OpenTable recently released their 2023 list of the Most Popular Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in America and the Bay Area is quite well represented! Beloved SF institutions EPIC Steak, Foreign Cinema, and La Mar made the list for having picturesque outdoor settings and popularity among verified reviews. An additional four restaurants in wine country were also given special mention, detailed below. Read on to see what makes these outdoor dining spots in the Bay Area so unique.
San Francisco restaurants
In no particular order, the following three SF restaurants made OpenTable’s list for the most popular outdoor dining spots in America. Do you agree with the choices?
1. EPIC Steak
It’s hard to beat the Bay Bridge view from EPIC Steak’s outdoor heated patio. Take a seat on the city’s famed waterfront and enjoy expertly-prepared steak dishes paired with delicious house-made cocktails, and remember to peek at the seafood menu for a light and fresh dishes to accompany the Bay views. Don’t skimp on the truffle miso butter to elevate your 14oz New York steak.
📍 369 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA
2. Foreign Cinema
This magical outdoor patio is adorned with string lights and features a large screen to project films. Enjoy delicacies like oysters, creative salads and entrees made from sustainable ingredients, or come during the daytime for a hearty outdoor brunch. Pair with quality champagne, wine, and cocktail options.
📍 2534 Mission St, San Francisco
3. La Mar
This upscale Peruvian seafood restaurant has a beautiful patio right on the SF waterfront where you can enjoy fresh ceviche, grilled skewers, and incredible empanadas. Signature cocktails include a prickly pear margarita and the classic pisco sour.
📍 Pier 1 1/2, The Embarcadero, San Francisco
Bay Area restaurants
In addition to the above SF restaurants for outdoor dining, OpenTable flagged four additional restaurants in wine country for their beautiful scenery and popularity among verified reviews. Here they are in no particular order.
- Bistro Don Giovanni (Napa) – Take a seat by the fountain at this comfy Italian bistro serving spectacular pastas and grilled meats.
- Bistro Jeanty (Yountville) – Get your French food fix at this popular neighborhood bistro with a covered outdoor patio.
- El Dorado Kitchen (Sonoma) – Enjoy a mix of Californian-Mediterranean cuisine while relaxing under an umbrella on the patio.
- the girl & the fig (Sonoma) – Dig into French country cuisine while taking in the rustic decor on the expansive outdoor patio.