Diners' Choice: Great for outdoor dining restaurants in Orange County

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are great for outdoor dining in Orange County? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Vitaly Caffe

4.9

4.9 (78)

$31 to $50

Italian

Costa Mesa

About the restaurant

Welcome to our Italian restaurant, where the essence of Italy comes to life in every dish! We pride ourselves on crafting homemade Pasta, Pinsa Pizza, Piadina Sandwiches from scratch. From a wide-array of coffees, pastry and breakfast in the morning, to the very freshest, authentic Italian food and Artisan gelato throughout the day and night. Come and relax in our courtyard and enjoy our Italian wines and beers. We can't wait to serve you from breakfast through dinner, making us your go-to destination.
Please note: We accept reservations for diners only. Coffee or Gelato/Desserts are available on a walk-in basis.
Join us for a delicious Italian experience!

Top review

Daniel

Dined on May 11, 2025

Fantastic brunch, everything was delicious! Amazing coffee, this place is a go to. Authentic italian cafe vibe and cuisine. A little bit of ACTUAL Italy in Costa Mesa.

The Blind Pig

4.8

4.8 (243)

$50 and over

American

Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

About the restaurant

Built on a couple beers and a dream,' The Blind Pig, created by Tony Monaco, is the latest adventurous eatery to hit Orange County. The menu features American progressive cuisine paired with an eclectic selection of wines, a rotating craft beer list, and some of the best cocktails in Orange County created in house using only the best products and freshest ingredients by The Blind Pig's talented bartender team.

Come on over and check out our great food and drinks.

Top review

SoozyVIP

Dined on May 24, 2025

Fun place to sit on the patio overlooking RSM lake. Food and wine list are pretty good!

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Experience

Wine & Whiskey Wednesday

Ciao Pasta

4.8

4.8 (1313)

$30 and under

Italian

San Juan Capistrano

About the restaurant

Ciao Pasta offers the most authentic flavors of southern Italy in a historic setting reminiscent of the old world. Located in the heart of San Juan Capistrano, we take pride in bringing the rich flavors and traditions of Italy right to your table. Our menu features a delightful array of dishes, from handmade pasta and artisanal pizzas to fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables, all crafted with the finest ingredients.

At Ciao Pasta, we believe that great food is best enjoyed in good company. Our cozy atmosphere is perfect for family gatherings, romantic dinners, or casual nights out with friends. With a selection of carefully curated wines and house-made desserts, we invite you to indulge in the taste of Italy.

Happy hour at Ciao Pasta includes discounted house wine and beer, where guests are free to indulge in the beverages as they share affordable appetizers and select entrees.

Join us for a culinary journey that celebrates the passion and culture of Italian dining. Buon Appetito!

Top review

Robert

Dined 3 days ago

Our favorite place to enjoy real Italian cuisine since opening in 1995 - family celebrations and the feeling of coming home to friends and wonderful meals - can’t beat that 💖

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Popular dish

Mezze Maniche

Rosewood Social

4.8

4.8 (230)

$31 to $50

Southeast Asian

San Juan Capistrano

About the restaurant

Located on the rooftop of the historic Franciscan Plaza in San Juan Capistrano, Rosewood Social combines the unique flavors of the traditional American steakhouse with soulful Southeast Asian cuisine. Enjoy delicious food with a signature cocktail or a glass of wine on a terrace overlooking Mission San Juan at sunset. Join us for a relaxing and truly memorable dining and drinking experience!

Top review

StephanieVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Four of us tried this restaurant for dinner yesterday. We had Jake as a server and he was wonderful. The food was yummy, and so was the wine. I can comfortably recommend this restaurant.

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Experience

Happy Hour with a View

Ruscello - Nordstrom South Coast Plaza

4.7

4.7 (217)

$30 and under

Italian

Costa Mesa

About the restaurant

Enjoy a delightful dining experience at Nordstrom restaurants, where you can savor chef inspired dishes, using locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. Come and try our signature handcrafted soups, entrees and desserts and pair it with a Nordstrom crafted cocktail, wine or beer. Call (714) 850-2510 to place your order or get delivery via DoorDash or Uber Eats. Thank You.

Top review

LindaVIP

Dined on Jun 6, 2025

We love coming here for dinner before going to the theater. We're always greeted by name, shown to a nice booth, and given good service, always out on time. The pizza, salad, and mushroom ravioli are our favorites. Prices are quite reasonable.

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Experience

Wine Wednesdays

Experience

Happy Hour at the Ruscello!

Zinqué - Newport

4.5

4.5 (1103)

$30 and under

French

Newport Beach

About the restaurant

zinqué is a beloved neighborhood hotspot & all-day restaurant serving French-inspired dishes, small plates, craft cocktails & a uniquely curated wine selection. Inspired by the zinc countertop bars & cafés of Paris, many of its customers consider it a second home—a place to work, linger & socialize.

Open from 7am till late, the space transforms from a European-style bistro & café, serving full breakfast with La Colombe coffee drinks & its famous Le Bowl for lunch, to full service dining at night. (zin-kæ)

Top review

KittyVIP

Dined 1 day ago

We loved the location and the food was great too. We especially loved the burrata app and the steak frites (with chimichurri). Will be back!

Alessa by Chef Pirozzi

4.5

4.5 (1618)

$30 and under

Italian

Laguna Beach

About the restaurant

Bustling pizzeria just steps from the beach that serves thin-crust pies & pasta amid a rustic dining room.
NOTE: This is not affiliated with Cucina Alessa in Newport Beach or Huntington Beach.

Top review

MissakVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Food is great, service is good. Just an overall good experience. The lobster ravioli is amazing

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Popular dish

Meatballs Panini

Agave Seasons

4.5

4.5 (110)

$30 and under

Mexican

Huntington Beach

About the restaurant

Experience the exquisite flavors of Mexico at our upscale fine dining restaurant. Immerse yourself in a culinary journey that celebrates the rich and diverse tapestry of Mexican cuisine. Our talented chefs meticulously crafted each dish, using only the finest sourced ingredients and traditional recipes with a modern twist.

From tender, slow-cooked meats to vibrant, fresh seafood, our menu offers a symphony of tastes that will delight your palate and leave you craving for more.

Our carefully curated wine and cocktail list complements our culinary creations, providing the perfect pairing for your dining experience. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a memorable meal, our elegant ambiance, attentive service, and exceptional cuisine make our Mexican fine dining restaurant the ideal destination for an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.

Top review

Comensal de opentableVIP

Dined on May 20, 2025

What an awesome, authentic find! Short drive from the beach and feels like we are in a top Cabo restaurant. Amazing cocktails (sooo fresh, homemade ingredients). Beautiful decor inside and nice outdoor sunny patio too. Food spectacular one of the best meal in my life

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4.4

4.4 (404)

$50 and over

Californian

Dana Point / Monarch Beach

About the restaurant

Located at The Laguna Cliffs Marriott, Lantern's Edge is an elevated yet approachable culinary program which believes in locally sourced produce and seafood. Chef Kristine Davis brings an imaginative take on modern Californian cuisine, all expertly paired with a comprehensive wine menu and craft cocktails.

Top review

C GVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Shared a Grilled Maitake mushroom appetizer which was interesting and tasteful. Cesar salad was classic and good, Beet salad was creative and delicious. Branzino was beautifully presented, tasty, but was only mildly warm. Seafood Orecchiette with black ink pasta stayed hot in the dish the entire time, was amazing! Side dish of Spiced Carrots lacked sufficient charcoal cream and ginger flavor and were noticeably under cooked.

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Popular dish

Angus Ribeye

Centrico

4.3

4.3 (140)

$30 and under

Mexican

Anaheim

About the restaurant

From the heart and mind of Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán, the Downtown Disney® District’s new open-air Mexican restaurant and cantina is the perfect gathering place. At Céntrico, create memories over the vibrant flavors of outstanding specialty cocktails and authentic dishes inspired by Chef Carlos’s childhood in Mexico.

Top review

Cesar

Dined on Jun 5, 2025

I had the best burger I have ever had! Bun was fresh and fluffy. Patty was juicy and cooked just as I ordered. And the sauce on the side paired perfectly with. Fries were okay.

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