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These 12 San Francisco restaurants ace outdoor dining

A photo of Red logo
by Becky Duffett
Updated May 30, 2024

Outdoor dining flies any time of year around San Francisco—provided you bring a jacket. So grab an extra layer and take advantage of these top-tier alfresco setups.

An enormous courtyard at a New American restaurant transforms with the seasons. A beloved dim sum spot also serves sweeping Bay Bridge vistas. Fire pits, city views, and shareable snacks from an acclaimed chef dazzle at a triangular rooftop.

These places show off Golden Gate City’s most scenic side. Read on for a guide to 12 San Francisco restaurants that nail outdoor dining.

4.6 (11164)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Financial District / Embarcadero

San Francisco’s iconic seafood restaurant rocks a big waterfront patio, set on the edge of the Embarcadero with prime bay and bridge views. Sit among baby palm trees and white umbrellas and watch the world walk, jog, or rollerblade by while relaxing with lobster rolls and Champagne. Wander past the oyster bar and up the stairs, and you’ll find a private dining room with a deck overlooking all the waterside action.

Top review
Mark
Dined 4 days ago
Wait staff was superb as was the food and ambience.

San Francisco’s iconic seafood restaurant rocks a big waterfront patio, set on the edge of the Embarcadero with prime bay and bridge views. Sit among baby palm trees and white umbrellas and watch the world walk, jog, or rollerblade by while relaxing with lobster rolls and Champagne. Wander past the oyster bar and up the stairs, and you’ll find a private dining room with a deck overlooking all the waterside action.

Top review
Mark
Dined 4 days ago
Wait staff was superb as was the food and ambience.
4.8 (8976)
$31 to $50
Californian
Mission District

Foreign Cinema is home to one of San Francisco’s most renowned patios. The outdoor space has gone strong since 1999, with classic films projected onto the garden wall. Nothing beats dinner and a movie under the stars alongside Foreign Cinema’s Californian Mediterranean menu, which includes oysters on the half shell, peppercorn-spiced duck breast, and roasted za’atar chicken. If you go for brunch, don’t skip the crowd-favorite housemade fruit pop tarts.

Top review
richardVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Excellent meal good service tasty chicken and lamb dishes

Foreign Cinema is home to one of San Francisco’s most renowned patios. The outdoor space has gone strong since 1999, with classic films projected onto the garden wall. Nothing beats dinner and a movie under the stars alongside Foreign Cinema’s Californian Mediterranean menu, which includes oysters on the half shell, peppercorn-spiced duck breast, and roasted za’atar chicken. If you go for brunch, don’t skip the crowd-favorite housemade fruit pop tarts.

Top review
richardVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Excellent meal good service tasty chicken and lamb dishes
4.4 (696)
$31 to $50
Californian
Financial District / Embarcadero

This contemporary American spot is all about an enormous courtyard with decor that changes seasonally—it becomes a full-on winter wonderland in December and is lined with floral curtains, twinkling lights, and plenty of greenery throughout the year. Covered and heated areas (plus blankets) mean it’s comfortable in all kinds of weather. It’s the kind of chic, atmospheric spot you’ll keep coming back to for a solid Cali-accented menu featuring asparagus crab dip and Wagyu steak frites.

Top review
Heather
Dined on May 29, 2025
The epitome of hospitality! Thank you to Tai and team for being so accommodating with our private party. The food and space were amazing!

This contemporary American spot is all about an enormous courtyard with decor that changes seasonally—it becomes a full-on winter wonderland in December and is lined with floral curtains, twinkling lights, and plenty of greenery throughout the year. Covered and heated areas (plus blankets) mean it’s comfortable in all kinds of weather. It’s the kind of chic, atmospheric spot you’ll keep coming back to for a solid Cali-accented menu featuring asparagus crab dip and Wagyu steak frites.

Top review
Heather
Dined on May 29, 2025
The epitome of hospitality! Thank you to Tai and team for being so accommodating with our private party. The food and space were amazing!
4.6 (1664)
$31 to $50
Mediterranean
Financial District / Embarcadero

Cane chairs, colorful rugs, and intricate wooden dividers (for plenty of privacy) make the patio at this Mediterranean and Parisian-influenced bistro one of the city’s coziest. Barcha’s lunch menu is a workday treat, known for top-notch shawarma and kebabs. Other winning Middle Eastern dishes include fattoush salad brightened with mint and sumac or pistachio and fig jam baklava.

Top review
Larry
Dined on Jun 26, 2025
Service was most notable. Young lady answered all my questions and with extreme patience. Thank you. Food was quite different from what I am used to. However, flavors were great and everything we ordered had great flavors and provided an enjoyable dining experience.

Cane chairs, colorful rugs, and intricate wooden dividers (for plenty of privacy) make the patio at this Mediterranean and Parisian-influenced bistro one of the city’s coziest. Barcha’s lunch menu is a workday treat, known for top-notch shawarma and kebabs. Other winning Middle Eastern dishes include fattoush salad brightened with mint and sumac or pistachio and fig jam baklava.

Top review
Larry
Dined on Jun 26, 2025
Service was most notable. Young lady answered all my questions and with extreme patience. Thank you. Food was quite different from what I am used to. However, flavors were great and everything we ordered had great flavors and provided an enjoyable dining experience.
4.6 (893)
$30 and under
Italian
Sunset District

This Italian restaurant’s third location is the best for outdoor dining, opening up to a sceney rooftop deck with retractable black-and-gold striped awnings (which can be cranked open on sunny days). Pizza and pasta are Fiorella’s specialties, and a locally leaning beer list, regionally sourced produce, and city-themed murals and wallpaper make it distinctly San Franciscan. Pro-tip: Stop by after a stroll through Golden Gate Park for an especially satisfying open-air meal.

Top review
RebeccaVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Food was excellent. Ordered 4 pizzas and they all were delicious. Upstairs space was cozy and less noisy than downstairs. Only complaint is that it took a long time to get our drinks. My husband asked for a refill of his lemonade when we got the pizzas and received it when we got our check. Timing of the drinks could be faster.

This Italian restaurant’s third location is the best for outdoor dining, opening up to a sceney rooftop deck with retractable black-and-gold striped awnings (which can be cranked open on sunny days). Pizza and pasta are Fiorella’s specialties, and a locally leaning beer list, regionally sourced produce, and city-themed murals and wallpaper make it distinctly San Franciscan. Pro-tip: Stop by after a stroll through Golden Gate Park for an especially satisfying open-air meal.

Top review
RebeccaVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Food was excellent. Ordered 4 pizzas and they all were delicious. Upstairs space was cozy and less noisy than downstairs. Only complaint is that it took a long time to get our drinks. My husband asked for a refill of his lemonade when we got the pizzas and received it when we got our check. Timing of the drinks could be faster.
4.5 (1580)
$31 to $50
Chinese
Financial District / Embarcadero

The only thing better than devouring a perfect shrimp dumpling might be doing it with a view of the Bay. You can feast on the finest dim sum up on the deck at Harborview, including baked barbecue pork buns and full Peking duck platters. The family-style Chinese meal pairs well with the photogenic Embarcadero surroundings, which includes the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge.

Top review
RoseVIP
Dined 7 days ago
Cuisine is excellent especially the black cod! Holt and others provided attentive service. Our international guests loved the 10 course banquet ! Thank you! Rose P

The only thing better than devouring a perfect shrimp dumpling might be doing it with a view of the Bay. You can feast on the finest dim sum up on the deck at Harborview, including baked barbecue pork buns and full Peking duck platters. The family-style Chinese meal pairs well with the photogenic Embarcadero surroundings, which includes the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge.

Top review
RoseVIP
Dined 7 days ago
Cuisine is excellent especially the black cod! Holt and others provided attentive service. Our international guests loved the 10 course banquet ! Thank you! Rose P
4.8 (8688)
$31 to $50
Peruvian
Financial District / Embarcadero

One of the most loved Peruvian restaurants in San Francisco sits between the docks at Pier 1½, where some diners even park their boats during dinner. La Mar has a new bar and massive dining room, among other beautiful spaces, but the best seat in the house is on the deep patio, which is both covered and heated to ward off the fog. Dig into fresh cebiches, empanadas, and pisco cocktails while watching the ferries float out past Treasure Island.

Top review
AlejandraVIP
Dined 1 day ago
La Mar is always an amazing option for sea food! The Peruvian ceviche is always my favorite! The lomo saltado was too sweet in my opinion but the rest was absolutely amazing!

One of the most loved Peruvian restaurants in San Francisco sits between the docks at Pier 1½, where some diners even park their boats during dinner. La Mar has a new bar and massive dining room, among other beautiful spaces, but the best seat in the house is on the deep patio, which is both covered and heated to ward off the fog. Dig into fresh cebiches, empanadas, and pisco cocktails while watching the ferries float out past Treasure Island.

Top review
AlejandraVIP
Dined 1 day ago
La Mar is always an amazing option for sea food! The Peruvian ceviche is always my favorite! The lomo saltado was too sweet in my opinion but the rest was absolutely amazing!
4.6 (11286)
$50 and over
Vegetarian / Vegan
Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

This groundbreaking vegetarian restaurant first opened in 1979, and it’s still feeding diners fresh spring rolls, giant bean tagines, and seasonal pastas. Greens boasts a beautiful home in one of the Fort Mason warehouses, where rich wood interiors look out onto the bay and Golden Gate Bridge. The restaurant recently built a wooden “pavilion” outside, so you can dine to a soundtrack of lapping waves and gulls—with plenty of space heaters to cut the fog.

Top review
WayneVIP
Dined 4 days ago
Kathy was a wonderful and attentive waitress and went overboard for us.

This groundbreaking vegetarian restaurant first opened in 1979, and it’s still feeding diners fresh spring rolls, giant bean tagines, and seasonal pastas. Greens boasts a beautiful home in one of the Fort Mason warehouses, where rich wood interiors look out onto the bay and Golden Gate Bridge. The restaurant recently built a wooden “pavilion” outside, so you can dine to a soundtrack of lapping waves and gulls—with plenty of space heaters to cut the fog.

Top review
WayneVIP
Dined 4 days ago
Kathy was a wonderful and attentive waitress and went overboard for us.
4.5 (1420)
$30 and under
Californian
Downtown / Union Square

Ride the elevator to the top of the swanky Proper Hotel and step out onto a space studded with fire pits. Charmaine’s occupies a triangular rooftop with city views up and down Market Street. The menu is anything but an afterthought, since acclaimed chef Jason Fox (of MICHELIN-starred Commonwealth fame) took over the hotel kitchen. Snack on huitlacoche-stuffed potatoes, chopped salads, or cheeseburgers, and sip a Pimm’s cup with a curly cucumber garnish as you take in the striking skyline.

Top review
Gerald
Dined 2 days ago
Great anniversary experience. Quiet evening, we were seated earlier than our reservations.

Ride the elevator to the top of the swanky Proper Hotel and step out onto a space studded with fire pits. Charmaine’s occupies a triangular rooftop with city views up and down Market Street. The menu is anything but an afterthought, since acclaimed chef Jason Fox (of MICHELIN-starred Commonwealth fame) took over the hotel kitchen. Snack on huitlacoche-stuffed potatoes, chopped salads, or cheeseburgers, and sip a Pimm’s cup with a curly cucumber garnish as you take in the striking skyline.

Top review
Gerald
Dined 2 days ago
Great anniversary experience. Quiet evening, we were seated earlier than our reservations.
4.4 (391)
$50 and over
American
SOMA

Reservations are highly recommended at this rooftop bar on the 12th floor of the Canopy Hotel, where the vibe is luxe penthouse. Score a spot on one of the lounge sofas topped with throw pillows that line the railing for an epic sunset view (there are heaters for colder nights), and sip on a house-aged negroni or old fashioned. Things stay low-key from Sunday to Wednesday, but if you’re looking for a more action-packed night, go on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, when a live DJ sets the scene.

Top review
Rosanna
Dined 1 day ago
Food was great, we ordered the Bone Marrow and the Pasta delicious and well priced for the portion. We ordered the House Aged Old Fashioned. Delicious cocktails served beautifully.

Reservations are highly recommended at this rooftop bar on the 12th floor of the Canopy Hotel, where the vibe is luxe penthouse. Score a spot on one of the lounge sofas topped with throw pillows that line the railing for an epic sunset view (there are heaters for colder nights), and sip on a house-aged negroni or old fashioned. Things stay low-key from Sunday to Wednesday, but if you’re looking for a more action-packed night, go on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, when a live DJ sets the scene.

Top review
Rosanna
Dined 1 day ago
Food was great, we ordered the Bone Marrow and the Pasta delicious and well priced for the portion. We ordered the House Aged Old Fashioned. Delicious cocktails served beautifully.
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