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Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Northridge (91324)

7 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated

Notable Picks

8.4
$ North CSUN / Reseda Blvd
Compact counter-serve spot known for fast, fragrant pho and well-stuffed bánh mì on crackly bread. Locals lean on it for reliable lunches, strong Vietnamese coffee, and a menu that keeps both meat-eaters and vegetarians happy.
Must-Try Dishes: Beef Pho (Combo), Grilled Pork Banh Mi, Bun Bo Hue
What makes it special: Destination-level review volume for a tiny shop with consistently praised pho and bánh mì.
$$$ Northridge Fashion Center Area
Fast-casual with polish: made-to-order burgers, craft beer, and a tidy dining room that feels more modern café than strip-mall stop. The menu runs from straightforward cheeseburgers to short-rib and pretzel-bun builds, with fries and shakes that keep regulars coming back in volume.
Must-Try Dishes: Stand Cheeseburger, BBQ Brisket Burger, Short Rib Fries
What makes it special: High-volume, high-consistency burgers with a craft-beer edge.
$$$ Northridge Fashion Center Area
A Valley standby for smoked meats and big, crowd-pleasing plates, with a mall-side patio that stays comfortable year-round. Expect dependable barbecue, efficient service, and a social outdoor setup suited to families and groups.
Must-Try Dishes: All-American baby back ribs, BBQ tri-tip plate, Lauren’s mac & cheese
What makes it special: Big-scale BBQ that stays consistent across thousands of visits.
$ Reseda Blvd Corridor
A lively bar-and-grill spot where big platters, micheladas, and margaritas anchor the experience. The kitchen leans into crowd-pleasers like molcajetes and fajitas, with flavors that stay reliable even on busy nights. Come hungry and expect a festive, social dining room.
Must-Try Dishes: Molcajete for two, Asada con camarones a la diabla, Enchiladas Tres Marias
What makes it special: A full bar with micheladas plus hearty, shareable Mexican platters.
$$ Reseda Blvd Corridor
A classic Northridge diner with a Californian spin and a deep breakfast bench. Regulars come for the griddled classics and hearty lunch plates that feel familiar but thoughtfully executed. It’s a relaxed, all-day spot that still carries old-school neighborhood DNA.
Must-Try Dishes: Funnel cake French toast, Chicken & waffle Benedict, Breakfast burrito
What makes it special: A longtime diner where breakfast is still the headline.
$ Reseda Blvd Corridor
A casual, patio-friendly counter spot where Greek-style gyros share the stage with excellent falafel and shawarma plates. The kitchen leans on bold garlic, clean char, and fresh toppings, making even the simplest wrap feel dialed-in. It’s a dependable option for fast Mediterranean comfort without cutting corners.
Must-Try Dishes: Lamb Gyro Wrap, Falafel Plate, Spinach & Feta Turnovers
What makes it special: Solid gyros and falafel with a rare roomy patio for a strip-mall spot.

Worthy Picks

$ Tampa Ave Corridor
A strip-mall Thai standby with a couple of outdoor tables that make takeout-plus feel easy. The menu sticks to classic crowd-pleasers—pad Thai, satay, and curries—executed reliably.
Must-Try Dishes: Crab Fried Rice, Roasted Duck Curry, Pad Thai
What makes it special: Solid, everyday Thai with standout fried rice and duck curry.