Best Outdoor Restaurants in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles is a city that thrives outdoors, and its dining scene reflects that perfectly. From rooftop terraces with sweeping views to lush gardens and relaxed backyard-inspired patios, there is no shortage of ways to enjoy a meal under the California sun or stars. The following restaurants each bring a unique take on al fresco dining, combining atmosphere and culinary excellence. Whether you are seeking a chic rooftop, a vegetable-forward haven, or a casual courtyard, these standout destinations capture the best of outdoor dining in LA.
Funke
Funke, located in Beverly Hills, is a three-level restaurant from renowned chef Evan Funke. Known for his dedication to traditional Italian pasta making, Funke delivers both culinary craft and architectural beauty. The rooftop, called Bar Funke, provides a truly elevated outdoor experience with lush greenery and stunning views that stretch across Beverly Hills and the Hollywood Hills. Guests enjoy a polished yet approachable atmosphere, where the setting feels as important as the dishes themselves. The combination of Italian classics and a rooftop filled with light and plant life makes this a must-visit outdoor dining destination.
Ardor
Ardor, set inside The West Hollywood EDITION, brings together chef-driven innovation with a focus on vegetables and locally sourced ingredients. The menu is California cuisine at its finest, offering colorful plates that highlight the region’s agricultural bounty. The outdoor garden patio is filled with greenery, creating an oasis-like setting in the middle of one of LA’s busiest neighborhoods. Guests are surrounded by natural textures and foliage, giving the space a calming and refined feel. Dining here allows visitors to escape the noise of the city while still being in the heart of West Hollywood.
Tacolina
Tacolina, located in Silver Lake, brings a taste of Baja California to Los Angeles with fresh ingredients, handmade tortillas, and bold flavors. The restaurant’s outdoor courtyard is one of its defining features, offering a relaxed yet vibrant space filled with plants, cozy seating, and fire pits. This setup makes it comfortable for diners year-round, whether enjoying tacos during a summer afternoon or cocktails on a cool evening. The atmosphere feels both tropical and casual, providing the perfect backdrop for Tacolina’s inventive take on Mexican cuisine. It is a space that celebrates both food and community through design and hospitality.
Michael’s (Santa Monica)
Michael’s has been a cornerstone of Santa Monica’s dining scene since 1979, credited with shaping the modern California cuisine movement. Over the years, the restaurant has become known for its emphasis on art, design, and innovation, and its outdoor spaces are equally celebrated. The garden patio, surrounded by greenery and filled with natural light, offers a timeless outdoor dining experience. With heaters and ample seating, it remains comfortable throughout the year, making it an enduring favorite for Westside diners. Michael’s blends history and hospitality, reminding guests why it has remained a classic for decades.
Le Great Outdoor
Le Great Outdoor in Santa Monica lives up to its name, offering an entirely open-air restaurant concept. Located within the Bergamot Station arts complex, the space feels like a refined backyard barbecue, with picnic-style seating and grilling at the center of the experience. The design is intentionally casual yet stylish, making guests feel as if they are part of a shared community meal. Seasonal produce and grilled specialties form the backbone of the menu, giving the restaurant both freshness and familiarity. The vibe is relaxed, sun-soaked, and social, bringing something unique to LA’s outdoor dining landscape.
Outdoor Inspiration for Home with Teak Master
The restaurants highlighted here each demonstrate how outdoor spaces can completely transform the dining experience. From the rooftop views at Funke to the lush serenity at Ardor, the tropical courtyard of Tacolina, the timeless garden of Michael’s, and the backyard-inspired design at Le Great Outdoor, these venues show that atmosphere is just as important as cuisine. For homeowners, the same principles can be applied to create personal outdoor spaces that are inviting and functional. Teak Master specializes in refinishing and restoring teak furniture so it looks its best, allowing it to become the centerpiece of patios, gardens, and courtyards. Just like these restaurants, your own outdoor area can be a place where style, comfort, and community come together.
Photo by paul voie: https://www.pexels.com/photo/tables-and-chairs-under-canopy-2523376/