One of the many benefits of living in Southern California is that we have the ability to dine outside year-round. Not only is the cuisine in our state a foodie's paradise, but add in the ambience of dining on a rooftop and you have yourself an incredible outdoor meal with a view. Here's your go-to guide to finding some of the best rooftop dining in SoCal. There are tons of places to choose from in our state so it was pretty difficult to narrow down, but these hot spots are a great place to start as you embark on your rooftop dining quest.

1. Cafe Santorini in Pasadena

Enjoy a Mediterranean feast on the quaint rooftop patio of this restaurant that's tucked inside a rustic brick building in Old Town Pasadena. Isn't this charming?

2. Rooftop 600 at Andaz in San Diego

Not only is this a great destination to experience at night over some fancy cocktails, but the rooftop scene is equally as memorable during the day for breakfast and lunch service. And who says you can't imbibe for breakfast and lunch -- Bloody Mary, anyone?

3. The Rooftop at the Standard in Los Angeles

The Rooftop is quite the scene in LA, especially at night. And although this isn't a traditional "dining" experience, it sure makes for a great rooftop destination that will drop your jaw and make you say "Wow!" For a more chill experience, check it out before dark and you might have the entire rooftop to yourself.

4. The Rooftop Lounge in Laguna Beach

Just look at the view from The Rooftop. This outdoor gem is known for an incredible happy hour menu with fantastic drink specials and light bites. It looks like the perfect place to watch the sun go down in SoCal.

5. George's at the Cove in La Jolla

This La Jolla restaurant is quite a splurge, but the ocean view terrace and award-winning food makes it all worth it. And Zagat surveys agree, as it is consistently selected as the top rooftop restaurant destination in the entire region.

6. Perch in Los Angeles

This rooftop in the heart of Los Angeles is right out of a fairytale. Dine on the 15th floor with unobstructed views of the city. Fire pits and fireplaces scattered about the rooftop add to the ambience of this to-die-for dining experience.

7. Skyloft in Laguna Beach

The rooftop restaurant at Skyloft overlooks Main Beach in Laguna and includes a breathtaking sunset view. If you're looking for a rooftop dining experience on a budget, they offer happy hour dining from 3-6 Monday to Friday and late night happy hour from 10-close Sunday to Thursday.

8. High Rooftop Lounge in Venice Beach atop the Hotel Erwin

Touted as the only rooftop lounge in all of Venice Beach, this is the place to be to relax and catch a killer sunset while enjoying a light bite and a drink. And we all know you can't get more relaxed than Venice Beach!

9. Mister A's in San Diego

Dining at this rooftop restaurant is an experience you won't forget. Indulge in French-inspired cuisine and hand-crafted cocktails at this award-winning restaurant in San Diego on a rooftop that will leave you in awe. I see an epic date night in your future.

10. Pearl's Rooftop in West Hollywood

*Please note, Pearl's is no longer open. A stunning rooftop deck on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood. With weekly specials like Lobster Night and Oyster Night, there's always a little something for everyone to enjoy at this rooftop gem.

Are you as excited for date night as I am? Here's a little tip -- many of these spots are known to be quite pricey, but you can still have the same rooftop dining experience that's a bit more budget friendly by going during happy hour. Check out each restaurant's website for details; most of these locations have excellent happy hour specials on weekdays in the early evening as well as late-late at night. Happy rooftop dining!