Google
Santa Monica · American · moderate
The Curious Palate
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.
Los Angeles · 6 ranked picks
6 Best Outdoor Dining in Los Angeles
The Curious Palate leads this shortlist.
By TastyPals Editorial TeamUpdated July 21, 2026
6 ranked picks
Why this pick & planning notes
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.
What to order: Nectarine and Burrata Salad, Baja Fish Tacos, Big Curious Salad
Santa Monica dinnerdate nightbrunchcoastal
Sources checked
- 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.
Google
Marina del Rey · Seafood · moderate
Playa Provisions
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.
Why this pick & planning notes
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.
Marina del Rey seafoodbrunchcoastalrelaxed
Google
Google
Google
Sources checked
- 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.
Google
Manhattan Beach · Seafood · moderate
Tin Roof Bistro
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.
Why this pick & planning notes
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.
Manhattan Beach dinnerdate nightbrunchcoastal
Sources checked
- 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.
Google
Santa Monica · Italian · moderate
Élephante
Élephante in Santa Monica is a standout stop in Santa Monica. It is a natural choice when you are planning around Santa Monica.
Why this pick & planning notes
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.
Santa Monica dinnerdate nightbrunchcoastal
Sources checked
- 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.
Google
Marina del Rey · Seafood · moderate
The Warehouse Restaurant
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.
Why this pick & planning notes
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.
Marina del Rey seafooddate nightbrunchcoastal
Google
Google
Google
Sources checked
- 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.
Google
Venice · American · value
Fig Tree
Fig Tree in Venice is a good-value meal. It is a natural choice when you are planning around Venice.
Why this pick & planning notes
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.
Venice dinnerdate nightbrunchbeachy
Google
Google
Google
Sources checked
- 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.
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 best outdoor dining in Los Angeles are The Curious Palate, Playa Provisions, Tin Roof Bistro, and more.
The final six are The Curious Palate, Playa Provisions, Tin Roof Bistro, Élephante, The Warehouse Restaurant, Fig Tree.
Quick picks
Best overall for outdoor dining
American • Santa Monica
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.
Best Marina del Rey pick
Seafood • Marina del Rey
Playa Provisions in Marina del Rey is a standout stop in Marina del Rey.
Best Manhattan Beach pick
Seafood • Manhattan Beach
Tin Roof Bistro in Manhattan Beach is a standout stop in Manhattan Beach.
Editorial details
Author: TastyPals Editorial Team
Published: July 21, 2026
Last updated: July 21, 2026
Last verified: July 21, 2026
Reviewed by: TastyPals Editorial Team
On this page
How the restaurants compare
Google
The Curious Palate
Santa Monica • American
4.7/5
818 Google reviews
Price
moderate
Best for
Best overall for outdoor dining
Mood
Santa Monica
Google
Playa Provisions
Marina del Rey • Seafood
4.6/5
2,470 Google reviews
Price
moderate
Best for
Best Marina del Rey pick
Mood
Marina del Rey
Google
Tin Roof Bistro
Manhattan Beach • Seafood
4.6/5
1,961 Google reviews
Price
moderate
Best for
Best Manhattan Beach pick
Mood
Manhattan Beach
Google
Élephante
Santa Monica • Italian
4.3/5
3,186 Google reviews
Price
moderate
Best for
Best Santa Monica pick
Mood
Santa Monica
Google
The Warehouse Restaurant
Marina del Rey • Seafood
4.3/5
3,068 Google reviews
Price
moderate
Best for
Best Marina del Rey pick
Mood
Marina del Rey
Google
Fig Tree
Venice • American
4.3/5
2,349 Google reviews
Price
value
Best for
Best value
Mood
Venice
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 →
Room tone
Lighting, pace, and general energy all need to support the reason someone clicked this guide.
Food fit
We favored restaurants that feel best suited for the moment, not just restaurants with broad reputation.
Useful range
The final list tries to give readers enough variation in neighborhood, price, and style to compare real options.
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Same guide in other cities
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