Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Sherman Oaks
8 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Bacari Sherman Oaks
90-minute open bar special and innovative Mediterranean small plates perfect for sharing
Notable Picks
8.4
Venetian-inspired small plates from Chef Lior Hillel create shareable Mediterranean experiences across multiple dining spaces. Natural wines and craft cocktails complement creative dishes from lamb hummus to truffle mac, all served in a rustic-chic setting with courtyard seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Hummus, Truffle Mac & Cheese, Glazed Pork Belly
What Makes it Special: 90-minute open bar special and innovative Mediterranean small plates perfect for sharing
8.4
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Family Friendly Favorites
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Full-service Italian trattoria since 2001 featuring brick oven pizzas alongside comprehensive Italian menu of pastas, seafood, and grilled meats. Floor-to-ceiling murals create warm Mediterranean atmosphere perfect for celebrations, while the prosciutto and arugula white pizza showcases elevated ingredient quality beyond typical pizzerias.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prosciutto Arugula Pizza, Margherita Pizza, Gnocchi al Brasato
What Makes it Special: Full trattoria experience with private party room accommodating 70 guests
8.2
Plant-based American fusion combining Mediterranean and Latin influences with craft beer and sustainable wines. Since 2018, this vegan restaurant delivers bold flavors through dishes like jackfruit street tacos, crispy avocado tacos, and impossibly good burgers that draw both vegans and omnivores.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jackfruit Street Tacos, Crab Cakes, Impossibly Good Burger
What Makes it Special: All plant-based menu that convincingly mimics meat classics while delivering genuine Mediterranean-Latin fusion
#4
Garden Cafe
8.2
A secluded Mediterranean-inspired cafe tucked off Woodman Avenue, featuring a wrap-around garden patio with red umbrellas and Tuscan decor. The pet-friendly outdoor space serves wood-fired pizzas, breakfast all day, and American comfort food with notable attention to fresh ingredients and relaxed counter-service dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood-Fired Margherita Pizza, Golden Cowboy Sandwich, Crab Cake Benedict
What Makes it Special: Secluded garden patio escape with wood-fired pizza and Mediterranean vibes
8.1
Grass-fed beef burgers and plant-based options anchor this health-conscious chain location in Sherman Oaks Galleria. Fresh-baked buns daily and customizable toppings cater to dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor, drawing a loyal midday crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lounge Burger, Turkey Lounge Burger, Impossible Lounge Burger
What Makes it Special: Grass-fed beef and extensive dietary accommodation options including gluten-free
8
Recently rebranded from Karma Sushi Bar, this sushi destination emphasizes pristine carpaccio and crudo preparations alongside an extensive roll menu. The beautiful patio and dedicated parking lot address two major Ventura Boulevard pain points, while the fresh sashimi and creative specialty rolls keep the dining room buzzing with satisfied regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio, 911 Roll, Albacore Crudo
What Makes it Special: Rare dedicated parking lot on Ventura Boulevard with exceptional carpaccio selections
Worthy Picks
7.9
A San Fernando Valley fixture since 1991, running the New York slice formula with hand-tossed dough and a deep bench of specialty pies. The counter-service setup and outdoor seating work well for families grabbing a quick dinner or NY transplants chasing a familiar fold. Tight parking lot in back, but street options around the corner make it workable.
Must-Try Dishes:
New York Style Pizza, Buffalo Chicken Pizza, Sausage Pizza
What Makes it Special: Authentic New York-style pies with hand-tossed dough, serving the San Fernando Valley since 1991
A fast-casual operation built around 90-second wood-fired pies using non-GMO Italian flour and ovens imported from Naples — the format prioritizes speed and technique over sit-down service. The open layout with communal tables and visible ovens keeps the energy social and family-friendly, making it a reliable group stop on the Ventura Blvd corridor rather than a destination dining experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nutella Calzone, Caccio E Peppe Pizza, The Margherita Pizza
What Makes it Special: Fast-casual Neapolitan pizzas fired in 90 seconds using non-GMO Italian flour dough and wood-burning ovens imported from Italy.