Best Outdoor Dining in Los Angeles
While indoor dining might be open a bit, wouldn’t you rather not risk it? Here’s a look at some of the best outdoor dining in Los Angeles that’s just waiting to be explored!
Cara Cara (Downtown Los Angeles)
Cara Cara is the rooftop restaurant at the top of the Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel which is helmed by the mastermind duo Chef Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne (A.O.C.). The rooftop offers all-day dining and sweeping 360 views of the city. Menu highlights include Piri Piri Fried Chicken ($21); sublime Chickpea Fritters ($14); Seasonal Focaccias ($20); and desserts like Milk Chocolate Cremeux and Marzipan Almond Cake ($15).
All the cocktails are made to order and feature fresh juices and local distillers. Must-haves include the Cucumber Gimlet made with vodka that’s first infused with Fresno Chilis and then added to a rich freshly made Cucumber Juice ($17).
Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. most days.
Yamashiro (Hollywood)
Perched high above Hollywood is the Yamashiro compound. It was built in 1911 as a replica of a Japanese palace from Yamashiro, Japan, and was transformed into a restaurant in 1963.
Fast forward to 2020, and they’ve got a new menu PLUS a new way to enjoy the restaurant: mostly outside. While the restaurant has always offered dining in its open-air courtyard, the entire front parking lot can now accommodate dozens of tables, which offer even better views of the city.
Settle in before sunset with a Zen Garden Martini cocktail made with Japanese Whiskey and Nori Infused Dry Vermouth, and get ready to take your time with this meal.
Must have Starters include the Sushi Pizza with yellowtail, salmon, and tuna sashimi ($20) and the Pork Dumplings ($16).
If you love sushi but would rather skip the raw fish, I recommend their Yamashiro Roll with shrimp tempura and A5 wagyu ($30) and the Baked Lobster Roll ($30).
Also fun for the whole group is an Ishi-Yaki Cooking Stone with wagyu and additional lobster or shrimp add-ons (starting at $40 per ounce).
For dessert, my top choices include the Yuzu Panna Cotta ($16) if you like something refreshing and the Chocolate Drama ($16) if you want something as over the top as the view!
Yamashiro is open from 5 to 11 p.m. nightly.
L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele (Hollywood)
This is one of my favorite pizzas in Los Angeles, and I was a frequent to-go patron during the COVID-19 Quarantine. The only caveat is their Pizza is best enjoyed when it’s piping hot out of the wood-burning oven – not reheated 30 minutes later…
This spot has a massive outdoor patio right in the heart of Hollywood, and even during their peak, it still feels like you’re social distancing in a plush booth. Perfect for slurping up a plate of Pomodoro.
Hours are 11 a.m.to 11 p.m. except for weekends which feature brunch and later nights.
Lady Byrd Cafe (Echo Park)
Lady Byrd Cafe underwent a significant parking lot overhaul during the pandemic, and the result might be better than the original cafe. The space is greenhouse dining at its finest, where every table feels like its own secret garden.
Lady Byrd Cafe is open for all-day dining and features a variety of items like Chicken Panini and Bolognese Pasta during lunch and dinner and Spanish Frittata and Pork Benedict at Breakfast. Weekend brunch offers both menus at your fingertips.
Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. most days.
Las Brisas (Laguna Beach)
Nothing beats brunch at the beach when it comes to outdoor dining in Los Angeles. Las Brisas has taken it one step further by adding on an outdoor margarita garden in addition to their already ample patio space. So savor one of their brand new cocktails and lose yourself in the ocean breeze.
Weekly Happy Hour takes place from 3 to 6 p.m.
Harriet’s (West Hollywood)
Harriet’s one of my picks for where to eat with the best views in Los Angeles is a must-visit for West Hollywood.
Now along with their decadent platters, they’ve added hot food like Burgers and Skewers to the mix. Brunch offers more of the same with an addition of a Cali Breakfast Sandwich ($16), but frankly, the cocktails are the stars of the show.
Located on the rooftop of the 1 Hotel, they are open at 5 p.m. on weekdays and noon on weekends. Reservations are required.
Playa Provisions (Playa Del Rey)
The space at Playa Provisions has gotten even sweeter. Enjoy socially distanced picnic tables spread over lush green astroturf, just a stone’s throw from the beach.
They’re open for all meals from breakfast to weekend brunch and have a slew of new cocktails to tempt you with. High praise for Bar Manager Taylor Hall for coming up with drinks like Serenity Now with vodka and tiki bitters; and Insanity Later with brandy and banana liquor.
Hours are as early as 7:30 a.m. in some of the spaces. Check the website for more information.
40 Love (West Hollywood)
40 Love has always been an indoor/outdoor space, but they’ve added 15 more tables and extra TVs to expand to the great outdoors. The vibe is sports bar meets the country club.
Stop in for sports-centric dining like a Wagyu Hotdog or a Western Bacon Cheeseburger as well as weekend brunch favorites.
Hours are 4 p.m. on weekdays and as early as 10 a.m. on weekends.
Rappahannock Oyster Bar (Row DTLA)
Row DTLA is one of the chicest outdoor shopping complexes in the city, and food just tastes better when you’re feeling fabulous!
Stop in at Rappahannock Oyster Bar for towering Seafood Towers and decadent Lobster Mac and Cheese. To-go options are also still available if you’d rather shuck with your sweats on.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. most days.
Casa Vega (Sherman Oaks)
For the first time in 64 years, reservations are available at Casa Vega. The parking lot has been gala-ed out with lighting, foliage, and a banquet-style tent.
The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and your reservations can be made on Casa Vega’s website. Hours are 11:30 a.m. on and include a weekday happy hour from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and then again from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
All’Acqua (Atwater Village)
All’Acqua is open for dinner every night starting at 5 p.m. and has added a heated outdoor patio. Menu highlights from this Italian restaurant include Burrata ($19) and a must-have Cacio e Pepe ($21).
Gracias Madre (West Hollywood)
Everyone’s favorite plant-based Mexican resto is now open once again. Dinner starts as early as 4 p.m. with weekend brunch beginning at 11 a.m.
Menu favorites from the Executive Chef Mario Alberto include Guacamole al Molcajete ($12) and Sprouting Cauliflower with chipotle cashew cheese ($14).
While this article is all about getting you to eat outdoors, they’ve also got to go via the website.
Coin & Candor (Westlake Village)
Feel like you’re a world away from Los Angeles when you’re sitting outside on the patio at Coin & Candor at the Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village. Enjoy some of the freshest and most inventive California cuisine from Chef Jesus Medina with tasty carb bookends from Pastry Chef Patrick Fahy. A Little Gem Salad and three loaves of bread is all this girl needs to be happy! Visit the link above to see more tasty details.
Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Did you enjoy this article about the best outdoor dining in Los Angeles? Repin the image below and inspire more eaters!
7 thoughts on “Best Outdoor Dining in Los Angeles”