Top 10 Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Los Angeles

Housed in a replica Japanese palace in the Hollywood Hills, Yamashiro is pure old-Hollywood glamour with panoramic views stretching from Downtown to the Pacific. The dramatic setting—complete with pagoda, koi pond, and 600-year-old pagoda tree—makes it a favorite for tourists and locals celebrating special occasions alike. While the views steal the show, the Miso-Glazed Black Cod is expertly prepared and captures the restaurant's East-meets-West approach. Arrive early for a cocktail on the terrace and watch the city light up as the sun sets—it's the kind of cinematic LA moment that never gets old.

This Los Feliz institution has been the neighborhood's living room since the early 2000s, with a charming cottage vibe and sprawling front patio that's perfect for weekend brunches that stretch into afternoon. The Ricotta Pancakes are legendary—impossibly fluffy and topped with seasonal fruit compote that changes with the market. Alcove attracts a creative crowd of writers, actors, and locals who treat it like their personal office, with free WiFi and a laid-back attitude toward lingering. The in-house bakery means pastries and breads are made fresh daily, adding to the homey, welcoming atmosphere.

Set in a converted warehouse in the Arts District, Manuela combines rustic-industrial design with a tree-shaded patio that's one of Downtown's most coveted outdoor spaces. The restaurant is part of the Hauser & Wirth arts complex, so you're dining among gallery spaces and contemporary art installations. The Whole Roasted Chicken is the move here—perfectly seasoned and meant for sharing, it epitomizes the restaurant's farm-to-table ethos. It's where creatives, couples, and culture enthusiasts gather for long, leisurely meals that blur the line between dining and experience.

Despite the playful name, Le Great Outdoor Restaurant delivers seriously good French-California cuisine in a charming Santa Monica garden setting that feels like escaping to Provence. The all-outdoor setup is lush with greenery and heated for cooler evenings, creating an intimate atmosphere that's miles away from the beach crowds just minutes down the road. The Duck Confit is executed beautifully—crispy skin, tender meat, and classic French technique at a surprisingly approachable price point. It's a hidden gem that locals guard jealously, perfect for when you want something special without the scene.

Perched high in the Burbank hills, Castaway delivers jaw-dropping views of the San Fernando Valley and LA basin that alone are worth the drive—but the food holds its own too. The sprawling outdoor terrace is perfect for everything from wedding receptions to family celebrations, with multiple patios offering different perspectives of the twinkling cityscape below. Order the Macadamia Nut Crusted Halibut, which showcases the kitchen's ability to elevate classic preparations with tropical flair. With over 10,000 reviews, it's a special occasion destination that actually lives up to the hype, especially at sunset when the views turn golden.

This Studio City mainstay has been charming Ventura Boulevard for years with its enchanting tree-lit patio that feels like dining under the stars in a secret garden. The menu hits that sweet spot of upscale comfort food—the Braised Short Rib is fall-apart tender and deeply flavorful, worth every penny. Firefly draws a sophisticated Valley crowd, from power lunches to anniversary dinners, and the outdoor space is heated year-round so even LA's "winter" won't keep you inside. It's polished but never pretentious, with service that makes you feel like a regular even on your first visit.

Stephanie Izard's LA outpost brings her Chicago magic to the Arts District with bold, globally-inspired flavors served in an industrial-chic space with a killer patio. The menu is designed for sharing, but you'll want to hoard the Goat Empanadas—crispy, tangy, and absolutely addictive. The outdoor seating strikes the perfect balance between energetic and intimate, making it equally great for groups celebrating or couples splitting the wood-fired Pig Face (yes, really, and yes, order it). With a 4.8 rating, it's consistently one of LA's hardest reservations to snag.

Part garden oasis, part NoHo Arts District hangout, The Front Yard feels like dining in a friend's beautifully landscaped backyard—if that friend happened to be an exceptional chef. The covered patio is surrounded by lush greenery and features comfort food with California flair, from wood-fired pizzas to seasonal salads that actually satisfy. The Truffle Mac & Cheese is the dish that keeps regulars coming back, rich and indulgent without being over-the-top. It's family-friendly, dog-welcoming, and moderately priced, making it a neighborhood staple that doesn't require a special occasion.

Perched on the 15th floor of a historic Downtown high-rise, Perch delivers French-inspired cuisine with sweeping city views that are nothing short of spectacular at sunset. The rooftop's Parisian bistro aesthetic—complete with retractable roof and cozy fire pits—makes it a magnet for special occasions and tourists alike. Don't miss the Steak Frites with their signature herb butter, or arrive for weekend brunch when the outdoor space really comes alive. With over 7,500 reviews, it's a proven crowd-pleaser that somehow still feels romantic despite the buzz.

Tucked into the heart of Silver Lake, Bacari is the neighborhood's go-to spot for Mediterranean small plates and natural wines served on a sprawling patio draped in string lights. The burrata with heirloom tomatoes is a cult favorite, perfectly paired with their rotating selection of orange wines and craft cocktails. It's the kind of place where locals linger for hours, making it ideal for intimate date nights or catching up with friends over shareable plates. The vibe is effortlessly cool without trying too hard—exactly what Silver Lake does best.