Brian Nagele
Also known as “The Golden City,” San Francisco offers visitors plenty to do during their stay. After riding on one of their cable cars or visiting their museums, you deserve to unwind and sample their finest cuisine while relaxing on a warm, sunny day.
Thankfully, there are many great outdoor restaurants, especially if you’re in the mood for tasty international cuisine.
Prubechu
2224 Mission St #A, San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone: 415-853-0671
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The first place that we recommend checking out for the best outdoor dining San Francisco offers is Prubechu, a stylish and modern restaurant offering tasty Guamanian dishes located in the heart of the Mission District.
They have a spacious outdoor patio for sampling Chef Shawn Naputi’s Chamorro fare.
I recommend trying their Tinaktak, a traditional Chamorro dish made with coconut braised beef, egg noodles, button mushrooms, green beans, and cherry tomatoes, or BBQ Pork Ribs.
Zazie
941 Cole St, San Francisco, CA 94117
Phone: 415-564-5332
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Next up on my list is Zazie, a casual French restaurant found minutes away from Buena Vista Park.
I consider it one of the best restaurants for outdoor dining in San Francisco because of its spacious patio and sidewalk seating.
Despite its size, it’s an excellent place to treat your friends to brunch or dinner. After starting with their French Onion Soup, consider ordering their Lapin à la Moutarde with grilled potatoes on the side.
Cotogna
490 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: 415-775-8508
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Located minutes away from the Northern Waterfront and Financial District, Cotogna is the best place for open-air dining and quality Italian dishes that rotate daily.
Its rustic-chic atmosphere gives the restaurant an extra touch of class.
Their Bistecca Alla Fiorentina tastes best with a refreshing white wine or lemonade. If you’re not in the mood for their grilled meat, they offer plenty of pasta and pizza.
After dinner, consider finishing your meal with some scoops of their gelato.
Ernest
1890 Bryant St Suite 100, San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone: 415-829-2961
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You can find Ernest near the Mission District and Franklin Square.
If you’re looking for an engaging fine dining experience, this restaurant has a hip atmosphere, an open kitchen, and an excellent rotating, internationally-inspired menu prepared by Chef Brandon Rice.
You can also enjoy a meal on their heated, dog-friendly outdoor patio.
Enjoy their signature BBQ Pork Neck or Monterey Bay Squid with any of their house cocktails. Then, finish your night in style with a soft-serve sundae with coffee or tea.
Foreign Cinema
2534 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone: 415-648-7600
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If you’re looking for a fun restaurant with an engaging dinner experience, Foreign Cinema is your best option for outdoor dining in San Francisco.
You can enjoy the restaurant’s fresh air and rotating Mediterranean menu as you watch classic movies every week on an outdoor screen.
If you’re treating your friends or family to dinner, start with their Warm Mediterranean Mixed Olives or Spring Fondue. Then, consider ordering their Seared Scallops or Exotic Spiced Duck Breast.
Angler
132 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone: 415-872-9442
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If you prefer upscale settings when searching for the best outdoor dining San Francisco offers, consider booking a reservation at Angler.
This seafood restaurant in San Francisco has a breath-taking bayside view in its outdoor dining area. Its chic and refined surroundings also enhance the space.
Since Angler’s menu changes daily, you should consider stopping by often to try everything. During my last visit to the city, I had their Antelope Tartare and Grilled Striped Bass.
Don’t forget to pair your meal with wine or spirits from their cellar.
Good Good Culture Club
3560 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
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A few blocks east of Mission Dolores Park stands Good Good Culture Club, a casual and lively eatery.
This restaurant has an excellent view of the city’s Mission District if you’re interested in dining in their outdoor roof garden.
I love ordering their House-Made Red Curry, Mom’s Lao Sausage, or Smoked Five Dot Beef Back Ribs whenever I stop by for dinner.
I also recommend trying their Chocolate Mousse Cake or Pandan Bibingka if you have room for dessert.
El Techo
2516 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone: 415-550-6970
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El Techo is a vibrant restaurant that serves quality Latin American fare in the heart of the Mission District. Their rooftop patio is the perfect setting to enjoy any meal.
It also has heat lamps and windscreens to accommodate cooler weather and a semi-private booth area. El Techo offers a wide selection of small plates to sample with your friends.
Their best dishes are Pollo en Adobo, Tacos de Pescado, Taquitos Dorados de Pollo, and half-pound Chicharrones de Carne.
Check out other San Fran rooftop bars on our list here.
Del Popolo
855 Bush St, San Francisco, CA 94108
Phone: 415-589-7940
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If you’re having trouble finding any local pizzerias offering outdoor dining, visit Del Popolo to satisfy your cravings.
Their wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas and rustic-chic atmosphere give this eatery an excellent modern touch for any food lover.
Their back patio is an excellent place to share some slices with your friends after a long day.
Their Diavola and Bianca pizzas offer sensational flavors in every bite. If you’re extra hungry, try their Pork Crackling or Braised Lamb Arancini.
Palette Tea House
900 North Point St Ste B201, San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: 415-347-8888
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Nestled in the heart of the North Beach neighborhood at Ghirardelli Square, Palette Tea House is your best option for quality dim sum and Cantonese cuisine in a modern setting.
Their enclosed patio has a lovely view of the city streets. Their menu offers plenty of traditional dishes to sample, like rice or noodle dishes.
They also have a wide selection of cocktails and tea. I had their Wagyu Beef Pot Stickers and Sweet & Sour Chicken with Chrysanthemum Tea.
Fable
558 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Phone: 415-590-2404
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Another excellent lunch and dinner destination with the best outdoor dining San Francisco offers is Fable, a casual New American restaurant west of Mission Dolores Park.
Their outdoor patio has a lovely garden with colorful flowers, fresh greenery, and hanging vines and lights to give guests a more immersive outdoor dining experience.
I love ordering their Double Cheeseburger for dinner and their Grilled Zucchini Sandwich for lunch with lemonade or Arnold Palmer. They also offer brunch on the weekends.
Um.Ma
1220 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122
Phone: 415-566-5777
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Across the street from San Francisco Botanical Garden stands Um.Ma, a modern and chic eatery serving the best Korean barbeque in the neighborhood.
They have a back patio with a bar and several picnic tables surrounded by old trees to give a more relaxed ambiance.
I recommend sampling their signature Bulgogi, crafted with prime ribeye, garlic soy marinade, and scallions to give it balanced flavors. Don’t miss out on their side of Braised Fingerling Potatoes.
The Vault
555 California St, San Francisco, CA 94104
Phone: 415-508-4675
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If you’re looking for the best upscale outdoor dining in the Downtown area, The Vault might be the best place to consider for your next dinner night.
It has a covered, heated patio for enjoying Cal-American fare for casual or private gatherings. I stopped by during a clear night and started with their Dungeness Crab Cake.
Then, I had their mouth-watering Vault Burger, a double patty delight topped with cheddar, lettuce, and secret sauce, with fries.
Fiorella
2238 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: 415-829-7097
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Located in the Pork Gulch neighborhood, Fiorella is another excellent place for outdoor dining in San Francisco. They serve quality Italian dishes in this refined eatery that you can enjoy in their outdoor garden.
Fiorella’s menu offers plenty of pasta and gourmet pizzas to sample. I’m a fan of their Clam Pizza and Mafaldine Con Spring Pesto.
If you’re craving something sweet, finish with their Malted Dark Chocolate or Black Sesame Gelato and a dessert wine.
4505 Burgers & BBQ
705 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117
Phone: 415-231-6993
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You can find 4505 Burgers & BBQ near Alamo Square. This casual restaurant serves quality over-the-counter burgers and smoked meats you can enjoy on their outdoor patio.
In addition, their culinary team prepares their dishes using wood-fired barbecue pits for authentic flavors. I love ordering their Smoked Rib Plate with baked beans and fries on the side.
I also recommend their three-meat plate if you’re extra hungry or one of their large salads if you prefer healthier options.
Charmaine’s
45 McAllister St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: 628-895-2039
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Nestled within the San Francisco Proper Hotel, Charmaine’s is another excellent option to consider during your search for the best outdoor dining San Francisco offers.
Their rooftop bar offers an amazing view of the city’s skyline. In addition, it has a chic, laid-back vibe for enjoying Executive Chef Jason Fox’s hip New American dishes.
In my opinion, their tastiest entrees are Crispy Fish Tacos and Roasted Pork Lettuce Cups. Don’t forget to pair your meal with their house cocktails.
Red’s Java House
Pier 30 The Embarcadero S, San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone: 415-777-5626
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The best place for sampling San Francisco’s best burgers by the waterfront is Red’s Java House.
Their casual outdoor patio has an excellent view of the Oakland Bay Bridge, especially on the warmest and clearest days.
If you’re in the mood for a hot dog or burger, try their Cheese Dog or Chili Cheeseburger with a side of chili cheese fries or onion rings. They also offer breakfast all week, including Corn Beef and Hash on the weekends.
Waterbar Restaurant
399 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone: 415-284-9922
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Another excellent restaurant offering a nice view of Bay Bridge from their outdoor dining area is Waterbar Restaurant, just a short walk away from Rincon Park.
Their panoramic patio also offers views of the city’s skyline and Treasure Island as you indulge in succulent seafood.
During my last trip to the city, I started with their Duck Confit and ordered their Turmeric-Brined Mahi Mahi with a side of Sugar Snap Peas as my main meal.
Wayfare Tavern
558 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone: 415-772-9060
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You can find Wayfare Tavern minutes away from the Transamerica Pyramid, near Chinatown. This upscale restaurant has a pub-like aesthetic for anyone interested in a calm place to eat.
They have a covered, heated outdoor patio for small and large private occasions. I ordered their Prime NY Strip with Baked Macaroni & Cheese after starting with their Roasted Bone Marrow.
You should also consider trying their fixed-price Dinner for Two special or visit their Raw Bar for oysters and shellfish.
Mission Rock Resort
817 Terry A Francois Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94158
Phone: 415-701-7625
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If you’re exploring the Mission Bay neighborhood, the best place to stop for outdoor dining is Mission Rock Resort.
This two-level restaurant has several private and semi-private docks for enjoying quality seafood with a nice view of the city’s bay. My favorite dishes are their Jumbo Prawn Mac & Cheese, Blackened Salmon, and Local Petrale Sole.
Be sure to visit the Rock Cafe for their Happy Hour oysters and frozen cocktails. Then, treat yourself to their hot fudge sundae for dessert.
Palm House
2032 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone: 415-749-9959
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Don’t know where to find casual, tropical restaurants in San Francisco? Then, stop by Palm House for amazing Caribbean fare.
Palm trees decorate the restaurant, including their outdoor patio. It’s a great place to relax on a warm day and enjoy a frozen cocktail.
Consider ordering their Coconut-Crusted Shrimp or Ahi Poke as a sharable starter, then try their Crispy Fried Baja Fish Tacos, Jerk Chicken, or Tradewind Burger for dinner with a refreshing Tropical Storm cocktail.
Park Chalet
1000 Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA 94121
Phone: 415-386-8439
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After spending a day at Ocean Beach, the best nearby place I recommend for casual outdoor dining in San Francisco is Park Chalet.
Their patio seating offers a lovely view of Golden Gate Park and the Pacific Ocean. You can order plenty of surf & turf options on their menu.
Their Braised Short Rib and Maine Lobster Roll are some of their most popular dining options. They also offer taco, sangria, and margarita specials on Taco Tuesdays.
The Patio
3232 Scott St, San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone: 415-580-7080
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Nestled within the Marina District, The Patio is a chic, modern dining destination for anyone interested in outdoor dining.
Their patio has a stylish garden for enjoying seasonal small and large plates on their rotating menu. It’s east of The Presidio.
This restaurant serves the best Fried Chicken sandwich, Pan-Seared Salmon, and Spring Vegetable Pasta on this side of the city. They also offer brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11 AM to 3 PM.
Cultivar San Francisco
2379 Chestnut St, San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone: 415-962-4200
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North of Cow Hollow stands Cultivar San Francisco, a refined dining destination offering tasty small plates and wines.
Its intimate atmosphere includes a beautiful outdoor fireplace on the patio. In addition, each wine option they offer with their dishes incorporates the flavors of Napa Valley.
Their Grilled Cheese is made with fresh sourdough bread, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan Reggiano. It tastes best with tomato soup. I also enjoy their Salmon Hash and Croque Madame for brunch.
Fog Harbor Fish House
39 Pier, San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: 415-969-2010
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Last but not least on this list of excellent eateries offering the best outdoor dining San Francisco offers is Fog Harbor Fish House.
This stylish waterfront restaurant has outdoor seating with an excellent view of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge.
In my opinion, you should start with their award-winning clam chowder, served in a fresh sourdough bread bowl, and try their Seared Pacific Cod or Whole Dungeness Crab as your main course.
