Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Santa Monica

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

Beach CitiesHollywoodSan Fernando Valley / ValenciaSouth LAWest Hollywood / Beverly Hills / Mid-WilshireWestside

Neighborhoods

Bel-AirBeverly / Fairfax / La Brea / Third St.Beverly HillsBrentwoodCentury CityCulver City

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

114 restaurants available nearby

1. Meat On Ocean

4.7

Exceptional(3461)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Santa Monica

Booked 33 times today

Meat On Ocean is a meat-centric, modern steakhouse in Santa Monica that offers both a sense of adventure and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Beyond the offerings of a world-class steakhouse, Meat On Ocean features an artisanal charcuterie bar, an exhibition dry-aging room and a variety of prime beef – from dry-aged domestic cuts to Japanese A-5. Integral to the operation is a highly trained crew of servers and butchers, who communicate directly with Guests about the beef, organically farmed chickens, house made sausages, choice seafood and more.Located on the corner of Ocean and Broadway, Meat On Ocean is steps from the action - including the Santa Monica Pier, shopping and hotels.Starting May 2024, Meat On Ocean is also your headquarters for private dining and events, with customizable spaces that are perfect for social events, corporate meetings, birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, wedding receptions and ceremonies, with full audio/visual connectivity.

2. Tar & Roses

4.9

Exceptional(4259)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Santa Monica

Booked 46 times today

Tar & Roses is a globally inspired culinary experience. Chef Andrew Kirschner has transformed his kitchen into a local and welcoming home, focused on the element of the wood fired oven to bring out the best flavor in our dishes. Coming straight from the visionary mind of our award winning chef, our menu is created with only the highest quality ingredients and fresh, local products. This attention to detail helps makes our food a perfected craft which will inspire you to be adventurous, in the most approachable and delicious way possible. When you step into Tar & Roses, you'll feel like you are coming home. Our entire staff awaits your arrival with warm smiles and thoughtful service ~ please, come share a meal with us!

A photo of North Italia - Santa Monica restaurant

3. North Italia - Santa Monica

4.3

Awesome(1511)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Santa Monica

Booked 20 times today

Everyone has a favorite dish at North. Every day, our Chefs start from scratch to create handmade pizza and pasta using only the best ingredients to craft inspired dishes from the garden, farm, and sea. North defines the standards for handcrafted Italian. Our menu offers a great selection of antipasti (daily soup, charcuterie, bruschetta), salads full of seasonal ingredients, and a main entrée menu driven by both traditional Italian cuisine and lighter fresh fish dishes. North is a great neighborhood spot for family and friends to meet and share a handcrafted experience. From the food to the service, at North every detail matters. Due to recent current events, we will be only open for to go sales only at this point in time. Thank you for your understanding

4. Shoreside

(0)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Monica

Coming Soon this Fall! Welcome to Shoreside Santa Monica, where we offer the quintessential indoor-outdoor coastal dining experience, seamlessly capturing the relaxed ambiance and sun-soaked charm of Southern California. Indulge in the flavors of Southern California with our locally inspired menu crafted with the freshest ingredients. This coastal haven effortlessly blends timeless charm with contemporary California cool. A destination to savor cocktails poolside, gather with friends for a delicious meal, or socialize into the evening hours in our cozy lobby lounge. Join us to experience the locally inspired menu of SoCal rich flavors and premium drink selections against the backdrop of Santa Monica's coastal scene.

A photo of Calabra at Santa Monica Proper restaurant

5. Calabra at Santa Monica Proper

4.8

Exceptional(1596)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Santa Monica

Booked 53 times today

Calabra at Santa Monica Proper Hotel (One MICHELIN Key 2024) is located on the hotel's rooftop. The elevated garden terrace provides an inspiring atmosphere, with the ocean as a backdrop. Whether from the pool sundeck or circular bar, the views are best enjoyed with dinner, boutique wines, seasonal cocktails, and small-batch spirits. Serving Mediterranean & Californian cuisine with a view. Seating arrangements for all reservations at Calabra may include outdoor dining, bar area, as well as our indoor/ outdoor covered lounge space. Be sure to dress warmly.**Dinner reservations are for dining only. Drinks will be accommodated upon first come first serve at the bar area. Private Couch Alcoves are available with a rental and minimum spend**

6. Gjelina

4.7

Exceptional(2372)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Venice

Booked 169 times today

Gjelina is a restaurant specializing in New American cuisine. Open every day from 8 a.m. until 11pm, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. For breakfast, try 9 grain pancakes with butter and maple syrup or warm banana buckwheat loaf with butter and jam of the day. Brunch options include Moroccan baked eggs and 7 grain porridge. Gjelina offers a variety of oysters, crudo, charcuterie and salad options to start at lunch and dinner. Main courses include pizzas from our wood fired oven and entrees like duck confit, house made pastas and roasted organic half chicken.*Only ADA certified animals are allowed in Gjelina*A 20% Mandatory Service Charge is added to your check. Our belief is that every hourly Gjelina employee contributes to your service and 100% of the MSC will be distributed amongst them.

7. Lunetta

4.6

Exceptional(2202)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Californian • Santa Monica

Booked 37 times today

Chef Raphael Lunetta and Emilio Cuyuch chef driven neighborhood diner with rustic California dining room and bar. Lunetta serves great food paired with locally roasted coffee options, classic cocktails, large selection of craft beer and delicious wines that we enjoy drinking with our family & friends.We buy the freshest ingredients we can find. We cook seasonally because that’s what is fresh and best. We support local farmers and businesses whenever we can, because the best flavor naturally follows. Menus for Lunetta are locally sourced and responsibly grown, using seasonal ingredients based on the abundant product available on the California Coast. Our full bar features classic as well as craft cocktails using the finest in artisan spirits, mixers and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Our comprehensive wine list highlights small California producers and artisan winemakers from around the world.

8. Fia

4.6

Exceptional(2534)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Santa Monica

Booked 44 times today

Hidden inside a lush, secret garden in the coastal enclave of Santa Monica, Fia is the first collaboration between hospitality trailblazer Michael Greco and celebrated Chef Brendan Collins. A venue designed by acclaimed designer Matt Winter ~ Fia is an urban oasis, where Greco's service mantra is rooted in a dedication to hospitality... Service, Service, Service. Collins' craveable menu delivers on flavor & execution, highlighting the freshest seasonal ingredients, inspired by California & Italian Coastal Cuisine, that will satisfy all. Add to the equation, carefully crafted cocktails, and old & new world wine list. Maximum reservable table size is for eight persons, see Fia website for event/catering inquiries. Weekend Brunch with Bottomless Mimosas & Margaritas (2 hour time limit per booking)We do not allow dogs (excepting certified service animals)We allow one special bottle for a $45 corkage as long as we do not carry that same bottle in our award winning wine cellar.

9. Papille Gustative

4.3

Awesome(180)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Farm-to-table • Santa Monica

Booked 5 times today

Papille Gustative LAFarm to table, seasonal Artisan foods, single origin, sustainably grown and certified Coffees and Teas, as well as local craft beers and organic, biodynamic wines. Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Brunch . A low impact, Zero waste facility located in Santa Monica CA. Cozy private room and patio. One block to the Santa Monica beach.

10. La Vecchia Cucina

4.9

Exceptional(2111)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Santa Monica

Booked 24 times today

La Vecchia Cucina has been Santa Monica, California's finest neighborhood Italian restaurant since 1990, located by the blue Pacific on historic Main Street. Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite, a full course dinner, an evening snack, or something in between, La Vecchia Cucina offers outstanding Italian cuisine, a great wine list, a luxurious selection of desserts, a full bar, great service and a relaxed atmosphere.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
ritaVIP
Los Angeles •31 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Really great attentive service. The food was very tasty and it was a beautiful place for a Sunday rooftop brunch.
More info
Calabra at Santa Monica ProperPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Santa Monica
•
4.8
L
LawrenceVIP
Los Angeles •78 reviews
4.0
Dined 5 days ago
This restaurant is very good, but rated higher than it should be. Very good food, interesting menu but cramped tables, very loud. Mediocre wine list and very challenging to park.
More info
Tar & RosesPrice: Expensive• American• Santa Monica
•
4.9
M
Matthew
Los Angeles •1 review
4.0
Dined 5 days ago
it’s hard to dictate what seating arrangement to choose - standard and or high table , if you had photos of each option it would be easier to navigate and decide, it’s almost like a guessing game, noise level a bit too loud - but good food and service are what matters most just the experience could have been better
More info
North Italia - Santa MonicaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Santa Monica
•
4.3
J
James
Los Angeles •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 16, 2025
Had a great Saturday night here , got the prime ribeye chef choice on cook , came out great! Side of asparagus so fresh and juicy also got a side of mac and cheese which had the best cheesy profile. I also got the choice of 3 sauces which weren’t needed because the steak was perfectly cooked but for added experience it was well worth it. 10/10 would recommend!
More info
Meat On OceanPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Santa Monica
•
4.7

Explore OpenTable

Neighborhood
Outdoor dining

Santa Monica

Manhattan Beach
Pomona
Montebello
Calabasas
El Sereno
Moorpark
Hollywood
West Los Angeles
Riverside
Downey / Norwalk / Santa Fe Springs
Century City
Arcadia
Flower District
Hawthorne / Gardena
Huntington Park / Bell / Maywood
Montrose
West Hollywood
Pico Rivera
Beverly Hills
Long Beach