Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in San Francisco
50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Angler
Live-fire steak program with weekday lunch on the waterfront.
Notable Picks
#1
Angler
8.8
Live-fire, Michelin-starred cooking turns premium beef cuts into smoky centerpieces in a waterfront room that still moves efficiently at midday. Weekday lunch service makes it viable for executive deals without sacrificing polish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hearth-grilled ribeye, Dry-aged steak cut of the day, Crispy potato with sauce
What Makes it Special: Live-fire steak program with weekday lunch on the waterfront.
8.8
A refined French gem serving authentic regional dishes in a charming, intimate space. Perfect for date night with expertly executed classics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Boeuf Bourguignon, Escargots de Bourgogne, Tarte Tatin
What Makes it Special: Classic French dishes with a focus on authentic regional flavors.
8.8
A cozy, family-owned pizzeria offering wood-fired Neapolitan pies with a focus on high-quality ingredients and classic techniques.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Fennel Sausage Pizza, Crispy Brussels Sprouts
What Makes it Special: Wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas with high-quality ingredients.
8.8
Chef-driven Californian plates with a polished wine list, served on two patios overlooking downtown where dogs are welcome. Locals book it for date nights and small celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Cavatelli, Crispy Pork Belly, Chef’s Tasting Menu
What Makes it Special: Refined seasonal cooking on a dog-friendly downtown patio.
#5
Sorrel
8.8
Michelin-starred, seasonally driven Italian with handmade pastas and a calm, polished vibe. A terrace and refined service make it a strong pick for al fresco special occasions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ricotta gnudi with sage, Strascinati with ’nduja, Madai crudo
What Makes it Special: MICHELIN-starred pastas and terrace dining led by a Quince-trained chef.
8.8
Employee-owned since 1983, this East Bay institution brings authentic Chicago-style stuffed pizzas to downtown Pleasanton with over 225 best pizza awards. Their signature spinach and mushroom stuffed pizza features layers of cheese and toppings between two crusts, plus they offer excellent thin-crust options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spinach & Mushroom Stuffed, Zachary Special, Mediterranean Pizza
What Makes it Special: Authentic Chicago-style stuffed pizzas with California twist
#7
Zuni Café
8.8
A San Francisco classic for wood-fired, California-style cooking where the iconic roast chicken with bread salad anchors a constantly changing seasonal menu. Locals come for warm hospitality, a timeless bar, and sidewalk energy near the arts corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roast Chicken with Bread Salad, Zuni Caesar, Half Dozen Oysters
What Makes it Special: Home of the definitive roast chicken with bread salad.
#8
Plow
8.7
Since 2010, Joel Bleskacek and Maxine Siu’s Potrero Hill standby draws lines for sunny plates and ultra-photogenic lemon ricotta pancakes. Brunch classics land with care, anchored by those crispy "Plow potatoes" and a bright, minimalist space that flatters every shot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Plow Potatoes, Soft-Scramble & Bacon Plate
What Makes it Special: Iconic pancakes and potatoes in light-filled Potrero Hill digs.
#9
Waterfall
8.7
A vibrant seafood restaurant offering fresh Latin American-inspired seafood with a modern twist. Known for its ceviche and outdoor seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ceviche, Grilled Octopus, Tuna Tacos
What Makes it Special: Latin seafood experience with a modern twist.
#10
A16
8.6
Southern Italian cooking anchored by a serious wine program and wood-fired pies. Marina regulars come for burrata, Neapolitan-style pizzas, and seasonal pastas in a lively room with a parklet for casual al fresco meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, Burrata with olive oil, Cavatelli with sausage
What Makes it Special: Award-winning Southern Italian cooking with a deep, thoughtful wine list.
#11
Aziza
8.6
Modern Moroccan from chef Mourad Lahlou with a seasonal menu that runs from basteeya to whole-fish and tagines. Street-side outdoor seating makes it workable for al fresco date nights without leaving the Richmond.
Must-Try Dishes:
Basteeya, Grilled Branzino, Lamb Tagine
What Makes it Special: Mourad Lahlou’s refined Moroccan cooking in a neighborhood setting.
#12
Barcha
8.6
Vibes:
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Business Lunch Power Players
Girls Night Out Approved
Trendy Table Hotspots
Mediterranean small plates and North African-leaning spices served on a well-run heated patio steps from Market Street. Popular with business lunches and post-work groups, it balances shareable mezze with full plates and a capable bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Braised Duck Kabsa, Lamb Kefta Skewers, Hummus & Warm Pita
What Makes it Special: One of FiDi’s most reliable heated patios for Mediterranean plates.
#13
Del Popolo
8.6
Wood-fired pizzas and antipasti served around a centerpiece oven in a sleek, brick-and-mortar off Bush. Bib Gourmand-recognized pies and seasonal starters draw steady crowds from Union Square and Nob Hill.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita (mozzarella di bufala, basil), Roasted squash & mascarpone pizza (seasonal), Meatballs with tomato
What Makes it Special: Michelin Bib-Gourmand pizzas fired in a showpiece oven.
8.6
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Cantonese spot from R&G Lounge founder Kinson Wong serving a broad daytime dim sum menu in an upscale Embarcadero setting. Expect precise staples (har gow, siu mai) alongside baked tarts and seafood specials with bay views and polished service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp Har Gow, Pork & Shrimp Siu Mai, Baked Portuguese Egg Tart
What Makes it Special: Elevated Cantonese dim sum with Embarcadero views from a revered local restaurateur.
#15
Lavash
8.6
Persian restaurant on Irving known for charcoal-grilled kebabs, saffron rice, and herb-forward stews, with a heated sidewalk patio for al fresco meals. Locals use it for small celebrations and reliable group dinners thanks to steady execution and warm hospitality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barg (beef tenderloin) kebab, Ghormeh sabzi stew, Saffron chicken kebab with zereshk rice
What Makes it Special: Charcoal-grilled Persian kebabs and stews with a heated patio.
#16
Lou's Cafe
8.6
Sunny neighborhood café with a broad sandwich board—think BALT, turkey-avocado, and veggie presses—plus espresso drinks. Casual seating and steady turnover make it an easy meet-up spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
BALT sandwich, Turkey-avocado on toasted sourdough, Veggie pesto press
What Makes it Special: Broad, café-style sandwich menu with reliable espresso service.
#17
Maison Nico
8.6
Classic wharf-side patio with live-music energy and a casual weekend brunch that leans seafood. Expect bright plates, big views, and a relaxed pace that suits sunny mornings on the Embarcadero.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp Louie Salad, Dungeness crab roll, Crab cakes
What Makes it Special: Sunny bay-view brunch with a true SF wharf vibe.
#18
Merkado
8.6
Vibes:
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Stylish South Beach cantina offering agave-driven cocktails and refined Mexican plates with a spacious patio. Popular for pre-game dinners and business-friendly gatherings near the ballpark.
Must-Try Dishes:
Short rib birria, Shrimp aguachile, Carnitas platter
What Makes it Special: Agave-forward bar program and polished plates steps from the park.
#19
Nopalito
8.6
Organic, regionally inspired Mexican from the Nopa family since 2009, known for house nixtamal and deeply flavored stews. Service is efficient and the patio/bar work for casual dates or solo meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas, Totopos con chile, Pozole rojo
What Makes it Special: House-nixtamal tortillas and long-running consistency since 2009.
#20
Pearl 6101
8.6
Seafood-forward New American cooking—housemade pastas, crudos, and roasted fish—served in a polished, intimate room. Locals book it for thoughtful plates, strong aperitifs, and a neighborhood date-night feel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked Trout Dip, Seasonal Seafood Pasta, Whole Roasted Fish
What Makes it Special: Refined, seafood-leaning menu with housemade pastas and aperitif program.
8.6
Long-running rotisserie truck serving the cult-favorite porchetta sandwich at the Ferry Building farmers market. Crisp pork crackling, herb-stuffed belly, and arugula stack into a benchmark SF sandwich.
Must-Try Dishes:
Porchetta Sandwich, Rotisserie Chicken Sandwich (select days), Roasted Potatoes with drippings
What Makes it Special: Market-day porchetta carved to order with shattering crackling.
8.6
Classic Wharf institution (since 1965) serving dock-to-table seafood in a waterfront setting. Old-school hospitality and generous portions make it a reliable choice for cioppino and crab.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cioppino, Dungeness crab Louis, Clam chowder
What Makes it Special: Pier-side seafood house with its own fish receiving dock.
#23
Surisan
8.6
Korean-inspired brunch near the Wharf with sleek plating and patio seating. Vibrant dishes and colorful sauces make camera-ready spreads without sacrificing flavor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Millionaire’s Bacon & Eggs, Kimchi Fried Rice with Pork Belly, Ube Pancakes
What Makes it Special: Modern Korean twists on American brunch with highly photogenic plates.
#24
Terzo
8.6
Neighborhood Mediterranean bistro with an extensive wine list, polished service, and seasonal small plates. A cozy sidewalk setup on Steiner suits dates and relaxed evenings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled octopus with chickpeas, Lamb meatballs, House hummus with warm flatbread
What Makes it Special: Refined Mediterranean plates with a thoughtful wine program and patio.
#25
Zazie
8.6
Cole Valley’s long-running brunch standard where Benedicts and gingerbread pancakes land with polished timing. A leafy patio and veteran team keep waits orderly and meals consistent.
Must-Try Dishes:
Eggs Benedict (any style), Gingerbread Pancakes, Pain Perdu
What Makes it Special: Destination-level Benedicts with smooth, veteran service and patio seating.
#26
Causwells
8.5
Neighborhood New American bistro known for the Americana smashburger and a refreshed cocktail program. Since 2014, it’s been a Marina standby for casual dates, happy hour, and brunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Americana Burger, Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Brussels Sprouts
What Makes it Special: Smashburger icon with a tight, seasonal New American menu.
#27
Fiorella
8.5
Neighborhood Italian known for wood-fired pies, seasonal pastas, and a lively sidewalk parklet. Locals book it for dependable execution, smart wines by the glass, and an outdoor setup that actually stays comfortable on foggy evenings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Diavola wood-fired pizza, Cacio e pepe, Burrata with seasonal vegetables
What Makes it Special: Serious wood-fire program with outdoor seating that’s actually comfortable.
8.5
San Francisco's pioneering vegetarian destination since 1979, serving seasonal plant-based cuisine from its own Green Gulch Farm in a converted Fort Mason warehouse with sweeping Golden Gate Bridge views. Chef Katie Reicher brings modern Asian-inflected preparations to this Zen Center-founded institution, where the waterfront setting often outshines dishes that feel more historically significant than groundbreaking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce, Wild Mushroom Terrine, Yellow Coconut Curry with Hodo Tofu
What Makes it Special: America's original fine dining vegetarian restaurant with farm-to-table produce from their own Marin County organic farm
#29
Park Tavern
8.5
Upscale North Beach standby running a strong ‘North Beach Hour’ with discounted bar bites, including crisp chicken wings. Polished service and park-side seating make post-work meetups easy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Happy Hour Chicken Wings, Loaded Fries (HH), Park Tavern Burger (HH)
What Makes it Special: Refined bar program with HH wings in a stylish setting.
8.5
Arab bakery-cafe turning out mana’eesh flatbreads, mezze, and seasonal salads with sidewalk seating. Bright flavors and fresh-baked breads make it ideal for a sunny lunch or early dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Za’atar mana’eesh, Shakshuka, Hummus with warm bread
What Makes it Special: Fresh-baked Arab flatbreads and mezze with counter-service ease.
#31
Serafina
8.5
Cozy hillside Italian with city views and a focused menu from Executive Chef Umberto Cannarsa. The signature Lasagna Serafina leans rich and homey, complemented by gnocchi, seafood pastas, and a compact but quality wine list.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna Serafina, Gnocchi di Patate con Spuntature, Spaghetti alle Vongole
What Makes it Special: House-special lasagna and handmade pastas with scenic Nob/Russian Hill perch.
8.5
Small-plates bistro with a leafy patio steps from the main drag. While known for wine, the flexible menu and outdoor seating make it workable for families who like to share.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beet & Burrata, Seared Scallops, Truffle Fries
What Makes it Special: Tapas-style menu and patio make sharing easy with kids.
8.4
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Counter-service BBQ with a backyard-style patio, known for the Best Damn Cheeseburger and wood-smoked meats. Efficient line flow and consistent quality make it a reliable midday stop for tight schedules.
Must-Try Dishes:
Best Damn Cheeseburger, Smoked brisket plate, Ribs with pickles & slaw
What Makes it Special: Smoky, fast-moving BBQ with a standout burger and patio.
8.4
Roman trattoria on Mint Plaza with house-made pastas and a steady sidewalk patio. Locals come for cacio e pepe, grilled octopus, and a civilized glass of Italian wine before shows or downtown events.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe, Grilled Mediterranean Octopus, Bucatini all’Amatriciana
What Makes it Special: Authentic Roman cooking with a true plaza patio setup since 2009.
#35
a Mano
8.4
Handmade pastas and Italian small plates served on a lively Hayes Valley corner with plenty of al fresco seating. Locals line up for fresh, seasonal dishes and an upbeat patio scene that works for dates or friends.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pappardelle with short rib sugo, Cacio e pepe, Burrata with seasonal accoutrements
What Makes it Special: Fresh, handmade pastas with a high-energy patio scene.
8.4
Downtown Pleasanton's craft cocktail destination doubles as a serious burger spot, with the Baron Burger arriving on a brioche bun alongside addictive duck fat fries. The covered patio and 600-whiskey selection make this a neighborhood hub for both food and drink enthusiasts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baron Burger, Duck Fat Fries, Short Rib Birria Tacos
What Makes it Special: Craft cocktail expertise meets elevated pub food with a 600-whiskey collection
8.4
Spanish tapas and paella served from the Warwick’s streetfront space with heated outdoor tables. It’s a downtown go-to for shareable plates and a glass of Tempranillo before shows near Union Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seafood paella, Gambas al ajillo, Pulpo a la plancha
What Makes it Special: Downtown Spanish tapas with patio seating and reliable paella.
8.4
Lively Mission Bay pizzeria from the Che Fico team serving airy, well-fermented pies with crisp-chewy bite plus antipasti and Italian drinks. Easy pre- or post-event choice with friendly service and plenty of seating around Chase Center.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita, Diavola, Funghi pie
What Makes it Special: Polished, kid-welcoming pizzeria with event-night energy and great dough.
8.4
A modern neighborhood bistro from Laurent Monchicourt and Martin Sarrailh serving classics—steak frites, duck confit, mussels—alongside a smart prix-fixe. Weekday lunches and a lively brunch make it a polished but approachable French fix near the Presidio.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak frites with green peppercorn sauce, Duck confit with gratin dauphinois, Moules marinières
What Makes it Special: Thoughtful French bistro cooking with flexible prix-fixe options.
Waterfront kiosk pouring coffee and frying small-batch donuts with seasonal, chef-driven flavors. Locals swing by after runs on the Marina Green for Maple Apple Bacon or vegan Spiced Chocolate while taking in the bay breeze.
Must-Try Dishes:
Maple Apple Bacon, Spiced Chocolate (vegan), Vanilla Bean
What Makes it Special: Chef-led flavors from a long-running SF donut institution in a bayfront kiosk.
8.4
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
Trendy Table Hotspots
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Indonesian-Texas barbecue spot (opened 2025) serving halal brisket, dino ribs, and nasi sides—distinctive, conversation-starter lunch fare. Efficient counter flow and shared seating around Thrive City suit working lunches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Halal Brisket Plate, Dino Beef Rib, Rendang Brisket Bowl
What Makes it Special: Rare Indonesian-Texas BBQ with halal smoked meats.
8.4
Bi-level neighborhood Italian with wood-fired pies, house-made pastas, and a cozy bar that reads grown-up without being stuffy. The heated rooftop and steady cocktail/wine program make it a reliable Inner Sunset date night pick.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chitarra Cacio e Pepe, Rigatoncini al Bolognese, Squid Ink Reginette with Gulf Shrimp
What Makes it Special: Wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas in a stylish, rooftop-equipped space.
8.4
A unique blend of brewery and seafood, featuring fresh local seafood paired with house-brewed beers. Perfect for craft beer lovers and seafood enthusiasts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Clam Chowder, Fish & Chips, Seasonal Oysters
What Makes it Special: Seafood and craft beer pairing in a lively setting.
#44
La Mediterranee
8.4
Long-running Armenian–Lebanese café serving mezze, kebabs, and savory fillo pies with sidewalk tables along Fillmore. Consistent, friendly service and a neighborhood feel make it a dependable al fresco choice for casual lunches and low-key dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Cilicia (savory fillo pie), Lamb Lule Kebab Plate, Spinach & Feta Börek
What Makes it Special: Since 1979, a Fillmore favorite for Armenian–Lebanese mezze with sidewalk seating.
8.4
Dogpatch staple (since 2014) known for naturally leavened sourdough pies and quick, family-friendly service near Chase Center. The menu balances classic pepperoni with rotating specials, including a popular Detroit-style slice night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pepperoni with fermented chili honey, White pie with ricotta & garlic, Detroit-style Thursday special
What Makes it Special: Naturally leavened sourdough crust with East Coast–meets–SF sensibility.
8.4
Farmers market smash burger stand turning out crisp, well-seasoned patties with melted American and griddled onions. Lines move quickly and burgers arrive hot and balanced, ideal for a casual stroll near the beach.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Double Smash, Onion-Loaded Smash with Pickles, Market Special with Jalapeños
What Makes it Special: Precision smash patties with deep Maillard crust at a lively market stall.
8.4
Waterfront American seafood with wide bay views, oysters by the dozen, and a lively brunch that draws Mission Bay regulars. It’s the move for patio seating and seafood plates before a game or concert nearby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dungeness Crab Benedict, Oysters on the Half Shell, Fish & Chips
What Makes it Special: Bayfront patio with oysters, seafood plates, and strong brunch.
8.4
Neighborhood taqueria known for organic ingredients and Mexico City–style plates. Consistently strong tacos and enchiladas make it a reliable Potrero Hill staple with breezy sidewalk seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mole enchiladas, Al pastor tacos, Fish tacos
What Makes it Special: Organic, Mexico City–leaning menu with dependable execution.
8.4
Downtown Indian favorite with a flexible spice scale, speedy lunch service, and an open-air patio that works well with strollers. Portions are generous and the menu covers mild to adventurous tastes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butter Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, Garlic Naan
What Makes it Special: Customizable spice and fast pacing keep meals smooth.
#50
Sociale
8.4
A cozy spot in Presidio Heights serving Northern Italian-inspired dishes with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tagliatelle Bolognese, Risotto alla Milanese, Tiramisu
What Makes it Special: Intimate ambiance with a seasonal, ingredient-driven menu.