Outdoor dining is mostly associated with summertime. Yet, in San Francisco, fall is the most glorious of the four seasons. Sunny autumnal weather is the city’s best-kept secret, making these last months of the year the ideal time for al fresco endeavors. Whether the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay, or the city skyline, San Francisco’s stunning views are enhanced by clear autumn skies. And as summer tourist crowds dwindle, fall affords a more relaxed atmosphere. Embrace al fresco dining this coming season with a reservation at these top open-air venues:
Epic Steak
With its prime San Francisco Bay-adjacent setting, a meal at Epic Steak is not just about the cuisine and crafted cocktails, delicious as they may be. The Embarcadero-located restaurant offers a stunning outdoor dining experience along the waterfront. Diners enjoy expansive views of the iconic Bay Bridge, which is scheduled in 2025 to once again beautifully illuminate at night. With its elegant, contemporary design, the patio features comfortable seating arrangements, lush greenery, a canopy of twinkle lights, and heaters to ensure a cozy ambiance even as the temperature drops. Be sure to try the crowd favorite Dungeness Crab Cakes, smothered in trout roe beurre blanc.
Waterbar
Directly next door to Epic Steak is Waterbar, sharing the same breathtaking Bay Bridge views. Waterbar makes the most of its prime location with ample seating, modern design, and a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal while soaking in the iconic San Francisco skyline and the shimmering bay. Celebrated for its seafood-centric menu, Waterbar offers a diverse array of fresh and sustainably sourced items, from delectable oysters and clams to inventive fish dishes. The seafood platters and chowders are standouts.
La Mar Cebichería Peruana
Located at San Francisco’s Pier 1 ½ on the historic site of a former ferry terminal, La Mar Cebichería Peruana features an open and airy back patio that offers ample seating and a relaxed atmosphere. Adorned with lush greenery and surrounded by hanging flower baskets, the spacious layout makes it a great venue for group gatherings, celebrations, and casual get-togethers. String lights, vibrant Peruvian-inspired decor, and colorful murals contribute to a festive environment that matches the vibrant flavors of the restaurant’s flavorful Peruvian dishes. Don’t miss the ceviches, a La Mar highlight.
Chotto Matte
Perched on the top floor of the former Macy’s Men’s building at the corner of Stockton and O’Farrell, Chotto Matte and its eighth floor space feature fabulous city skyline views. The Nikkei concept restaurant takes full advantage of the vistas with its open-air, wrap-around, rooftop terrace with multiple seating areas, outdoor bar, and fire pits. Atmospheric lighting adds a warm glow and a touch of elegance—the perfect complement to the restaurant’s dynamic menu that features a unique blend of Japanese and Peruvian cuisines. For the ultimate IG post, order the La Chakana, a blend of Verde Momento mezcal, Chotto vermouth, Courvoisier VS cognac, DOM Benedictine and bitters, dramatically torched tableside.
The Vault Garden
Where sister restaurant The Vault is known for sophisticated ambiance and its exclusive vibe, The Vault Garden is a bit more relaxed and eclectic. Featuring a beautiful outdoor garden area, the lush, serene environment, located on the plaza of the iconic 555 California Building, contrasts with the city’s the urban energy. Coined “the urban retreat,” The Vault Garden is heated and covered, offering a unique year-round outdoor experience in the heart of the Financial District. The menu typically emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients and often includes creative, health-conscious options.
Charmaine’s San Francisco Proper Hotel
Elevated 120 feet above Market Street at the top of the San Francisco Proper Hotel is Charmaine’s, where the energetic chic of a European terrace meets the laid-back vibes of California cool. The rooftop bar and lounge, with living room seating vignettes and terrace greenery, offers magnificent views of the city, the Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. Here, Executive Chef Jason Fox offers a delectable all-day menu, which includes Grilled Japanese Chicken Meatballs with egg yolk jam, Roasted Pork Lettuce Cups with blackberry lychee sauce, and The Proper Cheeseburger with kimchi Thousand Island dressing. Creative cocktails showcasing signature bitters and syrups are a perfect complement to the menu, and to the view.
Sens
Nestled within the Embarcadero, Sens features two distinct al fresco options: a fireplace-warmed upper deck with scenic views of the bay and the Bay Bridge, and a lovely, cozy, greenery-lined patio. Known for its upscale Mediterranean cuisine, Sens offers great atmosphere within whichever of its outdoor seating venues you choose. Enjoy the view with a glass of Sangria and a starter of Mediterranean Spreads with gigante beans, olives, tzatziki, za’atar, olive oil, romesco, almonds, and wood-oven baked pita.
Gott’s Mission Bay
For something a bit more casual, look to Gott’s Mission Bay, where its Thrive City location and outdoor patio afford optimal views of The Thrive City video board. Measuring 74 feet wide and 42 feet tall, and covering 3,108 square feet, the video board is the best place in the city (aside from a seat within Chase Center) to watch Golden State Warriors action while enjoying one of Gott’s many yummy burger options and an organic ice cream milk shake. And bonus: Gott’s gleaming outdoor airstream serves wine and beer.
Photos courtesy of each restaurant