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Best Patio Dining in Orange County

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(credit: thebeachouse.com)

With miles of ocean views, crashing waves and breathtaking sunsets, Orange County offers some of the most spectacular patio dining in the Southland. Sip on your favorite beverage as the summer sun sets at one of these local patio dining locations.

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(credit: BackBayBistroNewportBeach.com)


A hidden local gem right in the exclusive community of Newport Dunes is the most romantic patio dining at Back Bay Bistro. Guests are given the most superior treatment with excellence service, sustainable fresh food while surrounded by the spectacular Back Bay. The restaurant is closed on Monday and Tuesdays and has complimentary valet parking on Sundays from 10am to 3pm. Enjoy celebrating the beautiful summer weather on their outdoor patio with Maine Lobster and Martini Madness on Thursday evenings.

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Nestled right along Pacific Coast Highway, Sapphire Laguna has a sophisticated patio for guests to dine. The long fire pit in the center of the patio creates a magical place for guests to dine in the evenings with crisp ocean breezes. The patio was once the iconic pottery barn patio transformed into one of the best patio dining locations in Orange County. Chef Azmin offers a lovely cuisine with his award winning burger being one of my favorite menu items.

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Sol Cocina is not only a hot spot for outdoor dining in Orange County but also has some of the finest Mexican cuisine. The chef at Sol Cocina puts a unique twist on traditional Mexican food, leaving guests counting down the days until their next return to the restaurant. Our favorite summer pick from the menu at Sol Cocina is the Taco Vampiro.

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Located in the heart of Balboa Island is the historic Wilma's Patio. The restaurant has been a local favorite for many years serving delicious food in their patio style restaurant. After enjoy a meal at Wilma's Patio, take a walk around Balboa Island or ride the car ferry over to the Peninsula.

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The Rooftop Lounge is a local favorite for enjoying panoramic ocean views while savoring small bites on a large rooftop patio. The Rooftop Lounge is located on the roof of the La Casa del Camino Hotel, just up a small flight of stairs. The best time is dine is during sunset, and it becomes a hot spot later in the evening. Guests are guaranteed an unforgettable experience when dining on this exclusive patio.

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This family owned and operated restaurant has a beachfront patio where guests enjoy dining on fresh seafood to crashing ocean waves. The restaurant is tucked away down a small alley, and can be easily missed if not looking for the small sign along Pacific Coast Highway. A longtime favorite to locals this patio was once home to Old Hollywood Star, Slim Summerville, still retaining most of the original decor from when he lived there in the 1920's.

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Located within the historic community of the Cottages at Crystal Cove, The Beachcomber has been serving guests on their beach front patio since the 1920's. The restaurant is rich in history, friendly service and delicious food. After enjoying a delicious meal just steps from the beach, enjoy dipping your toes in the water.

Patio dining has been a favorite of Shelby Barone, a native of Orange County. Shelby ate her first jars of baby food on the outdoor patio of Wilma's Patio, and the restaurant is still a favorite for her to bring her children to. Shelby can be found blogging about Orange County at the OC Mom Blog.
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