best outdoor dining in moab
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15 Top Moab Restaurants With Outdoor Seating

You’ve probably already taken picturesque drives and marveled at the scenery in the city. Now, it’s time to try some of the best Moab restaurants with outdoor seating!

Nothing is more thrilling in Moab than seeing red rocks, enormous canyons, and stone arches. While there are numerous options for seeing the sites, it’s great to know that your outdoor activities don’t have to finish when you head into town for more entertainment. 

Here are a few restaurants you should make time for while in Moab if you’re searching for delicious spots to enjoy with outdoor dining areas.

Quesadilla Mobilla

quesadilla mobilla moab restaurants with outdoor dining
Image Source: Quesadilla Mobilla Facebook Page

A food truck is the epitome of traditional outdoor Moab eateries. Quesadilla Mobilla is the place to go in Moab if you want Mexican and Southwestern food while enjoying the fresh air that the best outdoor dining in Moab can offer. This popular food truck, which is bright yellow, frequently parks at 95 North Main Street. Swing by and order a taco, quesadilla, or burrito before settling upon the quaint patio nearby to enjoy your meal fully.

Quesadilla Mobilla serves you some of the best Mexican food in Moab. The meal is fantastic and can be prepared to suit any dietary requirements.

Favorite menu item: Enchanted Chicken – Green chile chicken, cord, refried beans, onion, red bell pepper

Pasta Jay’s

pasta jay's moab restaurants with outdoor dining
Image Source: Pasta Jay’s Facebook Page

If you want authentic pasta and pizza in a relaxed atmosphere with a patio sitting in the fresh air, visit Pasta Jay’s. This casual restaurant has been operating since 1988 and is well-known for its selection of thin-crust pizzas, which can be ordered alongside pasta dishes, salads, and cheese bread. It has amazing pizza that will definitely sate your appetite. 

Favorite menu item: They wouldn’t be called Pasta Jay’s without having excellent pasta dishes! They have Shrimp Giacamo, Green Chile Ravioli, Pasta Noto, and many more.

Miguel’s Baja Grill

miguels baja grill moab restaurants with outdoor dining
Image Source: Miguel’s Baja Grill Facebook Page

Miguel’s Baja Grill is a Mexican restaurant with colorful walls and floor tiles, high ceilings, and a unique surf and surfer design combination. They provide a selection of Mexican meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks. The restaurant features a patio where you can enjoy evening dining outside or in a warm environment.

Come to this restaurant when ready for a feast because the burritos are gigantic. Servers use an alley on the side of the restaurant to sit and serve you without disturbing other patrons or their tables. 

Favorite menu item: Guacamole With Chips – fresh avocadoes, tomatoes, onion and cilantro, perfectly blended and served with corn chips

Jailhouse Café

jailhouse cafe moab restaurants with outdoor dining
Image Source: Jailhouse Café on Yelp

Since more than 30 years ago, the Jailhouse Café in downtown Moab has been offering pancakes, eggs, and coffee. This vibrantly colored restaurant advertises itself as ‘Moab’s Breakfast Place.’

The Jailhouse Café is a popular breakfast spot in Moab that offers traditional American fare and a few unique things that aren’t frequently seen on menus elsewhere. The 1885-built structure where the café is located was a jail and courthouse until 1993. Even though there is fierce competition, it’s simple to understand why Jailhouse Café is so adored.

Favorite menu item: Southwestern Eggs Benedict – Two delicately poached eggs and Canadian bacon on a toasted English muffin, covered with housemade New Mexico-inspired chipotle hollandaise sauce. Served with grilled spiced potatoes.

Desert Bistro

desert bistro moab restaurants with outdoor dining
Image Source: Mike Tong – Google Photos

The main attraction of Moab isn’t fine dining, but if you’re searching for a special supper for your family vacation, here is our recommendation. This charming bistro is set in Moab’s oldest dance hall, constructed in 1892, and has a relaxed terrace outside and a Southwestern flair. 

Eating at the Desert Bistro in Moab, Utah, would be quite an adventure. The restaurant welcomes you to explore southwestern cuisine with a distinctive touch, thanks to its rustic atmosphere and wine cellar. Fresh seafood and special nightly game dishes up the ante on the dining experience. The restaurant has a full bar and wheelchair accessibility so that everyone may enjoy their meal.

Favorite menu item: Bison Empanadas served with molé, grilled mango salsa & ancho sour cream

98 Center – Moab

98 center moab restaurants with outdoor dining
Image Source: 98 Center – Moab
  • Address: 98 E Center St, Moab, UT 84532
  • Price: $$ – $$$
  • Website: 98centermoab.com

98 Center’s menu includes vegan and gluten-free selections. Asian Fusion cuisine is the focus of this restaurant, which serves hearty lunch and dinner fare. The Traditional Pho, a bone broth soup accompanied by rice noodles, herbs, and protein, is what they are well known for.

There are several different ways to get caffeine in 98 Center. Pour-overs, bulletproof coffee, cold brew, and more options are available. There is also Vietnamese coffee available. It includes sweetened condensed milk and is stronger than the American version — worth trying! You can also add different cocktails or mocktails to any order.

Favorite menu item: Pho – Housemade Vietnamese bone broth or vegan broth with rice noodles, protein cilantro, green and sweet onion, bean sprouts, basil, and lime

Trailhead Public House & Eatery

trailhead moab restaurants with outdoor dining
Image Source: Trailhead Public House & Eatery Facebook Page

Trailhead Public House & Eatery, located in a downtown landmark building, offers simply wonderful hamburgers that are ideal for indulging in after a strenuous trek. Another excellent snack is the pub pretzel!

Trailhead serves meat and offers vegan options. Dogs are welcome on the outdoor deck of the restaurant and bar. To be more specific about their offerings, two house-made vegan burgers are on the menu, along with two vegetarian sandwiches that can be converted to vegan upon request.

Favorite menu item: Everyone’s talking about their fries! It tastes good, the level of crispiness is perfect, and there are LOADS of servings.

Moab Garage Co.

garage co moab restaurants with outdoor dining
Image Source: Moab Garage Co. Facebook Page

With its colorful and fashionable atmosphere, Moab Garage Co. is a terrific spot for coffee and brunch. This is the perfect place to unwind after a thrilling trip.

On the busiest block in downtown Moab, this hip café and ice cream shop is housed in an old-fashioned redbrick building. It serves hearty, savory dishes all day and has a well-chosen range of beer and wine, making it an ideal option for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

The unusual flavors of the silky-smooth nitro-infused ice cream include s’mores and Cap’n Crunch. Additionally, there are homemade products like jewelry and apparel for sale.

There’s a reason Moab Garage Co. is regarded as one of the best coffee shops in Moab—great cuisine and coffee, all in one location! Moab Garage Co. is also a fantastic place to open your laptop and work for a time if you’re attempting to work while traveling.

Favorite menu item: Street Tacos – Corn tortilla, shredded cheese, red cabbage, avocado, pickled onions, creme fraiche. Served with chips & salsa and your choice of meat or veggies

The Broken Oar

the broken oar moab restaurants with outdoor dining
Image Source: The Broken Oar

A visit to The Broken Oar, affectionately known as the “home of the sweet potato fries,” will excite taste buds worldwide. This laid-back American restaurant serves various delectable dishes, from steak and BBQ to seafood and pasta. While eating in is a delight, you can also dine on the large patio, ideal for spending an afternoon dining al fresco in Moab while sipping a chilled beverage or glass of wine.

If you need a location for a sizable family gathering, a party, or a wedding reception, The Broken Oar is the perfect spot! Come savor top-notch American cuisine in a chic setting that evokes Moab’s red cliffs and national parks. The most rustic restaurant in Moab has availability for any event, party, or wedding.

Favorite menu item: Sweet Potato Fries – Signature house blend with cinnamon sugar, salt, caramel, and lemon zest.

Antica Forma

Antica Forma by Taste Utah
  • Address: 267 N Main St, Moab, UT 84532
  • Price: $$ – $$$
  • Website: anticaforma.com

Without a top-notch pizza restaurant, what good would an adventure town be? The wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas of Antica Forma are renowned. They are more Italian in style than American, with a concentration on flavor rather than large volumes of dough (though they are also available gluten-free). 

In addition to pizza, Antica Forma serves spaghetti, delectable appetizers, and fresh salads. The pasta is also a wonderful choice if you want to vary things. One of the nicest pies they offer is the Funghi and Capanna. 

The restaurant has a comfortable yet elegant atmosphere anchored by the spectacular woodstove behind the counter. It has become one of Moab’s favorite spots since it is welcoming and calm. 

Favorite menu item: They serve different kinds of Italian-style pizza that are well-liked by many!

Sabaku Sushi

Sabaku Sushi in Moab, UT by KUTV Fresh Living
  • Address: 90 E Center St, Moab, UT 84532
  • Price: $$ – $$$
  • Website: sabakusushi.com

Sabaku Sushi is a restaurant specializing in sushi with Southwestern influences. The dining area offers an upscale experience with house-made tamago and anago and terrace seats. 

Fresh ceviche, maki sushi, vegetarian sushi, and even elk tataki (lightly grilled) can all be ordered at the same session, which is a rarity. Sabaku Sushi has been serving customers since 2010 with aesthetically stunning and delectable dishes. The menu is adaptable for anyone with dietary limitations, with options for seaweed, gluten, and other allergies. 

Favorite menu item: Of course, their sushi is the best-seller!

Zax Restaurant

Eating at Zax in Moab, Utah by Frontiersman Adventures
  • Address: 96 S Main St, Moab, UT 84532
  • Price: $$ – $$$
  • Website: zaxmoab.com

Zax Restaurant is the place to go if you’re craving hearty, traditional American food. They provide a variety of all-you-can-eat pizzas in addition to soup and salad.

One great feature of Zax is food delivery. The friendly staff is a major factor in the establishment’s welcoming atmosphere. This restaurant stands out for its excellent service. You will undoubtedly enjoy the pleasant atmosphere. 

Favorite menu item: The pizza steals the show! They make honey crust pizza dough that goes back over 30 years.

Gloria’s

gloria's moab restaurants with outdoor dining
Image Source: Gloria’s Facebook Page

Gloria’s Corner Cafe is a full-service restaurant with a huge menu in downtown Moab, despite the word “cafe” being in the name. This is an excellent place to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Moab. They have a beautiful enclosed or covered patio, which is ideal for enjoying the shade, toasty heaters, or rain protection.

Gloria’s Corner Cafe offers delectable fare, nutritious juices, and smoothies. Dogs are welcome on the dog-friendly terrace, which has heating for cooler weather.

Favorite menu item: Bistro Burger – with caramelized onions, brie cheese, and crisp bacon

Sweet Cravings Bakery + Bistro

sweet cravings moab restaurants with outdoor dining
Image Source: Sweet Cravings Bakery + Bistro
  • Address: 397 N. Main Street, Moab, UT 84532
  • Price: $$ – $$$
  • Website: cravemoab.com

A wonderful place to start your day with scrumptious breakfast and lunch options is the Sweet Cravings Bakery + Bistro. You’ll surely find something to suit your needs because the restaurant also specializes in sweet treats, coffee & tea selections, and an option to simply settle in with friends, engage in discussion, and have a savory beverage. 

The ambiance of Sweet Cravings Bakery + Bistro is colorful and welcoming. It includes a glass display counter where you can browse all of the baked products and comfortable tables if you plan to remain for a while.

In addition to locally made dairy goods, Sweet Cravings offers locally produced meats, veggies, and dairy products.  At this bakery and cafe, eco-friendly packaging contributes to the earth-first dining philosophy and makes customers feel good about every purchase. 

Favorite menu item: Great Lunch Sandwiches – choose from Roast Beef Sammy, Turkey BLT, Capone Sub, and more!

Sunset Grill

The Passport Couple sharing their experience dining at Sunset Grill

Are you trying to find a restaurant with excellent food for a special occasion? The Sunset Grill has breathtaking views of the nearby red cliffs! The establishment, rich in local history, was initially constructed as “Uranium King” Charlie Steen’s residence. 

Charlie Steen arrived in Moab in the early 1950s when it was still a sleepy farming village and far from becoming the bustling tourist hotspot it is today. Because they were yet to be national parks, Arches and Canyonlands weren’t exactly the well-known tourist destinations they are now. Geologist and prospector Charles A. Steen introduced the world to Moab in 1952.

Sunset Grill is a well-known, traditional steak-and-seafood restaurant with perhaps the best dining views in town, with an atmosphere that “allows every table a view.” Full-service catering is also available at The Sunset Grill. They have 17 years of experience to meet your demands, whether it’s a group of 20 or 500. They can host 400 guests for indoor and outdoor dining.

The Sunset Grill is the oldest continuously running restaurant in Moab, opening its doors in 1993. Whether you know it or not, if you have ever driven along Main Street in Moab, you are already familiar with the Sunset Grill. On the east side of the road, it’s that cool house perched high up on the rock wall. The vista is, without a doubt, the nicest restaurant view in the area.

Favorite menu item: Prime Rib – Texas-style prime rib, tenderized with special seasoning, then slow roasted overnight, served with a baked potato

Get A Taste Of Outdoor Dining in Moab

Consider visiting any options for the best outdoor dining in Moab if you’re soon traveling there! A must for a holiday destination flanked by two national parks, this charmingly small (and quite walkable) town is full of fantastic restaurants.

In Moab, post-adventure meals are a crucial component of the experience. At some of Moab’s top restaurants, refuel, recharge, and enjoy a cold one (or two). Moab offers a surprisingly wide variety of gastronomic alternatives for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Best Outdoor Dining in Moab FAQs

What is the best time to visit Moab?

The busiest travel times are from March 15 through May, with September and October being slightly less hectic. Since temperatures might easily average 105 degrees, the summer drags a little. Early spring or late fall would be the ideal times to visit Moab if you are flexible with your travel plans and dates.

Do you need reservations for Sunset Grill Moab?

Reservations are not necessary for Sunset Grill as they accept walk-ins. Sunset Grill is a well-known, traditional steak-and-seafood restaurant with perhaps the best dining views in town, with an atmosphere that “allows every table a view.” Full-service catering is also available at The Sunset Grill. 

What are some highly rated outdoor dining restaurants near Moab, UT?

Here are a few restaurants you should make time for while in Moab if you’re searching for delicious spots to enjoy with outdoor dining areas.

  1. Quesadilla Mobilla
  2. Pasta Jay’s
  3. Miguel’s Baja Grill
  4. Jailhouse Café
  5. Desert Bistro

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