faced lamb burgers
Bacon-wrapped dates
Extensive selection of cicchetti (small plates)

The restaurant’s excellent happy hour and approachable pricing make it a regular destination for locals seeking quality outdoor dining without pretension.

Bar Moruno (Silver Lake)

Cuisine: Spanish
What Makes It Special: This Spanish-influenced restaurant offers a spacious sidewalk patio along Sunset Boulevard, perfect for people-watching while enjoying authentic Spanish cuisine. The terracotta color palette and Mediterranean touches transport diners to southern Spain.

Must-Try Dishes:

Rotisserie chicken with Moroccan spices
Pan con tomate
Spanish conservas (tinned seafood)

The thoughtfully curated Spanish wine list enhances the transportive dining experience, making it a standout on the Eastside.

Sushi | Bar (Encino)

Cuisine: Omakase Sushi

What Makes It Special: This intimate outdoor omakase experience features a chef’s counter set in a garden setting. With only 10 seats per seating, the experience is highly personalized and interactive.

Must-Try Dishes:

17-course chef’s selection omakase
Seasonal specialties like Santa Barbara uni
Housemade ice cream for dessert

The combination of exclusivity, outdoor setting, and exceptional quality makes this one of the Valley’s most remarkable dining experiences.

Inn of the Seventh Ray (Topanga)

Cuisine: California Organic
What Makes It Special: Nestled in the Topanga Canyon woodlands, this romantic restaurant offers tiered outdoor seating along a creek with fairy lights and ancient oak trees creating a magical atmosphere. The secluded nature creates a genuine escape from the city.

Must-Try Dishes:

Seasonal farmer’s market salad
Grass-fed filet mignon
Organic produce-driven entrees

For special occasions requiring enchantment and privacy, few restaurants can match the natural beauty of this Topanga institution.

Tips for the Perfect Las Angeles Outdoor Dining Experience

Reservations: Most premier outdoor spaces book weeks in advance, especially for sunset hours and weekends. Plan accordingly.
Weather considerations: Even in Los Angeles, evenings can get chilly. Many restaurants offer heaters, but bringing a light layer is advisable.
Parking: Valet services have become more limited post-pandemic. Research parking options before arrival or use rideshare services.
Special requests: When making reservations, specifically request outdoor seating and mention any special occasions or view preferences.
Timing: For photography-worthy lighting and comfortable temperatures, late afternoon to early evening reservations often provide the optimal outdoor dining experience.

Los Angeles continues to innovate in outdoor dining, with new spaces constantly emerging. These selections represent the current standouts that combine exceptional culinary offerings with memorable outdoor environments, showcasing the diversity and creativity that define Los Angeles’s dining scene.

Whether you’re seeking ocean views, urban energy, secluded romance, or neighborhood charm, these outdoor dining destinations deliver experiences that celebrate Los Angeles’s unique ability to blend natural beauty with culinary excellence.