Living in beautiful Orange County, we have the benefit of weather that just begs you to spend time outdoors. If I can be thankful for anything right now it is the fact that restaurants are being given leniency and an increased ability to create additional outdoor space where they otherwise could not. Alcohol is even being poured in to-go containers, something you would not usually see in our typically conservative town. With many activities still on lockdown, this is a great time to start to explore outdoor spaces with culinary delights that you may not have otherwise tried. Parking may be sparse and tables may be limited. Arrive early or plan to stand in line to wait. But really, what else do you have to do?
So whether you prefer a beach town or a city view, here is a list of restaurants with patios that are open for dining. I’m sure there are quite a few that I may have left off as more restaurants add patio options to begin service. I look forward to expanding this list. Feel free to send me a note if you think there is one I should add. Bon Appétit!
Corona Del Mar
The Bungalow
El Cholo
Cafe Jardin @ Sherman Gardens
Five Crowns
Costa Mesa
Descanso
Vaca
Habana
El Matador
Cafe Sevilla
Yard House
La Vida Cantina
Black Knight Gastro Lounge
2145
Acapulco
Greanleaf
Playa Mesa
MiCasa
Filomena’s
Crystal Cove
Beachcomber
Dana Point
Project Social
Waterman’s
Wind & Sea
Proud Mary’s
Craft House
Luciana’s Ristorante
Fullerton
Summit House
Huntington Beach
Mama’s on 39
The American Dream
Sandy’s Beach Shack
Pacific Hideaway
Irvine
Brio
Del Frisco’s
Angelina’s
PF Chang’s
Lemonade
Porch & Swing
Hangar 24
Javier’s
Cucina Enoteca
Cheesecake Factory
Ladera Ranch
BLK
The Ranch
Selma’s
Laguna Beach
Rooftop
The Loft (Montage)
Harvest (The Ranch Golf Course)
Moulin
Starfish
Ruby’s
Sapphire
Las Brisas
Cucina Alessa
Nick’s
Driftwood Kitchen
Laguna Hills
Ironwood
Romano Cucina
Lake Forest
Brü Grill & Market
Long Beach
Nick’s on 2nd
Saints and Second
Playa Amor
Ola
Many Locations - Avila’s El Ranchito
Mission Viejo
O'Neills @ Arroyo Trabuco Golf Course
Sol Agave
Yama Sushi on the Lake
Hidden Vine Wine Shop (light food) (Lake)
Peppino’s (Lake)
Cheesecake Factory
Monarch Beach
180 Blue @ The Ritz
Newport Beach
Bayside Restaurant
Fable & Spirit
Balboa Bay Club
Tommy Bahama’s
Oak Grill
Gulfstream
Nobu
Sol Grill
Boscat Kitchen
Olea
R&D Kitchen
Malibu Farm
Bluewater Grill
The Cannery
The Dock
Rusty Pelican
Malarky’s Irish Pub
The Alley
Farmhouse @ Roger’s Gardens
True Food Kitchen
Pelican Grill @ Pelican Hill Golf Course
Gulfstream
Cappy’s Cafe
Haute Cakes
Woody’s Wharf
Orange
Citrus City Grille
Moreno’s
Rutabegorz
Orange Hill
King’s Fish House
Lazy Dog
The Filling Station
Tutto Fresco
Rancho Mission Viejo
Scarlett Kitchen & Lounge
Carmelita’s (Lake)
Rancho Santa Margarita
Tijera’s Creek Golf Course
Tutto Fresco
Hanna’s
San Clemente
Fisherman’s
Sonny’s
Brick
Beachfire
Mimosa
Iva Lee’s
San Juan Capistrano
Sol Agave
Trevor’s on the Track
Rancho Capistrano Winery
Cedar Creek Inn
Sundried Tomato
El Adobe
Ciao Pasta
Trabuco Canyon
Rose Canyon Cantina
Yorba Linda
Terra-Wood Fires Kitchen
Credit: Amy Daugherty for starting this amazing list! Thank you!