The beach is often regarded as one of the state’s most attractive features.
When you go along the coast of California, you will quickly learn that the dining options along the water are just as diverse as the state’s breathtaking ocean views. You can discover seafood that was caught that day in settings that range from flip-flop casual to all dolled up, and these settings range from basic seaside shacks to magnificent event restaurants. But regardless of whatever one you choose, these eateries all have one thing in common: breathtaking vistas of the lake. To get you started, we have compiled a noteworthy collection that is listed from south to north.
1. 180blu
Sheryl Ishizaki, who is in charge of food and drinks at the Ritz-Carlton, says, “The lounge has 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean and is on a 150-foot bluff that looks out over Salt Creek Beach.” When you add our amazing views, fresh seafood appetizers, craft cocktails, and live music on the weekends; you have the perfect place to eat in Southern California. This lounge is ready for you to come to relax on a sofa, a high top table, or regular chairs while enjoying desserts from RAYA and drinks made by professional mycologists.
2. Splashes
At SPLASHES restaurant in Laguna Beach, you can dine just 25 feet over the ocean. Enjoy the seaside breeze and the soothing sounds of lapping waves, whether you’re outside on the patio or inside by the wide-open windows. Every item on the breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner menus is prepared using only the finest, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that the food is every bit as mouthwatering as the scenery.
3. The Deck On Laguna Beach
Seeing the Beach from the water is better than seeing it from the water itself! You can have it at The Deck on Laguna Beach, one of the few waterfront restaurants that are really situated on the sand of the ocean. It’s up to you whether you want to eat oysters or a burger. Whatever your taste, you’re sure to love your dinner, even more when it comes with a view of the ocean.
4. Driftwood Kitchen And Stateroom Bar
Driftwood Kitchen and Stateroom Bar, a seaside restaurant whose slogan is “Any closer and you would have to swim,” offers fresh, ocean-to-table cuisine. When it comes to the perspective, we’re stumped as to what else might possibly offer you an idea. Take a bite out of their California-inspired menu, which includes fresh ingredients and a few seafood dishes.
5. Tanner’s
At Tanner’s, the rooftop restaurant on top of the Paséa Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach, you can get all the fresh air you need. With food and drink options for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and drinks, you can enjoy the view at any time of day. Or, to take it up a notch, go to Tanner’s Tree house, a rooftop lounge, from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday for happy hour.
6. Playa Provisions, Playa Del Rey
Playa Provisions is one of our favorite oceanfront hangouts. The Playa del Rey hot place has four distinct concepts: King Beach, Grain, Dockside, and Small Batch, all under one roof, so you can satisfy your espresso addiction, impress your whiskey palate, and keep the kids happy with homemade ice cream. Even if this area wasn’t on the Beach, it would still be a wonderful place to spend the day.
7. The Shores Restaurant And Bar, La Jolla
A romantic dinner on the Beach at La Jolla’s The Shores Restaurant is sure to impress your special someone. The view of the Beach isn’t the only thing that makes this property stand out. It’s a necessity to have some seafood while you’re here! Among the best local, sustainable ingredients can be found on the menu at this establishment.
8. Terrazza Lounge, Santa Monica
There is enough prosciutto, pecorino, and Grana Padano served at Terrazza, a beachside salumi bastion inside the Casa del Mar hotel in Santa Monica, to transport guests to the Italian Riviera. The menu returns to its American roots with a wide selection of craft beers and comfort food like house-cured brisket hash and buttermilk waffles for breakfast.
9. Paradise Cove Beach Café, Malibu
The Paradise Cove Beach Café in Malibu is the ideal place to get a bite to eat on the patio because it is situated directly on the sand and is adjacent to the Beach. Breakfast and a Bloody Mary go down a treat in the mornings when you’re here. Make sure to place an order for some fresh seafood later in the day.
10. The Strand House, Manhattan Beach
The Strand House, located across from the Manhattan Beach pier and surrounded by palm trees, is a great place to get a bite on the water’s edge. The restaurant’s enhanced interpretations of comfort favorites, such as wood-fired Brussels sprouts, pizza, and glazed doughnuts, are available in addition to its contemporary Californian cooking. It’s not just the drinks that The Strand has to offer; it also offers an extensive wine list showcasing some of the world’s finest offerings. Beach views are ideal for enjoying all of them.
11. Nobu, Malibu
Celebrities and sushi lovers meet at Nobu Malibu, the legendary sushi restaurant. It’s a popular hangout for celebrities, including rappers, actresses, and power figures alike, thanks to its opulent coastal location and breathtaking vistas. Nobu’s two menus, Nobu Classic and Nobu Now, not only feature amazing sushi, but they also feature classic and modern dishes from the world of cooking. The Malibu Breakfast, which includes dishes such as Shiso Santandagi, 48-Hour Braised Short Rib “Steak and Eggs,” and Wagyu Fried Rice, is best enjoyed by those who come before noon on weekdays and 11 a.m. on weekends.
12. Pico, Santa Monica
The 5-star hotel Shutters on the Beach has a restaurant on the Beach called 1 Pico. Its sandy views and creative dishes bring in people who aren’t staying at the hotel. Like any good beach restaurant, 1 Pico serves a variety of seafood as well as high-end dishes with international influences, such as linguine and clams with uni butter and roast Jidori chicken. A cold-pressed juice or specialty cocktail is a great way to raise a glass to good health.
13. Studio, Laguna Beach
Studio, located on the Montage Laguna Beach resort’s coastal bluff, combines stunning ocean views with California-inspired French cuisine. As soon as you enter this beach bungalow, with its vaulted ceiling and windows overlooking the Pacific Ocean, you’ll begin fantasizing about moving in. It’s all about the seafood, but the restaurant’s own gardens and fruit trees also play a role in the menu. Swordfish with spicy lentils or salmon with heirloom carrots, which one are you going to choose? Don’t worry: You can sample everything on the tasting menu!
14. Coasterra, San Diego
On the menu, traditional Mexican dishes are made in new and interesting ways, like ceviche with bay shrimp and blue crab or fresh-shucked oysters with fire-roasted cocktail sauce. But it’s easy to lose track of what you’re eating: This sleek, multilevel stunner has a view from every table that will make you want to post it on Instagram while you eat, especially if you go at sunset.
15. The Lobster, Santa Monica
When it was first established in 1925, The Lobster was known for serving whole, grilled, and steam-cooked lobster. Look out the floor-to-ceiling windows in the modern dining area or from the large patio as you have grilled Yucatan or California spiny lobster prepared by Chef Collin Crannell. Rockfish, espresso-battered Columbia River king salmon, and a huge raw bar round out the seafood options. On the way back, you can ride the solar-powered Ferris wheel, which is especially picturesque at night.
16. Pacific Coast Grill, Cardiff
What a great place to set up a table for two on the Beach! The sound of crashing waves and the smell of fresh ocean air are the perfect additions to a memorable meal. At Pacific Coast Grill, you can’t go wrong with the seafood. It’s always fresh and perfectly cooked.
17. The Beachcomber Café At Crystal Cove, Newport Coast
Anyone visiting Crystal Cove Beach should make a pit stop at The Beachcomber. Located right on the sand, this secluded area is the perfect place to relax. You can’t help but be mesmerized by the colorful sky as the sun sinks below the horizon.
18. Nepenthe, Big Sur
Big Sur’s cliff-top restaurant on Highway 1 should be on everyone’s bucket list because of its breathtaking views of the coast. When Lolly Fassett opened the family-owned restaurant in 1949, her signature dish was the roast chicken with sage stuffing. You can still order it now, along with the Ambrosia Burger or one of the many vegetarian options on the menu. Observe the vista from the uncomplicated terrace, or enter the main building created by a Frank Lloyd Wright protégée.
19. Pacifica Del Mar
Located in the heart of Del Mar Village, Pacifica Del Mar has been a local favorite for years as one of the neighborhood’s most sought-after spots to dine, drink, and socialize with friends and family. They have a casual and inventive menu that includes fresh seafood, steak, and pasta, as well as an award-winning wine list and inventive drinks to go along with it. There is no better dining experience than that provided by our friendly staff and delicious cuisine and drink, no matter where in the restaurant you choose to dine. Pacifica Del Mar is excited to have you as a guest.
20. Pelican Grill
Get together with your flock and fly out to The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Coast for a meal at the Pelican Grill. You and the rest of your group will have an unforgettable time while dining on American grill classics, including steak, burgers, and pizza.
