Ten of America’s Best Outdoor Dining Spots, According to OpenTable

By Erika Owen
June 03, 2015
Credit: Courtesy of OpenTable
There’s something about enjoying a meal with a view of the great outdoors that makes everything taste, well, better. OpenTable—a real-time restaurant-reservation service—pulled together data from more than 5 million user reviews of 20,000 restaurants around the country to come up with the 100 most impressive al fresco dining spots in America.

Without further ado, here are 10 of OpenTable’s picks. Start reserving those tables and get outside.

Erika Owen is the Audience Engagement Editor at Travel + Leisure. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @erikaraeowen.
Start Slideshow

1 of 10

Ulu Ocean Grill and Sushi Lounge in Kaupulehu, Hawaii

Credit: Courtesy of OpenTable

OpenTable applauds Ulu Ocean Grill + Sushi Lounge as one of the finest dining spots in Hawaii. Stop by the on-site restaurant at the Four Seasons Resort Hualālai for local fare with an artisanal focus.

Menu Highlights: Sugared Pizza Dough, Risotto Fritters, and the Coconut Adrift cocktail.

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 10

El Chorro in Paradise Valley, Arizona

Credit: Courtesy of OpenTable

El Chorro is nestled at the base of Camelback & Mummy Mountains, setting the perfect scene for some Southwestern-inspired indulgence.

Menu Highlights: Crème Brulee French Toast, Pan-Seared Rainbow Trout, and Flash-Fried Lobster Tail.

3 of 10

Corks at Russian River Vineyards in Forestville, California

Credit: Courtesy of OpenTable

Based out of a historic 1890s farmhouse, Corks at Russian River Vineyards offers a seasonal menu featuring the flavors of local growers.

Menu Highlights: Passionfruit Bellini, Mushroom Julienne, and Crispy Sonoma Duck Leg Confit.

Advertisement

4 of 10

Brown’s Beach House in Kohala Coast, Hawaii

Credit: Courtesy of OpenTable

Brown’s Beach House is just steps from the shores of the Pauoa Bay, making a post-meal walk on the beach a given.

Menu Highlights: Hawaii Island Beet Root, Truffle Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese, and Steamed Local Snapper.

5 of 10

Veranda Fireside Lounge & Restaurant in San Diego

Credit: Courtesy of OpenTable

Take in your meal with a side of live entertainment. The Veranda Fireside Lounge & Restaurant serves up contemporary Californian cuisine featuring locally grown ingredients and herbs from their own garden. It’s a perfect menu for enjoying around a fire (hence the name).

Menu Highlights: Rbi Bloody Mary featuring the restaurant’s signature olives, Lazy Lasagna, and the Blood Orange Shrimp.

6 of 10

Passerelle Bistro in Greenville, South Carolina

Credit: Courtesy of OpenTable

If the name didn’t give it away—passerelle is French for footbridge—this casual bistro serves French food made from local ingredients and paired with a view of The Liberty Bridge.

Menu Highlights: Ratatouille Baguette, French Green Lentil Salad, and Basquaise Mussels.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 10

Poseidon in Del Mar, California

Credit: Courtesy of OpenTable

If you pay Poseidon a visit at the right time of year, you might catch a glimpse of whales making their way up the coast.

Menu Highlights: Ahi Tacos, the Whale Watcher cocktail, and Kobe Beef Sliders.

8 of 10

Sunset Terrace in Asheville, North Carolina

Credit: Courtesy of OpenTable

Sunset Terrace is located on the deck of the 100-year-old Main Inn and has its own in-house floral department for those extra special dinner occasions.

Menu Highlights: Fried Green Tomato BLT, Shrimp and Grits, and Homemade Strawberry Rhubarb Pie.

9 of 10

Frida’s in Lahaina, Hawaii

Credit: Courtesy of OpenTable

Three words: Mexican Beach House. Reviewers have voted Frida’s as the perfect spot for grabbing lunch with a killer view. If you need more convincing, the collection of 40 different tequilas might do the trick.

Menu Highlights: Chicken Tinga Flautas, Shrimp Mojo de Ajo, and Chipotle Lamb Shoulder Tacos.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 10

Marche Bacchus in Las Vegas, Nevada

Credit: Courtesy of OpenTable

Stray from the Strip to enjoy dinner paired with a bottle of wine from the restaurant’s 950-bottle label list. Iron Chef Alex Stratta leads the kitchen team at Marche Bacchus, giving this spot a Las Vegas celebrity spin without the kitsch.

Menu Highlights: Smoked Pulled Pork Benedict, Torchon of Foie Gras, and Lobster Ravioli.

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

By Erika Owen