A Table Outdoors

A Table Outdoors

It's November or March, but the request is still possible: "We'd like a table outdoors." Thanks to L.A.'s weather, you can eat outside nearly year-round, and there are dozens of alfresco options from Malibu to Pasadena. Some restaurants give you an ocean view, some evoke Provençal herb gardens, and others line up sidewalk tables for great people-watching. If an outdoor table is your goal, be sure to specify one when making reservations.

Begonias, burbling fountains, and candlelighted tables fill the patio at Il Cielo (9018 Burton Way, Beverly Hills, 90211. 310/276-9990. www.ilcielo.com). On a moonlight night, it's romantic enough to elicit the unthinkable from a confirmed bachelor.

For stunning coastal views, head to Geoffrey's (27400 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 90265. 310/457-1519. www.geoffreysmalibu.com), where you'll be sandwiched between surf and stars. The olive tree-shaded patio at Dominick's (8715 Beverly Blvd., West Hollywood, 90048. 310/652-2335. www.dominicksrestaurant.com) draws a new generation of wannabe Rat Packers.

A hip, retro vibe permeates the air at blue on blue (Avalon Hotel, 9400 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills, 90212. 310/277-5221. www.avalonbeverlyhills.com), where cabanas surround an hourglass-shaped pool.

The best tables at Michael's (1147 3rd St., Santa Monica, 90403. 310/451-0843. www.michaelssantamonica.com), an early landmark of California cuisine, are in its enchanting garden. At Chez Mimi (246 26th St., Santa Monica, 90402. 310/393-0558. www.chezmimirestaurant.com), simple French fare is served on a brick patio with vine-covered trellises and trees entwined with lights.

For a true star-gazing experience, consider the Ivy (113 N. Robertson Blvd., adjacent to Beverly Hills, 90048. 310/274-8303), whose picket-fence-enclosed patio is often filled with famous faces. To watch bustling Old Pasadena pass before you, head to Mi Piace (25 E. Colorado Blvd., 91105. 626/795-3131. www.mipiace.com), a popular Italian spot. Sushi is paired with spectacular skyline views on the wraparound veranda at Takami (811 Wilshire Blvd., Downtown, 90017. 213/236-9600. www.takamisushi.com), a penthouse restaurant rising 21 stories above the city.