Los Angeles is known for its near-perfect weather year-round, making it an ideal location for outdoor dining. With a plethora of patios to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to spend your time soaking in the California sunshine. To help you navigate the vast patio scene in LA, here are the 25 best patios in the city, ranked according to aesthetic appeal, functionality, and overall experience.
One standout patio in LA can be found at Laya, a snazzy Middle Eastern spot located on Cahuenga. This massive patio boasts fire pits, fig trees, and spacious curvy banquettes, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. The Mediterranean-inspired design, complete with illuminated stone archways, gives the space a luxurious feel. The menu of dips and skewers perfectly complements the ambiance, making it a must-visit spot for outdoor dining.
Highly Likely’s backyard in Highland Park is another gem, offering a tranquil setting for diners to enjoy a fig negroni amidst tall plants and sky-lit surroundings. The intimate space is perfect for a date or a casual dinner with friends, providing a sense of privacy and relaxation. The vibrant atmosphere and delicious food make this patio a standout in the LA dining scene.
For a laid-back daytime patio experience, look no further than Spoke in Frogtown. This cafe/bike shop offers long, shaded picnic tables where guests can enjoy sandwiches and beer while soaking in the sunshine. The casual vibe and communal seating make it a great spot for a leisurely meal or a quick bite with friends. Whether you’re planning a day date or simply want to experience a different side of LA, Spoke’s patio is a must-visit.
If you’re in the mood for a romantic outdoor dining experience, Violet in Westwood is the perfect choice. This French restaurant boasts a tucked-away back patio with lush foliage, brick walls, and tile rooftops, creating a charming and intimate setting. The twinkling bistro lights overhead add to the ambiance, making it an ideal spot for a special evening out.
Perilla, an inventive banchan shop in Chinatown, offers a stunning courtyard patio that complements its fun and freewheeling menu. The lush garden setting, complete with banana trees and colorful umbrellas, provides a picturesque backdrop for enjoying a leisurely lunch in the sunshine. The vibrant atmosphere and delicious food make Perilla a standout destination for outdoor dining in LA.
El Cid, located in Silver Lake, is a hidden gem with a patio that transports diners to another world. The multi-level outdoor space features old black-and-white movies projected on the walls, creating a unique and immersive dining experience. The Spanish-inspired menu and lively atmosphere make El Cid a must-visit spot for a nightcap or a dinner-and-a-show experience.
For a taste of Italy in the heart of Hollywood, head to this upscale pizzeria with a sprawling back patio. The red brick walls, string lights, and real fireplace create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for enjoying Neapolitan pizza and other Italian delights. The glass window that peers into the pizza kitchen adds a touch of excitement to the dining experience, making this patio a standout in the LA dining scene.
Equal parts brewery, cider house, and beer garden, this Lincoln Park spot offers a laid-back and communal outdoor space for gathering with friends. The wooden benches, tree stumps, and fire pits create a relaxed and casual atmosphere, perfect for enjoying flights of beer and food pop-ups. The fun and lively vibe make this patio a great spot for a group outing or a casual night out.
Ka’Teen in Hollywood is the place to be for a lively and energetic outdoor dining experience. The mostly outdoor space is great for big groups, with a vibrant atmosphere and a Yucatan-style menu that features bright and flavorful dishes. The clubby ambiance and high-energy vibe make Ka’Teen a popular spot for a fun night out in Hollywood.
Topanga Canyon’s Cafe 27 offers a unique and whimsical outdoor dining experience in a treehouse-like setting. The multi-level patio, built into the side of a hill, provides a picturesque backdrop for enjoying omelets, sandwiches, and avocado toast. The charming and eclectic atmosphere makes Cafe 27 a must-visit destination for a fun and memorable meal in a one-of-a-kind setting.
Mírate, a Mexican spot in Los Feliz, boasts a luxurious courtyard that feels like a multi-story treehouse in the jungle. The massive tree at the center of the space adds a touch of magic and whimsy, creating a romantic and enchanting atmosphere. The candlelit tables and impressive cocktails make Mírate a perfect spot for a special evening out or a romantic date night.
Si! Mon, an upscale Panamanian restaurant in Venice, offers a lush and cinematic patio that transports diners to a Spanish ranch hidden in a Malibu canyon. The roaring fireplace, wrap-around bar, and tropical greenery create a tropical oasis in the heart of Venice. The stunning backdrop and delicious food make Si! Mon a standout destination for outdoor dining in LA.
Superba in Venice is a must-visit destination for brunch or lunch, with a stunning patio that features citrus trees and yellow-striped umbrellas. The food is delicious, with vegetable-forward breakfast options and hearty salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes. The relaxed and inviting atmosphere makes Superba a perfect spot for enjoying a leisurely meal in the sunshine.
Le Great Outdoor in Santa Monica offers a backyard barbecue experience, with a casual and laid-back outdoor space that feels like a friend’s garden party. The picnic tables, giant platters of food, and communal atmosphere create a fun and festive vibe, perfect for gathering with friends and family. The relaxed setting and delicious food make Le Great Outdoor a standout spot for outdoor dining in Santa Monica.
Fia in Santa Monica boasts a gigantic patio that exudes coziness and romance, with wooden furniture, string lighting, and pine trees creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The Italian-inspired menu features burrata, raw bar offerings, and pasta dishes that pair perfectly with the charming ambiance. Fia is a top choice for high-stakes dates and special celebrations in Santa Monica.
Tower Bar in the heart of The Strip is a must-visit destination for a glamorous and star-studded outdoor dining experience. The iconic industry spot offers a rare glimpse into the world of celebrities and industry insiders, with a lively outdoor patio by the pool where guests can see and be seen. The scene-stealing ambiance and high-energy vibe make Tower Bar a top choice for a memorable night out in LA.
Big Dean’s in Santa Monica is a classic sports bar with fantastic front and back patios that offer a laid-back and casual setting for enjoying sports and good food. The relaxed atmosphere, great burgers, and friendly service make Big Dean’s a popular spot for a lazy afternoon of beer and burgers in Santa Monica.
Michael’s in Santa Monica offers a jungle-like patio setting that provides a unique and immersive dining experience. The lush greenery and cozy ambiance create a tranquil and inviting atmosphere, perfect for enjoying California-inspired dishes like burgers, roast chicken, and pork chops. The charming patio and solid menu make Michael’s a top choice for experiencing the Westside in style.
Paradise Cove in Malibu offers a beachfront dining experience like no other, with the opportunity to dine with your feet in the sand. The expansive bar food menu and stunning ocean views make Paradise Cove a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Despite the pricey parking and bustling crowds, the joy of dining on the Malibu Coast makes it worth the visit.
The Castaway in Burbank offers a meat-heavy menu and breathtaking views of the San Fernando Valley from its expansive patio. The outdoor fire pits, cozy seating, and upscale ambiance create a luxurious and inviting setting for enjoying a special meal or celebration. The stunning views and delicious food make The Castaway a top choice for a memorable dining experience in the Burbank hills.
This West Adams Thai spot boasts a colorful and kitschy garden patio that is perfect for a fun group meal. The whimsical decor and vibrant atmosphere create a lively and festive setting for enjoying Thai beers and cocktails. The eclectic and visually stunning patio makes this Thai spot a standout destination for a unique and memorable dining experience.
Bacari Silver Lake offers a Tuscan-inspired courtyard that is shaded by a thicket of trees, creating a rustic and charming atmosphere. The large, communal tables and cozy fire pits make Bacari a perfect spot for a romantic date night or a leisurely brunch. The diverse menu and warm ambiance make Bacari a top choice for enjoying Italian-inspired dishes in a relaxed and inviting setting.
For a rowdy and lively outdoor dining experience, head to this beer garden in Silver Lake. The large outdoor space, Bavarian theme, and extensive beer selection make it a popular spot for enjoying a night out with friends. The energetic atmosphere and communal vibe make this beer garden a top choice for a fun and festive evening in Silver Lake.
For a taste of Austin in LA, head to this laid-back outdoor spot in Frogtown. The casual and communal space, complete with outdoor seating and a semi-indoor bar, offers a relaxed and inviting atmosphere for enjoying drinks, tacos, and grilled meats. The fun and lively vibe make this outdoor spot a top choice for a casual and enjoyable dining experience.
In conclusion, Los Angeles offers a diverse and vibrant patio scene, with a wide range of outdoor dining options to suit every taste and preference. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night, a casual brunch spot, or a lively beer garden, there is a patio in LA to fit your needs. From lush garden settings to beachfront dining experiences, the city’s best patios offer a unique and memorable dining experience that captures the essence of outdoor living in Southern California.