This Is Why We Live in California, Right?

After a gray and gloomy start to the summer, sunshine and clear skies are right around the corner! One of the biggest draws to Los Angeles is its breezy coastal location. From Manhattan Beach to Malibu, the LA coastline is home to several waterfront restaurants that have fresh seafood, creative cocktails and, of course, a breathtaking backdrop. Whether you want high-rise views from the top of a hotel or your toes in the sand while you chow down, we’ve rounded up the absolute best ocean-view restaurants in LA!

 

Geoffrey’s

Looking to plan a fancy date night in Malibu? Geoffrey’s is an iconic eatery located right off Pacific Coast Highway. The spacious patio is adorned with romantic string lights and offers unparalleled views of the Pacific. Guests are able to enjoy fine wine and refreshing cocktails as they sit just over the edge of the ocean, listening to the roaring waves below. Start off with freshly shucked oysters and some jumbo coconut shrimp to share. For the main course, get the best of both worlds with Geoffrey’s surf and turf. 

Location: Malibu

 

1 Pico

1 Pico is the beachfront restaurant located at the beloved Shutters on the Beach. This bright and airy restaurant has mastered the art of coastal California cuisine, with local favorites being the focaccia and local burrata, lobster spaghetti and seared Hokkaido scallops. However, if you’re really looking to go all out on an indulgent date night, order the Tomahawk for two. Need to quench your thirst? The Royal Espresso Martini is perfectly balanced, but the gin-forward Sage Advice cocktail matches the airy and floral vibe of the restaurant. 

Location: Santa Monica

 

Nobu

There’s no better place (and no denying) for sushi by the ocean than Nobu. Whether you’re going celebrity scouting or celebrating a special occasion, dining at Nobu is a pricey yet unforgettable experience that every visitor and local needs to have at least once. From the famous Wagyu tacos to the endless array of fresh sashimi and nigiri, it’s best to order several dishes for the entire table to share. Also, the lychee martini is a can’t-miss cocktail. No matter when you plan to visit, definitely make a reservation in advance. 

Location: Santa Monica

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Mar’sel at Terranea

The dramatic cliffs of Palos Verdes offer some of the most panoramic and breathtaking lookout points in all of SoCal. Thankfully, patrons of Mar’sel are able to enjoy these views from the comfort of their own dinner table. This renowned establishment has won several awards—both for its unmatched ambiance and its French-inspired menu that is chock-full of locally sourced produce. Though the cocktails are delicious, the on-site sommelier ensures that your food and wine will be perfectly paired. Start with seared scallops before indulging in the bucatini cacio e pepe. 

Location: Palos Verdes 

 

The Sunset Restaurant

Located on the northern end of Malibu near Zuma and Westward Beach, The Sunset Restaurant is a modern and locally loved destination. The two-story eatery has different vibes in each room: the upstairs is a bit more romantic and upscale while the downstairs and outdoor patio are more relaxed. The bar area also has a more fun aesthetic, complete with palm tree-leaf wallpaper and a neon “rosé all day” sign. From shrimp tacos to crispy Brussels sprouts, there’s something for every kind of diner on the menu. 

Location: Malibu

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Elephante

Elephante is known for being an Instagram hotspot that is frequented by popular influencers and celebs alike. The restaurant sits high up and ocean view can be seen through the palms that line the Santa Monica coastline. The menu revolves around Southern Italian fare like Neapolitan-style pizzas and handmade pastas. The spicy vodka canestri pasta is a must-order, but don’t forget to start with Elephante’s famous whipped eggplant dip. Getting a reservation on a weeknight can be tough, but you always have the option to walk in and snag a spot at the bar. Some can’t-miss cocktails include the Elephante, which can be made with your choice of liquor, and the frozen Bold Sea slushie. 

Location: Santa Monica

 

Malibu Farm

Located on the iconic Malibu Pier, Malibu Farm serves up healthy yet tasty cuisine in a rustic, farmhouse-inspired setting. Considering the restaurant is literally hovering above the saltwater, the surrounding views are breathtaking. All you need is a mimosa and some sunshine to make the most of it. Though this farm-to-table eatery is best for dinner and is more of a sit-down place, the Malibu Farm Cafe at the end of the pier has counter service and is great for grabbing a quick bite and drink.

Location: Malibu

 

The Penthouse at the Huntley

Soar to the top of the Huntley Hotel in a panoramic glass elevator for upscale bites and craft cocktails at The Penthouse. Despite not being right on the water, The Penthouse offers stunning views of both the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding neighborhoods. This is the ultimate place to watch the sun go down with a dirty martini in hand. Best of all, you can catch happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Local Insight: The last stall in the women’s bathroom has one of the best views in the entire restaurant. 

Location: Santa Monica

 

The Strand House

Manhattan Beach might be a trek from most other neighborhoods in LA, but eating at The Strand House is well worth the trip. The contemporary atmosphere with sweeping ocean views matches the elevated, chef-driven menu, resulting in a fine-dining-esque experience in the heart of this typically laid-back beach town. The Heat of Passion mezcal cocktail is vibrant and fresh, but if you prefer a glass of vino, the wine list features wonderful vintages from Italy, France and beyond. Some food highlights include the wood-fired pizzas and Spanish grilled octopus. 

Location: Manhattan Beach

 

Paradise Cove Beach Cafe

Paradise Cove Beach Cafe is a secluded and private restaurant that sits on one of the nicest beaches in Malibu. The charming and quaint cove is ideal for swimming and sunbathing, but the cafe is perfect for quenching your thirst with an ice-cold beer and some classic fried seafood. Cocktails are served in everything from a watermelon to a coconut, and many of the outdoor tables sit right on the beach, allowing you to put your toes in the sand while you sip and savor. 

Location: Malibu

 

Gladstones

Caught a craving for clam chowder? Gladstones is an oceanfront restaurant that has maintained a loyal following since its opening in 1972. The seafood-focused menu is nostalgic and timeless, and the laid-back patio sits right above the big blue, making Gladstones the ideal place for a family gathering or group dinner. Though the clam chowder is legendary, Gladstones also serves plenty of fresh seafood, ranging from a seasonal ceviche to seared spice-crusted ahi tuna. When it comes to cocktails, set the scene with a tropical libation like the Gladstones mai tai or watermelon mojito.

Location: Malibu

 

Moonshadows

Also located on PCH, Moonshadows ensures that patrons feel as close to the ocean as possible whether they’re sitting inside or out on the patio. The floor-to-ceiling windows in the dining room provide a panoramic peek at the Pacific, while the patio offers an up-close-and-personal dining experience complete with a sea breeze and crashing waves. While Moonshadows is most popular for its dinnertime sunset experience, brunch is equally tasty. Sip on a Mexican Mule while you snack on octopus carpaccio, little neck clams and crispy calamari. 

Location: Malibu

 

The Lobster

If you’re looking to enjoy a classic surf-and-turf dinner at sunset, The Lobster should be at the top of your list. This historic establishment first opened in 1923 and has been a Santa Monica staple for a full century now. As the name suggests, lobster is the star of the show, but there are plenty of other seafood renditions. That said, don’t sleep on the butter-poached lobster mashed potatoes. In addition to the ocean, patrons of The Lobster also enjoy premium views of the iconic Santa Monica Pier.

Location: Santa Monica