San Francisco's vibrant culinary scene extends beyond its bustling restaurants; it thrives in the city's stunning outdoor spaces. From cozy patios bathed in sunlight to expansive waterfront decks offering breathtaking views, San Francisco boasts a wealth of exceptional outdoor dining experiences. This comprehensive guide highlights 33 of the best, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. Whether you're seeking a romantic dinner, a casual lunch, or a lively brunch, you'll find the perfect al fresco spot amongst our curated selection. We'll explore diverse neighborhoods, cuisines, and ambiances to help you plan your next unforgettable outdoor meal in the City by the Bay.
Neighborhood Gems: Discovering Outdoor Dining Hideaways
San Francisco's unique neighborhoods each offer a distinct outdoor dining experience. Exploring these diverse areas reveals hidden gems and iconic favorites.
North Beach: Bohemian Charm Meets Delicious Food
- The Stinking Rose: This garlic-lover's paradise offers a charming patio perfect for a unique culinary adventure. Expect generous portions and a lively atmosphere.
- Tony's Pizza Napoletana: While not strictly a patio, their outdoor seating area provides a taste of authentic Neapolitan pizza in a classic North Beach setting.
Mission District: Vibrant Culture and Flavorful Fare
- Foreign Cinema: This iconic Mission restaurant combines delicious Mediterranean cuisine with independent film screenings, creating a truly unique outdoor dining experience. Their patio is consistently popular, so reservations are highly recommended.
- La Taqueria: This Mission institution is known for its incredible tacos. While seating is limited outdoors, grabbing a few tacos and enjoying them in a nearby park is a quintessential Mission experience.
Marina District: Waterfront Views and Upscale Dining
- Scoma's: This waterfront institution provides stunning views of the bay. Enjoy fresh seafood on their expansive patio, perfect for a celebratory meal.
- Waterbar: Another iconic waterfront spot, Waterbar offers a more upscale dining experience with equally impressive views. Perfect for a romantic evening or special occasion.
Other Notable Neighborhoods and Their Outdoor Dining Options
This is just a glimpse; many other neighborhoods offer fantastic outdoor dining. Consider exploring these areas:
| Neighborhood | Restaurant Example(s) | Cuisine Type(s) | Ambiance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hayes Valley | Rich Table, Souvla | Modern American, Greek | Chic, Upscale |
| Pacific Heights | The Progress, Zuni Café | California, American | Elegant, Relaxed |
| Castro | Harvey's, Twin Peaks Tavern | American, Casual | Lively, Historic |
| Financial District | The View Lounge, Boulevard | International, American | Modern, Panoramic Views |
Types of Outdoor Dining Experiences in San Francisco
San Francisco's diversity extends to its outdoor dining options. Consider the type of experience you're seeking:
Romantic Outdoor Dining
For a romantic evening, consider restaurants with intimate patios and stunning views. Waterbar and Foreign Cinema offer particularly romantic settings. Look for restaurants with twinkling lights, comfortable seating, and a cozy atmosphere.
Family-Friendly Outdoor Dining
Many restaurants welcome families with open arms. Look for establishments with ample space, kid-friendly menus, and a relaxed atmosphere. Consider checking restaurant websites for specific family-friendly policies.
Casual Outdoor Dining
For a relaxed meal, numerous spots offer casual outdoor seating. La Taqueria, with its iconic tacos, and many cafes throughout the city offer quick, delicious, and casual outdoor options.
Upscale Outdoor Dining
For a special occasion, San Francisco offers several upscale establishments with stunning outdoor settings. Scoma's and Waterbar are prime examples of refined dining experiences with breathtaking views.
30 More Amazing Outdoor Dining Spots in San Francisco
This list expands upon the previously mentioned restaurants, offering a diverse range of culinary experiences and locations:
- Swan Oyster Depot (Seafood, Classic)
- Nopa (American, Casual)
- State Bird Provisions (Modern American, Small Plates)
- SPQR (Italian, Upscale)
- Burma Superstar (Burmese, Casual)
- Gracias Madre (Vegan, Mexican)
- Zazie (French, Bistro)
- The Progress (Modern American, Fine Dining)
- Rich Table (Modern American, Fine Dining)
- Little Skillet (Southern, Casual)
- Park Chalet Garden Restaurant (American, Waterfront)
- Beach Chalet Brewery & Restaurant (American, Waterfront)
- Cliff House (Seafood, American, Iconic Views)
- Foreign Cinema (Mediterranean, Film Screenings)
- The Ferry Building Marketplace (Diverse, Market Setting)
- Mama's on Washington Square (American, Italian, North Beach)
- Sotto Mare (Seafood, Italian, North Beach)
- Arizmendi Bakery (Pizza, Vegetarian, Mission)
- Tacolicious (Tacos, Mission)
- Burma Love (Burmese, Casual)
- Souvla (Greek, Casual)
- The Riddler (Cocktail Bar with Small Plates)
- House of Nanking (Chinese, Casual)
- Liholiho Yacht Club (Hawaiian-inspired, Modern)
- Noosh (Mediterranean, Casual)
- Che Fico (Italian, Casual)
- Hog Island Oyster Co. (Oysters, Seafood, Ferry Building)
- Swan Oyster Depot (Seafood, Classic)
- Tartine Bakery (Bakery, Casual)
- Brenda's French Soul Food (Soul Food, French Fusion)
- Marlowe (American, Bistro)
- Greens Restaurant (Vegetarian, Organic, Fort Mason)
- Gary Danko (Seafood, Fine Dining)
This extensive list offers a starting point for your San Francisco outdoor dining adventures. Remember to check restaurant websites for hours, reservations, and any special requirements before your visit. Enjoy the vibrant culinary scene and stunning views the City by the Bay has to offer!
