Alfresco dining makes a major comeback with warmer temps approaching. Here are the top 10 patios to enjoy in San Francisco this spring.
Waterbar’s sparkling patio.
BLUE PLATE
Nosh on American fare with a delicious Mediterranean twist at this Outer Mission eatery. The chic outdoor space features four connected patios housing five tables that seat up to 25, built-in heaters and fragrant florals—think Angel’s Trumpet trees, night-blooming jasmine, a Ponderosa lemon tree and a mature loquat. 3218 Mission St., 415.282.6777, blueplatesf.com
FABLE
Seasonal, farm-to-table California cuisine is on tap at Fable, a favorite in the Castro since 2013. The restaurant’s heated patio features three stunning decks with overhanging vines, trees and potted plants. Start with braised pork cheeks slathered in a Dijon breadcrumb crust, then graduate to sauteed King salmon or a juicy double cheeseburger. 558 Castro St., 415.590.2404, fablesf.com
Fine dining at Waterbar
FOREIGN CINEMA
Succulent meals at Foreign Cinema are best enjoyed in the partially covered heated courtyard, especially during outdoor movie screenings. Enjoy films like Guy Hamilton’s The Man with the Golden Gun in the open air while noshing on curried butternut squash soup, Pacific swordfish, Madras curry sesame fried chicken and local halibut crudo. 1001 Minnesota St., 415.824.4224, foreigncinema.com
PICCINO
Sitting pretty under a canopy of Jacaranda trees, Piccino’s cozy patio is the perfect spot for a delectable outdoor meal. The new hot spot boasts farm-fresh appetizers, hand-tossed pizzas, homemade pasta and hearty entrees crafted with produce from the Piccino farm in Healdsburg. 1001 Minnesota St., 415.824.4224, piccino.com
Waterbar’s decadent desserts.
STABLE CAFE
Biophilic design abounds both indoors and out at Stable Cafe. The converted carriage house features a lush covered patio where diners delight in simple breakfast and lunch fare amid a cozy fireplace and copious greenery curated by Fog & Moss Studio. 2128 Folsom St., 415.552.1199, stablecafe.com
SOCIALE
Sociale’s rustic Italian fare is best enjoyed on its year-round patio, which is peppered with romantic candlelight and seasonal flowers. Feast on Dungeness crab timbale, spaghetti with smoked trout and grilled hanger steak underneath a dreamy retractable pergola. 3665 Sacramento St., 415.921.3200, sfsociale.com
TERRENE
Dine along the Embarcadero with expansive views of the Bay Bridge and Ferry Building at Terrene’s waterfront patio. Located in the 1 Hotel San Francisco, the eatery’s menu runs the gamut from shrimp skewers and mini lamb pitas to Skuna Bay salmon and a sizzling skirt steak. 8 Mission St., 415.278.3777, 1hotels.com
Transport yourself to a rustic Italian village at Sociale.
THE PATIO
Nestled in the Marina, The Patio naturally makes our list. The outdoor dining space feels like a hidden gem with cozy banquette seating flanking a glittering fire pit, plus tantalizing small and large plates—think slurp-worthy oysters, filet mignon carpaccio and pan-seared salmon. 3232 Scott St., 415.580.7080, patiosf.com
WATERBAR
With panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline, Treasure Island and Bay Bridge, Waterbar is the ideal spot to enjoy some of the city’s finest seafood. The venue features an expansive oyster bar, floor-to-ceiling aquariums and waterfront outdoor terraces draped with sparkling lights. 399 The Embarcadero, 415.284.9922, waterbarsf.com
ZAZIE
Zazie has been a Cole Valley neighborhood staple since 1992, serving up American-style brunches and decadent Provençal dinners. Be sure to snag a spot on the heated patio, then dive into a delicious French onion soup and comforting coq au vin. 941 Cole St., 415.564.5332, zaziesf.com
Photography by: COURTESY OF HARDY WILSON; COURTESY OF HARDY WILSON; COURTESY OF HARDY WILSON; COURTESY OF SOCIALE
