Watch the Sun Dip Into the Horizon at These LA Restaurants for Unforgettable Sips, Bites and Views
Written By: Kandace Cornell
Photography Provided By: Lisa Romerein & Krystal Thompson LA Restaurants Best Views
Here in Los Angeles, we take our sunsets quite seriously. More than just a saying, we’ve perfected the “work hard, play hard” mentality into a lifestyle, so when the clock strikes five and the colors start to streak across the Pacific sky, we’re ready to take it all in, drink in hand. From relaxing beachside dining to clinking glasses high above the downtown skyline, we’ve rounded up seven ideal spots for sunset spotting.
1 | Ciao Down LA Restaurants Best Views
Terrazza Lounge, Hotel Casa del Mar, Santa Monica
Nestled right on the beach (and we do mean right on the beach) in the sprawling Hotel Casa del Mar, one of Santa Monica’s dreamiest hotels, the Terrazza Lounge, combines a sumptuous Tuscan aesthetic with laidback, coastal California ambiance. Snack on artisan pizzas, sushi from the raw bar or sample a selection of seafood while sipping on a cocktail like the Gatsby (Tito’s vodka, Lillet Blanc and agave, with a splash of sparkling wine and a hint of mint) and enjoy your unobstructed panorama of the Pacific waves.
Native Knowledge: Looking for an authentic Spanish tapas bar? Every Wednesday and Sunday from 6-9 p.m., Terrazza Lounge transforms into Tapas de la Casa with Spanish-inspired delicacies prepared by Chef Gemma Gray.
Terrazza Lounge
1910 Ocean Way
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310.581.7714
LA Restaurants Best Views
2 | Get Busy Living LA Restaurants Best Views
Living Room, Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica
With all the charm and coziness of a New England cottage (think plush armchairs, coffee table books and a roaring fire) combined with the backdrop of sweeping ocean views, the Living Room lounge of Santa Monica’s Shutters on the Beach is a little piece of paradise. With a menu of light coastal fare, an extensive wine list and fun cocktails like the Breakfast at Tiffany’s (Aviation gin, yellow chartreuse, muddled cucumber, lemon juice, agave, and Bitter Truth Grapefruit Bitters), we won’t blame you for wanting to pack your bags and move in.
Native Knowledge: Take advantage of Mixx Wednesday where master mixologists shake up one-of-a-kind custom cocktails from a curated selection of top-shelf liquors from 6-9 p.m. each week.
Living Room
1 Pico Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310.587.1707
3 | My ‘Bu
Try not to gawk at the slew of famous faces that slide through this beloved Malibu sushi destination on the regular. Known as much for its front-row seats to the area’s most stunning sunsets as it is for its mouth-watering sushi, this seaside hotspot is the place to see and be seen. Sample your choice of classic sushi maki rolls, nigiri and sashimi, or try the omakase tasting menu for a special occasion. Sip on a glass of sake, a chilled white wine or an elegant beverage like a lychee and elderflower martini or a Japanese Bloody Mary.
Native Knowledge: With around 45 locations globally, Nobu is one of the most Instagrammed restaurants in the world. If you’ve got that cash money, you can even rent the space out for your own exclusive soirée (or a private photoshoot), but plan ahead because they’re booked up to three months in advance.
Nobu Restaurant
22706 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265
310.317.9140
4 | London Calling LA Restaurants Best Views
Boxwood on the Roof, The London Hotel, West Hollywood
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For those in search of that million-dollar view of bright city lights all around the Hollywood sign, look no further than Boxwood on the Roof, an oasis in the sky atop the posh London Hotel in West Hollywood. Known for its classic yet modern air of sophistication and quintessentially British touches, including a lavish weekend afternoon tea and UK band-themed cocktails like the Love Me Do (Grey Goose Le Melon with fresh honeydew and a lime), the elegant rooftop deck makes for a prime location to sip rose and watch the sun cast its golden glint on the surrounding urban landscape and dazzling homes speckling the Hollywood hills.
Native Knowledge: This summer, get ready for ‘Game On’ Fridays, which will feature an array of tabletop games for a playful way to end the work week.
Boxwood on the Roof
1020 N San Vicente Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90060
310.358.7788
5 | 71 Problems but a View Ain’t One
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Sitting pretty high above the hustle and bustle of downtown Los Angeles, 71 Above is a little slice of heaven. With several seating options offering a variety of experiences—from the classic dining room with its sleek tables and modern light fixtures, to the cozy Sky Lounge with its cushy leather sofas, to the Chef’s Table where a five-course meal will be prepared before your very eyes—you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the glittering city below from every angle. Opt for the full menu treatment, or just enjoy light bites and one of the classic themed cocktails, named for the different neighborhoods of LA.
Native Knowledge: Named the “Edge” Table, arguably the best seat in the house is this angled tabletop that directly faces the city’s West Side, allowing you and your companion to sit side-by-side and toast to another day in LA.
71 Above
633 W 5th St, 71 FL
Los Angeles, CA 90071
213.71ABOVE
6 | Pico-Boo LA Best Views
1 Pico Restaurant, Santa Monica
An elevated alternative to the relaxed Living Room, this elegant eatery, perfectly placed inside Santa Monica’s Shutters On the Beach, is the very picture of contemporary coastal living. Dine on a selection of seafood savories, including scallops, mussels and prawns, and sip on a kicky beverage like the Jade Shade (Kikori Japanese whiskey, green chartreuse, lime, cucumber, cilantro and mint) while savoring the postcard-worthy views from this idyllic beachside retreat.
Native Knowledge: Chef David Almany was enlisted to launch an all-new culinary experience at 1 Pico, following his post as Executive Chef and Partner at the renowned Angeleno restaurant in Singapore.
1 Pico Restaurant
1 Pico Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310.587.1717
7 | Feeling Perched Best Views LA
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Occupying a tiered rooftop on Hill Street in DTLA, this double-decker dream spot is a perfect place to unwind while watching the sun slip below the majestic skyline. The 15th floor is finely appointed with antique furnishings and intricate wood detailing in an eclectic array indoors and outfitted with a pretty patio around the perimeter, dotted with elegant fireplaces and luxe landscaping. Or head upstairs to the cozier 16th-floor lounge to nibble on French faves like Brie en Croute and American standards like avocado toast from the French-American fusion menu, and sip on inspired cocktails like the Hemingway On the Beach (Greenall’s Gin, Luxardo, lemon, and Angostura Bitters).
Native Knowledge: Come early for the jazz, and stick around long enough for the DJ to rock your cares away. But don’t arrive straight from the beach—casual attire (think flip flops and shorts) isn’t permitted past 4 p.m.
Perch Restaurant
448 S Hill St
Los Angeles, CA 90013
213.802.1770
8 | The Great Escape
Yamashiro Hollywood, Hollywood
Tucked in the Hollywood Hills is Yamashiro, a contemporary Japanese restaurant with over 100 years of history. As you drive up the winding hills passing beautiful homes, you aren’t sure what to expect at the top––until you spot this hidden gem with stunning Los Angeles views. Dine in tranquility among the green garden courtyard, or outside with sights of the glistening city. The stunning architecture and atmosphere transport you somewhere other than Los Angeles. Carnivores, pescetarians and vegans alike will be more than satisfied with the menu’s plentiful options like vegan ceviche, the Yamashiro Roll (crab, shrimp tempura, grilled asparagus, A5 wagyu and truffle aioli) and a hearty Tomahawk. An ideal date night, the perfect spot for outdoor dining and a great getaway from the city is Yamashiro Hollywood.
1999 N Sycamore Ave
Hollywood, CA 90068
323.466.5125
