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ZipPicks Awards
Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Santa Monica
Master Critic Review
Le Great Outdoor
8.5
This entirely outdoor restaurant in Bergamot Station's parking lot reimagines farm-to-table dining as an elegant backyard gathering. Chef Rudy hand-picks ingredients daily from multiple markets, cooking everything over open flames at picnic tables under the stars, creating a uniquely Californian experience that feels like a sophisticated campfire feast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood-Grilled Lamb Chops, Whole Roasted Fish, Seasonal Vegetable Plates
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Completely outdoor dining with open-fire cooking and farmers market ingredients
Who should go: Adventurous diners who embrace California's outdoor lifestyle
When to visit: Dinner Tuesday-Saturday, arrive early for best seating
What to order: Lamb chops, whole fish, seasonal grilled vegetables
Insider tip: Free parking in Bergamot Station lot makes this easier than most
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free parking in Bergamot Station lot - major advantage over Santa Monica dining scene
Dress code: Casual California style - it's picnic tables outdoors, but the crowd leans stylish-casual
Noise level: Quiet - outdoor setting with natural acoustics, perfect for conversation
Weekend wait: Reservation essential - books out days in advance on weekends
Weekday lunch: Dinner-only Tuesday-Saturday, no lunch service
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - seasonal grilled vegetables are a specialty, changes based on market finds
Vegan options: Strong options - Chef Rudy's market vegetables work naturally for vegan diets
Gluten-free options: Yes - grilled proteins and vegetables are naturally gluten-free focused
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - romantic outdoor setting with stars overhead, unique enough to be memorable, intimate enough for conversation. The open-fire cooking creates natural talking points.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Difficult on weekends, possible Tuesday-Thursday if you arrive right at opening. Call ahead same-day to check - Chef Rudy runs a small operation and can tell you availability.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children - picnic table seating outdoors with open flames nearby. Better for teens and adults who can appreciate the experience.
Best For
Better for: Uniquely Californian outdoor experience you can't replicate indoors - the combination of open-fire cooking, farmers market ingredients, and full outdoor dining under the stars. Also wins on free parking versus competitive Santa Monica restaurants.
Consider Alternatives If: You need climate control (gets chilly at night), want traditional restaurant ambiance, need guaranteed walk-in availability, or prefer formal service. Go elsewhere if weather-dependent plans stress you out.
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday10am - 10pm
Wednesday10am - 10pm
Thursday10am - 10pm
Friday10am - 10pm
Saturday10am - 10pm
Sunday5pm - 10pm