Unearth The Voyage
Craving ocean views with every bite you savor along the California coast? This guide highlights iconic spots where waves, sunsets, and standout menus turn meals into memories. You will find breezy decks, elegant dining rooms, and classic beach vibes that make you linger longer than planned. Let these handpicked favorites set the scene for your next coastal escape.
1. The Lobster – Santa Monica
Perched beside the Santa Monica Pier, The Lobster pairs sparkling ocean views with a lively, celebratory energy. You will love how the floor to ceiling windows transform sunset into dinnertime theater. Order their namesake lobster, then add buttery rolls and a bright citrusy salad for balance.
Cocktails lean fresh and coastal, so try a grapefruit twist while the Ferris wheel lights bloom. Service is confident yet warm, and you never feel rushed as you watch surfers fade into dusk. It is the kind of place that elevates out of town visits and weekday cravings alike.
Go for the classic lobster or a perfectly seared fish, then finish with a tart key lime finish. Reserve right before golden hour for the full spectacle. The soundtrack of waves and street performers gives everything a fun Santa Monica rhythm without stealing the show.
2. Malibu Farm Restaurant – Malibu
Balanced on the Malibu Pier, Malibu Farm makes you feel like the ocean is your dining companion. Sunshine pours over communal tables, and everything tastes bright and clean. Order the cauliflower crust pizza, a colorful chopped salad, or their legendary Swedish mini pancakes if you love brunch.
Expect a casual, stylish crowd and a breezy playlist that matches the surfers below. Portions are generous without feeling heavy, and you can share a few plates while watching dolphins crest beyond the pilings. Friendly staff keep the vibe easygoing and help with gluten free or vegetarian swaps.
Arrive early to snag rail seating, especially on weekends. As the wind picks up, grab a sweater and a hot latte to lean into the coastal chill. You will leave with sun kissed cheeks, a full camera roll, and a craving to return for sunset spritzes.
3. Geoffrey’s Malibu – Malibu
Geoffrey’s Malibu is pure Pacific romance, with tiers of terraces cascading toward the sea. You will catch pelicans gliding past as servers float by with seafood towers and champagne. Every table feels like a front row seat to the coastline, especially during rosy sunsets.
The menu leans classic Californian with Mediterranean touches. Scallops arrive caramelized and sweet, lobster tails are indulgent, and the ahi tartare is a perfect opener. Order a citrusy cocktail to cut the richness and let the ocean breeze keep everything crisp.
Dress up a little and time your reservation for dusk. The staff handles celebrations with grace, from birthdays to proposals, without fuss. Geoffrey’s is a forever favorite for milestone dinners and unforgettable views, the kind of place you remember in snapshots of candlelight, cliffside palms, and gentle waves.
4. Chart House – Dana Point
Chart House in Dana Point delivers that classic harbor view with elevated seafood staples. You will sit above the boats and watch the sky ripple from blue to peach while your server guides you through the menu. Start with the coconut crunchy shrimp, then share a prime rib or macadamia crusted mahi.
It is polished but not stuffy, a great place to bring family or out of town guests. The salad bar is a nostalgic touch if you love a throwback, and desserts are big enough for the table. Wine selections are broad, with coastal whites that echo the breezes outside.
Ask for a window table when booking to capture the channel lights after sunset. Parking is easy, and the pacing feels relaxed. Chart House is that reliable, view heavy choice that always delivers a memorable evening without trying too hard.
5. Beachcomber Café – Newport Coast
Hidden in the historic Crystal Cove cottages, Beachcomber Café is a nostalgic beach day wrapped in a meal. You walk down a sandy path, feel the salt air, and settle into a patio steps from the waves. Early birds win with the breakfast beignets and a spicy Bloody Mary.
For lunch, fish tacos and chowder hit perfectly after a shoreline stroll. The staff keeps things friendly and flexible, and the vibe is classic California coastal without pretense. Bring a sweater for the afternoon breeze and lean into the soundtrack of gulls and laughter.
Parking can require a shuttle, so plan a little extra time. Sunset brings twinkle lights and a camera ready glow over the cove. You will leave barefoot happy, a bit sun dazzled, and already plotting the next excuse for pancakes by the surf.
6. Splashes Restaurant – Laguna Beach
At Splashes in Laguna Beach, waves practically brush the windows. You will hear the ocean soundtrack between bites of delicate seafood and citrus bright sauces. The room is contemporary and romantic, with a glow that deepens as evening falls.
Start with oysters or a citrus cured crudo, then move to a pan roasted halibut or a tender filet. The cocktail list leans coastal, with herbaceous notes and tropical hints. Service is polished yet unpretentious, guiding you toward the freshest catch without pushing.
Book a first row table if possible for maximal spray and spectacle. Brunch is a sleeper hit with benedicts and bottomless options that pair nicely with the morning light. Splashes is a mood as much as a meal, ideal for anniversaries, quiet conversations, and anyone chasing wave kissed dining.
7. Nick’s Manhattan Beach – Manhattan Beach
Nick’s Manhattan Beach serves polished comfort with an unbeatable ocean view. Expect attentive service, perfectly timed dishes, and crowd-pleasing favorites elevated just enough to make every meal feel special. Highlights include the prime rib dip, fresh sea bass, and flavorful street corn – each bite leaving a lasting impression.
The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance: lively yet relaxed, ideal for date night or a casual evening with friends. Cocktails are expertly crafted, and the wine list is thoughtfully curated to pair with every dish. Grab a banquette by the windows to watch the sun sink over the Pacific, transforming the sky from gold to deep indigo.
Portions are satisfying without overstuffing, leaving room for the decadent butter cake finale. Weekends are busy, so reservations are a smart move. Nick’s in Manhattan Beach hits the sweet spot between casual comfort and a celebratory night out, making every visit memorable.
8. Oceanview Restaurant at Hotel Erwin – Venice Beach
Perched above the Venice Boardwalk, Oceanview Restaurant delivers a front row seat to the neighborhood’s creative energy. You will watch skaters, surfers, and street art come alive as the sun drops. The menu leans fresh Californian with shareable plates, salads, and coastal mains.
Try the tuna poke, grilled shrimp, and a crisp flatbread, then sip a margarita kissed with lime. The space is casual chic, perfect for groups and golden hour hangs. Staff keeps the pace breezy and upbeat while still attentive to details.
Time your visit around sunset for the neon to flicker across the horizon. Bring a light jacket since the ocean breeze can sneak up. Oceanview feels like a Venice postcard come to life, where the atmosphere is as memorable as the food and you feel effortlessly part of the scene.
9. Scoma’s of Sausalito – Sausalito
Scoma’s of Sausalito is a bayfront classic with time tested seafood and postcard views. You will see boats rocking gently while servers bring platters of crab, petrale sole, and clam chowder. The room has that old school charm that feels comforting and welcoming.
Start with a seafood cocktail, then order the cioppino packed with Dungeness richness. Wines skew local, with crisp Sonoma whites that sing alongside briny bites. Service is seasoned and efficient, the kind that makes busy nights feel smooth.
Ask for a window table to catch the shimmer of the city beyond. Lunch is lovely if you want clearer views and easier parking. Scoma’s stays true to its roots, delivering coastal flavors with a wink to history and the kind of consistency that keeps locals loyal.
10. Sam’s Anchor Café – Tiburon
Sam’s Anchor Café is pure sunshine on a plate, thanks to its legendary dockside patio. You will sit inches from the bay, watch the ferries drift by, and toast with something citrusy. Brunch is a star, from crab omelets to towering Bloody Marys.
The vibe is lively, bordering festive, and service keeps pace with a smile. Fish and chips, oysters, and a bright ahi salad make easy orders. If you love people watching, this is your spot, with boats and pups providing endless entertainment.
Book ahead for weekends and layer up for wind, even on clear days. Sunset throws a pink shimmer across the skyline that begs for photos. Sam’s delivers that summer in your glass feeling year round, the kind of place that turns a simple lunch into a mini vacation.
11. Moonraker – Pacifica
Moonraker sits right on the Pacifica shoreline with waves that feel close enough to touch. You will appreciate the floor to ceiling windows and mid century touches framing an ever changing horizon. Start with Dungeness crab cakes and a chilled martini.
Seafood dominates, but steaks and pastas round things out for mixed groups. Service is friendly and steady, even when the surf gets dramatic and everyone jumps for photos. The soundtrack is soft enough to keep conversations easy.
Time your visit for a moody storm or a clear day to catch whales in season. Request a window seat and bring that extra layer, because the wind is real. Moonraker is a coastal classic that makes gray days cozy and sunny days glow, always anchored by those cinematic waves.
12. The Marine Room – La Jolla
The Marine Room is famous for surf so close it can splash the windows during high tide. You will feel the drama as servers glide through with refined plates and polished confidence. The menu is upscale, with seasonal seafood, prime cuts, and beautiful presentations.
Start with lobster bisque or a delicate crudo, then move to a perfectly cooked halibut or filet. The wine list is deep and tailored to the cuisine, and desserts bring an elegant finish. Service is gracious, the pacing thoughtful, and the view unforgettable.
Check tide charts when planning to catch the show at its peak. Dress smart and arrive a bit early to settle into the ambiance. The Marine Room is a bucket list experience, balancing spectacle and sophistication without sacrificing warmth or flavor.
13. Cannonball – San Diego
Cannonball brings rooftop energy to Mission Beach with an oceanfront deck and fire pits twinkling at dusk. You will love how the sushi arrives vibrant and fresh, with rolls that lean playful. Grab a spicy tuna crunch or a sashimi platter and share across the table.
Cocktails come bright and beachy, perfect for sunset toasts. The soundtrack is upbeat, and the servers keep the pace snappy without rushing you. It is an easy spot for groups, date nights, and visitors wanting classic SoCal vibes.
Bundle up after dark because ocean breezes sneak in. Time your reservation for sunset, when the sky goes cotton candy and surfers catch final rides. Cannonball turns a sushi night into a mini celebration, wrapped in the glow of string lights and rolling waves below.
14. Rusty Pelican – Redondo Beach
Rusty Pelican in Redondo Beach offers marina side comfort with a polished touch. You will watch masts sway while settling into chowder, grilled fish, or a generous seafood platter. The dining room blends nautical charm with modern warmth, perfect for families and date nights alike.
Start with calamari or crab cakes, then add a crisp salad and a citrus leaning cocktail. Service is friendly and attentive without hovering, and the kitchen keeps timing smooth. There is a calm hum to the room that makes long conversations easy.
Request a window table to catch golden reflections rippling across the slips. Parking is straightforward, and sunset strolls along the harbor complete the experience. Rusty Pelican is an inviting standby, delivering steady flavor, easy views, and the kind of relaxed evening you will want to repeat.
