10 Places to Enjoy National Eat Outside Day in Marina del Rey

The holiday is almost here. No, we’re not talking about jingle bells, winter wonderland or gingerbread cookies just yet; National Eat Outside Day is quickly approaching on August 31. Yet another excuse to enjoy California’s temperate weather, National Eat Outside Day requires that everybody eat at least one meal or snack outdoors.

Why not also enjoy the view while dining al fresco? In Marina del Rey,we’re proud to share almost every restaurant and picnic destination boasts views of the water. Here, National Eat Outside Day is celebrated with enthusiasm. From cool, chic lounges to picnics in the park- Marina Del Rey has plenty of unique ways for you to ring in this holiday. Try one of these ten ways to celebrate National Eat Outside Day, your taste buds won’t be let down!

1. Take a seat on the whimsical patio dining area of Jer-Ne Restaurant & Bar at the Ritz-Carlton to enjoy Eat Outside Day with class. Featuring panoramic Marina views, New World fusion cuisine made with sophisticated ingredients and globally influenced small plates, Jer-ne offers the perfect outdoor dining experience for breakfast, lunch, dinner or high tea.

2. Dine on the same patio graced by Hollywood’s film stars, including the casts of Clueless, Martial Law and The O.C. at Tony P’s Dockside Grill. With fresh food handmade daily, a collection of 100 beers available and a wide array of classic burgers, salads and sandwiches, Tony P’s offers a large patio space directly on the water for outdoor eating and enjoying the view.

3. Grab a picnic basket, your favorite kite and some tunes and head over to Burton Chace Park, located directly on the harbor at Mindanao Way. Offering a gorgeous view of the Marina, Burton Chace Park is the perfect place to enjoy a budget-friendly picnic while soaking up the cool ocean breezes.

4. With the newly opened Hornblower Café in the Park, enjoy a picnic without the prep time. Your palette will love the light and fresh prepared menu items such as salads and sandwiches. The cool breeze, expansive green and beautiful 360 degree views are enough to encourage more days of eating outside.

5. Specializing in seafood and fine California cuisine, Shanghai Red’s Restaurant is known for its waterfront seating with views of the Marina inside the iconic Fisherman’s Village. Experience quintessential Southern California outdoor dining when sitting in the restaurant’s cozy patio overlooking the harbor and enjoying an up-close and personal view of the sunset. 

6. Overlook the private yachts, docks and calm Marina waters from the outdoor patio of The Warehouse Restaurant. Dine in the fresh ocean air at the local “Trader Vic’s” style, Polynesian-themed restaurant known for its unique steak and seafood preparations inspired by a California/Mediterranean cooking style.

7. For sophisticated Italian cuisine, with outdoor seating for the Marina’s best people-watching and harbor views, Sapori Italian Restaurant offers sophisticated Italian pastas like pillowy agnolotti stuffed with cheese and wild mushrooms and main dishes like classic Tuscan chicken under a brick. Located in the heart of Fisherman’s Village, the views from the outdoor patio make the holiday even warmer.

8. A favorite dining destination of every family member, The Cheesecake Factory offers plentiful outdoor seating with on-the-water views of the Marina. Famous for generous portions, more than 200 menu selections made fresh from scratch each day and 50 legendary cheesecake options, The Cheesecake Factory offers the perfect destination for an outdoor brunch or afternoon lunch with loved ones. 

9. Enjoy fresh, artisan eco-sandwiches on the breezy outdoor patio area of Marina del Rey’s newest culinary partner, Mendocino Farms Sandwiches & Marketplace. Plus, in time for National Eat Outside Day, Kid’s Club at Waterside is hosted every Tuesday at 1 p.m. for a weekly dose of fun, including live musical entertainment and arts and crafts.

10. With evenings that stay warm late into the night, Glow Lounge at the Marriott, Marina del Rey, offers an outdoor area lounge with sleek couches, warm amber lighting, fire pits and a crushed glass firewall—the perfect setting for an after-work happy hour or late-night snack to enjoy the chic outdoors.

Got any favorite outdoor dining spots of your own? Share them with us...it’s okay, local secrets stay with us. Happy Eat Outside Day!