From Venice rooftops to Malibu beachfront, eat with a view

One of the biggest draws to Los Angeles is its easy access to the coast. These 23 ocean view restaurants in Los Angeles span Manhattan Beach to Malibu, delivering fresh seafood, creative cocktails and breathtaking Pacific backdrops year-round. Whether you want high-rise views, a rooftop with a Mediterranean vibe or your toes in the sand, we’ve rounded up the best ocean-view restaurants in LA. And each one a worthy reason to point the car toward the coast.

 

VENICE

1. Greek Island State of Mind

Kassi Rooftop delivers Venice Beach’s highest rooftop ocean views from its 6,000-square-foot perch above Hotel Erwin. The al fresco Greek-inspired retreat features Chef Thomas Lim’s coastal mezze menu (think spanakopita quesadilla, lamb meatballs), DJs and cultural programming. Plus cocktails like The Oracle of Delphi with tequila, watermelon, cucumber and za’atar. It channels eudaimonia, the Greek concept of happiness and fulfillment. Add in the terracotta pots, rattan furniture and handcrafted tiles, and Kassi is the kind of place you’ll come back to the following weekend.

Kassi Rooftop
1697 Pacific Ave
Venice, CA 90291 
424.363.6910 
M–W, noon–10 p.m.; Th–F, noon–midnight; Sa, 11 a.m.–midnight; Su, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. 

 

SOUTH BAY

2. Strand Living at Its Finest

Located at the Sea Sprite Beach Club, Surfer Girl is the property’s first restaurant and a fresh chapter for one of the South Bay’s most beloved beachfront hotels. The warm-wood dining room opens to an expansive patio and a cozy rooftop terrace with sunset views that earn their reputation. Enjoy crab rolls, ceviche and steak skewers alongside eggs and pancakes for weekend brunch. The menu runs from weekday breakfast through dinner, and weekend brunch begins at 8 a.m. With direct Strand access and volleyball tournaments visible from the deck, this one captures the laid-back-but-intentional spirit of Hermosa Beach. 

Surfer Girl
1016 The Strand
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
310.504.0044 
M–F, 11 a.m.–8:30 p.m.; Sa–Su, 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m. & 3–8:30 p.m. 

 

3. BeachLife, Year-Round

California Surf Club, a 21,000-square-foot compound on the Redondo Waterfront from BeachLife Festival founders, features two buildings. The public-facing North Grill welcomes all guests, while the South Club remains members-only. The spaces connect via a sunset deck and garden offering unobstructed harbor views, custom Santa Rosa smoker fare and frozen Marina Margaritas during happy hour. The North Grill’s custom Santa Rosa smoker turns out smoke-kissed tri-tip and whole chicken right by the water, while the menu features grilled swordfish, roasted salmon pesto and seasonal California plates. Weekend brunch starts at 10 a.m. with steak and eggs, fluffy pancakes, avocado toast and bright Bloody Marys. It’s part restaurant, part hangout and all about that easygoing beach lifestyle. 

California Surf Club (North Grill)
245 N Harbor Dr
Redondo Beach, CA 90277 
310.318.0001 
M–Th, 5–9 p.m.; Fri, noon–10 p.m.; Sa, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Su, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

 

4. Glamour Meets the Waterfront

Looking for a waterfront spot that feels like summer year-round? Nigel’s channels vintage South Beach glamour with California coastal cool. Think pink-and-green accents, art deco curves, plush cabanas and floating booths along the Long Beach waterfront. Brunch favorites like the ahi tuna tartare and beet-tinted deviled eggs are best enjoyed with a crisp glass of Champagne by the fire pit. Whether you arrive by land or dock right outside, Nigel’s makes every visit feel like a celebration worth toasting.

Nigel’s
6276 E Pacific Coast Hwy
Long Beach, CA 90803
562.286.1995 
W–F, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sa–Su, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.

 

5. Where the Strand Meets Elevated Dining

Manhattan Beach might be a trek from most of LA’s neighborhoods, but The Strand House makes the drive worth it. The contemporary space sits directly above the Strand with sweeping ocean views that match the elevated, chef-driven menu. Start with Spanish grilled octopus or roasted artichoke flatbread, and don’t skip the Sit. Stay. Drink., a hand-pressed grapefruit and bergamotto cocktail that’s as refreshing as the view. The wine list features wonderful vintages from Italy, France and beyond, making this as much a wine lover’s destination as a food one. It’s a fine-dining experience delivered with the easy confidence of a beach town that knows exactly what it’s doing.

The Strand House
117 Manhattan Beach Blvd
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 
310.545.7470 
M–Th, 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.; F, 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sa, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Su, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

 

MARINA DEL REY

6. Marina Views, Modern Flavors

Framed by marina views at the Marina del Rey Hotel, SALT Restaurant & Bar makes every meal feel like a waterfront getaway. The cozy outdoor patio offers cushioned seating, umbrellas and fire pits directly on the water. The seasonal menu transforms timeless dishes into modern, flavorful creations. Try the seared scallops, grilled branzino or the surf & turf. Brunch brings Maine lobster bisque and avocado hummus. The extended happy hour at Del Rey Lounge runs Monday–Saturday from 2 to 6:30 p.m. Or treat yourself to $2 oysters and $12 martinis every Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. Add live music Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 6 to 9 p.m., and SALT earns its place as the marina’s most dependable destination for waterfront dining with laid-back charm.

SALT Restaurant & Bar
13534 Bali Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
424.289.8223
M–Tu, 7 a.m.–2 p.m. & 4–10 p.m.; W, 7 a.m.–2 p.m. & 4–9 p.m.; Th–Sa, 7 a.m.–2 p.m. & 4–10 p.m.; Su, 7 a.m.–2 p.m. & 4–10 p.m. 

 

7. The Art of the Seafood House

Overlooking the boats of Marina del Rey, Dear Jane’s revives the golden age of American seafood houses with a polished, midcentury-inspired menu. Chef Josiah Citrin and chef-restaurateur Hans Röckenwagner, along with Patti Röckenwagner, serve oysters Rockefeller and trout amandine alongside modern favorites like whole branzino and surf & chips. The split-level dining room and booths are ideal for the roaming tableside service (including hand-mixed tartare and classic caviar service) that makes dinner feel special. With retro elegance, marina views and happy hour Tuesday–Saturday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the bar, Dear Jane’s makes dinner by the water timeless. 

Dear Jane’s
13950 Panay Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
310.301.6442 
T–Th, 5:30–9 p.m.; F–Sa, 5:30–9:30 p.m.

 

PLAYA DEL REY

8. A Choose-Your-Own-Adventure by the Shore

Playa Provisions is where panoramic ocean views meet the culinary vision of Top Chef winner Brooke Williamson and co-chef and co-owner Nick Roberts. This 7,000-square-foot coastal retreat packs four distinct dining experiences under one roof. The concept draws inspiration from the city’s classic country marts. Grab a sunny breakfast or laid-back lunch at King Beach Café, sit down for an intimate California coastal dinner at Dockside, scoop house-made ice cream from Small Batch or disappear into a whiskey flight at Grain. Each space flows seamlessly into the next, making it dangerously easy to spend the whole day here. From lobster rolls on the patio to late-night cocktails by the shore, Playa Provisions turns beachfront dining into a proper adventure.

Playa Provisions
119 Culver Blvd
Playa del Rey, CA 90293
310.683.5019 
King’s Beach: Daily, 7:30 a.m.–close 
Dockside: Su–Th, 5–10 p.m.; F–Sa, 5–11 p.m.; Sa–Su brunch, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. 
Small Batch: Daily, 7:30 a.m.–close
Grain: W–Su, 6 p.m.–close

 

SANTA MONICA

9. Golden Hour Has a New Address

Steps from the sand, Shoreside offers relaxed yet refined coastal dining with sunlit interiors, a Pacific-facing terrace and a lively poolside bar. Under executive chef Todd Bohak, the menu celebrates SoCal flavors from morning through night. Avocado toast and hearty breakfast wraps give way to lobster rolls, ahi tuna sandwiches and a seafood-forward dinner menu built around the best of the Pacific Coast. Evenings turn indulgent with prime filet mignon, pan-seared salmon and lamb chops alongside the signature Margarita Botanico or sparkling Flores De Verano. Golden Hour runs Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. at the bar. Sundays pour bottomless mimosas from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Thursdays bring live jazz nights. This is the all-day coastal hang Santa Monica was missing.

Shoreside
1515 Ocean Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90401 
310.458.1515 
Su–Th, 6:30 a.m.–10 p.m.; F–Sa, 6:30 a.m.–11 p.m.

 

10. From Lobby to Legend

Inside Hotel Casa del Mar, Terrazza is an all-day café and lounge with 180-degree Pacific Ocean views and a menu that shifts from sun-drenched breakfast to a seductive sunset bar. Designed by celebrated interior designer Michael Smith in aquamarine and white, the space draws inspiration from the Italian and Spanish coastlines. Chef Chad Huff weaves California-grown ingredients into Mediterranean-inflected plates, while small plates and cocktails anchor the evenings with live music Monday–Saturday. The seasonal beachside patio, Patio del Mar, opens during summer for outdoor dining steps from the sand. Weekend brunch runs Saturday and Sunday with a relaxed, unhurried energy that suits this grand 1920s Italianate hotel beautifully. This is the kind of place where one Perfect Pear cocktail becomes three. 

Terrazza
1910 Ocean Way
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310.581.5533
Daily, 7 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; F–Sa dinner until 11 p.m. 

 

11. The One That Started on the Pier

Few restaurants in Santa Monica carry as much history as The Lobster. First opened in 1923, it sits at the junction of Ocean Avenue and the Santa Monica Pier, delivering 180-degree views of the Pacific, the Malibu coastline and Palisades Park from its glass walls. Chef Govind Armstrong’s fresh, locally sourced menu stars Maine and California Spiny Lobsters alongside standouts like the black chitarra pasta with shellfish and Dungeness crab fried rice. Weekend brunch runs Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and daily happy hour runs from 3 to 6 p.m. (and all day Friday). At The Lobster, you’re not just ordering dinner. You’re buying a seat at one of LA’s most iconic views.

The Lobster
1602 Ocean Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310.458.9294
M–Th, noon–9 p.m.; F, noon–9:30 p.m.; Sa, 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; Su, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. 

 

12. Beachfront Italian, Perfectly Executed

1 Pico has been one of LA’s most scenic dining addresses, and a new culinary program rooted in Southern Italian tradition has made it even more worth the reservation. Chef Vittorio Lucariello’s Cucina Napoletana approach delivers handmade pastas, fire-grilled seafood, savory antipasti and indulgent desserts. This comes with uninterrupted ocean views from the Santa Monica beachfront. Local favorites include the hamachi crudo and lobster spaghetti, two dishes that have earned their place on the must-order list. The Liquid Gold cocktail matches the restaurant’s airy floral vibe, and corkage is complimentary, which is very much appreciated.

1 Pico
1 Pico Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310.587.1717 
M, Th–F, 5:30–9:30 p.m.; Sa–Su, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. & 5:30–9:30 p.m. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

 

13. A View Worth the Elevator Ride

Soar to the 18th floor of the Huntley Hotel in a panoramic glass elevator for upscale bites and craft cocktails at The Penthouse. Designed by Thomas Schoos, this dramatic rooftop restaurant delivers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, the Santa Monica Pier and the city skyline from every angle. The Mediterranean-inspired California menu covers everything from breakfast through late-night cocktails, with highlights including shrimp saganaki, Dover sole and baked feta. Thursday nights bring live jazz; Friday and Saturday feature a DJ that turns the terrace into a proper evening out. Happy hour runs Monday–Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. 

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

The Penthouse
1111 Second St
Santa Monica, CA 90403
310.393.8080 
M, W, Su, 7 a.m.–10 p.m.; Tu, Th, 7 a.m.–11 p.m.; F, 7 a.m.–1 a.m.; Sa, 7 a.m.–1:30 a.m. 

 

14. When Southern Italy Meets Santa Monica

Élephante sits high above Santa Monica’s coastline with Pacific views peeking through a palm-lined horizon. And it’s earned its status as one of the city’s most sought-after reservations. The menu revolves around Southern Italian fare. Expect Neapolitan-style pizzas, handmade pastas and the famous whipped eggplant dip that deserves its own fan club. The spicy vodka canestri pasta is non-negotiable. Getting a table on a weeknight can be tough, but the bar is always an option for walk-ins. Cocktail highlights include the Élephante (your choice of spirit) and the Watermelon Mezcal, which always tastes better on the rooftop.

Élephante
1332 Second St Rooftop
Santa Monica, CA 90401
424.320.2384
M–Th, 10 a.m.–midnight; F–Sa, 9 a.m.–1 a.m.; Su, 9 a.m.–midnight

 

MALIBU

15. A PCH Classic That Came Back Stronger

Nobody does a PCH comeback story like Duke’s Malibu. Named for legendary Hawaiian surfer and Olympic swimmer Duke Kahanamoku, this beachfront institution first opened on Pacific Coast Highway in 1996. After closing in January 2025 when the Palisades Fire swept through the region, the building survived the flames but a subsequent mudslide sent four feet of debris into the restaurant, requiring a total interior renovation. A traditional Hawaiian kahu blessing was held in the renovated space in February 2026, and Duke’s officially reopened to the public on March 13, 2026. Order the crispy coconut shrimp, crab wontons with mustard-plum sauce and, obviously, the Duke’s Mai Tai. The Barefoot Bar and dining room are back, the deck is replaced and the views of the Pacific are as good as ever. The spirit that made this place a community anchor for 30 years is fully intact. 

Duke’s
21150 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265 
310.317.0777
Th–Su, noon–8 p.m. (hours subject to change; confirm directly before visiting)

 

16. Prime Cuts, Panoramic Waves

For a night that goes full luxury, Mastro’s Ocean Club delivers. Situated on PCH with unobstructed beachfront views, the restaurant features low wooden beams, expansive windows and a retractable-roof upper terrace designed by Abel Design Group. After closing for five months following the Palisades Fire, Mastro’s returned in late May 2025 with nearly its entire staff intact and every signature dish. The USDA prime steaks are exceptional, the seafood tower of chilled crab legs, shrimp and oysters arrives over a cloud of dry ice, and the warm butter cake remains one of the most satisfying desserts in LA. Live music fills the room every night with piano and vocals in the bar and lounge. Weekend brunch runs Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dress the part; this is the real deal. 

Mastro’s Ocean Club
18412 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265
310.454.4357
M–Th, 5–9 p.m.; F, 5–10 p.m.; Sa, 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. & 4–10 p.m.; Su, 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. & 4–9 p.m.

 

17. Date Night Done Right

If there’s one restaurant that defines the romantic Malibu date night, it’s Geoffrey’s. This longtime Malibu landmark once hosted the likes of Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe and JFK. And the allure has only grown since. Every table has a panoramic view of the ocean, with waterfalls, tropical plants and fire pits adding to the Mediterranean-meets-Malibu atmosphere. Start with the baked Brie in puff pastry with pear chutney, a crowd favorite since the beginning, then go all in with the surf and turf. The restaurant also offers access to a lesser-known public beach, making a sunset stroll before or after dinner a bonus.

Geoffrey’s
27400 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265
310.457.1519
M–Th, 11:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.; F, 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sa, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Su, 10 a.m.–8:30 p.m.

 

18. Sushi by the Sea

There’s no better place for sushi by the ocean than Nobu Malibu. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, toasting an anniversary or doing a little celebrity scouting, Nobu is a bucket-list experience for every visitor and local. Stone, glass and wood accents create a refined Japanese ambiance, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing panoramic ocean views. The menu spans Nobu Matsuhisa’s classic signatures (yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño, iconic black cod with miso) alongside Malibu-specific creations by executive chef Gregorio Stephenson, including ribeye with yuzu butter truffle sauce and Kobe beef with crispy shiitake mushrooms. Order several dishes for the table and save room for dessert. Make a reservation well in advance.

Nobu
22706 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265
310.317.9140
Sun–Thu, noon–10 p.m.; Fri–Sat, noon–11 p.m.

 

19. Two Stories, One Perfect Sunset

The Sunset Restaurant lives up to its name 365 days a year. Housed in a historical beach bungalow overlooking the Pacific, the two-story eatery shifts in energy from floor to floor. Upstairs feels intimate and upscale, while the downstairs and outdoor patio deliver a more relaxed beach-bar vibe. You’ll even find palm-tree wallpaper and a neon “rosé all day” sign at the bar. The menu takes a seafood-forward spin on California classics. Think Alaskan seabass, shrimp tacos and roasted potatoes alongside a full bar. Ocean views are available throughout the lounge, both dining rooms and the patio. Between the location, the views and the vibe, The Sunset is Malibu as it was always meant to be experienced.

The Sunset Restaurant
6800 Westward Beach Rd
Malibu, CA 90265
310.589.1007
M–Th, 11:45 a.m.–8:30 p.m.; F, 11:45 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; Sa, 10:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; Su, 10:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.

 

20. Farm-to-Table on the Pier

Located at the entrance of the iconic Malibu Pier, Malibu Farm serves some of the freshest, most intentional food on this list. This farm-to-table destination floats just above the saltwater. Plus, the surrounding views are stunning. and the menu reflects a commitment to organic, local ingredients. The full-service restaurant offers a full bar with specialty cocktails and a patio that makes every meal feel like a leisurely event. Fan favorites include the salmon crab cake, vegan coconut curry and a lobster burrito that seafood lovers return for again and again. Weekend brunch mimosas, freshly squeezed to order, are a reason to make the trip on their own. 

Malibu Farm
23000 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265
310.456.8850
Su–F, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sa, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.

 

21. Sand Between Your Toes, Cocktail in Hand

Few LA dining experiences are as purely SoCal as Paradise Cove Beach Cafe. Set within the calm, private cove of the same name (one of Malibu’s most beautiful beaches), this iconic café serves comfort food and tropical drinks at outdoor tables planted in the sand. The menu covers Kobe beef BBQ ribs and BBQ deluxe shrimp alongside tropical drinks served in pineapples and watermelons. Portions are huge, the crowd is joyful and the Pacific is right there. Come for brunch, and stay through golden hour. This one has a way of stretching a two-hour lunch into an entire afternoon, and somehow that never feels like a bad decision.

Paradise Cove Beach Cafe
28128 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265
310.457.2503
Daily, 8 a.m.–close

 

RANCHO PALOS VERDES

22. Where Sky Meets Sea

Mar’sel is where ocean views and coastal sophistication reach their peak. Named for the Spanish and French words for “sea” and “salt,” the restaurant holds a Michelin Guide listing for its artful, seasonal cuisine under Italian-born Chef de Cuisine Fabio Ugoletti. Warm homemade English muffins arrive at the table to start, and the menu delivers beautifully composed seasonal dishes like Wagyu beef short ribs with celery prepared four ways. For dessert, the house specialty caramel pot de crème with ganache, cocoa nibs and sea salt is the only way to close out the meal. The sommelier curates an exceptional wine list spanning California, France and beyond. Herb gardens line the path to the restaurant, a fitting preview of what awaits inside. 

Mar’sel
100 Terranea Way
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
833.282.2974 
Daily, 5–9 p.m.