The weather of Los Angeles coupled with the dearness of real estate make this city perhaps one of the capitals of outdoor dining in the country (at least in square footage). And from seaside to mountains, there are also so many vistas to consider. Here are some favorites:
Geoffrey’s Malibu
On LA’s prettiest coastline, it’s hard to choose between this and Beau Rivage, but the Neutra-designed Geoffrey’s gets a slight edge for its utterly unobstructed ocean view. You will find the service and the company to be its equal as well. Brunch is said to be their strongest meal.
Geoffrey’s Malibu is located at 27400 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, 310.457.1519
Cliff’s Edge
One of the most unexpectedly romantic restaurants imaginable, this barely-marked enclave on a busy stretch of Sunset in Silver Lake hides a remarkably expansive, lush and impressively romantic patio wrapped around a sprawling tree. Oh, they get their share of sneaky celebs here too.
Cliff’s Edge is located at 3626 Sunset Boulevard, 323.666.6116
Chateau Marmont
The patio restaurant of Chateau Marmont (not to be confused with Bar Marmont, though we like that too) is not only a pleasant garden respite above the clamor of the Sunset Strip…it’s also an amazing see-and-be-seen spot for those in Hollywood who want to be thought of as cultured. Intended for guests and their friends, this place doesn’t need your business—they don’t even advertise it on the hotel’s website. Table 44 is the pole position. Just so you know.
Chateau Marmont is located at 8221 Sunset, West Hollywood, 323.656.1010
Saddle Peak Lodge
Though only minutes from the hubbub of the west side, Malibu Canyon’s Saddle Peak feels a world away. It’s long been one of our best culinary destinations, but patio dining here takes it to another level altogether. Unless you don’t feel clean mountain air and green vistas in every direction help digestion. I do.
Saddle Peak Lodge is located at 419 Cold Canyon Road, Calabasas, 818.222.3888
Susan Feniger’s Street
Just want a hip outdoor space with amazing food? Head to Susan Feniger’s Street, the new fusion café from one-half of the Border Grill’s Two Hot Tamales, for anything from a light bite to a multi-ethnic feast. Or of course, you could dine outdoors wherever the Border Grill truck is parked!
Susan Feniger’s Street is located at 742 North Highland Avenue, 323.461.7813
NB: The Hotel Bel-Air is closed for major remodeling until 2011. Otherwise, it would top this list.
