Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Silver Lake
14 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Mideast Tacos
Original Armenian-Mexican fusion with authentic falafel tacos
Notable Picks
8.6
Armenian-Mexican fusion from the Mini Kabob team serves falafel tacos alongside smoky chicken and steak kebabs on fresh flour tortillas. This Silver Lake counter-service spot draws crowds for its inventive mashup of traditional Armenian barbecue with Mexican street food sensibilities, featuring signature toum garlic sauce and house-made salsas.
Must-Try Dishes:
Falafel Taco, Chicken Kebab Taco, Steak Quesadilla
What Makes it Special: Original Armenian-Mexican fusion with authentic falafel tacos
8.4
Venetian-inspired small plates restaurant features tree-house-like outdoor patios with rustic Mediterranean decor throughout multiple levels. Chef Lior Hillel crafts Mediterranean tapas alongside rotating small-production wines, creating a neighborhood favorite since becoming the Kronfli Brothers' fifth LA location.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Hummus, Pear and Brie Pizza, Brussels Sprouts
What Makes it Special: Multi-level outdoor patios with rustic Mediterranean charm and 90-minute open bar special
#3
Heavy Handed
8.4
Ground short rib smashburgers with aggressive seasoning and caramelized onions, fried in beef tallow for maximum crispness. The third Silver Lake location brings the Santa Monica hit to Sunset Boulevard with the same lacey-edged patties and soft-serve cones that made the original a destination.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double Cheeseburger, Beef Tallow Fries, Dipped Soft Serve Cone
What Makes it Special: Short rib smashburgers with crispy lacey edges and beef tallow fries
8.3
The Guisados family's coastal Mexico-inspired seafood stand serves fresh ceviches, aguachiles, and fish tacos under a covered patio. Small but mighty, Playita brings beach flavors to Silver Lake with quality that rivals the coast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Aguachile de Pescado, Mixed Ceviche, Fish Tacos Dorados
What Makes it Special: Coastal Mexican seafood executed with Guisados family's quality standards
#5
Pazzo Gelato
8.3
Family-run artisanal gelato shop crafting small batches daily since 2006 with farmers' market produce. Features market-driven seasonal flavors alongside Italian classics, using single-origin chocolates and Madagascar vanilla beans with both dairy and vegan options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Almond Fig, Single Origin Chocolate, Guinness with Chevre
What Makes it Special: Small-batch artisanal gelato using farmers' market ingredients and authentic Italian techniques
8.3
Chef Kong Wijitsunthornkun brings family recipes from Bangkok's markets to Silver Lake's charming garden patio. The wonton pad thai innovates with crispy textures, while tom kha soup showcases refined galangal-coconut balance. String-lit outdoor dining and lunch specials starting at $7.95 make this Thai Select-certified spot a neighborhood treasure.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wonton Pad Thai, Tom Kha Soup, Mango Sticky Rice
What Makes it Special: Thai Select certification and enchanting garden patio with string lights
#7
La Sorted's
8.2
Wood-fired pizza operation from owner Tommy Brockert delivers fluffy, beautifully bubbled crust with creative toppings like Italian sausage with kale and hot honey pepperoni. The casual counter-service format and outdoor seating make it ideal for quick family meals, while the mortadella focaccia sandwich has earned recognition as one of LA's best.
Must-Try Dishes:
Good Boi Pizza, Spicy But Oh So Sweet Boy, Mortadella Focaccia Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Former pop-up now permanent with wood-fired oven creating perfectly charred crusts
8.1
This neighborhood oyster bar from the Bar Covell team serves East and West Coast oysters alongside clam chowder, crab linguine, and wedge salads in a charming bistro with a marble bar and upstairs happy hour space. The walk-in-only policy and sidewalk patio create a relaxed Silver Lake hang for fresh seafood and curated wines.
Must-Try Dishes:
Daily Oyster Selection, Clam Chowder, Crab Linguine
What Makes it Special: Neighborhood oyster bar with walk-in-only policy and Bar Covell's wine curation
Worthy Picks
#9
Kombu Sushi
7.9
Vibes:
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Pet Friendly Paradise
Family Friendly Favorites
Family-owned neighborhood gem pairs fresh nigiri and creative signature rolls with an unexpected backyard patio and rotating classic films projected on the wall. The Nirvana Roll and truffle sashimi showcase chef creativity, while the dog-friendly patio and movie screenings create a distinctly Silver Lake vibe.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nirvana Roll, Baja Salmon Fusion Roll, Truffle Sashimi
What Makes it Special: Combines sushi counter artistry with outdoor movie nights and extensive vegan options rare in traditional sushi bars
#10
Casita del Campo
7.9
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Family Friendly Favorites
Birthday & Celebration Central
Outdoor Dining Oasis
A Silver Lake landmark since 1962, this colorful Mexican restaurant offers classic preparations in a festive atmosphere with multiple dining rooms and patios. Daily happy hour runs 3-6pm with $2 off all drinks and appetizers, drawing locals for reliable enchiladas, carnitas, and strong margaritas in an LGBTQ-friendly environment.
Must-Try Dishes:
Enchiladas Suizas, Carnitas, Albondigas Soup
What Makes it Special: Over 60 years of neighborhood history with theatrical basement space
7.8
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Counter-service spot serving classic smashburgers, fried chicken sandwiches, and grain bowls. Casual outdoor seating makes it ideal for quick family meals with straightforward American comfort food at accessible prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Smashburger, Fried Chicken Sandwich, Grain Bowl
What Makes it Special: Affordable smashburgers and $8 grain bowls for neighborhood convenience
7.6
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Nonna-approved Italian gastronomia from Chef Francesco Lucatorto serving house-made focaccia sandwiches and ready-to-eat pastas. Started as a pandemic pop-up, this casual cafe with bright yellow umbrellas and whitewashed cottage exterior channels Italian countryside charm on a bustling Sunset stretch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Focaccia Sandwich with Meatballs, Lasagna with Pesto, Suppli
What Makes it Special: Authentic Italian gastronomia with grab-and-go or sidewalk dining
#13
Tacos Delta
7.6
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Walk-up window taco stand on Sunset Boulevard serving extensive menu of Mexican breakfast plates, tacos, burritos, and soups with a back patio for dining. Known for chilaquiles burritos and crispy battered fish tacos at budget-friendly prices, this neighborhood fixture attracts diverse crowds from construction workers to Silver Lake hipsters.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chilaquiles Burrito, Fish Taco, Carne Asada Taco
What Makes it Special: Neighborhood institution with extensive menu beyond typical taco stand offerings
#14
Tacolina
7.5
Baja California-inspired restaurant from Blue Plate Taco featuring farm-to-table ingredients in a lush garden setting. Chef Jonathan Juarez's menu includes organic chicken tacos, seasonal salads, and craft cocktails, though the stunning verdant patio outshines the food execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Taquitos, Grilled Chicken Tacos, Caesar Salad
What Makes it Special: One of LA's most beautiful outdoor dining patios