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Outdoor dining space looking out on Mission Beach.

Seek Out These Outdoor Dining Spots in San Diego

Find restaurants with cozy garden patios or stunning beach views

by Helen I. Hwang Updated May 18, 2023, 9:03am PDT

1 comment / new

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Outdoor dining space looking out on Mission Beach.

| Dockside 1953

by Helen I. Hwang Updated May 18, 2023, 9:03am PDT

1 comment / new

Sunny skies, mild temperatures, and unbeatable views are just a few reasons why San Diego is so perfect for outdoor dining. Even when the sun sets and the weather cools, most restaurants are equipped with patio heaters and cozy blankets for borrowing. With picturesque views that range from the scenic Pacific Ocean to bustling cityscapes, it would be foolish not to take advantage of the outdoor dining options that abound in our corner of the country.

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Valle Restaurant

This Oceanside restaurant boasts stellar views of the Pacific Ocean from the wraparound patio. Not only do diners feast their eyes on the view, but they’re also privy to the culinary creations of chef Roberto Alcocer. Dishes, like langosta Puerto Nuevo (butter poached lobster taco) and wagyu costilla (48-hour short ribs with coffee and ancho chile jus), have earned the restaurant recognition in the recent Michelin California Guide.

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201 N Myers St, Oceanside, CA 92054

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Patio at night with string lights overhead.

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19 Stellar Spots for Waterfront Dining in San Diego

Jeune et Jolie

The gardenesque patio space whisks diners away to a faraway French countryside villa with lush overarching trees, soft table lighting, and bright string lights. Diners can nestle in for a Michelin-starred, four-course tasting menu with highlights like rabbit with rhubarb and beet raspberry creme fraiche.

Open in Google Maps

2659 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Visit Website

Starry Night dining patio at Jeune et Jolie in Carlsbad — Starry night dining patio at Jeune et Jolie in Carlsbad

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Valentina

With abundant outdoor seating, this North County restaurant off the 101 oozes Spanish beach vibes. Valentina’s solid wine list (along with its off-the-menu bright Aperol spritz cocktail) pairs well with Mediterranean specialties like gambas al ajillo and Mediterranean sashimi. The breezy open windows and enclosed covered patio terrace keep guests cozy while enjoying the fresh air.

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810 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024

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Abundant outdoor seating at Valentina.

Mille Fleurs

Newly-minted executive chef Brandon Jennings has taken over the kitchen at the Rancho Santa Fe enclave. The courtyard outdoor dining area is overflowing with foliage and country home vibes. Try the pan-roasted Atlantic Dover sole (flown in daily) with Chino Farms produce, or the Mille Fleurs lobster salad.

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6009 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

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Outdoor dining area at Mille Fleurs.

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Cross Street Chicken and Beer

This North County location of the Korean fried chicken and beer restaurant has an open-air dining terrace at the Del Mar Highlands Town Center. Enjoy recent additions like soon dubu, a Korean tofu soup, with cocktails, like an ube jasmine collins, next to a pedestrianized walkway.

Open in Google Maps

12955 El Camino Real G2, San Diego, CA 92130

Visit Website

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A post shared by Cross Street Chicken & Beer - Fried Chicken Restaurant (@crossstreetcnb)

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Urbana Mexican Gastronomy & Mixology

Located at Del Mar Highlands Town Center’s Skydeck food collective, this spot offers a 1,000-square-foot outdoor patio that’s above the tree line and under the stars. Try their tiki margarita and carnitas tacos with scratch-made salsas.

Open in Google Maps

12841 EL CAMINO REAL #200 Del Mar highlands, Del Mar, CA 92130

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by URBANA (@urbanadelmar)

A.R. Valentien

While the inside of A.R. Valentien is decorated with warm woods, it’s the outdoor dining area you’ll want to request for sweeping views of the famous Torrey Pines golf course and the Pacific Ocean. Helmed by chef Kelli Crosson, the farm-to-table restaurant boasts hyperlocal dishes and a robust wine list to enjoy with the view.

11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

Tables on an outdoor patio above a golf course.

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George's at the Cove

Perched above Prospect Street where you’ll score a picturesque view of La Jolla Cove, Scripps Pier, and the Torrey Pines bluffs, the aptly-named Ocean Terrace at George’s is considered a quintessential San Diego dining experience for sunset toasts or lunch with friends.

1250 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

Two wine glasses toasting with view of ocean in the background.

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La Valencia Hotel

The view from the hotel’s seventh-floor Ocean View Terrace is magnificent with a birds-eye perspective of La Jolla Cove. Ask for table #625 for the ideal view while enjoying Mediterranean dishes, like shawarma-spiced octopus and persimmon scallops.

1132 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

Ocean View Terrace.

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Marisi

The whimsically decorated open-air dining area invites visitors when they first walk into the La Jolla restaurant where the Italian hearth cooking and expertly-crafted pasta, inventive cocktails, and housemade limoncello invoke the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.

Open in Google Maps

1044 Wall St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

The entrance of a restaurant. — Marisi.

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Paradisaea

This relatively new Bird Rock restaurant has added a fresh outdoor patio with heaters where you can hear live music streaming in from the iconic baby grand piano in the main dining area. Catch the lively happy hours with a bites menu and cocktails like Ocean Planet, a blue-hued vodka cocktail where 50 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Scripps Institute of Oceanography.

Open in Google Maps

5680 La Jolla Blvd, San Diego, CA 92037

Visit Website

Paradisaea’s outdoor patio space.

Also featured in:

Where to Find Dine-In or Takeout Easter Feasts in San Diego

Dockside 1953

This new waterfront dining restaurant has recently opened at the Bahia Resort Hotel with views of cabanas on Mission Bay beach and the hotel's paddleboat steamer moored in the marina. Led by executive chef Bryan Stuppy, the menu features seafood towers and chicken under a brick, a recipe from its sister restaurant A.R. Valentien.

Open in Google Maps

998 W Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109

Visit Website

Outdoor dining terrace overlooking Mission Bay.

Also featured in:

Where to Find Dine-In or Takeout Easter Feasts in San Diego

White Rice Bodega

Acclaimed chef Phillip Esteban invokes the nostalgic flavors of his childhood with Filipino cuisine. Chill out on the Adams Avenue-facing patio while dining on smoked cabbage with patis (Filipino fish sauce) Caesar dressing or silog, a rice bowl made with garlic rice and fried egg.

Open in Google Maps

3586 Adams Ave Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92116

Visit Website

Outdoor dining area at White Rice Bodega.

Also featured in:

The Hottest Restaurants in San Diego, June 2023

Arlo

Bask in the retro vibes at the Town and Country Resort with a view of the pool and waterslide from Arlo’s dining patio. Chef Josh Mouzakes offers a variety of easy-to-share plates, like wood-fired flatbreads, to go along with an extensive wine and beer selection.

Open in Google Maps

500 Hotel Cir N, San Diego, CA 92108

Visit Website

Outdoor dining area.

Also featured in:

Wormwood

With an absinthe-focused menu, a trip to an outdoor table in the backyard’s lush secret garden feels extra clandestine. The Bohemian atmosphere is nicely touched off with Parisian dishes like confit de canard and quatre fromages.

Open in Google Maps

4677 30th St, San Diego, CA 92116

Visit Website

Plate of food set outside.

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Fort Oak

The urban patio area tucked between two indoor dining spaces is a perfect setup for chef Brad Wise’s wood-fired dishes and $1 oysters on Monday afternoons between 4 and 6 p.m. Sip on a cocktail concocted by bar manager Jess Stewart, such as the Roadmaster, an old fashioned with orange black pepper oleo.

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1011 Fort Stockton Dr, San Diego, CA 92103

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Outdoor dining terrace at Fort Oak — Outdoor dining terrace at Fort Oak.

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Carruth Cellars Urban Winegarden & Cheese Shop: Liberty Station

Indulge in a wine and cheese flight in the darling wine gardens lined with olive trees and decked out with string lights. With locations in Little Italy, Solana Beach, Carlsbad, Oceanside, and Liberty Station, guests can also find crostini flights and an extensive cheese shop with fromage from around the world.

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2710 Historic Decatur Rd Barracks 17, San Diego, CA 92106

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Carruth Cellars Wine Garden at Liberty Station.

Mister A's

The classic San Diego old-school dining destination has undergone an invigorating transformation in the hands of proprietor Ryan Thorsen. The former operations director took over from the legendary Bertrand Hug and transformed the dining area into a sleek, modern space with a sumptuous cocktail bar for drop-in drinks and decadent dishes, like hiramasa crudo and Maine lobster pot pie. The outdoor deck that wraps around two sides of the restaurant offers cushioned lounge seating and plenty of tables to take in the views of the city skyline, harbor, and planes as they glide below the guests and make their final descent to the San Diego Airport.

2550 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

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Outdoor dining balcony at Mister A’s — Outdoor dining balcony at Mister A’s.

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Kettner Exchange

Anchored by a beautiful olive tree, KEX’s buzzy rooftop patio has plenty of seating, from benches to cabanas and non-traditional options (read: giant swing) for laid-back Sunday brunches and dressy date nights. The cabanas in the open-air lounge can be reserved with a food and beverage minimum; a chilled-out way to relax with cocktail decanters and dishes from the chef’s menu.

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2001 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

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Rooftop patio at Kettner Exchange.

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Born and Raised

It doesn’t get more glamorous in San Diego than sipping cocktails on the teak rooftop at this see-and-be-seen steakhouse. Come for drinks at the bar or dinner framed by San Diego skyline views. If you do opt for dinner, try one of the new dishes from culinary director Perfecte Rocher and recently-promoted executive chef Charleen Sandoval, which include o-toro tartare and lamb loin with eggplant basil puree and mint chimichurri. Pro tip: the coveted corner table facing India Street is one of the best spots in the house.

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1909 India St, San Diego, CA 92101

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The rooftop patio at night with columns made to look like trees with twinkling lights and a black and white striped floor.

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Serea Coastal Cuisine

The anchor restaurant at the Hotel Del Coronado grants guests unparalleled views of Coronado Beach while taking in the hustle and bustle of visitors. The two-tiered patio is the perfect setting to indulge in chef JoJo Ruiz’s sustainable seafood menu.

1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118

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Tables on the outdoor patio at Serea looking out onto the Coronado Beach — Tables on the outdoor patio at Serea looking out onto the Coronado Beach.

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SEA180

No other restaurant patio places the diner practically right on the sands of Imperial Beach with a view of Mexico in the faraway distance. Stay on shore with ocean breezes to cool the air and fire pits to warm up. Sea180’s menu reflects its proximity to Baja with dishes like cured pork belly with pipian (pumpkin seed) mole and crab rigatoni made with guajillo salsa macha.

800 Seacoast Dr, Imperial Beach, CA 91932

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Two wine glasses lit by a firepit.

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Valle Restaurant

201 N Myers St, Oceanside, CA 92054

This Oceanside restaurant boasts stellar views of the Pacific Ocean from the wraparound patio. Not only do diners feast their eyes on the view, but they’re also privy to the culinary creations of chef Roberto Alcocer. Dishes, like langosta Puerto Nuevo (butter poached lobster taco) and wagyu costilla (48-hour short ribs with coffee and ancho chile jus), have earned the restaurant recognition in the recent Michelin California Guide.

Open in Google Maps

201 N Myers St, Oceanside, CA 92054

Visit Website

Patio at night with string lights overhead.

Jeune et Jolie

2659 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008

The gardenesque patio space whisks diners away to a faraway French countryside villa with lush overarching trees, soft table lighting, and bright string lights. Diners can nestle in for a Michelin-starred, four-course tasting menu with highlights like rabbit with rhubarb and beet raspberry creme fraiche.

Open in Google Maps

2659 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Visit Website

Starry Night dining patio at Jeune et Jolie in Carlsbad — Starry night dining patio at Jeune et Jolie in Carlsbad

Valentina

810 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024

With abundant outdoor seating, this North County restaurant off the 101 oozes Spanish beach vibes. Valentina’s solid wine list (along with its off-the-menu bright Aperol spritz cocktail) pairs well with Mediterranean specialties like gambas al ajillo and Mediterranean sashimi. The breezy open windows and enclosed covered patio terrace keep guests cozy while enjoying the fresh air.

Open in Google Maps

810 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024

Visit Website

Abundant outdoor seating at Valentina.

Mille Fleurs

6009 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

Newly-minted executive chef Brandon Jennings has taken over the kitchen at the Rancho Santa Fe enclave. The courtyard outdoor dining area is overflowing with foliage and country home vibes. Try the pan-roasted Atlantic Dover sole (flown in daily) with Chino Farms produce, or the Mille Fleurs lobster salad.

Open in Google Maps

6009 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

Visit Website

Outdoor dining area at Mille Fleurs.

Cross Street Chicken and Beer

12955 El Camino Real G2, San Diego, CA 92130

This North County location of the Korean fried chicken and beer restaurant has an open-air dining terrace at the Del Mar Highlands Town Center. Enjoy recent additions like soon dubu, a Korean tofu soup, with cocktails, like an ube jasmine collins, next to a pedestrianized walkway.

Open in Google Maps

12955 El Camino Real G2, San Diego, CA 92130

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cross Street Chicken & Beer - Fried Chicken Restaurant (@crossstreetcnb)

Urbana Mexican Gastronomy & Mixology

12841 EL CAMINO REAL #200 Del Mar highlands, Del Mar, CA 92130

Located at Del Mar Highlands Town Center’s Skydeck food collective, this spot offers a 1,000-square-foot outdoor patio that’s above the tree line and under the stars. Try their tiki margarita and carnitas tacos with scratch-made salsas.

Open in Google Maps

12841 EL CAMINO REAL #200 Del Mar highlands, Del Mar, CA 92130

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by URBANA (@urbanadelmar)

A.R. Valentien

11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037

While the inside of A.R. Valentien is decorated with warm woods, it’s the outdoor dining area you’ll want to request for sweeping views of the famous Torrey Pines golf course and the Pacific Ocean. Helmed by chef Kelli Crosson, the farm-to-table restaurant boasts hyperlocal dishes and a robust wine list to enjoy with the view.

11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

Tables on an outdoor patio above a golf course.

George's at the Cove

1250 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Perched above Prospect Street where you’ll score a picturesque view of La Jolla Cove, Scripps Pier, and the Torrey Pines bluffs, the aptly-named Ocean Terrace at George’s is considered a quintessential San Diego dining experience for sunset toasts or lunch with friends.

1250 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

Two wine glasses toasting with view of ocean in the background.

La Valencia Hotel

1132 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

The view from the hotel’s seventh-floor Ocean View Terrace is magnificent with a birds-eye perspective of La Jolla Cove. Ask for table #625 for the ideal view while enjoying Mediterranean dishes, like shawarma-spiced octopus and persimmon scallops.

1132 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

Ocean View Terrace.

Marisi

1044 Wall St, La Jolla, CA 92037

The whimsically decorated open-air dining area invites visitors when they first walk into the La Jolla restaurant where the Italian hearth cooking and expertly-crafted pasta, inventive cocktails, and housemade limoncello invoke the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.

Open in Google Maps

1044 Wall St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

The entrance of a restaurant. — Marisi.

Paradisaea

5680 La Jolla Blvd, San Diego, CA 92037

This relatively new Bird Rock restaurant has added a fresh outdoor patio with heaters where you can hear live music streaming in from the iconic baby grand piano in the main dining area. Catch the lively happy hours with a bites menu and cocktails like Ocean Planet, a blue-hued vodka cocktail where 50 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Scripps Institute of Oceanography.

Open in Google Maps

5680 La Jolla Blvd, San Diego, CA 92037

Visit Website

Paradisaea’s outdoor patio space.

Dockside 1953

998 W Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109

This new waterfront dining restaurant has recently opened at the Bahia Resort Hotel with views of cabanas on Mission Bay beach and the hotel's paddleboat steamer moored in the marina. Led by executive chef Bryan Stuppy, the menu features seafood towers and chicken under a brick, a recipe from its sister restaurant A.R. Valentien.

Open in Google Maps

998 W Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109

Visit Website

Outdoor dining terrace overlooking Mission Bay.

White Rice Bodega

3586 Adams Ave Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92116

Acclaimed chef Phillip Esteban invokes the nostalgic flavors of his childhood with Filipino cuisine. Chill out on the Adams Avenue-facing patio while dining on smoked cabbage with patis (Filipino fish sauce) Caesar dressing or silog, a rice bowl made with garlic rice and fried egg.

Open in Google Maps

3586 Adams Ave Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92116

Visit Website

Outdoor dining area at White Rice Bodega.

Arlo

500 Hotel Cir N, San Diego, CA 92108

Bask in the retro vibes at the Town and Country Resort with a view of the pool and waterslide from Arlo’s dining patio. Chef Josh Mouzakes offers a variety of easy-to-share plates, like wood-fired flatbreads, to go along with an extensive wine and beer selection.

Open in Google Maps

500 Hotel Cir N, San Diego, CA 92108

Visit Website

Outdoor dining area.

Wormwood

4677 30th St, San Diego, CA 92116

With an absinthe-focused menu, a trip to an outdoor table in the backyard’s lush secret garden feels extra clandestine. The Bohemian atmosphere is nicely touched off with Parisian dishes like confit de canard and quatre fromages.

Open in Google Maps

4677 30th St, San Diego, CA 92116

Visit Website