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Best San Francisco 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 Francisco and the Bay Area.


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View the Top 10 Outdoor Dining Restaurants in San Francisco.

San Francisco City
East Bay
Marin County
Peninsula

SAN FRANCISCO CITY

Americano Italian
14/20
Dining Room at Americano, San Francisco, CA Hotel Vitale
8 Mission St.
San Francisco, CA 94105
415-278-3777 | Menu
Embarcadero views and a pretty after-work scene are quietly eclipsed by the Italian-influenced cuisine. More...

Arlequin Cafe & Food To Go French
Quick Bite
384B Hayes St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
415-626-1211 | Menu
Casual café with sandwiches, salads and more and a hidden garden patio. More...

Atlas Cafe Café
Quick Bite
3049 20th St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
415-648-1047
Cozy Mission café known for its tasty sandwich combinations, enclosed patio and great people-watching. More...

B44 Spanish
14/20
44 Belden Pl.
San Francisco, CA 94104
415-986-6287 | Menu
A tiny outpost of Spain in the middle of San Francisco---complete with aromas of saffron and chorizo. More...

Bar Agricole California
15/20
Dining Room at Bar Agricole, San Francisco, CA 355 11th St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-355-9400 | Menu
With inventive food, creative cocktails and modern décor, Bar Agricole is a stylish hideaway. More...

Bar Bambino Italian
13/20
Dining Room at Bar Bambino, San Francisco, CA 2931 16th St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-701-8466 | Menu
This polished Italian hideaway draws a stylish set with its aesthetic appeal and satisfying food and drink. More...

Bin 38 Wine Bar
13/20
Dining Room at Bin 38, San Francisco, CA 3232 Scott St.
San Francisco, CA 94123
415-567-3838 | Menu
This bustling, sprawling Marina wine bar draws an attractive crowd looking for a good time. More...

Bistro Aix French
14/20
Dining Room at Bistro Aix, San Francisco, CA 3340 Steiner St.
San Francisco, CA 94123
415-202-0100 | Menu
Marina locals are tight-lipped about this little slice of heaven, which serves French-inspired bistro fare. More...

Blue Plate American
13/20
Dining Room at Blue Plate, San Francisco, CA 3218 Mission St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
415-282-6777 | Menu
Quirky and funky restaurant serving American fare with a focus on seasonal and organic ingredients. More...

Brindisi Italian
13/20
88 Belden Pl.
San Francisco, CA 94104
415-593-8000 | Menu
Another Euro-centric seafood spot has sprung up on delightful Belden Lane, this time focusing on Italian from the Adriatic Sea coast. More...

Cafe Bastille French
12/20
Dining Room at Cafe Bastille, San Francisco, CA 22 Belden Pl.
San Francisco, CA 94104
415-986-5673 | Menu
Bistro favorites abound at this French-kissed, side street café. More...

Cafe Tiramisu Italian
12/20
Dining Room at Cafe Tiramisu, San Francisco, CA 28 Belden Pl.
San Francisco, CA 94104
415-421-7044 | Menu
Simple Italian fare is perfect for light dining while people-watching at one of the outside tables. More...

Chez Spencer French
15/20
Dining Room at Chez Spencer, San Francisco, CA 82 14th St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-864-2191 | Menu
Chez Spencer dresses up this quiet block of the Mission with high-end French fare. More...

Chouquet's Restaurant French
13/20
2500 Washington St.
San Francisco, CA 94115
415-359-0075 | Menu
Sleek and modern restaurant features straightforward and contemporary French cuisine with an impressive wine list of lesser-known international vintages. More...

Delfina Italian
16/20
Dining Room at Delfina, San Francisco, CA 3621 18th St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
415-552-4055 | Menu
Simple, regionally focused Italian dishes shine at Delfina. More...

EPIC Roasthouse Steakhouse
14/20
Dining Room at EPIC Roasthouse, San Francisco, CA 369 The Embarcadero
San Francisco, CA 94105
415-369-9955 | Menu
Big views, charm and New American cuisine cull the elite to this show-stopper on the Embarcadero. More...

Foreign Cinema California
14/20
Dining Room at Foreign Cinema, San Francisco, CA 2534 Mission St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
415-648-7600 | Menu
Foreign classics and independent feature films are screened nightly on the wall of this Mission District restaurant. More...

Hog Island Oyster Company Seafood
14/20
Dining Room at Hog Island Oyster Company, San Francisco, CA Ferry Building Marketplace
1 Ferry Building
San Francisco, CA 94111
415-391-7117 | Menu
The San Francisco Ferry Building provides a serene, second home for this celebrated, sustainable oyster company from Tomales Bay. More...

Jones American
13/20
620 Jones St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
415-496-6858 | Menu
Good bar food and an even better patio for outdoor dining or a romantic tête-à-tête. More...

La Mar Cebicheria Peruana Peruvian
14/20
Dining Room at La Mar Cebicheria Peruana, San Francisco, CA Pier 1 1/2, The Embarcadero
San Francisco, CA 94111
415-397-8880 | Menu
Modern Peruvian cuisine and sweeping Bay views distinguish chef Gastón Acurio's first U.S. restaurant. More...

Le Charm French
13/20
Dining Room at Le Charm, San Francisco, CA 315 Fifth St.
San Francisco, CA 94107
415-546-6128 | Menu
Casual French place with dinnertime regulars who return for the prix-fixe offering. More...

Le Colonial Vietnamese
13/20
20 Cosmo Pl.
San Francisco, CA 94109
415-931-3600 | Menu
The décor evokes the exotic civility of French colonial Southeast Asia; entrées are a celebration of interesting flavors. More...

Magic Flute California
13/20
3673 Sacramento St.
San Francisco, CA 94118
415-922-1225 | Menu
A restaurant perfectly at home in classy Presidio Heights. More...

MarketBar American
13/20
Ferry Building Marketplace
1 Ferry Bldg.
San Francisco, CA 94111
415-434-1100 | Menu
The Ferry Building's first restaurant takes its cue from what is available in the market that day. More...

Nopalito Mexican
14/20
Dining Room at Nopalito, San Francisco, CA 306 Broderick St.
San Francisco, CA 94117
415-437-0303 | Menu
This colorful Mexican kitchenette serves elegant and exciting south-of-the-border fare. More...

Park Chalet American
13/20
Golden Gate Park
1000 Great Hwy.
San Francisco, CA 94121
415-386-8439 | Menu
A garden restaurant and microbrewery near the ocean at the foot of Golden Gate Park. More...

Park Chow American
12/20
1240 Ninth Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94122
415-665-9912 | Menu
American comfort food rules at this homey Inner Sunset restaurant that's an easy walk from the de Young Museum. More...

Pizzeria Delfina Pizza
14/20
3611 18th St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
415-437-6800 | Menu
This always-packed pizzeria offers traditional Neapolitan-inspired pies plus specials, all bursting with local ingredients. More...

Plouf French
14/20
40 Belden Pl.
San Francisco, CA 94104
415-986-6491 | Menu
Order buckets of tender, authentically prepared mussels and clams while dining outdoors at this delightful seafood bistro. More...

Primo Patio Caribbean
13/20
214 Townsend St.
San Francisco, CA 94107
415-957-1129 | Menu
Caribbean-inspired, family-run restaurant that lays claim to a casual and, on most days, packed back patio. More...

Samovar Tea Lounge Tea Room
13/20
Yerba Buena Gardens, Upper Level
730 Howard St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-227-9400 | Menu
The tearoom with a fabulous view of Yerba Buena Gardens is known for serving excellent teas, with a menu of dishes meant to complement them. More...

Sociale American
14/20
Dining Room at Sociale, San Francisco, CA 3665 Sacramento St.
San Francisco, CA 94118
415-921-3200 | Menu
Upscale Italian-inspired dishes like chicken under a brick and short ribs over polenta are nicely matched with a well-chosen wine list. More...

The Terrace Room California
14/20
Dining Room at The Terrace Room, San Francisco, CA The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
600 Stockton St.
San Francisco, CA 94108
415-773-6198
Only open to the public several times a year, The Terrace Room remains one of the top locations for a special occasion affair. More...

Terzo Mediterranean
15/20
Dining Room at Terzo, San Francisco, CA 3011 Steiner St.
San Francisco, CA 94123
415-441-3200 | Menu
House-cured meats, a Pan-Mediterranean menu and a warm neighborhood feel set this small plates place apart. More...

The Tipsy Pig Gastropub
14/20
Dining Room at The Tipsy Pig, San Francisco, CA 2231 Chestnut St.
San Francisco, CA 94123
415-292-2300
Updated pub food with a decidedly California influence. More...

Universal Cafe New American
14/20
2814 19th St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
415-821-4608 | Menu
A casual but classy destination for California spins on New American cuisine. More...

Waterbar Seafood
14/20
Dining Room at Waterbar, San Francisco, CA 399 The Embarcadero
San Francisco, CA 94105
415-284-9922 | Menu
Gorgeous views, bold flavors and a whimsical interior have made Waterbar a seafood-lover's dream. More...

Zazie French
12/20
941 Cole St.
San Francisco, CA 94117
415-564-5332 | Menu
Casual French restaurant with the perfect setting for a sunny brunch. More...

EAST BAY

A Cote California
15/20
Dining Room at A Cote, Oakland, CA 5478 College Ave.
Oakland, CA 94618
510-655-6469 | Menu
This hot-spot on Rockridge's culinary corridor just keeps drawing a crowd. More...

Bay Wolf California
15/20
Dining Room at Bay Wolf, Oakland, CA 3853 Piedmont Ave.
Oakland, CA 94611
510-655-6004 | Menu
A restaurant that offers the seasonal cuisine of Italy and Spain, with bold flavors and careful presentation. More...

Imperial Tea Court Tea Room
Quick Bite
1511 Shattuck Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94709
510-540-8888 | Menu
The Berkeley outpost in a chain of Bay Area teahouses. More...

Jupiter Brewpub
12/20
Dining Room at Jupiter, Berkeley, CA 2181 Shattuck Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94704
510-843-8277 | Menu
Brick oven pizza and a huge beer garden elevate this downtown Berkeley brewpub. More...

La Note French
13/20
2377 Shattuck Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94704
510-843-1535 | Menu
La Note is a breath of Provence in the middle of downtown Berkeley. More...

Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill Seafood
13/20
Dining Room at Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill, Oakland, CA 1520 Lakeside Dr.
Oakland, CA 94612
510-208-5253 | Menu
A prize waterfront location, historic building and vibrant atmosphere give this friendly seafood restaurant, bar and grill multifaceted appeal. More...

Paragon American
13/20
Claremont Hotel Club & Spa
41 Tunnel Rd.
Berkeley, CA 94705
510-549-8585 | Menu
Hip brasserie draws a vibrant crowd with its artful presentations of upscale American cuisine. More...

Postino Italian
14/20
Dining Room at Postino, Lafayette, CA 3565 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Lafayette, CA 94549
925-299-8700 | Menu
Creative, well-prepared Italian dishes and a refreshingly priced wine list amidst the ambience of a vine-covered brick building. More...

Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe American
13/20
4081 Hollis St.
Emeryville, CA 94608
510-594-1221 | Menu
Fun, punk diner known for satisfying, down-home cuisine; co-owners include a member of Green Day. More...

Sea Salt Seafood
14/20
Dining Room at Sea Salt, Berkeley, CA 2512 San Pablo Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94702
510-883-1720 | Menu
Local power couple Cindy and Haig Krikorian get their sea legs at this seafood restaurant. More...

Somerset American
13/20
5912 College Ave.
Oakland, CA 94618
510-428-1823 | Menu
This reincarnation of Noe Valley restaurant Miss Millie's serves the same brunch favorites as the original plus lunch and dinner. More...

Yankee Pier Lafayette Seafood
12/20
Lafayette Mercantile Building
3593 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Lafayette, CA 94549
925-283-4100 | Menu
A family-friendly, bright and bustling seafood house with New England flair. More...

MARIN COUNTY

Boca Pizzeria Pizza
13/20
Pacheco Shopping Center
454 Ignacio Blvd.
Novato, CA 94949
415-883-2302 | Menu
Authentically Neapolitan-style pizzas and Italian dishes in a sleekly modern space with a large, adjacent outdoor dining patio. More...

Cafe Reyes Pizza
11/20
11101 State Rte. 1
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
415-663-9493
On sunny days, grab a pizza and sit at a table with a view of the Marin countryside. More...

The Club at McInnis Park California
13/20
McInnis Park Golf Center
350 Smith Ranch Rd.
San Rafael, CA 94903
415-491-5959 | Menu
This large, clubby restaurant has a solid menu of American dishes and one of the county's best outdoor patios. More...

Coast Cafe American
12/20
46 Wharf Rd.
Bolinas, CA 94924
415-868-2298
This sweet restaurant in Bolinas delivers simple, fresh fare to day-trippers and locals alike. More...

El Paseo Steakhouse
14/20
The Paseo
17 Throckmorton Ave.
Mill Valley, CA 94941
415-388-0741
Dramatic chop house featuring upscale American comfort food, owned by celebrity chef Tyler Florence and rock star Sammy Hagar. More...

Fish. Seafood
Quick Bite
350 Harbor Dr.
Sausalito, CA 94965
415-331-3474
This dockside Sausalito restaurant serves sustainable seafood in all its forms, from fish ‘n’ chips to pristine raw oysters. More...

Gira Polli Italian
12/20
590 E. Blithedale Ave.
Mill Valley, CA 94941
415-383-6040 | Menu
Herb- and citrus-perfumed chickens turn on 18 spits resulting in a perfect bird with golden, crispy skin and moist, tender meat. More...

Guaymas Mexican
13/20
5 Main St.
Tiburon, CA 94920
415-435-6300 | Menu
A California-Mexican menu, thriving bar scene and ideal waterfront location make Guaymas a prime destination. More...

Hanna's Restaurant Middle Eastern
11/20
1700 Fourth St.
San Rafael, CA 94901
415-457-6252 | Menu
Hanna's is known for Middle Eastern dishes as well as pastas and other Italian food. More...

Hilltop 1892 American
13/20
850 Lamont Ave.
Novato, CA 94949
415-893-1892 | Menu
Novato’s glamorous place to drink, dine on California cuisine and enjoy ten-mile views of the surrounding hills. More...

Il Davide Italian
14/20
901 A St.
San Rafael, CA 94901
415-454-8080 | Menu
Elegant restaurant serving well-prepared Italian classics as well as creative fare. More...

Il Fornaio Italian
13/20
Corte Madera Town Center
223 Corte Madera Town Center
Corte Madera, CA 94925
415-927-4400 | Menu
Homemade breads and satisfying Italian cuisine are the draws at this chain restaurant with its large, bustling dining room and attractive outdoor dining patio. More...

Le Garage Bistro French
13/20
85 Liberty Ship Way, Ste. 109
Sausalito, CA 94965
415-332-5625 | Menu
Le Garage’s setting on the Sausalito waterfront, with palm trees and dozens of boats, makes it feel like a hangout in the South of France. More...

Left Bank French
14/20
Dining Room at Left Bank, Larkspur, CA Blue Rock Inn
507 Magnolia Ave.
Larkspur, CA 94939
415-927-3331 | Menu
Roland Passot's elegant Left Bank delivers satisfying cuisine of the sort that a French grand-mère would cook. More...

Nick's Cove Seafood
13/20
23240 Hwy. 1
Marshall, CA 94940
415-663-1033 | Menu
This charmingly restored roadhouse way out on Tomales Bay is worth the drive. More...

Paradise Bay New American
13/20
1200 Bridgeway
Sausalito, CA 94965
415-331-3226 | Menu
Executive chef Thomas Mitchell serves up local produce, meat and seafood with a million-dollar view. More...

Poggio Italian
14/20
Dining Room at Poggio, Sausalito, CA 777 Bridgeway
Sausalito, CA 94965
415-332-7771 | Menu
Elegantly designed Italian restaurant featuring seasonal dishes in addition to artful pizzas. More...

Taco Jane's Mexican
Quick Bite
21 Tamalpais Ave.
San Anselmo, CA 94960
415-454-6562 | Menu
Taco Jane's features Mexican specialties and a Caribbean bent in many dishes, served up in a colorful, comfortable environment. More...

PENINSULA

Angelo Mio Italian
13/20
820 Santa Cruz Ave.
Menlo Park, CA 94025
650-323-3665 | Menu
Decadent pasta dishes and fine Italian seafood served in one of the most attractive settings on the Peninsula. More...

Donato Enoteca Italian
14/20
Dining Room at Donato Enoteca, Redwood City, CA 1041 Middlefield Rd.
Redwood City, CA 94063
650-701-1000 | Menu
Upscale but authentic Italian cuisine is served elegantly at this friendly Redwood City hot-spot. More...

Empire Grill & Tap Room California
13/20
651 Emerson St.
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650-321-3030 | Menu
A popular place for outdoor dining, either under the ivy-covered trellises at lunch or under the stars on balmy nights. More...

La Costanera Peruvian
14/20
Dining Room at La Costanera, Montara, CA 8150 Cabrillo Hwy.
Montara, CA 94037
650-728-1600 | Menu
Coastside restaurant featuring Peruvian cuisine. More...

Madera Contemporary
15/20
Dining Room at Madera, Menlo Park, CA Rosewood Sand Hill
2825 Sand Hill Rd.
Menlo Park, CA 94025
650-561-1540 | Menu
California rustic meets pastoral luxury at this Menlo Park hot-spot that also boasts an attractive cocktail lounge. More...

Medallion Steakhouse au Naturel Steakhouse
12/20
1095 Rollins Rd.
Burlingame, CA 94010
650-342-4922
A modern steakhouse that caters to a wide range of palates, including non-meat eaters. More...

Moss Beach Distillery American
11/20
Dining Room at Moss Beach Distillery, Moss Beach, CA Beach Way & Ocean Blvd.
Moss Beach, CA 94038
650-728-5595 | Menu
Enjoy the jaw-dropping views at this Moss Beach seafood house. More...

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