A fire pit warms the patio and lends a camp-out atmosphere to MessHall in Los Feliz. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
Customers make their way inside Dockside at Playa Provisions in Playa del Rey. Seafood is a standout here. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
The warm patio at Dockside at Playa Provisions features two fire pits. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
Ignacio Rios, left, serves sand dabs to customers on the Dockside patio. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
Gjelina’s patio tables are prime real estate at the Venice restaurant -- if you can get it. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)
The patio at Chef Travis Lett’s Gjelina in Venice. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)