Discover OC’s Best Alfresco Dining Destinations for Summer Sips and Fresh Flavors
Orange County’s pristine weather allows for dining alfresco all year, but summer gives all the more reason to make a resy and hit the town any day of the week! Take it from passenger princess to patio princess in charming courtyards and greenhouse gardens and on ocean-view rooftops that were practically designed for sipping sauvy b in the summertime. From the coast to the hilltops, Orange County is overflowing with outdoor dining destinations. Whether it’s a romantic dinner on the bay or a mimosa brunch in the garden, these outdoor dining destinations in Orange County have you covered. Here’s where we’re wining and dining this summer!
Lōrea at Paséa Hotel & Spa
Lōrea, a new culinary star at Huntington Beach’s Paséa Hotel & Spa, offers innovative California coastal dining with stunning ocean views. The waterfront restaurant opened its doors this spring after a $5 million transformation and features a breezy ambiance with a reinvisioned, heated outdoor patio, a striking 77-foot stone bar and artful walnut tables. Helmed by Chef de Cuisine Stefan Pierce and Executive Chef Scott Rackliff, Lōrea emphasizes local ingredients and sustainable dining practices with a menu that changes seasonally. Signature dishes include pork belly wraps, jumbo lump blue crab cakes, seared albacore tuna, and Pacific hamachi crudo. The bar program, led by mixologist Miguel Sandoval, offers creative cocktails like the mezcal-forward Black Pearl and refreshing Fizzy Lizzy. And these libations and plates are best enjoyed on—you guessed it—Lōrea’s stunning and shaded outdoor patio. Take in views of the waves, pier and Pacific Coast Highway as you dine at this elegant yet land and sea restaurant.
Local Insight: Looking to plan a coastal summer vacation? Take advantage of the Lōrea Dining Package, which includes room accommodations at Paséa Hotel & Spa and $150 dining credit at Lōrea!
Location: Huntington Beach
Five Crowns
Short King Spring may be over, but you know what’s not? Dining like royalty. Treat yourself to an alfresco dinner in a courtyard that parallels English tea gardens at Five Crowns. This charming and historic restaurant brings British hospitality to Corona del Mar. Look for the vintage red phone booth out front, snap a pic and request a patio table. Greenery cascades across the courtyard perimeters, creating a private atrium for sunlit dinners. When the heat wave peaks, opt for an indoor-outdoor experience in Five Crown’s greenhouse. This stunning dining room features floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights for an alfresco feel in a temperature-controlled setting. As far as the menu goes, Five Crowns is best known for its fresh, seasonal offerings and prime rib served with traditional au jus, Yorkshire pudding and whipped horseradish. Lighten it up with the Del Mar Sunset cocktail. The combination of Hendrick’s Gin, Starlino Aperitivo, lavender syrup, lemon and peach bitters make it the perfect summer sip.
Local Insight: Mark your calendars for some summer fun at Five Crowns! Upcoming events on the patio include Lobsterfest from August 1-15 and the Garden Murder Mystery “Death of a Speakeasy” event on August 22.
Location: Corona del Mar
Mozambique
Summer like you’re in South Africa at Mozambique! This Laguna Beach multi-level restaurant encapsulates the spirit of South Africa in both design and cuisine. This restaurant offers two options for outdoor dining: the lush garden patio and the ocean-view rooftop. Wherever you choose to sit, the Peri-Peri prawns are a must! This dish balances heat and sweetness with the little-known South African Peri-Peri pepper, which is featured in many of Mozambique’s other plates. We also love Mozambique for their 3-6 p.m. happy hour Monday through Friday.
Location: Laguna Beach
Cafe Sevilla
“S” marks the spot at Cafe Sevilla in Triangle Square. Marked by their iconic red “S” above brass entrance gates, Cafe Sevilla is a Latin tapas restaurant and bar with a vibrant nightlife scene. Dance the night away all summer long to rotating DJs and traditional flamenco dances. We love Sevilla’s patio for the lounge-style seating that is great for large groups. As the sun sets, the expansive outdoor space is illuminated by fire pits and Moroccan chandeliers.
Location: Costa Mesa
Orange Hill Restaurant
When it comes to a sky-high view, there are few outdoor dining spots in Orange County that rival Orange Hill Restaurant. From their hilltop hideaway, this New American restaurant boasts views from the shores of Catalina Island to Disneyland’s fireworks show. The sky-high patio, shaded by trees and surrounded by serene koi ponds, will make you forget you’re in Orange. We love Orange Hill for an alfresco brunch that’s fueled by bottomless mimosas and caviar fries (we call it girl breakfast!). The view is best by day, but the star-like city lights make for a romantic evening.
Location: Orange
Las Brisas
We could not make an alfresco dining list without a waterfront restaurant or two. Whether seated on the main patio or in the rose garden, a dining experience at Las Brisas ensures panoramic views of Laguna Beach’s coastline. There’s no bad seat in the house! Or should we say inn? Las Brisas is a Laguna Beach landmark that opened in 1973 as Victor Hugo’s Inn, and it still maintains that same classic coastal charm. Their Mexi-Cali menu calls for margaritas all summer long.
Location: Laguna Beach
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila
Newport Beach’s Palmilla Cocina y Tequila puts a whole new twist on alfresco dining with a fully retractable rooftop! Dine in under sunny skies and still be tucked away from Balboa Peninsula traffic. Earthy tones, rattan lighting and desert plants recreate the look and feel of resorts south of the border, and everything about Palmilla says Cabo summer—especially the spicy pineapple margs and late-night DJs! Be sure to check out YASS and Tesser on the schedule for an evening of high vibes.
Location: Newport Beach
Jolie
Summer calls for a rooftop rendezvous, and we wouldn’t judge if you made them a weekly thing! Jolie is Huntington Beach’s new hotspot, which opened this June right on PCH. The menu is made up of elevated California comfort food, and the ambiance is coastal-chic in just about every way. The restaurant’s design blurs the lines between indoors and outdoors, and guests are invited to take in views of the pier from the glassed-in patio. Stay tuned for updates on their rooftop, which is slated to open later this summer!
Location: Huntington Beach
Benchmark Restaurant
In Santa Ana, Benchmark is setting the bar for market-driven dining experiences. The outdoor patio truly feels like a high-end landscaper’s backyard, shaded by trees and illuminated by lanterns. The cuisine can be described as Californian—locally sourced, artfully plated and decadent yet light. Owners Duane Greenleaf and Pedro Arizmendi describe Benchmark as “comfortable, relaxed and a little extra,” and we couldn’t have said it better.
Location: Santa Ana
Habana
Fall in love with the flavors of Cuba at Habana. This Michelin-recognized restaurant immerses guests in the culture of Cuba through cuisine, cocktails and curated vibes. The patio resembles a beachside bungalow and is dotted with rustic wood dining tables and a collection of vintage artifacts. Palms create a tropical feel, and you’ll be hooked after just one magical mojito! The Taste of Habana appetizer platter is always a crowd pleaser, but don’t sleep on their $28 weekday three-course lunch.
Locations: Costa Mesa and Irvine
Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar
Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar blends theater’s classy culture with Costa Mesa’s contemporary vibe. This AAA-rated restaurant is centrally located in Costa Mesa’s arts district, which is bustling with summer events. Part of Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Silver Trumpet features a stunning patio with string lights, fire tables and comfortable lounge furniture. The restaurant’s live music and rotating cocktail menu are always alluring, and the menu itself is market-driven, so summer flavors are sure to be in full swing!
Location: Costa Mesa
Trevor’s at the Tracks
Trevor’s at the Tracks is a South OC staple. And if it’s not because of the historic, trackside ambiance, it’s due to the locally sourced yet globally inspired menu. Trevor’s produce comes from farms as close as The Ecology Center, while menu flavors reach as far as Korea. Their brick patio is often filled with live music and is arguably the best people-watching spot in San Juan Capistrano. Reservations are recommended on the weekends.
Location: San Juan Capistrano
VIEW Restaurant & Lounge
VIEW at VEA Newport Beach overlooks the sparkling pool and green pastures of the hotel’s onsite golf course! The dining room feels like an urban oasis, with a central tree and mirrored walls that open up the space. The restaurant connects to the Lanai, which features lounge seating, fire pits and views of the Pacific. Come for an alfresco dinner and stay for a nightcap at VEA’s speakeasy lounge, reveal. There are 13 martinis on the menu, and if you really put your mind to it this summer, you can try them all!
Location: Newport Beach
Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens
Dining at Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens takes summer picnicking to a whole new level. Swap a blanket for a bentwood dining table and PB&Js for sea scallops. Chef Rich Mead uses only the freshest ingredients that allow simple flavors to shine. Warm weather calls for a cocktail, and Roger’s Gardens has weekly rotating specials with proceeds that support charity. Farmhouse is set amongst Roger’s Gardens nursery, so diners can walk the grounds before feasting on farm-to-table fare on the covered and perfectly rustic outdoor patio.
Location: Corona del Mar
Coastal Kitchen
Located in the Lantern District of Dana Point, Coastal Kitchen occupies a historic building whose legacy dates back to the 1920s. A lot has changed since then, but the community focus remains. It’s even still family-owned and -operated! Their blue umbrellas are impossible to miss from PCH, and the patio decor nods to Dana’s nautical history. The glass-enclosed outdoor space seamlessly connects to the indoor dining room and features wood tables, fire pits and plenty of shade. Coastal Kitchen is great for a laid-back yet elevated lunch with friends after a day on the bay, but no matter when you come, start with the award-winning crab cakes.
Location: Dana Point
Wind & Sea
Wind & Sea and sun make for dreamy harbor afternoons. This Dana Point dockside restaurant is surrounded by water on all sides, and the patio wraps around the restaurant, giving way to stunning harbor views. Watch boaters glide by as you dine—you may even spot a harbor seal at play. The atmosphere is relaxed yet upscale, and we love coming here with family for celebrations or even with friends after a boat day. On the seafood-forward menu, you’ll find up to 10 fresh-catch selections a day, but the local favorite has to be the macadamia nut-crusted mahi mahi.
Location: Dana Point
Fig @ 313
A San Clemente hidden gem, Fig @ 313 offers a complete dining experience in a historical setting. The local landmark preserves Spanish colonial architecture, and the string-lit patio is as charming as ever with bistro-style seating. Enjoy some summer sun with a coastal breeze and a refreshing cocktail from Fig’s lineup. Dinner dishes lean towards the ritzy side and have a European flair. For something different, order the roasted octopus or the goat cheese fondue.
Location: San Clemente
Javier’s
When it’s a girls’ night out or date night with your boo, make a reservation at Javier’s! This elevated Mexican cantina is known for its upscale hospitality, hand-shaken margaritas and decadent south-of-the-border plates. The Newport location was recently remodeled and now features soaring ceilings, a creamy off-white interior and a gorgeous ocean-facing bar that looks straight toward the Crystal Cove coastline. Arched windows and an extended nearly 6,000-square-foot patio make this restaurant the destination for outdoor dining in Orange County. Now about that hand-shaken margarita…
Locations: Irvine and Newport Beach
Centrico
Centrico is making its way to the top of Orange County’s outdoor dining scene. As the passion project of Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytan, this alfresco cantina in Anaheim incorporates recipes from Gaytan’s childhood into authentic Mexican fare. The open-air patio replicates the atmosphere of a tropical getaway. Take a seat in woven chairs under boho pendants and a wood-slat awning reminiscent of Mexico resort life. When you’re ready to order, pair the tangy Mr. T & Margarita with mahi mahi fish tacos on homemade tortillas. ¡Salud!
Location: Anaheim
