group of friends at viceroy santa monica

Outdoor Dining in Santa Monica

Enjoy Santa Monica’s endless sunshine, sea breezes and unique neighborhoods while experiencing the city’s amazing restaurants with outdoor dining – from beach restaurants with 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 and a front patio with an outdoor seating area to enjoy the view of Third Street Promenade. Additional restaurants with outdoor seating with happy hour includes:

1212 santa monica an outdoor restaurants in 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 for a meal with an ocean breeze. It features terrific beach grub and tables located on the beach so you can put your feet in the sand.

Another family-friendly dining option is Birdie G’s which has an elevated kid friendly menu that include cuisines like Potato-Crusted Chicken Fingers or Matzo Pizza.

Cloverfield is a great spot that draws families who appreciate the fun atmosphere and view from its expansive outdoor patio. Hop the street from Cloverfield to Airport Park and let the kids roam on theplayground or the fenced in field.

Santa Monica Dining with Great Views

Coast at Shutters on the Beach allows you to head off the sand and into the restaurant for a casual Santa Monica 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.

Indulge in Farm-to-Table Dining Outside

Kick back at Le Great Outdoor and enjoy fresh, farm-to-table dishes in a laid-back, open-air setting. Whether it’s brunch or dinner, their seasonal menu and craft cocktails make for the perfect, easygoing dining experience under the California sky.

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.

Lunetta uses the freshest ingredients available by getting everything locally sourced by farmers nearby. Their menu depends on what ingredients are most abundant on the California coast. They have a beautiful outdoor patio to soak in that Santa Monica weather. If you are looking for a farm-to-table restaurant, Lunetta is a fantastic place.

Quick & Healthy Eats

Kreation Cafe on Montana Avenue is the perfect place to indulge in rustic Persian cuisine and healthy modern 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 healthily 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. They have a large, heated outdoor patio that seats over 70 guests.

Margo’s Santa Monica is a 100% plant-based pizza kitchen & bar. Margo’s has a special brunch menu with the option of bottomless mimosa. They also have a shaded outdoor seating area.

Elegant Al Fresco Dining in Santa Monica

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.

Pasjoli is an elevated restaurant featuring elevated French cuisine using the freshest produce available in Southern California. From award-winning chef, Dave Beran, every meal at Pasjoli brings a refreshing take on creative and thoughtful cooking that are sure to please every palette.

Casual Restaurants with Outdoor Seating in Santa Monica

Brunch in Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica Picnic Co. is a great option for experiencing Santa Monica’s fresh dining experience in the great outdoors. Enjoy a charcuterie board and other local menu options during a private, elegant picnic on famous Santa Monica Beach. From picnic tables to blankets, lighting and florals, and plenty of games, there’s lots of add-ons to choose from to make your picnic the best yet. 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.

outdoor dining with santa monica picnic co

Blogs

Discover Santa Monica

Explore itineraries, local tips, hot spots and curated adventures to make sure you get the most out of your Santa Monica experience.

View All Blogs