12 Coastal California Restaurants with Views That Wow and Food That Delivers
California’s coastline stretches for over 800 miles, offering countless opportunities to dine with breathtaking ocean views. Finding restaurants that combine stunning scenery with exceptional cuisine can transform an ordinary meal into an unforgettable experience.
From intimate cliffside bistros to elegant beachfront establishments, these carefully selected restaurants prove that you don’t have to choose between spectacular views and delicious food. Each destination delivers both in memorable ways that will leave you planning your next coastal dining adventure.
1. Nobu Malibu
Celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s Malibu outpost sits directly on Carbon Beach, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame endless Pacific views. Famous faces frequently occupy tables here, but the real star remains the masterfully crafted Japanese cuisine that made Nobu a global sensation.
Black cod with miso practically melts on your tongue, while yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño delivers the perfect balance of heat and freshness. Waves crash just yards away as servers present artfully plated dishes that taste even better than they look.
Reservations book weeks in advance, especially for sunset dining when golden light dances across both your plate and the ocean beyond.
2. Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn
Perched 1,200 feet above the Pacific on Big Sur’s dramatic cliffs, this restaurant offers views that literally take your breath away. Eagles soar at eye level while you dine on locally sourced cuisine that changes with the seasons and chef’s inspiration.
Every ingredient tells a story of the surrounding landscape, from foraged mushrooms to herbs grown in the resort’s garden. Prix fixe menus showcase California’s bounty through dishes that surprise and delight with each carefully planned course.
Lunch brings clearer views of the rugged coastline, while dinner adds romance with twinkling stars reflected in the endless ocean below your clifftop perch.
3. La Costanera
Authentic Peruvian flavors meet Half Moon Bay’s coastal charm at this family-owned gem that’s been serving exceptional ceviches since 2005. Owner Carlos Altamirano brings recipes from Lima’s best kitchens to California’s fog-kissed shores.
Fresh halibut and rockfish arrive daily from local boats, transformed into ceviches that burst with citrus brightness and subtle heat from aji peppers. Pisco sours complement every meal perfectly, especially when enjoyed on the heated patio overlooking Pillar Point Harbor.
Weekend brunch adds Peruvian twists to classic dishes, while dinner showcases heartier fare like anticuchos and perfectly grilled whole fish that showcase the kitchen’s authentic techniques.
4. Geoffrey’s
Romance practically floats in the sea breeze at this Malibu institution, where three decades of memorable meals have unfolded on terraced decks cascading toward the Pacific. Couples celebrate anniversaries here while families create lasting memories over shared plates.
California cuisine takes center stage with dishes like pan-seared sea bass and herb-crusted rack of lamb that pair beautifully with wines from the restaurant’s impressive cellar. Each terrace level offers different perspectives of the coastline stretching toward Point Dume.
Sunset reservations disappear quickly, but lunch provides equally stunning views with better availability and the chance to spot dolphins playing in the surf just offshore.
5. Sam’s Chowder House
New England meets the Pacific Coast at this Half Moon Bay favorite, where lobster rolls taste even better with sand between your toes. Brothers Sam and John Meddahi created a casual spot that feels like a Maine fishing village transplanted to California.
Dungeness crab cioppino showcases local catches in a rich tomato broth, while fish and chips feature rockfish so fresh it was swimming yesterday morning. The raw bar displays pristine oysters and clams that pair perfectly with local craft beers.
Families love the relaxed atmosphere where kids can watch surfers while parents enjoy wine flights featuring Central Coast vintages that complement the restaurant’s seafood-focused menu beautifully.
6. The Oyster Loft
Raw bar enthusiasts flock to this Santa Barbara gem where two dozen oyster varieties arrive daily from both coasts. Upstairs dining rooms offer harbor views that make every meal feel like a special occasion, even on casual Tuesday nights.
Knowledgeable servers guide diners through oyster selections, explaining the subtle differences between Kusshis and Blue Points while recommending perfect wine pairings. Beyond bivalves, the kitchen excels at simple preparations that let pristine seafood shine.
Happy hour brings discounted oysters and local wines to complement the golden hour light streaming through windows that frame Santa Barbara’s working waterfront and the Channel Islands beyond.
7. Nepenthe
Big Sur’s most iconic restaurant has welcomed travelers since 1949, when the site’s previous cabin hosted Orson Welles and Rita Hayworth during their honeymoon. Today’s visitors still gasp at the same 800-foot-high views that captivated Hollywood’s golden couple.
Massive windows frame endless ocean vistas while servers deliver comfort food with California flair, from the famous Ambrosia Burger to fresh salmon that tastes even better at this elevation. Outdoor decks let you dine among the redwoods while watching fog roll across the Pacific.
Phoenix Shop downstairs offers handcrafted gifts, but most visitors linger upstairs, reluctant to leave views that photographers spend lifetimes trying to capture in a single frame.
8. Poseidon
Del Mar’s beachfront institution puts diners so close to the Pacific that high tide practically laps at the restaurant’s foundation. Three generations of the Kragen family have served fresh seafood here, creating a legacy that locals and visitors treasure equally.
Simple preparations highlight the day’s catches, from sand dabs to local halibut that arrives hours after being pulled from nearby waters. The famous fish market next door supplies the restaurant’s kitchen with the same pristine seafood that home cooks take to their own tables.
Breakfast brings surfers fueling up for dawn patrol, while dinner attracts couples sharing bottles of wine as waves crash rhythmically just beyond the windows that wrap around this oceanfront dining room.
9. The Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach
Santa Barbara’s most relaxed waterfront dining happens at this casual spot where flip-flops feel as appropriate as dress shoes. Locals bring visiting friends here to show off why they never want to leave the American Riviera.
Fish tacos showcase daily catches in handmade tortillas, while the clam chowder recipe hasn’t changed in decades because perfection needs no improvement. Outdoor seating puts you practically on the sand, with volleyball games and sunset walks providing dinner entertainment.
Weekend brunch features bottomless mimosas that pair perfectly with chilaquiles and ocean breezes, while weeknight dinners offer the chance to claim prime patio tables without the weekend crowds that flock to this beloved local gem.
10. The Marine Room
High tide transforms dinner into dinner theater at this La Jolla institution, where waves crash against floor-to-ceiling windows during winter storms. Engineers designed the building to withstand nature’s power while diners safely enjoy the spectacular show from inside.
French-inspired cuisine matches the drama outside, with dishes like duck confit and bouillabaisse that warrant the restaurant’s AAA Four Diamond rating. Sommeliers guide guests through wine selections that complement both the sophisticated menu and the endless ocean views.
Reservations during high tide periods book months ahead, but the experience of dining while Pacific swells crash just inches from your table creates memories that last far longer than the meal itself.
11. Ventana Grill
Big Sur’s laid-back luxury reaches its peak at this restaurant where redwood trees frame Pacific views that stretch to the horizon. Organic gardens supply herbs and vegetables that appear on plates within hours of being harvested from the resort’s sustainable grounds.
California cuisine celebrates local ingredients through dishes that change seasonally, from wild mushroom risottos in fall to heirloom tomato salads during summer’s peak. The wine list focuses on Central Coast vintages that pair beautifully with both the food and the spectacular setting.
Lunch on the terrace offers the clearest coastal views, while dinner brings intimate lighting that makes every table feel private despite the restaurant’s popularity with guests seeking Big Sur’s ultimate dining experience.
12. Chart House
Redondo Beach’s most dramatic dining perch sits atop cliffs where every table commands sweeping views of Santa Monica Bay. This location of the popular chain maximizes its spectacular setting with floor-to-ceiling windows and multiple outdoor decks.
Prime rib and fresh seafood anchor a menu designed to please crowds, while the famous salad bar offers dozens of choices that somehow taste better with ocean breezes. Sunset dining transforms the Palos Verdes Peninsula into a golden silhouette against the darkening Pacific.
Special occasion dinners feel even more memorable here, where anniversary couples and birthday celebrants toast life’s milestones while watching ships navigate toward Los Angeles Harbor in the distance below their clifftop table.
