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


Best San Diego 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 San Diego.


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San Diego City
Coronado
Del Mar
La Jolla
North County


SAN DIEGO CITY

Amaya California
14/20
Dining Room at Amaya, San Diego, CA The Grand Del Mar
5300 Grand Del Mar Ct.
San Diego, CA 92130
858-314-2727 | Menu
Amaya may be the resort’s more casual dining room, but the Mediterranean-inspired California cuisine is truly refined. More...

Arterra California
13/20
Dining Room at Arterra, San Diego, CA San Diego Marriott Del Mar
11966 El Camino Real
San Diego, CA 92130
858-369-6032 | Menu
Executive chef Tony Miller puts his spin on contemporary seasonal cuisine while chef Andrew Hoh gets creative with sushi. More...

BALEENsandiego Contemporary
13/20
Dining Room at BALEENsandiego, San Diego, CA Paradise Point Resort & Spa
1404 W. Vacation Rd.
San Diego, CA 92109
858-490-6363 | Menu
Savor modern American cuisine with tropical influences in an exotic setting. More...

Bertrand at Mister A's French
14/20
Dining Room at Bertrand at Mister A 2550 Fifth Ave.
San Diego, CA 92103
619-239-1377 | Menu
Enjoy the unbeatable view and delicious food courtesy of chef Stéphane Voitzwinkler. More...

Blue Point Coastal Cuisine Seafood
12/20
Dining Room at Blue Point Coastal Cuisine, San Diego, CA 565 Fifth Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-233-6623 | Menu
This sleek restaurant offers a bit of everything for seafood lovers: fresh oysters, tuna sashimi, shrimp cocktails and osetra caviar. More...

Cafe 222 Breakfast
12/20
222 Island Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-236-9902 | Menu
A hip hangout in a functional, funky-industrial atmosphere that complements owner Terryl Gavre's quirky style of cooking. More...

Cafe Chloe French
13/20
721 Ninth Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-232-3242 | Menu
This Parisian-style bistro continues to win us over with its earthy, unpretentious French fare. More...

Cafe Zucchero Italian
12/20
1731 India St.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-531-1731 | Menu
The "Sugar Cafe" specializes in freshly baked pastries and pizzas, panini and tempting desserts. More...

El Agave Mexican
13/20
2304 San Diego Ave.
San Diego, CA 92110
619-220-0692
A true gem for those yearning for high-caliber Mexican fare. More...

JRDN Restaurant Steakhouse
14/20
Dining Room at JRDN Restaurant, San Diego, CA Tower23
723 Felspar St.
San Diego, CA 92109
858-270-5736 | Menu
A sassy hotel hot-spot with an eclectic menu, raw bar and great ocean views. More...

Old Venice Italian
13/20
2910 Cañon St.
San Diego, CA 92106
619-222-5888 | Menu
This romantic spot, frequented by Point Loma denizens, serves a fusion of Mediterranean flavors in an elegant old-school setting. More...

Parkhouse Eatery American
12/20
4574 Park Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92116
619-295-7275 | Menu
Experience "American ethnic grub," a combination of coastal cuisine accented with a variety of world flavors at this neighborhood eatery. More...

The Prado at Balboa Park Latin American
12/20
House of Hospitality
1549 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101
619-557-9441 | Menu
Eclectic dining at The Prado is a good companion to the Balboa Park experience. More...

Rice Fusion
12/20
W San Diego
421 W. B St.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-231-8220 | Menu
Appealingly creative cuisine with main courses ranging from organic chicken to sea bass to lamb loin. More...

Sally's Seafood on the Water Seafood
13/20
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
1 Market Pl.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-358-6740 | Menu
Sally's has withstood the test of time and remains one of San Diego's top seafood restaurants. More...

Top of the Market Seafood
15/20
750 N. Harbor Dr.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-232-3474
Sophisticated setting with solid service and exciting seafood from chef Michael McDonald, not to mention captivating harbor views. More...

Veranda Fireside Lounge & Restaurant Mediterranean
14/20
Dining Room at Veranda Fireside Lounge & Restaurant, San Diego, CA Rancho Bernardo Inn
17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr.
San Diego, CA 92128
858-675-8555 | Menu
This al fresco dining spot features Mediterranean cuisine with California flair. More...

CORONADO

Il Fornaio Italian
12/20
1333 First St.
Coronado, CA 92118
619-437-4911 | Menu
Traditional Italian cuisine and a chic, relaxed atmosphere with striking city and bay views. More...

Market Cafe California
11/20
Loews Coronado Bay Resort
4000 Coronado Bay Rd.
Coronado, CA 92118
619-424-4000
Expect casual fare like salads, sandwiches, pasta and pizza, and one of the best brunches in town. More...

Sheerwater California
11/20
Hotel del Coronado
1500 Orange Ave.
Coronado, CA 92118
619-522-8490 | Menu
Beachside casual dining at the Hotel Del Coronado. More...

DEL MAR

Cafe Secret Peruvian
14/20
1140 Camino Del Mar
Del Mar, CA 92014
858-792-0821 | Menu
Peruvian food in a charming Del Mar cottage. More...

Kitchen 1540 Modern American
No Rating
Dining Room at Kitchen 1540, Del Mar, CA L'Auberge Del Mar
1540 Camino Del Mar
Del Mar, CA 92014
858-793-6460 | Menu
Sophisticated modern American cuisine in coastal Del Mar. More...

Sbicca Contemporary
13/20
215 15th St.
Del Mar, CA 92014
858-481-1001 | Menu
A neighborhood gathering spot and favorite for ocean-air terrace dining in the seaside village of Del Mar. More...

LA JOLLA

A.R. Valentien California
15/20
Dining Room at A.R. Valentien, La Jolla, CA The Lodge at Torrey Pines
11480 N. Torrey Pines Rd.
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-777-6635 | Menu
Dining at A.R. Valentien transports us back to a more genteel time. More...

The Brockton Villa Restaurant California
12/20
1235 Coast Blvd.
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-454-7393 | Menu
This charming historic cottage, overlooking La Jolla Cove, serves up simple fare in a romantic setting. More...

Cody's La Jolla American
12/20
8030 Girard Ave.
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-459-0040 | Menu
Located in a renovated 1920s cottage, Cody’s serves up California-American fare and a great view of the sea. More...

The Cottage Contemporary
12/20
7702 Fay Ave.
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-454-8409 | Menu
Classic La Jolla bistro featuring California cuisine on one of the village’s most charming patios. More...

La Taverna Italian
12/20
Dining Room at La Taverna, La Jolla, CA 927 Silverado St.
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-454-0100
Chef/owner Mary Ann Vitale serves up rustic Italian dishes at this cozy La Jolla favorite. More...

Museum Cafe By Giuseppe California
13/20
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
700 Prospect St.
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-456-6427 | Menu
Seasonal gourmet food with a splash of Italian by La Jolla chef Giuseppe Ciuffa at the Museum of Contemporary Art. More...

Nine-Ten American
15/20
Dining Room at Nine-Ten, La Jolla, CA Grande Colonial Hotel
910 Prospect St.
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-964-5400 | Menu
Adjacent to the Grande Colonial Hotel in La Jolla, this elegant restaurant showcases the season's finest ingredients. More...

Ocean Terrace California
14/20
Dining Room at Ocean Terrace, La Jolla, CA 1250 Prospect St.
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-454-4244
Savor Trey Foshee's California coastal cuisine in one of San Diego's most striking settings. More...

Piatti Italian
12/20
Dining Room at Piatti, La Jolla, CA 2182 Avenida de la Playa
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-454-1589 | Menu
This La Jolla neighborhood favorite features a warm, inviting ambience and rustic cuisine. More...

Tapenade French
16/20
Dining Room at Tapenade, La Jolla, CA 7612 Fay Ave.
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-551-7500 | Menu
Tapenade continues to set the bar for classic French food in San Diego. More...

Whisknladle American
14/20
Dining Room at Whisknladle , La Jolla, CA 1044 Wall St.
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-551-7575 | Menu
From bread to charcuterie to ice creams and sorbets---everything is homemade at this La Jolla eatery. More...

NORTH COUNTY

Bellefleur Restaurant Contemporary
12/20
5610 Paseo Del Norte
Carlsbad, CA 92008
760-603-1919 | Menu
California contemporary cuisine in a spacious European-style setting in North County. More...

Mille Fleurs French
15/20
Dining Room at Mille Fleurs, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 6009 Paseo Delicias
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
858-756-3085 | Menu
An elegant Rancho Santa Fe establishment that favors farm-fresh French California cuisine complemented by a notable wine list. More...

Rimel's Rotisserie California
13/20
Dining Room at Rimel 2005 San Elijo Ave.
Cardiff, CA 92007
760-633-2202 | Menu
Rimel's serves up artisan meats, along with fresh salads, rice bowls and impressive homemade sauces. More...

Tip Top Meats Deli
Quick Bite
6118 Paseo Del Norte
Carlsbad, CA 92011
760-438-2620 | Menu
Specialty food items, hard-to-find meats, European imports and hearty sandwiches at this local deli. More...

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