The perfect romantic date spot can take a variety of forms, but a night of upscale dining al fresco in San Francisco is a classic go-to. These 10 outdoor restaurants in San Francisco have outdoor patios to enjoy a variety of delicious food options, creative cocktails, and much more.
1. Dirty Habit (New American)
This SoMa restaurant and lounge boasts unique and exciting breakfast and dinner menus. Breakfast options include brioche French toast and BBQ beef hash, and dinner options include roasted bone marrow with shallot jam, chicken wings with chili vinaigrette, and much more! Dirty Habit’s 5th floor patio alone is worth the visit; you can enjoy your meal in a comfortable, fully heated, modern open space.
2. Coqueta (Spanish)
Enjoy delicious Spanish tapas and more in a heated tent under the stars. Memorable options include wood-grilled Spanish octopus, smoked salmon with truffle honey, and Valencian paella. Pair with beer, cider, and more from around the world.
Location: Pier 5 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111
3. La Mar Cebicheria Peruana (Peruvian)
This upscale Peruvian restaurant has a beautiful patio right on the waterfront where you can enjoy fresh ceviche, grilled skewers, and incredible empanadas. Signature cocktails include a prickly pear margarita and the classic pisco sour.
Location: Pier 1 1/2, San Francisco, CA 94105
4. Charmaine’s (Cocktail bar)
Charmaine’s is a rooftop restaurant and bar situated atop the San Francisco Proper Hotel. They have cozy fire pits and stunning city views to accompany creative seasonal food options and excellent cocktails.
Location: 1100 Market Street Entrance, 45 McAllister St at, San Francisco, CA 94102
5. Foreign Cinema (Californian/Mediterranean)
No list of outdoor patios in SF would be complete without 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. Pair with quality champagne, wine, and cocktail options.
Location: 2534 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
6. Waterbar (Seafood)
This stylish restaurant has delicious fresh seafood on a spacious patio next to the Bay Bridge. Try their lobster cavatelli pasta, crab and scallop fried rice, pan roasted wild striped bass, and much more. Not to mention 4 different types of oysters and a variety of clever cocktails.
Location: 399 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105
7. Zazie (French)
Zazie’s serves exceptional brunch and dinner menus, with specialties including mascarpone polenta cakes, braised lamb shank, and countless egg dishes for brunch. Zazie’s is also unique for being completely tip-free; that is, no tips are expected because their staff is paid a living wage and given full benefits, paid time off, and more. Try a brunch, lunch, or dinner on their comfortable heated patio!
Location: 941 Cole St, San Francisco, CA 94117
8. 25 Lusk (American)
Here’s a swanky rooftop with a great menu and even better vibes! Their menu includes ahi tuna tartare, ginger barbecue spareribs, oak wood roasted octopus, and more exciting dishes that are sure to take your romantic evening to the next level. They also have an impressive drink menu featuring a variety of ciders, beers, wines, and delicious cocktails. According to their Instagram, the rooftop is back open with full safety procedures in place.
Location: 25 Lusk St, San Francisco, CA 94107
9. El Techo (Latin American street food)
Here’s another breezy rooftop restaurant with incredible views, serving up a variety of Latin American street food including chicharrones, gourmet tacos, empanadas, yuca fries, carne asada, and much more. While you’re at it try their mouthwatering cocktails including pisco punch, sangria, and more. Happy hour is from 4-6pm on weekdays, where you can enjoy a $4 Modelo or $7 margarita!
Location: 2516 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
10. Fable (Californian)
Fable has limited space so reservations are recommended to try this trendy Californian spot! This is a storybook-inspired restaurant with a beautiful outdoor garden oasis for an ultra-romantic setting. Try their avocado, jicama and Dungeness crab tower for an appetizer. Or their grilled herb-marinated lamb chops.You really can’t go wrong with this one!
Location: 558 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Location: 12 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
[Featured Image: @foreigncinemasf via Instagram]