6 Best Outdoor Dining in Los Angeles
6 outdoor Dining in Los Angeles worth planning around, from The Curious Palate to Playa Provisions, with standout orders and options for different budgets.
Direct answer
The best outdoor dining in Los Angeles are The Curious Palate, Playa Provisions, Tin Roof Bistro, and more. Start with The Curious Palate if you want the strongest fit for best overall for outdoor dining.
How we picked: We weight shade, heat/cold control, view, noise discipline, and — critically — whether the food matches the setting.
Top picks at a glance
Practical notes
What to plan for before you book — spend, reservation strategy, and who should skip this guide entirely.
- Expected spend
- Varies widely — patio dining in this list spans casual lunch ($25–40) to upscale dinner ($85–150).
- Booking strategy
- Patio tables are first to book and last to give up. Reserve the table-on-the-patio specifically if the form lets you — otherwise call.
- Weather plan
- Most of these are concentrated in Santa Monica and Marina del Rey. Have a backup indoor reservation if weather is iffy.
- Skip if
- you wanted a destination dining room or a quiet anniversary night. Patio energy is part of the experience.
Who this guide is for
The final six are The Curious Palate, Playa Provisions, Tin Roof Bistro, Élephante, The Warehouse Restaurant, Fig Tree.
Quick picks
On this page
How the restaurants compare
How we chose
We looked for restaurants that feel like a strong fit for the guide topic, not just the most obvious names in the city. The shortlist favors rooms with clear mood, dependable pacing, and enough distinction to help someone decide faster. Read our full methodology →
Lighting, pace, and general energy all need to support the reason someone clicked this guide.
We favored restaurants that feel best suited for the moment, not just restaurants with broad reputation.
The final list tries to give readers enough variation in neighborhood, price, and style to compare real options.
6 ranked picks
The Curious Palate is worth putting on the shortlist for Nectarine and Burrata Salad and Baja Fish Tacos—the two orders to build a first visit around.
Keep in mind: Booking details can change; check the restaurant's site before you go.
- Official source - The Curious Palate's official website or menu was checked for current operation and the outdoor dining details supporting this selection. Checked July 21, 2026.
Playa Provisions in Marina del Rey is a standout stop in Marina del Rey. It is a natural choice when you are planning around Marina del Rey.
Keep in mind: Booking details can change; check the restaurant's site before you go.
- Official source - Playa Provisions's official website or menu was checked for current operation and the outdoor dining details supporting this selection. Checked July 21, 2026.
Tin Roof Bistro in Manhattan Beach is a standout stop in Manhattan Beach. It is a natural choice when you are planning around Manhattan Beach.
Keep in mind: Booking details can change; check the restaurant's site before you go.
- Official source - Tin Roof Bistro's official website or menu was checked for current operation and the outdoor dining details supporting this selection. Checked July 21, 2026.
Élephante in Santa Monica is a standout stop in Santa Monica. It is a natural choice when you are planning around Santa Monica.
Keep in mind: Popular services can book up; confirm current hours, menu availability, and reservation terms with the restaurant.
- Official source - Élephante's official website or menu was checked for current operation and the outdoor dining details supporting this selection. Checked July 21, 2026.
The Warehouse Restaurant in Marina del Rey is a standout stop in Marina del Rey. It is a natural choice when you are planning around Marina del Rey.
Keep in mind: Booking details can change; check the restaurant's site before you go.
- Official source - The Warehouse Restaurant's official website or menu was checked for current operation and the outdoor dining details supporting this selection. Checked July 21, 2026.
Fig Tree in Venice is a good-value meal. It is a natural choice when you are planning around Venice.
Keep in mind: Booking details can change; check the restaurant's site before you go.
- Official source - Fig Tree's official website or menu was checked for current operation and the outdoor dining details supporting this selection. Checked July 21, 2026.
Explore next
Related guides
Guide • los angeles
6 Best Brunch Spots in Los Angeles
6 brunch Spots in Los Angeles worth planning around, from Playa Provisions to FISHBAR, with standout orders and options for different budgets.
Read guide
Guide • los angeles
10 Best Restaurants in Los Angeles
10 restaurants in Los Angeles worth planning around, from Holbox to n/naka, with standout orders and options for different budgets.
Read guide
Same guide in other cities
TastyPals for iPhone + Android
Save these spots to your Los Angeles list
Save these spots to your Los Angeles list in the TastyPals app, then explore similar restaurants when you want a tighter shortlist for the night.
