Our Summer Picks For Patio Dining In L.A.

Our summer picks for patio dining

Chicago | New York | San Francisco 

Don't stress about snagging that perfect open-air table: We've compiled some of the best alfresco restaurants from across Los Angeles.

RESTAURANT WHY YOU SHOULD EAT THERE

Goldie's 

(West L.A.)

Although this stylish 3rd St. restaurant is only months old, its lush, eco-chic patio already feels classic. With a living wall of flowering succulents and Thomas Lin's ethereal, wood-fired California cooking, a summertime visit is essential. 8422 W. 3rd St., West L.A.; 323-677-2470 or goldiesla.com
Cliff's Edge
(Silverlake)
This clandestine Silverlake spot has always been known for its shady, sprawling tree-lined canopy. But when new chef Vartan Abgaryan introduced harmonious small plates, such as chicken-liver terrine with kumquats, our enchantment blossomed all over again. 3626 W. Sunset Blvd., Silverlake; 323-666-6116 or cliffsedgecafe.com

A.O.C. Wine Bar
(Mid-City)

Suzanne Goin recently moved her storied wine bar into the former Il Covo location, a handsome wood-lined hideaway with a sizable open-air space. Goin's magical Mediterranean touch still rings true: Opt for simple creations such as roast chicken with bread salad. 8700 W. 3rd St., Mid-City.; 310-859-9859 or aocwinebar.com
Night + Market 
(West Hollywood)
Sheltered by banana-leaf fronds and tiki torches, the rear patio feels closer to the Mekong River than the Sunset Strip. Once the sun dips, share bowls of chef Kris Yenbamroong's spicy-sour Northern Thai street food, such as nam kao tod and grilled pork collar. 9041 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood; 310-275-9724 or nightmarketla.com
Sunny Spot
(Marina del Rey)
Roy Choi knows there's no better way to crush a weekend hangover than with a tall glass of rum punch and plantain-heavy mofongo and eggs. Both the outdoor dining room and the menu channel a laid-back Caribbean vibe. 822 Washington Blvd., Marina del Rey; 310-448-8884 or sunnyspotvenice.com

Ray's

(Mid-City)

Ensconced by the main hall of LACMA, Ray's is likely the most ambitious museum restaurant in the country. The kitchen cooks in broad strokes, matching artful squid-ink pasta with massive installations in full view of the tables. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-City; 323-857-6180 or raysandstarkbar.com
Pingtung Eat-In Market 
(West Hollywood)
The combination of good dim sum and a sun-drenched patio has eluded Angelenos for too long. Enjoy steamers of plump har gow while people-watching on Melrose, or sit in the back garden to sip oolong tea in Zen-like solitude. 7455 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood; 323-866-1866 or pingtungla.com
Gjelina
(Venice)
The über-hip Abbot Kinney crowd has taken up permanent residence in Gjelina's cozy, vine-covered courtyard. But there's more to the restaurant than looking cool: dishes like squash-blossom pizza and grilled razor clams are immensely satisfying. G1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice; 310-450-1429 or gjelina.com