Photo Provided By: The District26 Restaurants in Orange County Offering Al Fresco Dining Karly Shimamoto January 25, 2021 Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on PinterestShare on RedditShare on LinkedInShare on InstagramShare on YouTubeShare on EmailShare on WhatsAppFresh Air and Fresh Food Make for the Perfect Outing Written By: LOCALE Editors Outdoor Dining Orange County As state and county regulations are in a constant state of flux due to Covid-19, some of the businesses mentioned may be temporarily closed. Please visit their individual websites to ensure they are currently open, and please follow all safety procedures in place. If you haven’t yet heard, Orange County has closed bars again and implemented restrictions on restaurants in response to a spike in COVID-19 cases over the past few weeks. Indoor dining may be a bit risky at the moment, but a meal enjoyed in the fresh air is a great way to stay safe and continue to support local restaurants. Here is a list of some of Orange County’s best open-air dining options and why we love them! Silver Trumpet Restaurant & Bar Outdoor Dining Orange County Photography Provided By: Avenue of the Arts Location: Costa Mesa; inside Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa Hotel, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel Cuisine: Gastropub Why We Love it: A gorgeous lakeside eatery serving local cuisine Avila’s El Ranchito Outdoor Dining Orange County Photography By: Jennifer Chong Photography By: Jennifer Chong Location: 13 Orange County Locations Cuisine: Mexican Why We Love it: 50 years of traditional family recipes! Craft House Outdoor Dining Orange County Photography By: Rod Foster Photo By: Roberto Cerini Location: Dana Point Cuisine: American Why We Love it: A focus on local sourcing and sustainable seafood in a woodsy, open-air atmosphere Descanso Restaurant Outdoor Dining Orange County Photography By: Anne Watson Photography Provided By: Descanso Photography By: Lee Walters Location: Costa Mesa Cuisine: Mexican Why We Love it: Brings the flavor and charm of the beloved Mexican taco stand into a full-service restaurant setting Fish House Market and Grill Location: Orange Cuisine: Seafood Why We Love it: A fast-casual spot with fresh seafood staples Helmsman Ale House Outdoor Dining Orange County Photography Provided By: Helmsman Ale House Location: Newport Beach Cuisine: Brewpub Why We Love it: Ice-cold beer, chicken wings and a heated patio, need we say more? The Country Club Photography By: Dan Dobi Photography By: Dan Dobi Location: Costa Mesa Cuisine: American Why We Love it: A restored 1950’s watering hole with posh sporting decor and delectable drinks Playa Mesa Outdoor Dining Orange County Photography By: Dan Dobi Photography By: Dan Dobi Location: Costa Mesa Cuisine: Mexican Why We Love it: Homestyle mexican food and cocktails served in a bright, breezy setting Mozambique Photographed By: Carlos Valle Location: Laguna Beach Cuisine: South African Why We Love it: Rooftop restaurant and bar serving wood-fired steaks and seafood Skyloft Photography By: Niki Cram Photography By: Niki Cram Photography By: Niki Cram Location: Laguna Beach Cuisine: Upscale Tavern Fare Why We Love it: Rooftop ocean views and specialty cocktails in the heart of Laguna Beach Pacific City Photography Provided By: Pacific City Location: Huntington Beach Cuisine: Variety of Restaurants Why We Love it: Breathtaking views and an assortment of open-air places to eat, drink and shop Tanner’s Restaurant Photo By: Mathew Martinez Location: Huntington Beach; adjacent to Paséa Hotel & Spa Cuisine: Coastal Why We Love it: A whimsical treehouse setting that boasts gorgeous ocean views Rancho Capistrano Winery Photo Provided By: Rancho Capistrano Winery Location: San Juan Capistrano Cuisine: American Why We Love it: The perfect place for an afternoon sip with a shady, pet-friendly patio Rock & Brews Photography Provided By: Rock and Brews Location: Tustin Cuisine: American Why We Love it: A beer-lovers paradise with an up-beat rock n’ roll vibe SOCIAL Kitchen + Craft Bar Photography Provided By: Raquel Dorsey and Ace Agency Photography Provided By: Raquel Dorsey and Ace Agency Locations: Huntington Beach Cuisine: California Coastal Why We Love it: An insta-worthy vibe with fresh, crafty cocktails The District at Tustin Legacy Location: Tustin Cuisine: Various Why We Love it: Order food from one of the many food stalls and enjoy your meal at the common areas or patios around The District Wild Taco Photographed By: Jennifer Chong Location: Newport Beach, Laguna Beach Cuisine: Baja-inspired Why We Love it: Al pastor, Mexi-cauli and lobster tacos for the win Cafe Sevilla Photography Provided By: Cafe Sevilla Photography Provided By: Cafe Sevilla Location: Costa Mesa, Long Beach Cuisine: Spanish Why We Love it: Spanish tapas, small plates and an authentic Spanish ambiance make for a fun and flavorful dinner experience! Five Crowns Photography by: Anne Watson Location: Corona del Mar Cuisine: Steakhouse Why We Love it: Dine under the twinkling lights and you’ll feel transported to an English country garden Nirvana Grille Photography By: Daniel Barrett Location: Laguna Beach Cuisine: American Fine Dining Why We Love it: Innovative, seasonal menu and plenty of elevated, outdoor seating The Rooftop Lounge Photography Provided By: The Rooftop Lounge Photography Provided By: The Rooftop Lounge Photography Provided By: The Rooftop Lounge Photography Provided By: The Rooftop Lounge Location: Laguna Beach Cuisine: Casual California cuisine Why We Love it: Panoramic views of the big blue, exceptional service and flavorful fare! Malarky’s Outdoor Dining Orange County Location: Newport Beach Cuisine: Irish Pub Why We Love it: A friendly staff and a new open-air patio with shaded picnic-table seating Habana Restaurant Photography Provided By: Habana Restaurant Photography Provided By: Habana Restaurant Photography Provided By: Habana Restaurant Photography Provided By: Habana Restaurant Locations: Irvine (Irvine Spectrum Center), Costa Mesa (LAB Antimall) Cuisine: Cuban Why We Love it: Cuban dishes and mojitos in a rustic-chic, candlelit garden patio. Matador Cantina Location: Fullerton Cuisine: Mexican Why We Love it: Delicious margaritas and Spanish-fusion bar bites Anaheim Packing District Photography Provided By: Anaheim Packing District Photography Provided By: Credit Corky Fullerton Foundry Location: Anaheim Cuisine: Think grilled cheese, vegan comfort food, sushi and tacos…that’s right––a little bit of everything! Why We Love it: A foodie heaven that satisfies everybody’s taste buds. Orange Hill Restaurant Photography Provided By: Orange Hill Restaurant Photography Provided By: Orange Hill Restaurant Photography Provided By: Orange Hill Restaurant Location: Orange Cuisine: New American Why We Love it: Upscale hilltop venue with koi ponds, waterfalls and an impressive wine list Hey restaurant-owners! Want to get your local business added to our list? Send us the name of your restaurant, the location and one way you and your team have supported the local community in this time of crisis. Email your submission to editor@localemagazine.com! Note: Restaurant must be located in Orange County and offer outdoor dining.