Where to Dine Outside in San Diego

San Diego's near-perfect weather makes the region ideal for outdoor dining, and local restaurants are taking full advantage of their patios or parklets to seat diners. But dining al fresco isn't the same across the county – some locations provide breathtaking views, while others are known for their excellent people-watching.

A handful of San Diego restaurants have reopened for both indoor and outdoor eating. However, this should not be interpreted as an endorsement of dining in, as there are still safety concerns: Please visit San Diego's coronavirus tracker for up-to-date information on coronavirus cases in your region. According to studies, there is a lower exposure risk when dining outdoors, but the level of danger associated with on-site dining is dependant on businesses adhering to stringent social distance and other safety rules.

Hello Betty

211 Mission Ave Oceanside, CA 92054 

(760) 722-1008

Hello Betty's rooftop patio serves as Oceanside's answer to outdoor eating. Beach themes are mirrored in the decor as well as the food, which focuses on Baja and Southern California favorites like fish tacos and oysters.

Jeune et Jolie

2659 State St Carlsbad, CA 92008

(760) 637-5266

With new executive chef Eric Bost at the helm, the award-winning Carlsbad restaurant has reopened for outdoor dining on its delightful enlarged patio space for “Starry Night,” Bost's five-course prix fixe menu that rotates every two weeks.

Gravity Heights

9920 Pacific Heights Blvd San Diego, CA 92121

(858) 283-8206

Sorrento Valley's brewery boasts a fantastic outside area replete with fire pits, enough seating, and enormous games like Jenga and Connect Four, ideal for Sunday Funday. Executive chef Keith Voight is known for his outstanding pizzas and dirty fries, among other dishes. There's kombucha, cider, wine, and, of course, beer, including a $10 Brewers Choice Flight.

George's at the Cove

1250 Prospect St La Jolla, CA 92037

(858) 454-4244

The aptly called Ocean Terrace at George's, with its postcard vistas of La Jolla Cove, Scripps Pier, and the Torrey Pines bluffs, is regarded a quintessential dining San Diego experience. Whether for a casual lunch, sundowners, or a special occasion meal, the fish tacos never fail.

Mermaids & Cowboys

1251 Prospect St La Jolla, CA 92037

(858) 999-0205

Mermaids and Cowboys is a newcomer to the restaurant industry, and its terrace deck offers views of La Jolla from its Prospect Street location. Currently, the patio service is BYOB (bring your own blanket) as a place to experience the restaurant's sustainably caught seafood menu selections alongside handcut steaks by Executive Chef Chris Barre.

JRDN Restaurant

723 Felspar St San Diego, CA 92109

(858) 270-2323

Tower23's trademark restaurant focuses on seasonal California cuisine (with Japanese and Baja influences). Small portions are designed to be shared family-style. The patio is the spot to go for unobstructed views of the boardwalk.

Kairoa Brewing Company

4601 Park Blvd San Diego, CA 92116

(619) 295-1355

This Kiwi brew pub uses its rooftop bar for brunch, day drinks, and their exclusive five-course Sunset Supper series. The house beers and rotating guest taps are excellent; for food, try the fish and chips or the New Zealand ‘cheese and seaboard' with NZ brie and smoked sea bream.

Fort Oak

1011 Fort Stockton Dr San Diego, CA 92103

(619) 722-3398

Reservations are still a hot item (especially on weekends) at Trust Group's elegant restaurant and cocktail bar in Mission Hills, so if you've planned ahead, make a beeline for the outside terrace. It's a wonderful destination for brunch or Monday night happy hour, with $1 oysters served with a side of people watching.

San Diego Barber Shop

Top Cutts Barber Shop
930 W Washington St Suite 6, San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 255 - 8194