Home » Special Features » The World’s Best » Best Outdoor Dining San Francisco
The view might be of the skyline, the surrounding coastline, a romantic interior courtyard, or simply your date backlit by the cityscape. Whatever the venue, summer is the time to dine outdoors, catch a breeze, and relax as if you are on vacation, even if you’re in the city you call home.
The Draw: The lovely weather-proof patio encased in light California cedar and palm fronds is as friendly as the staff and refreshing as the food and wine. The Scene: On the surface, everything about Bar Bambino belies its truth. Fronted by a rather unimpressive entrance on a rather questionable block in the Mission, it calls itself a café and wine bar. No, no, no. This is one of the best and most original modern Italian restaurants in the city. Yes, there is a white marble and dark wood bar, and yes, the wine list is impressive. And, along with the cozy yet bright atmosphere and knowledgeable yet warm staff, it’s all worth the cab ride. Once you add the food, it would be worth walking there — barefoot. Start with the ever-changing selection of antipasti, and order anything with cheese, to take advantage of the on-site cheese monger. Hand-made classic Italian pastas are joined by Old World dishes that surprise with modern twists, often reflecting the owner’s seeming obsession with Italy’s Central European connection (see below). Mon 5–10 pm, Tues–Thurs 11 am–11 pm, Fri 11 am–12 am, Sat noon–midnight Hot Tip: The wine list is predominantly populated by perfectly picked Italian wines, but the occasional Slovenian, Croatian and Austrian selections are more at home than they might seem. Owner Christopher Losa tells tale of Bambino’s deliberate food and wine evolution along the path of the Hapsburg Empire. Ask him, and he’ll tell you all about it, history lesson and all.
The Draw: The cinema, of course. The Scene: After more than a decade, San Franciscans still covet a spot on the covered patio of this Mission District destination restaurant. Make like a local, and come to watch the foreign and independent films shown on the courtyard walls. Stay to imbibe cocktails from the adjacent Lazlo Bar (a worthy stop in its own right) and feast on selections from the California/Mediterranean menu and oyster bar. The chefs have serious San Francisco foodie cred and offer a lovely weekend brunch, as well. Mon–Fri 6pm–2am, Sat–Sun 11am–2am Hot Tip: Take advantage of Foreign Cinema’s valet parking in this questionable neighborhood where it is crazy-hard to find parking.
La Mar Cebicheria Peruana Pier 1½ on The Embarcadero, 415-397-8880 lamarcebicheria.com
The Draw: Expansive views of the San Francisco Bay and cups and bowls full of magical sea creatures marinated in leche de tigre (lime juice and peppers). The Scene: La Mar’s perch on the edge of the bay means if you turn your head away for just a moment, a brand new fish might just jump onto your plate. Pretty much all the Peruvian dishes are delish, but the killer-fresh Peruvian cebiches are the stars of the menu, and we suggest you try several — the “cebiche tasting” is the way to go. Couple it with some equally fresh and tasty cocktails, and you’re all set. The restaurant is huge and can be insanely loud, so try to tuck yourself into a corner. Oddly, some of the bar areas sometimes seem quieter. Lunch: Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm, Sat–Sun noon–2:30 pm; dinner: nightly from 5:30 pm; bar: Mon–Fri 4–6 pm Hot Tip: La Mar’s bar is all about the Pisco. San Francisco likes to somehow claim the libation as its own, but it’s really a Peruvian liquor, and La Mar makes its own infused piscos for use in a plethora of cocktails.
