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Ocean View Restaurants in Southern California You’ll Never Forget
27
items Whether you’re looking for a romantic night out, a chill weekend brunch, or cocktails with ocean breeze—this list covers it all. You’ll find everything from fresh fish tacos in the sand to elegant waterfront fine dining with fire pits and candlelight...
Map
Sections
6
Malibu Pier & Zuma Beach
Laguna Beach & Newport Beach
Oceanside & Redondo Beach
Santa Monica & Westside LA
Malibu Classics
San Diego & Surrounding
Malibu Pier & Zuma Beach
This stretch of coastline is pure Southern California magic—laid-back, sun-soaked, and packed with iconic stops. Whether you're walking the pier, grabbing lunch after a hike, or planning a seaside dinner, these spots are effortlessly cool. Expect bea...
There’s something magical about eating right on the pier while the waves crash below you. This place is bright, breezy, and feels like a wellness retreat with a saltwater breeze. Grab the Swedish mini pancakes or the kale Caesar with chicken—fresh, f...
Malibu Farm Restaurant at the Pier
Nothing fancy, and that’s exactly the charm. Sit on the patio overlooking the Pacific and dig into some grilled fish tacos or the classic clam chowder. Perfect after a beach hike or just when you want something fresh without the fuss.
Malibu Seafood
This one has serious vacation energy—surfboards, mai tais, and big island hospitality. It’s right on the water and feels nostalgic in the best way. The Hula Pie is legendary, and the fish tacos never disappoint.
Duke's Malibu
If you're going for romance or celebration, this is the spot. Picture white tablecloths, glowing fire pits, and the ocean practically lapping at your toes. Order the lobster risotto or the chile-rubbed ribeye—they’re rich and unforgettable.
Geoffrey's
It’s quirky, colorful, and basically a SoCal beach dream. You can literally dine with your feet in the sand. Portions are huge, and the seafood omelet or BBQ baby back ribs hit the spot. Come hungry and stay for the people-watching.
Paradise Cove Beach Café
Laid-back meets luxe in these colorful beach bungalows—cozy fire pits, tiki vibes, and toes-in-the-sand dining. Try the coconut shrimp basket while warm beach lanterns dance around you.
Beach Rentals
Laguna Beach & Newport Beach
Laguna and Newport bring together art, surf, and style with that classic OC coastal energy. Here you’ll find cliffside patios, French-inspired cafes, and beach bars that know how to have fun. Whether you’re sipping cocktails at a boardwalk lounge or ...
This is where locals go when they want the full beach bar vibe with elevated food. Live music, good vibes, and the ahi poke tower is light, fresh, and super flavorful. Grab a drink and settle in for golden hour—it hits different here.
The Deck
Modern and stylish, but still super relaxed. You get a front-row seat to the ocean, especially from the upstairs patio. The seared halibut is beautifully done, and the cocktails feel like they belong in a travel magazine.
Larsen
This spot feels like a little slice of France right by the ocean. Soft coastal air, quiet terrace, and dishes like crepes filled with smoked salmon or Nutella depending on your mood. A perfect brunch or chill lunch option with flair.
C'est La Vie
This place has been around forever—and when you walk in, you'll get why. It’s unpretentious, wildly charming, and feels like a salty dive (in the best way). Get the manhattan clam chowder in a paper cup or a simple grilled fish plate. Nostalgia and c...
The Crab Cooker
A local legend with warm wood interiors and panoramic bluffside views. Cozy and inviting—go for the prime ribeye with garlic mashed potatoes; equally great at lunch or dinner.
Selanne Steak Tavern
An upscale yet warm seafood venue perched right by the pier, this place blends beachy charm with a refined twist. Picture letting the ocean breeze kiss your steak or seafood while you relax inside or on the patio. The seared scallops with creamy caul...
21 Oceanfront
The fish tacos? Unreal. Like, caught-this-morning kind of fresh. The salsa has a slow-building heat that sneaks up on you in the best way, and the guy at the window always throws in a smile (and sometimes an extra lime wedge if you’re lucky). It’s th...
The Taco Stand
Oceanside & Redondo Beach
This section’s all about chill vibes with incredible views. Oceanside and Redondo feel more local, more lived-in—and that’s what makes them great. Rooftop bars, seafood joints right at the edge of the sand, and places that feel like you stumbled into...
Come here for that relaxed, end-of-day glow. The views stretch for miles and the cocktails are fun and creative. Pair one with the crispy brussels sprouts or shrimp ceviche while the sun melts into the horizon.
The Rooftop Bar
Classic SoCal dining right on the water. It feels timeless—like something your parents loved that’s still totally current. Their macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi is buttery and rich, and the ocean view just seals the deal.
Chart House
Casual, breezy, and right where the waves roll in—this is your go-to for fresh pier-side seafood without the fuss. Think picnic tables on wooden decks: the grilled fish tacos are crisp, clean, and bursting with flavor, ideal while watching the sun di...
Tin Fish Oceanside
Santa Monica & Westside LA
Santa Monica has that buzzy energy—part beach town, part city cool. Whether you're rooftop lounging with a spritz, brunching right on the sand, or indulging in some elevated bistro fare, this part of town mixes laid-back with just a little luxe. Thes...
A rooftop with serious style—boho-modern decor, buzzy crowd, and really solid food. The wood-fired margherita pizza is a must, especially with a spritz in hand. It’s a scene, but in a good way.
Élephante
Feels like a cozy coastal cottage that just happens to be 5-star. Elegant, airy, and right on the beach. Brunch here is amazing—try the lobster Benedict and thank me later. It's upscale, but never uptight.
Shutters On The Beach
This one’s a little different—it’s upscale French with coastal air drifting in. Ideal for a night out when you want something refined and intimate. The duck à la presse is iconic, but even the small plates have that wow factor.
pasjoli
Hidden up above the dorms, this rooftop is laid-back with breezy greenery and good company. Order the shishito pepper & manchego flatbread—shareable, flavorful, and casual-cool.
LouLou | Santa Monica, CA | French Californian Restaurant
Malibu Classics
These are the timeless spots that make Malibu feel like Malibu. Cliffside dining, waves crashing below, a glass of wine in hand—there’s a reason these places are still packed. Whether you're in the mood for something romantic, nostalgic, or just stra...
It’s moody, romantic, and perfectly perched on the edge of the Pacific. You’ll hear the waves beneath you as you sip a cocktail and dive into a plate of pan-seared scallops or the truffle pasta. Perfect date night energy.
Moonshadows Malibu
Fusion flair right on a private stretch of sand. It’s sleek and world-class, and the black cod miso is a destination dish—savory, silky, and absolutely crave-worthy.
Nobu Malibu
A beloved casual shack on the cliffs—maritime murals, live surf reports, and easy vibes. The beer-steamed clams with garlic butter are the perfect cozy counterpoint to salty sea breezes.
Reel Inn Malibu – Casual dining, great atmosphere and expansive menu ...
San Diego & Surrounding
This spot has some of the best views in La Jolla—perched right above the cove with sunsets that hit just right. The vibe is modern but relaxed, and it’s the kind of place you can settle into for hours. Definitely try the roasted fish tacos—they’re fr...
Georges at the Cove
This place nails that city-meets-ocean feel—with the harbor on one side and skyline lights on the other, it’s got serious dinner-with-a-view energy. The vibe is sleek but still super welcoming. Go for the ceviche sampler—bright, citrusy, and perfect ...
Coasterra
This place is tiny—in the best way. With just 22 seats and a Michelin star under its belt, Lilo feels more like a secret dinner party than a restaurant. It's super intimate, thoughtful, and beautifully done. The kinmedai course (golden eye snapper) i...
Lilo
This is classic SoCal beach dining—like, toes-almost-in-the-sand level casual. The vibe is relaxed and beachy, with waves crashing just steps away. Go for the Mahi-Mahi tacos—fresh, light, and just the right amount of citrusy kick. Perfect spot for a...
Jake's Del Mar