Since 1969, restaurant, hotel, travel & other witty reviews by a handpicked, worldwide team of discerning professionals—and your views, too.


Best Central Coast Outdoor Dining


Enjoy dining al fresco?  Let yourself be romanced by the sidewalk sounds of a big city or pampered by the peacefulness of a patio garden. Flock to the terrace, deck or boulevard table and share a bite, under the sun, an oversized patio umbrella or the stars. Be it a brunch in the breeze, sunset supper or long lunch, all of it tastes best outside. Visit a few of these top airy hot spots for the best outdoor dining on California's Central Coast.


Central Coast (CA) Restaurant Search Central Coast (CA) Restaurant News
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Gather Wine Bar Wine Bar
Quick Bite
122 E. Branch St.
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
805-474-4771
This welcoming wine bar in the heart of the Village offers wine flights and light bites. More...

The Grill at Hunter Ranch American
12/20
Hunter Ranch Golf Course
4041 E. Hwy. 46
Paso Robles, CA 93446
805-237-7440 | Menu
Above par golf course fare in the heart of Paso Robles wine country. More...

Kai Lana Sushi & Seafood Sushi
13/20
3000 El Camino Real
Atascadero, CA 93422
805-462-2232
Enjoy both traditional and inventive sushi, plus island-inspired dishes and non-seafood fare at this unassuming north county eatery. More...

Lido Restaurant California
14/20
Dining Room at Lido Restaurant, Shell Beach, CA Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa
2727 Shell Beach Rd.
Shell Beach, CA 93449
805-773-8900 | Menu
Sophisticated wine country dining beside the Pacific Ocean. More...

Marisol at The Cliffs Resort Contemporary
14/20
The Cliffs Resort
2757 Shell Beach Rd.
Shell Beach, CA 93449
805-773-5000 | Menu
This seaside resort celebrates local ingredients with fine dining and a view of the Pacific’s edge. More...

Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill Seafood
12/20
6550 Moonstone Beach Dr.
Cambria, CA 93428
805-927-3859 | Menu
No beachfront tourist trap, this family-friendly seafood house offers generous portions at reasonable prices. More...

Novo Global
14/20
Dining Room at Novo, San Luis Obispo, CA 726 Higuera St.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
805-543-3986 | Menu
An artsy eatery for global dishes from Thailand, Japan and the Mediterranean. More...

Robin's Restaurant International
14/20
4095 Burton Dr.
Cambria, CA 93428
805-927-5007 | Menu
You won’t find fusion here, everything’s fresh and true to it source, be it Morocco, Singapore or Mexico. More...

Schooners Wharf American
11/20
Dining Room at Schooners Wharf, Cayucos, CA 171 N. Ocean Ave.
Cayucos, CA 93430
805-995-3883
A casual, neighborhood spot with great views and a much improved menu. More...

Thomas Hill Organics California
14/20
1305 Park St.
Paso Robles, CA 93446
805-226-5888 | Menu
Farm-fresh ingredients shine in inventive dishes from the kitchen and the outdoor wood-burning pizza oven. More...

View the Top 10 Outdoor Dining Restaurants in the U.S.

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