Best Places to Dine Outdoors in Santa Monica

Published on July 28, 2020

With sweeping views of the Los Angeles coastline and sunny afternoon weather 300 days a year, dining outside in Santa Monica is a great option for visitors who wish take advantage of the sunshine and fresh air.

The restaurants below all offer outdoor patios where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the outside environment just as much you enjoy eating their delicious food. There are many great restaurants in Santa Monica offering outdoor patios, open-air courtyards, and rooftop lounges. These are just a few of the places you can dine at when looking for a place to eat outside in Santa Monica.

 

Coast

Located inside the Shutters on the Beach where Pico Boulevards ends at the sea, Coast is a casual beachfront cafe and bar. Spicy guacamole and warm tortilla chips, raw oysters and their Organic Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl are featured on their extensive menu of California-inspired dishes. Their beach side patio features sweeping views of Santa Monica State beach and an excellent night-time vantage point to enjoy the nightly light programs on the Pacific Wheel.

 

Perry’s

Perry’s on the Beach offers 4 locations in Santa Monica and serves classic Californian cuisine for breakfast lunch and dinner. Take a morning stroll out on the sand then stop by Perry’s for the Big Wave Breakfast Burrito stuffed with eggs, potatoes, bacon, and mozzarella. Perry’s also offers their unique Beach Butler service: they will setup your beach chair, table and umbrella out on the sand, deliver tanning products, chilled beverages and even food so that you will never have to leave your towel.

 

The Albright

Serving fresh seafood on the Santa Monica Pier for over 40 years, The Albright is owned and managed by second-generation Santa Monicans Yunnie and Greg Morena. They serve grilled fish tacos, fresh live crab and lobster, and Mrs. Kim’s original recipe spicy seafood soup. Place your order at the counter and grab a seat out on their pier-deck patios to people watch, enjoy the warm sun, and soak in the sweeping views of the ocean from atop the world-famous Santa Monica Pier.

 

Ashland Hill

Opened in 2016, Ashland Hill is owned by fifth generation Santa Monica locals, the Verge family. Located in the heart of Main Street on the edge of Santa Monica and Venice, Ashland Hill offers tasty bites and exquisite cocktails on their heated, outdoor patio. We suggest the Shishito Mac & Cheese and the tasty Cornbread Fritters.

 

Blue Plate Oysterette

Having spent many years on the East coast enjoying lobster rolls & clam shacks, owner Jenny Rush longed for this food in her home town Santa Monica. They are committed to sourcing their seafood from fisherman and oyster farms around the world. In addition to a delicious selection of fresh, raw oysters, you can enjoy their Crabcake Sando while people watching and enjoying the western facing views on Ocean Avenue from their sidewalk dining area.

 

When planning your next outing in Santa Monica, check into these restaurants where you can have a meal outside in the fresh air. If you have a recommendation for a great outdoor dining option in Santa Monica, be sure to drop us a line on social media.

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Photo courtesy of @carloandseb