10 Must Visit Patios & Rooftops in LA

Inspired by the glamour and beauty of Old Hollywood, the I|O Rooftop, located on the 7th floor of The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood, is a sophisticated oasis with dramatic views. With an eclectic blend of sushi, ceviche, tacos, and burgers, the menu has something for everyone. Dine al fresco, post up at the bar, or relax by the pool with a frozen strawberry margarita in hand.

Chifa is an aesthetically-pleasing, family owned, fine-casual restaurant serving up Cantonese and Peruvian recipes that have been passed down through generations. You’ll find refreshing sparkling cocktails, iced Hong Kong-style milk tea, plates of caramelized spare ribs, and black pepper prawns. Reserve a table beneath the string lights on the charming patio.

Discover a hidden paradise at The Little Door, a farm-to-table mainstay that has been dubbed “LA’s most romantic restaurant.” A perfect spot for date night or a celebratory occasion, chef Jonathan Portela utilizes local produce to craft a Mediterranean-menu. Think herb-crusted lamb, grilled Portuguese octopus, and 7-vegetable couscous.

This coastal Mexican kitchen comes from a husband-and-wife team on a mission to bring the spirit and soul of Baja California to Los Angeles. The lush garden patio makes for a perfect place to sip tamarind palomas and mango micheladas. Go on Sundays for the outdoor bottomless brunch buffet.

Momed pays homage to the kitchens of the eastern Mediterranean and North Africa. Since 2010, they’ve been offering a fresh interpretation of a cuisine based on the centuries-old tradition of seasonal, farm-to-table cooking. Gather around for baked halloumi, Moorish prawns, tajine, and duck shawarma. During summer, expect live music on the patio every other Thursday.

From the team behind award-winning restaurants Crustacean and Anqi comes Tiato. Named after the mint-like herb Tía Tô, this eco-friendly spot specializes in Vietnamese-California cuisine. Herbs are grown on the expansive outdoor patio and ingredients are sourced from sustainable vendors. Join Tiato on Thursdays and Fridays for Garden Nights.

This reimagined steakhouse takes its cue from classic ranchers from Paso Robles to the Valley of Guadalupe. The menu is centered around prime wood-fired steaks and market sides, like coal-roasted broccolini or ‘cacio e pepe’-style spaghetti squash. Grab a table on the covered patio for brunch, lunch, or dinner.

Located in the heart of Silver Lake, El Cid is a historic restaurant and bar, live venue, and flamenco supper club. Opened in 1962, the owners remodeled the original building in the style of a 16th-century Spanish tavern. There’s a hidden, two-tiered patio, where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy traditional tapas.

“Gozen Bistro is about more than just food,” says owner and Tokyo-native Mr. Hide. “It’s about my culture’s love for crafting things of beauty.” His Japanese sake bistro sources fresh ingredients from Japan and California to craft LA-style kaiseki tasting menus that change with the season. Book the early summer omakase on the serene patio.

There’s a full-fledged garden at Manuela—with live chickens, vegetables, a freestanding bar, and open skies. LA Weekly calls it “genuinely magical” and it’s easy to see why. The expansive space lends itself to a perfect summer evening. Chef Kris Tominaga’s menu ranges from barbecued oysters to honey cake. Start your meal with a house gin & tonic, made with garden herbs.