The Patio. Please - Los Angeles Times

It’s the season for dining outdoors. A spot on the patio, please. Zip Fusion Sushi Zip has a semi-secret trellised patio out back complete with vine-covered, weathered brick walls and a

trickling fountain. The furniture might be mismatched, but the seaweed salad and signature Albacado special (fresh albacore swathed in avocado) are swell, the portions huge and at night it’s

nearly always a party. * Seaweed salad, $6.50 for the appetizer and $10.50 for the entree; Albacado, $12.75; 744 E. 3rd St., downtown L.A.; (213) 680-3770. Ocean and Vine Just south of the

Santa Monica Pier in the Loews Hotel, the patio at this newish restaurant is decked out with cushy, chocolate-brown chairs and fire pits for an overall effect that is loungey, but chic. A

construction project to the west has compromised the view slightly. But at sunset, it’s still pretty choice, especially when paired with a chilled martini and a pot of the fab fondue served

with crisp apples and cubes of good, chewy ciabatta. * Fondue, $14; 1700 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica; (310) 458-6700. Saddle Peak Lodge Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, and shaded by

mature fir trees, this patio offers a respite from go-go L.A. At night it oozes romance. But it is equally enchanting at Sunday brunch. Who can resist French toast served with pecan butter,

real maple syrup and a side of crisp Nueske bacon, the Bentley of bacons? * French toast, $15; 419 Cold Canyon Road, Calabasas; (818) 222-3888. Cafe des Artistes Paris meets Hollywood at

this cool hideaway. The rear patio, which recently got a makeover, is especially sizzling on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. But there’s more to this place than scene: dramatic iced

seafood platters, for example, and decadent mac and cheese. * Small seafood platter, $15.50; macaroni and cheese, $15; 1534 N. McCadden Place, Hollywood; (323) 469-7300. Michael’s In summer,

the lovely brick patio at this iconic California eatery is the place to dine. White linens, soft jazz, two ponds and a Robert Graham sculpture create an atmosphere that is ripe for

seduction. What to eat? Melon with serrano ham and fresh mint followed by a veal chop perhaps. * Serrano ham and melon, $18; veal chop, $37; 1147 3rd St., Santa Monica; (310) 451-0843. MORE

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