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Best Orange County, CA 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 in Orange County.


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View the Top 10 Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Orange County

Andrea Italian
15/20
Dining Room at Andrea, Newport Coast, CA The Resort at Pelican Hill
22701 Pelican Hill Rd. S.
Newport Coast, CA 92657
949-467-6800
Authentic Northern Italian cuisine in a casual, striking seaside setting. More...

Back Bay Bistro Contemporary
13/20
Dining Room at Back Bay Bistro, Newport Beach, CA Newport Dunes Resort
1131 Back Bay Dr.
Newport Beach, CA 92660
949-729-1144
The modern space adds chic charm to this on-the-bay contemporary dining spot. More...

Bayside Contemporary
15/20
Dining Room at Bayside, Newport Beach, CA 900 Bayside Dr.
Newport Beach, CA 92660
949-721-1222
One of Newport’s best kept secrets, Bayside hits high marks on upscale yet casual California décor, fine cuisine and a substantial wine cellar. More...

The Beach House Seafood
13/20
619 Sleepy Hollow Ln.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949-494-9707
Amazing Pacific Ocean views at this right-on-the-beach restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner. More...

Beach Pit BBQ Newport-Mesa Barbecue
12/20
1676 Tustin Ave.
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
949-645-7427
Family-friendly Newport Beach-Costa Mesa barbecue eatery. More...

The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove California
13/20
Dining Room at The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, CA 15 Crystal Cove
Newport Coast, CA 92657
949-376-6900
Fine seaside dining in a picturesque cottage at Crystal Cove. More...

Bluewater Grill Seafood
14/20
Dining Room at Bluewater Grill, Newport Beach, CA 630 Lido Park Dr.
Newport Beach, CA 92663
949-675-3474
An innovative New England-style seafood joint for the Orange County set. More...

Cafe Jardin American
13/20
Sherman Gardens
2647 E. Coast Hwy.
Corona del Mar, CA 92625
949-263-9400
Pascal Olhats' best-kept secret. More...

The Cannery Seafood
14/20
Dining Room at The Cannery, Newport Beach, CA 3010 Lafayette Rd.
Newport Beach, CA 92663
949-566-0060
Harborside landmark serves gourmet seafood in an artistic space. More...

Coliseum Pool & Grill American
14/20
Dining Room at Coliseum Pool & Grill, Newport Coast, CA The Resort at Pelican Hill
22701 Pelican Hill Rd. S.
Newport Coast, CA 92657
949-467-6800
A casual poolside restaurant with American, California and Italian cuisine inside The Resort at Pelican Hill. More...

The Deck on Laguna Beach Seafood
14/20
Pacific Edge Hotel
627 Sleepy Hollow Lane
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949-494-6700
Beachfront al fresco dining showcases the Laguna Beach lifestyle through refreshing libations, seafood, and an eye-catching view. More...

Eat Chow New American
13/20
The Closet
1802 Newport Blvd.
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
949-650-2469
Hip café in Newport Mesa, with rather good New American cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. More...

First Cabin Continental
14/20
Dining Room at First Cabin, Newport Beach, CA The Balboa Bay Club & Resort
1221 W. Coast Hwy.
Newport Beach, CA 92663
949-645-5000
Classic Cal-Euro cuisine with a Newport Harbor view. More...

French 75 French
13/20
Dining Room at French 75, Laguna Beach, CA 1464 S. Pacific Coast Hwy.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949-494-8444
One of OC's most romantic spots for rustic, retro French bistro fare and a chocolate soufflé. More...

The Harbor Grill Seafood
13/20
Dana Point Harbor Marina
34499 Golden Lantern St.
Dana Point, CA 92629
949-240-1416
Freshly grilled seafood, strong cocktails and a gregarious atmosphere at this restaurant at the Dana Point Harbor Marina. More...

LANDMARK Steakhouse
14/20
Dining Room at LANDMARK, Corona Del Mar, CA 3520 E. Coast Hwy.
Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
949-675-5556
Chic steakhouse pumps up Corona del Mar dining and nightlife scene. More...

Las Brisas Mexican
13/20
361 Cliff Dr.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949-497-5434
Laguna Beach institution with a good menu of Mexican-inspired contemporary seafood fare and an unbeatably scenic seaside setting. More...

Lazy Dog Cafe American
13/20
Stadium Promenade Center
1623 W. Katella Ave.
Orange, CA 92867
714-769-7020
A casual, family-friendly restaurant with good eclectic fare. More...

The Loft Contemporary
15/20
Dining Room at The Loft, Laguna Beach, CA Montage Laguna Beach
30801 Coast Hwy.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949-715-6000
Highbrow California wine country bistro at the Montage Laguna Beach. More...

Marche Moderne French
16/20
Dining Room at Marche Moderne, Costa Mesa, CA South Coast Plaza
3333 Bristol St.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714-434-7900
Handsome Euro-Cal bistro inside South Coast Plaza offers seasonal cuisine by husband-wife duo Florent and Amelia Marneau. More...

Memphis at the Santora American
13/20
Artists Village
201 N. Broadway
Santa Ana, CA 92701
714-564-1064
Southern-inspired cuisine in a modern space at the foot of downtown Santa Ana's artists village in the historic Santora building. More...

Mosaic Bar & Grille California
13/20
Dining Room at Mosaic Bar & Grille, Laguna Beach, CA Montage Laguna Beach
30801 Coast Hwy.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
866-271-6953
Poolside restaurant in the Montage Laguna Beach. More...

Motif Bistro
14/20
Dining Room at Motif, Dana Point, CA St. Regis Resort, Monarch Beach
1 Monarch Beach Resort
Dana Point, CA 92629
949-234-3200
Handsome Euro-Cal bistro with a gorgeous ocean view. More...

Naples Ristorante E Pizzeria Italian
14/20
Dining Room at Naples Ristorante E Pizzeria, Anaheim, CA Downtown Disney
1550 S. Disneyland Dr.
Anaheim, CA 92802
714-776-6200
Southern Italy and its thin-crust pizza come to Downtown Disney. More...

Old Vine Cafe Global
13/20
The Camp
2937 Bristol St.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714-545-1411
Surprisingly good Cal-Euro breakfast, lunch and dinner bistro at The Camp, along with a well-stocked and affordable wine shop. More...

Orange Hill Restaurant California
14/20
Dining Room at Orange Hill Restaurant, Orange, CA 6410 E. Chapman Ave.
Orange, CA 92869
714-997-2910
A romantic steak and seafood dining venue with spectacular nighttime views and an impressive weekend brunch. More...

Pelican Grill Contemporary
14/20
Dining Room at Pelican Grill, Newport Coast, CA Pelican Hill Golf Club
22800 Pelican Hill Rd.
Newport Coast, CA 92657
949-467-6800
Super scenic and elegant golf club restaurant serves up fine contemporary and American fare. More...

Pizzeria Ortica Pizza
14/20
Dining Room at Pizzeria Ortica, Costa Mesa, CA 650 Anton Blvd., Ste. J
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714-445-4900
A Neapolitan-style pizzeria and Italian bistro from chef David Myers. More...

Ramos House Cafe Southern
14/20
Los Rios Historic District
31752 Los Rios St.
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949-443-1342
Down-home Southern-inspired New American cooking under the oak tree beside a historic cottage. More...

The Ritz Restaurant & Garden Continental
14/20
Dining Room at The Ritz Restaurant & Garden, Newport Beach, CA 880 Newport Ctr. Dr.
Newport Beach, CA 92660
949-720-1800
Live entertainment, a lively bar atmosphere and continental-style menu in Newport Beach. More...

Sapphire Laguna Global
15/20
Dining Room at Sapphire Laguna, Laguna Beach, CA Old Pottery Place
1200 S. Coast Hwy.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949-715-9888
Classy, rustic South Laguna hot-spot for modern American cuisine, coffee and gourmet snacks. More...

Savannah Chop House American
13/20
Dining Room at Savannah Chop House, Laguna Niguel, CA 32441 Golden Lantern
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
949-493-7107
Grandiose, Southern-themed dining room situated on a high bluff overlooking South County. More...

Shades Seafood
14/20
Dining Room at Shades, Huntington Beach, CA Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort
21100 Pacific Coast Hwy.
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
714-845-8444
Contemporary seaside restaurant, located inside Huntington’s Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort, offers seafood, steaks and classic European cuisine. More...

Sol Cocina Mexican
13/20
Dining Room at Sol Cocina, Newport Beach, CA 251 E. Coast Hwy.
Newport Beach, CA 92660
949-675-9800
On-the-water Sol Cocina brings sexy back to Baja-style Mexican food. More...

Splashes California
14/20
Dining Room at Splashes, Laguna Beach, CA Surf & Sand Resort
1555 S. Pacific Coast Hwy.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949-497-4477
Euro-Cali fare at one of the prettiest spots along the Laguna Beach coastline. More...

The Stand Healthy
Quick Bite
238 Thalia St.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949-494-8101
Vegetarian and vegan specialties in South Laguna. More...

Stonehill Tavern Modern American
15/20
Dining Room at Stonehill Tavern, Dana Point, CA St. Regis Resort, Monarch Beach
One Monarch Beach Resort
Dana Point, CA 92629
949-234-3200, 800-722-1543
Chef Michael Mina brings his contemporary style and innovative cuisine to the St. Regis Resort, Monarch Beach. More...

Studio French
17/20
Dining Room at Studio, Laguna Beach, CA Montage Laguna Beach
30801 S. Coast Hwy.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949-715-6030
Perhaps OC's most scenic and romantic restaurant with high-class cuisine and a 2,500-selection wine list to match. More...

Tangata California
14/20
Dining Room at Tangata, Santa Ana, CA Bowers Museum
2002 N. Main St.
Santa Ana, CA 92706
714-550-0906
Daytime dining from chef Joachim Splichal in a museum courtyard. More...

TAPS Fish House & Brewery Brewpub
14/20
Dining Room at TAPS Fish House & Brewery, Brea, CA 101 E. Imperial Hwy.
Brea, CA 92821
714-257-0101
Notable beers join steaks, Cajun cuisine, and seafood in Brea's lively downtown area. More...

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar California
14/20
Dining Room at The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar, Tustin, CA The District at Tustin Legacy
2647 Park Ave.
Tustin, CA 92782
714-258-7600
Napa Valley cuisine comes to OC with chef Yvon Goetz cooking at this contemporary California restaurant and wine bar. More...

Zinc Cafe & Market Café
Quick Bite
350 Ocean Ave.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949-494-6302
Local Laguna hangout with a dog-friendly patio for healthful breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes. More...

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