San Diego residents are fortunate to enjoy great weather year-round. So it’s almost always a perfect time to head out to one of these best San Diego restaurants and enjoy the scenic views and Mediterranean climate in their welcoming outdoor dining areas.
From ocean views to rooftops with the best skyline, you can enjoy great food, craft cocktails, and San Diego’s best brews – all while supporting local business in a safe environment.
San Diego is a big place so we’ve sorted 33 of the best restaurants for outside dining by region. Click on the links to view patio dining options in those areas of San Diego. Hours may vary, so be sure to visit the restaurant’s website or call ahead for the most up-to-date business information.
Northern San Diego Outdoor Dining
Oceanside, Carlsbad, La Jolla
Central San Diego Outdoor Dining
North Park, San Diego, Banker’s Hill, Little Italy, Point Loma, Seaport Village, Hillcrest, Gaslamp, Harbor Island, East Village, Bay Park
Southern San Diego Outdoor Dining
Chula Vista, Imperial Beach
Related: 21 Great Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Las Vegas
🍕 🍤 🍱 🍨 🌮 🥗
Oceanside Patio Dining
Hello Betty
211 Mission Ave.
Oceanside, CA
(760) 722-1008
Hello Betty is located right across the beach in Oceanside with great ocean views, and a rooftop lounge where you can enjoy a rotating selection of local craft beers, seafood, tacos, salads & more of So Cal staples.
🌅 WEBSITE
🍜 MENU
Oceanside Broiler
1325 Harbor Drive North
Oceanside, CA
(760) 722-3474
This Oceanside waterfront location is an upscale casual seafood restaurant where you can have a relaxed and comfortable dining experience where the seafood & steaks are of the best quality available.
🌅 WEBSITE
🍜 MENU
Carlsbad Patio Dining
Campfire
2725 State St.
Carlsbad, CA
(760) 637-5121
Campfire is all about cooking and hospitality where you gather around a fire, enjoy some honest food prepared with market-driven ingredients, plus delicious cocktails.
🌅 WEBSITE
🍜 MENU
La Jolla Patio Dining
Mermaids & Cowboys
1251 Prospect St.
La Jolla, CA
(858) 999-0205
Mermaids & Cowboys offers the best of both land and sea. The seasonal menu is centered around shareable plates prepared with local ingredients and classic recipes. Menu items include hand-cut steak, fresh seafood, raw oysters, craft cocktails and much more.
🌅 WEBSITE
🍜 MENU
https://www.instagram.com/p/CMSioQPnUxB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Cody’s La Jolla
1025 Prospect St. (Suite 210)
La Jolla, CA
(858) 459-0040
Located in a lovely seaside cottage, Cody’s is a unique brunch and lunch spot with clever comfort food, ocean views, and a people-watching patio.
🌅 WEBSITE
🍜 MENU
Manhattan of La Jolla
7766 Fay Avenue
La Jolla, CA
(858) 459-0700
Fine dining New York-style Italian steak and chop house located inside of the Empress Hotel in the heart of La Jolla with garden dining available.
🌅 WEBSITE
🍜 MENU
North Park Patio Dining
Encontro North Park
3001 University Ave
San Diego, CA
(619) 291-1220
Encontro from the Spanish verb “encontrar” which means to meet, to find, or to discover”. This place offers a new version of craft beer and food with seasonal chef-driven dishes. From brunch to dinner you’ll find something delicious to savor.
🌅 WEBSITE
🍜 MENU
UnderBelly (2 Locations)
3000 Upas St. #104 (North Park)
(Corner of 30th & Upas)
San Diego, CA 92104
(619) 487-9909
🍜 MENU
750 W. Fir St. (Little Italy)
(Corner of Kettner & Fir)
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 269-4626
🍜 MENU
One of the top choices for San Diego style Ramen, like their famous Belly of the Beast, featuring oxtail dumpling, smoked brisket & hoisin glazed short rib. Both North Park & Little Italy locations have a craft beer program that compliments all of their menu items.
🌅 WEBSITE
San Diego Patio Dining
Starlite
3175 India Street
San Diego, CA
(619) 358-9766
Starlite is San Diego’s hidden gem in Middletown/Mission Hills and features an incredible atmosphere, great cocktails, local food, and late-night dining. It’s a favorite place to gather with friends or for a romantic date night.
🌅 WEBSITE
🍜 MENU
https://www.instagram.com/p/CMLkjGrD3Mk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Station Tavern
2204 Fern Street
(Corner of Fern & Ivy)
San Diego, CA
(619) 255-0657
Station offers a great choice for families with young children with its laid-back atmosphere that has a large backyard and features communal picnic-table-style dining and a kid-friendly play area with chalkboards & a half-scale trolley, plus it’s also dog-friendly. Station offers great comfort food like burgers & taters.
🌅 WEBSITE
🍜 MENU
Mister A’s
2550 Fifth Avenue (12th Floor)
San Diego, CA
(619) 239-1377
Mister A’s made Open Table’s list of the 100 most scenic restaurants in 2019. Their menu specializes in French-American cuisine where you can dine on their rooftop while catching all the San Diego downtown skyline views.
🌅 WEBSITE
🍜 MENU
Banker’s Hill Patio Dining
Cusina Urbana
505 Laurel St.
San Diego, CA
(619) 239-2222
Cucina is known for its authentic Italian cuisine that combines the flavors of Italy with the organic freshness of Southern California. Their menu includes shareable portions of house-made pasta, innovative pizza, and an elevated selection of antipasti, dolci & signature cheese and salumi program.
🌅 WEBSITE
🍜 MENU
Little Italy Patio Dining
Kettner Exchange
2001 Kettner Blvd.
San Diego, CA
(619) 255-2001
Kettner Exchange has a rotating menu that features some of the most innovative dishes in San Diego. From Tender Belly Farms suckling pig larb, to hamachi ceviche, foie gras French toast, and Grilled quail Char Sui. Plus a great selection of hand-crafted cocktails.
🌅 WEBSITE
🍜 MENU
Little Italy Food Hall
550 West Date St. (Suite B)
San Diego, CA
(619) 269-7187
Get a glimpse into San Diego’s diverse dining scene at the Little Italy Food Hall. Located in the heart of Little Italy, choose from six food stations including Sam the Cooking Guy’s Not Not Tacos.
🌅 WEBSITE
🍜 MENU
Liberty Public Market
2820 Historic Decatur Rd.
San Diego, CA
(619) 487-9346
Liberty Public Market has an array of choices for everyone. From tacos to pizza to Maine Lobster rolls, there’s something for every palette.
🌅 WEBSITE
🍜 MENU
Point Loma Patio Dining
Bali Hai
2230 Shelter Island Drive
San Diego, CA
(619) 222-1181
Bali Hai is located on the northern tip of Shelter Island and is an award-winning chic Polynesian restaurant that has been a San Diego landmark since 1954. Their infamous MaiTai is a must-try.
🌅 WEBSITE
🍜 MENU
Stone Brewery & Gardens
2820 Historic Decatur Rd.
San Diego, CA
(619) 269-2100
Stone Brewery & Gardens at Liberty Station has an expansive area that features a bocce ball court, outdoor cinema space & garden. Their menu features artisanal and a natural approach to food showcasing a creative menu of world-inspired cuisine. The bar features 40 taps of delicious Stone beer.
🌅 WEBSITE
🍜 MENU
Seaport Village Patio Dining
Puesto
Puesto offers gourmet tacos made with high-quality ingredients, fresh hand-made tortillas & awesome margaritas. Outdoor dining also available at other Puesto locations – visit website for additional information.
789 West Harbor Dr.
San Diego, CA
(619) 233-8880
🌅 WEBSITE
🍜 MENU
Edgewater Grill
Edgewater Bar & Grill located in Seaport Village has amazing views, fresh-air dining, delicious menus, and dog-friendly patios.
861 W. Harbor Dr.
San Diego, CA
(619) 232-7581
🌅 WEBSITE
🍜 MENU
Hillcrest Patio Dining
Farmer’s Bottega
Farmer’s Bottega has farm-to-fork cuisine that’s organic & delicious. Open from brunch to dinner with dishes ranging from brioche french toast to short rib lasagna.
860 W. Washington St.
San Diego, CA
(619) 458-9929
🌅 WEBSITE
🍜 MENU
Cocina del Barrio
Cocina del Barrio is a Mexican restaurant and a Tequila/Mezcal bar that brings the flavors of Oaxacan cuisine to Hillcrest, San Diego.
3707 5th Ave.
San Diego, CA
(619) 677-2770
🌅 WEBSITE
🍜 MENU
Gaslamp Patio Dining
Union Kitchen & Tap Gaslamp
Union Kitchen & Tap offers seasonal menus that reflect traditional cooking methods, enhanced by the best ingredients available from land and sea.
333 5th Ave,
San Diego, CA
(619) 795-9463
🌅 WEBSITE
🍜 MENU
https://www.instagram.com/p/CNQAwkBAD4n/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Rustic Root
Rustic Root has rooftop dining that showcases dynamic rustic American cuisine where dishes are rooted in tradition with an inventive flair.
535 5th Ave.
San Diego, CA
(619) 232-1747
🌅 WEBSITE
🍜 MENU
Harbor Island Patio Dining
Island Prime / C Level
Overlooking the city skyline – Coronado C Level / Island Prime are two restaurants with one fantastic view. From brunch to happy hour and dinner, the menu features delicious cuisine and fine dining favorites.
880 Harbor Island Dr.
San Diego, CA
(619) 298-6802
🌅 WEBSITE
🍜 MENU
Coastera
Known as San Diego’s premier bayfront dining destination, Coastera serves up innovative and modern Mexican cuisine.
880 B Harbor Island Dr.
San Diego, CA
(619) 814-1300
🌅 WEBSITE
🍜 MENU
East Village Patio Dining
Lola 55
Lola 55 made the Michelin Guide, Bib Gourmand List in 2019 for their traditional flavor tacos made with a modern twist. Plus they offer a selection of Vegan options.
1290 F Street
San Diego, CA
(619) 542-9155
🌅 WEBSITE
🍜 MENU
Bub’s @ the Ballpark
Bub’s is a place where locals and visitors alike enjoy one-of-a-kind entertainment and food. Watch the game on the array of high-definition TVs or take a few shots at the in-house basketball court.
715 J Street
San Diego, CA
(619) 546-0815
🌅 WEBSITE
🍜 MENU
Bay Park Patio Dining
Dan Diegos Pub
Dan Diegos is a family-owned Pub that prides itself in its homemade dishes, traditional flavors, and welcoming environment.
2415 Morena Blvd
San Diego, CA
(619) 276-2100
🌅 WEBSITE
🍜 MENU
Chula Vista Patio Dining
Galley At the Marina
Galley at the Marina is located in the Chula Vista bayfront and offers daily specials including their infamous fish & chips.
550 Marina Parkway,
Chula Vista, CA
(619) 422-5714
🌅 WEBSITE
🍜 MENU
Savoie Italian Eatery
Savoie has an enticing menu of handcrafted Italian cuisine featuring a mouthwatering selection of pastas, salads, pizza, seafood, poultry and steaks.
2015 Birch Road, Ste. 720
Chula Vista, CA
(619) 591-5757
🌅 WEBSITE
🍜 MENU
Imperial Beach Patio Dining
Sea 180 Coastal Tavern
Sea 180 offers oceanfront dining at Imperial Beach. Innovative cuisine is offered from breakfast to dinner and the social hour is a must.
800 Seacoast Dr.
Pier South Resort
Imperial Beach, CA
(619) 631.4949
🌅 WEBSITE
🍜 MENU
Coronado Brewing (2 locations)
Coronado Brewing offers its signature handcrafted beers alongside pub favorites, beachy salads, tacos, flatbread pizzas and more.
🌅 WEBSITE
875 Seacoast Dr.
Imperial Beach, CA
(619) 423-4900
🍜 MENU
170 Orange Ave.
Coronado, CA
(619) 437-4452
🍜 MENU
Mike Hess Brewing (Imperial Beach)
The Mike Hess Imperial Beach location has a sun-drenched biergarten, and elevated deck steps from the ocean, offering great food with vegan-friendly & gluten-free menu items from City Tacos.
805 Ocean Lane
Imperial Beach, CA
(619) 240-3394
🌅 WEBSITE
