Outdoor Dining

Enjoy Santa Monica’s endless sunshine, sea breezes and unique neighborhoods while experiencing the city’s endless restaurants with outdoor dining – from beach views along Ocean Avenue to Santa Monica’s restaurants with patio seating and entertainment on Third Street Promenade, here are some of the best outdoor dining locations to check out so you can forgo a dining room in favor of feeling the fresh sea breeze.

Outdoor Restaurants In Santa Monica with Happy Hour

1212 Santa Monica has a great happy hour as well as a front patio with an outdoor seating area to enjoy the view of Third Street Promenade.

1212 Santa Monica

Outdoor Dining in Santa Monica with Kids

Back on the Beach at Annenberg Community Beach House is an ideal spot to take the kids. It features terrific beach grub, tables located so you can put feet in the sand and room for play.

Cloverfield is a great spot that draws families who appreciate the fun atmosphere and view from its very large outdoor patio.

Outdoor Dining in Santa Monica with Great Views

Coast at Shutters on the Beach allows you to head off the sand and into the restaurant for a casual and family-friendly dining experience with views of the ocean.

Santa Monica Place serves up an assortment of outdoor dining options on its rooftop Dining Deck overlooking Santa Monica Beach and the Pacific Ocean. Whether you’re hungry for a quick bite or a gourmet meal, they’ve got it all.

Santa Monica Place

Little Prince

Indulge in Farm to Table Dining Outside in Santa Monica

Little Prince on Main Street serves dinner and Sunday brunch and highlights locally sourced, skillfully crafted, small batch dishes made with local seasonal produce. Relax in the fresh air on the shaded outdoor patio surrounded by nature and tropical plants.

Tiato Market Garden Café, located in Mid-City, is a gourmet “grab and go” spot with an Asian/Californian menu of breakfasts, fresh salads and sandwiches. Enjoy brunch on the weekends with live music on the restaurant’s outdoor patio and garden.

Fresh Air and Healthy Eats

Kreation Cafe on Montana Avenue is the perfect place to indulge in rustic Persian cuisine and modern healthy classics on their indoor/outdoor patio or at tables out front.

True Food Kitchen at Santa Monica Place caters to those who want to eat healthy and still feel satisfied. They offer a healthy, nutrient-rich menu of Mediterranean/Asian flavors, including salads, pizzas, bowls, sandwiches, remarkable drinks and vegetarian/vegan selections aplenty.

Kreation Kafe

Kreation Kafe

Elegant Outdoor Dining in Santa Monica Al Fresco

The Buffalo Club offers dining al fresco in their Garden Courtyard – a beautiful candle-lit courtyard with night blooming jasmine, red trumpet vines and English Privet hedges. This garden patio can’t be missed if you’re searching for elegant restaurants with outdoor seating in Santa Monica.

Elephante is a great option for outdoor dining in Santa Monica if you’re in the mood for a swanky rooftop patio with a beachy feel and modern Italian cuisine.

The Buffalo Club

Elephante | Photo By: Jakob Layman

Elephante Beach House

Casual Restaurants with Outdoor Seating in Santa Monica

Art’s Table is a dog-friendly Santa Monica restaurant with outdoor space for lunch and dinner, as well as weekend breakfast/brunch. Check out its cozy neighborhood feel.

Brunch is served all day at Bardonna, located on Montana Avenue, with vegan and gluten-free alternatives available. Their coffee bar is loaded with superfood ingredients to help you stay energized and focused for the rest of the day.

Centrally located on Third Street Promenade, Cult‘s patio serves up cult classics throughout the day. From breakfast in the morning to cocktails in the evening, Cult offers an easy dining option for all.

Santa Monica Picnic Co. is a great option if you’d like to forgo outdoor restaurants in Santa Monica altogether and just enjoy a charcuterie board in the beauty of the great outdoors. They supply everything you need for an elegant picnic, from picnic tables to blankets, as well as options for lighting and florals!

No matter what you’re in the mood for, Santa Monica has limitless outdoor dining options.