Dining Al Fresco
Southern California boasts beautiful weather year round and one of the best ways to enjoy it is by eating outside. There is something about fresh food, good company, and a slight breeze that makes any afternoon or evening extra enjoyable…especially if there is great ambiance and decor! Here are some Southland restaurants that have caught my eye as an ideal place to eat outdoors.
Penelope’s Cafe, Books, & Gallery
This patio is a quiet escape perfect for lunch in La Canada Flintridge. Photo from Yelp.com
Penelope’s Cafe offers a wonderful variety of soups, sandwiches, and salads that will satisfy any craving. The interior of the resturant offers a wonderful place to eat and shop with various items for the home for sale including jams, books, and art. Nevertheless, it is this patio that makes it one of my favorite places in La Canada. This inner courtyard offers a serene escape from the noise of Foothill Boulevard for locals. The bright brick fireplace and various plants adds to the ambiance of the charming hometown environment I associate with La Canada.
The patio at Mike and Anne’s is a perfect place for dining under the stars. Photo from Mike and Anne’s website.
This South Pasadena restaurant is the perfect place to grab brunch, lunch, or dinner with friends. The relaxing atmosphere and variety of delicious food options make it a local favorite. Their outdoor patio is perfect for enjoying the beautiful climate during summer in Southern California whether that be enjoying the sun and breeze during brunch or a star filled sky on a cool night. Insider tip come early or during the week since the patio often fills up on the weekends.
A warm fire on the patio at True Food Kitchen in Newport Beach. Other locations in San Diego and Santa Monica. Photo from Yelp.com
Fresh and wholesome ingredients are transformed into pure and simple meals that are sure to delight the senses. The modern decor highlights the fresh approach the restaurant has when it comes to food. The bright yellow and green colors in addition to the various wood tones found on the floors, tables, and light fixtures create an inviting atmosphere that reinforce the natural philosophy of the restaurant. This colorful and modern ambiance is brought outdoors with a contemporary fire pit, crisp green cushions on the chairs, and yellow umbrellas.
A bocce ball court at the restaurant is a unique touch that adds to the comfortable feel. Photo from the Tin Roof Bistro Website.
The tin roof and bright colored lanterns instantly attracted me to this restaurant in Manhattan Beach. As I continued to look around I noticed more details like the bar and personal notes written on the chalkboard that made me like the interior even more. However, despite the uniqueness of all of the elements the overall simple decor allowed each element to complement and enhance the ambiance without feeling overwhelming. The exterior of this restaurant is equally appealing. The Spanish style architecture, large fountain, and mismatched chairs create a beautiful setting to enjoy the California scenery.
The perfect place to enjoy outdoor dining in Santa Barbara. Photo from San Ysidro Ranch website.
The San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara is the perfect place to recharge and unwind. The property has views of both the mountains and the oceans, two quintessential elements in the California landscape. The ranch offers all of the amenities of a full hotel including gorgeous cottages and grounds. The gardens with blooming hydrangeas and pond create a serene environment and make it impossible for one not to enjoy his or her time here. At night the ranch does not lose its charm. As the sun sets the stars emerge and the lights from the fireplace and candles illuminate a lovely dinner setting the scene for an unforgettable evening.
