La Quinta Outdoor Dining: 6 Restaurants With Scenic Views

La Quinta, California, draws thousands of visitors annually who enjoy mountain landscapes and award-winning golf. Those visiting also get their fill — both inside and out — when enjoying the La Quinta outdoor dining scene. From quaint restaurants with low lighting to resort dining hot spots, the La Quinta outdoor dining experience delivers both delicious foods paired with scenic views. Read on to learn about six restaurants you can’t miss.

La Quinta Outdoor Dining: Top 6 Restaurants for Food and Views

Get Stuffed at Stuft

For award-winning pizza paired with an expansive wine list, Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill ranks as a must. Located on Main Street, this restaurant offers outdoor seating, with or without umbrellas, and views of the desert mountains and tall palm trees. But there’s more than scenic views.

The menu features a collection of pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, with dinner showcasing a variety of steaks and seafood. Guests can also make their own pizza – choosing from dozens of ingredients – or order a specialty combination. Stuft also ranks as a top spot to watch a game and take advantage of happy hour specials.

Dine in a Mountain

Built into the side of a mountain, this bar and lounge features scenic views indoors and out. Rock formations and greenery wind along the stairs to the main dining areas. Those sitting outside can admire the towering mountains that rise high over the covered porch.

In addition to views, La Quinta Cliffhouse Bar and Lounge offers upscale casual dining with menu items such as steaks, seafood, pasta and gluten-free options. Couples may try the sunset dinner, which pairs stunning desert sunsets and custom meals under $20 per person. If looking for a place to unwind and mingle, stop by the bar. Cliffhouse Bar offers daily drink and food specials in a relaxing atmosphere.

Let Lavender Inspire You

Elegance graces the outdoor patio at Lavender Bistro. As the name implies, lavender place settings and fresh floral arrangements adorn each outdoor table. Guests can also sit under white-lit trees in candlelight, creating a romantic escape anytime of day.

Only open late September through early June, Lavender Bistro features a special fall dinner menu complete with a seafood, poultry and steaks. In addition to great food and views, diners also enjoy live entertainers who play everything from rock to rhythm and blues to jazz.

La Quinta Outdoor Dining at the Resorts

Have Mexican at Adobe

Adobe Grill welcomes guests to sit outside and enjoy manicured gardens, desert sunsets, and the area’s signature mountains and trees. Those dining outdoors enjoy a relaxing atmosphere under rows of lights and near an outdoor fountain, all set against the desert mountain landscape.

Specializing in Mexican cuisine, Adobe’s menu includes seafood and meat specialties, tamales, fajitas and enchiladas. Make sure to pair a dish with one of the famous margaritas, which rank as some of the best in La Quinta.

Unwind at Morgan’s

Another top for La Quinta outdoor dining is Morgan’s in the Desert, which not only has covered outdoor dining but relaxing stone fire pits as well. This Hacienda-style restaurant offers an upscale outdoor ambiance under low-lit lights and candles on each table.

Guests enjoy a romantic dinner and choose from small and large plates, all made with locally sourced ingredients. Small plates include seafood and vegetarian-friendly options, while large plates offer meats and seafood. Morgan’s also ranks as a popular spot for cocktails and serves dozens of wines by the glass or bottle.

Kick Back With Ernie’s

One recent addition to the La Quinta outdoor dining scene, Ernie’s Bar and Grill is located on the award-winning PGA West Club. This Gastro-pub features scenic views of the courses, palm trees and mountains, providing a scenic place to visit and play. Those dining outside find an over-sized patio, two fire pits and intimate seating.

Ernie’s opens for breakfast and lunch, with menu items including traditional favorites such as homemade egg specialty dishes, sandwiches, burgers, flatbreads and pizzas.

Travel tip: You can also enjoy scenic views and private meals from your vacation rental. See what’s available in the La Quinta area.

Then read about the top La Quinta golf courses in California.