Los Angeles does outdoor dining better than almost anywhere in North America, not just because the weather usually co-operates, but because the city’s restaurant scene has built whole identities around patios, rooftops, courtyards, and garden rooms. Whether you want a string-lit backyard in the Arts District, a West Hollywood rooftop that turns dinner into a night out, or a quiet courtyard where you can actually hear your friends, this guide pulls together go-to options across the city, with the practical details you need to plan a meal.
Before you book, one piece of local context matters. The City of Los Angeles adopted a permanent Al Fresco Ordinance in December 2023, which streamlines rules for outdoor dining on private property such as patios, parking lots, and plazas. It is one reason you’re seeing more ambitious outdoor builds that feel less “temporary” and more like permanent neighbourhood fixtures. You can read the city’s overview and links to the ordinance on the Los Angeles City Planning website: planning.lacity.gov.
Outdoor dining can also be a window into how Los Angeles is changing, block by block. From the downtown core’s post-pandemic patio boom to the way major events will test our streets and transit, the conversation about where people gather in public is tied to bigger civic debates, including the city’s preparations for the Games. For more on that, see our reporting on Los Angeles council clashes with LA28 over local Olympic con.
Best rooftop restaurants in Los Angeles with skyline views
If you are chasing views, rooftops are the easy win. The trade-off is that the best ones book up early, can lean loud, and often enforce dress codes or have minimums during peak hours. These are the rooftops that deliver the classic LA “up high” feeling.
- Perch, 448 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013. French-inspired rooftop bar and restaurant with a true downtown panorama and frequent live music. Practical details: happy hour is typically 4 pm to 6 pm, check the current menu and schedules at perchla.com. Expect cocktails in the $18 to $22 range, and mains commonly around $28 to $45.
- Cara Cara (Downtown LA Proper Hotel), 1100 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015. A colourful rooftop room with an outdoor terrace that feels like a vacation set, strong for sunset drinks and shareable plates. Reservations are commonly through OpenTable, details at properhotel.com. Expect a spend similar to other hotel rooftops, cocktails often around $18 to $22.
- LA Cha Cha Chá, 812 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013. A lively Arts District rooftop for mezcal cocktails, grilled meats, and tacos, with string lights and skyline views. Prices are usually mid-range, plan for $6 to $10 tacos and $18-plus cocktails. Book ahead for weekend evenings.
- Sushisamba, 639 N La Peer Dr, West Hollywood, CA 90069. A high-design rooftop with a retractable roof, ideal for celebratory dinners and out-of-town guests. This is a splurge spot, and reservations tend to open two weeks out. More details and booking links are listed by The Infatuation.
Local tip: for rooftops, aim for a 30 to 45 minute window before sunset, then let the city lights take over. If you prefer a quieter meal, choose a weeknight seating, or a first seating on weekends.
Best garden and courtyard restaurants in Los Angeles for a quieter meal
Not everyone wants a rooftop party. Courtyards and gardens are where LA’s outdoor dining feels like an actual escape, even if you are five minutes from a major artery. These are strong choices for dates, catch-ups, and anyone who wants shade, greenery, and lower noise.
- Gracias Madre, 8905 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069. A plant-filled patio that has become one of the city’s most recognizable outdoor dining rooms. It is entirely vegan, but the crowd is not. Expect cocktails, mezcal, and upscale Mexican flavours. Dinner entrées often land around $20 to $30.
- Manuela, 907 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013. A courtyard in the Arts District connected to Hauser & Wirth, with seasonal Californian cooking and a leafy outdoor setup that works for lunch or dinner. Typical mains are in the $30s. Great for a weekend gallery-and-lunch plan.
- Inn of the Seventh Ray, 128 Old Topanga Canyon Rd, Topanga, CA 90290. If you want a true garden dining experience, this is the classic. The setting is lush and romantic, and it is popular for celebrations. Prices vary, but plan for a higher spend than a neighbourhood bistro.
If you are looking for a post-dinner walk, pair a courtyard meal with a neighbourhood stroll. For coastal air, you can build a full afternoon around the water, see our guide to The 10 best beaches in Los Angeles for sun, surf, and sand.
Best patio restaurants in Los Angeles for people-watching and neighbourhood energy
Some patios are about the food, others are about the city around you. If you want to feel like you are “in LA” rather than dining in a walled garden, these patios are built for the hum of the street and the buzz of a busy room.
- Everson Royce Bar, 1936 E 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90021. A quintessential Arts District plan: cocktails, a burger, and a big string-lit back patio that suits groups. Hours are commonly 4 pm to 2 am, as listed in Apple Maps guides. Prices: expect $16 to $20 cocktails, plus bar food and an excellent burger.
- Alba, 8451 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069. An Italian spot known for a polished outdoor room that feels tailor-made for long lunches and birthday dinners. Reservations via Resy, details at resy.com. Expect mains in the $30 to $50 range.
- Dante Beverly Hills, 233 S Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90212. A stylish patio for aperitivo energy, strong cocktails, and a see-and-be-seen crowd. It is a reliable choice when you want a “nice” meal outdoors without a rooftop scene.
Neighbourhood patios can also be a good way to explore LA’s cross-cultural dining trends. Given recent culinary news, including how Nine New York restaurants were added to the Michelin Guide, we dug into the Australian influence around town in Australian Flavors Take L.A. by Storm: A Culinary Invasion.
Best outdoor dining near the beach in Los Angeles
When the marine layer co-operates, eating outdoors near the ocean is hard to beat. Coastal patios can be breezy and cooler than inland LA, so bring a light jacket for dinner, even in summer.
- Cobi’s, 2104 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405. A tropical-leaning patio and Southeast Asian menu that feels like a mini-getaway. Often listed among LA’s best outdoor dining by Resy. Prices are approachable for Santa Monica, with many plates in the $18 to $32 range.
- Si! Mon, 1608 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291. A lively Abbot Kinney patio with modern Latin flavours, good for brunch and early evening drinks. Expect mid-range pricing and a fashionable, walkable location.
- Great White (various locations). While locations can change over time, the brand is known for bright, airy outdoor seating that fits a beach-day schedule. Verify the nearest location and hours before you go.
If you want to make a full day of it, consider parking once and walking between a beach, a patio lunch, and sunset drinks. Santa Monica and Venice are the easiest for that kind of car-light plan.
Best outdoor dining in downtown LA and the Arts District
Downtown’s outdoor dining scene has become more confident and more permanent in recent years, with rooftops, courtyards, and patios that make the most of historic buildings and warm nights. If you are worried about parking, use a paid lot and plan to walk a few blocks, it is often simpler than circling.
- Perch, 448 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013. Best for visitors and big-city atmosphere. Reserve ahead.
- Manuela, 907 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013. Best for a slower, greener meal, and a daytime plan with galleries.
- Everson Royce Bar, 1936 E 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90021. Best for groups, late nights, and a “hangout” patio.
- LA Cha Cha Chá, 812 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013. Best for a party rooftop vibe without leaving the Arts District.
Safety note: like anywhere in a big city, stick to well-lit routes, keep an eye on your belongings, and consider ride-share for late nights. Planning ahead can make downtown patios feel effortless.
Outdoor dining tips for Los Angeles: reservations, weather, and local rules
Book smarter. For trendier rooftops and hotel patios, grab a reservation 7 to 14 days out. For more casual patios, your best bet is arriving at opening, or targeting an off-peak lunch.
Plan for microclimates. Beach areas can run 5 to 10 degrees cooler than inland neighbourhoods, and downtown can feel warmer, especially in late summer. A light layer is the simplest fix.
Know what “outdoor” means. Some places have fully open patios, others have retractable roofs, and some are “semi-outdoor” with open sides. If you have allergies or are sensitive to smoke, call ahead and ask how open the space really is.
Be a good patio neighbour. Outdoor dining is more regulated than it looks. Noise, hours, and layout can be part of a restaurant’s permits. The city’s Al Fresco rules are designed to keep outdoor dining viable while balancing neighbourhood impacts, see the City Planning overview here: City of Los Angeles Planning.
Have a backup plan. June Gloom is real, and occasional rain does happen. If the patio is your whole reason for going, choose a restaurant with covered sections or heaters, and confirm the policy on moving indoors.
Best outdoor dining for special occasions in Los Angeles
For birthdays, anniversaries, and out-of-town visitors, the “wow” factor often matters as much as the menu. These spots reliably feel like an event.
- Sushisamba, 639 N La Peer Dr, West Hollywood, CA 90069. A statement rooftop, best for a night out where the setting is part of the entertainment.
- Yamashiro Hollywood, 1999 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068. A historic hilltop setting with sweeping views. It is a classic for celebrations and visitors who want old-Hollywood atmosphere with dinner.
- Catch LA, 8715 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069. A high-energy rooftop that stays popular for groups and milestone dinners. Expect premium pricing and a scene.
In these “occasion” rooms, the best tables go early. If the restaurant offers a note field when you book, mention you are specifically hoping for outdoor seating, and whether you prefer shade or a view.
