Best Outdoor Dining Oasis American Restaurants in Santa Monica
5 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Pono Burger
Oak-fired organic burgers with Hawaiian soul
Notable Picks
#1
Pono Burger
8.2
Hawaiian-inspired organic burger joint grilling grass-fed beef over white oak fire in a converted WWII Quonset hut. Chef Makani's commitment to farmers market ingredients and kid-friendly sliders makes this a thoughtful family destination.
Must-Try Dishes:
Piku Fig Burger with Brie, Sweet Potato Fries with House Aioli, Kids Organic Sliders
What Makes it Special: Oak-fired organic burgers with Hawaiian soul
8.1
Steps from the pier, this coastal California restaurant captures Santa Monica's surf culture with an indoor-outdoor design where ocean breezes flow freely. Chef David Yamaguchi delivers inventive twists on coastal classics using just-caught seafood and farmers market produce.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, Pan-Seared Halibut, Fox Fries with Aioli
What Makes it Special: No walls between indoor/outdoor creates constant ocean breeze
8.1
This chef-driven New American restaurant occupies a historic building with a charming courtyard patio. Operating a 100% scratch kitchen with 90% gluten-free menu, they serve Euro-inspired dishes alongside California classics for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Protein Power Bowl, Neapolitan Pizza, Puff Bread with Hummus
What Makes it Special: Historic courtyard setting with scratch-made gluten-free focus
#4
Rabano
8.1
This health-focused counter-service spot opened in 2023, bringing sustainable bowls and Latin-Asian fusion to Main Street with locally sourced ingredients and eco-friendly packaging. The menu balances globally inspired options like Peruvian saltado and Korean-style bowls with approachable California fare, drawing a steady lunch and dinner crowd to its modern, light-filled space.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Belly Knockout Bowl, Peruvian Saltado Bowl, VIP Poke Bowl
What Makes it Special: Farm-to-table fusion bowls with extensive vegan and gluten-free options
Worthy Picks
#5
Ashland Hill
7.7
This casual gastropub serves contemporary American fare with outdoor seating and a dog-friendly patio that welcomes four-legged guests with their own menu. The beer garden atmosphere supports weekend brunch and late-night dining, with menu highlights spanning ground turkey burgers to banana cream pie desserts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ground Turkey Burger, Banana Cream Pie, Parmesan Fries
What Makes it Special: Genuinely dog-friendly with separate canine menu and welcoming atmosphere