10 California Restaurants with Views So Stunning They’ll Leave You Speechless

California offers some of the most amazing dining experiences where incredible food meets breathtaking views. From ocean cliffs to mountain peaks, these restaurants serve delicious meals alongside scenery that will make your jaw drop. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, these spots combine world-class cuisine with views that are absolutely unforgettable. Get ready to discover ten restaurants where the scenery is just as impressive as what’s on your plate.

1. Nepenthe – Big Sur

Perched 800 feet above the Pacific Ocean, this legendary restaurant has been wowing visitors since 1949. The outdoor terrace offers sweeping views of the rugged Big Sur coastline that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Famous for its Ambrosia burger and fresh seafood, the menu features California classics made with local ingredients. On clear days, you can watch whales migrate along the coast while enjoying your meal.

The restaurant’s name comes from Greek mythology, meaning a drug that makes you forget sorrow – fitting for such a magical place.

2. Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn – Big Sur

Award-winning fine dining meets dramatic clifftop views at this luxury resort restaurant. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the endless Pacific, creating an almost surreal dining experience where ocean and sky blend together.

Chef John Cox creates seasonal menus using ingredients from the resort’s own garden and local farms. The four-course prix fixe dinner changes regularly, always highlighting the best of California’s coastal cuisine.

Reservations are essential and often book weeks in advance, but the combination of world-class food and stunning scenery makes the planning worthwhile.

3. The Mountain House – Woodside

Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this rustic gem offers panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay Area spread out below. The outdoor deck provides the perfect spot to watch fog roll over the hills while enjoying comfort food classics.

Known for hearty American fare like steaks, burgers, and fresh salads, the menu appeals to hikers, families, and anyone seeking a mountain escape. Weekend brunch is particularly popular, especially on sunny days.

The winding drive up the mountain adds to the adventure, making your arrival feel like discovering a hidden treasure in the redwood forests.

4. The Marine Room – La Jolla

Built right on the beach, this iconic restaurant offers front-row seats to the power of the Pacific Ocean. During high tide, waves actually crash against the windows, creating an unforgettable dining spectacle that feels almost underwater.

The upscale menu features fresh seafood and French-inspired cuisine, perfectly complementing the oceanic setting. Sunset dinners are magical, with golden light dancing across the water and beach.

Open since 1941, this La Jolla landmark has hosted celebrities and locals alike, all drawn by the unique experience of dining mere feet from crashing waves.

5. The Penthouse – Santa Monica

Rising above the Santa Monica Pier, this rooftop restaurant delivers 360-degree views of the city, mountains, and Pacific Ocean. The modern space features both indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for watching spectacular sunsets over the water.

Contemporary American cuisine focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients with creative presentations. The cocktail menu is equally impressive, featuring craft drinks designed to complement the stunning surroundings.

Located atop the Huntley Hotel, the restaurant provides an elevated perspective on one of California’s most famous beaches, with the iconic Ferris wheel twinkling below after dark.

6. SingleThread – Healdsburg

This three-Michelin-starred restaurant sits among rolling vineyards in Sonoma County’s wine country. The dining room’s large windows showcase endless rows of grapevines that change with the seasons, from bright green spring growth to golden autumn colors.

Chef Kyle Connaughton creates elaborate tasting menus using ingredients from the restaurant’s own farm. Each course tells the story of the land, connecting diners to the agricultural landscape visible outside.

The restaurant operates as part of a luxury inn, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in wine country’s natural beauty and culinary excellence.

7. Yamashiro Hollywood – Los Angeles

Built in 1911 as a private residence, this Japanese-inspired restaurant crowns the Hollywood Hills with sweeping views of Los Angeles stretching to the ocean. The pagoda-style architecture and gardens create an authentic Japanese atmosphere high above the city.

Asian fusion cuisine blends traditional Japanese flavors with California influences, served in dining rooms decorated with authentic artifacts and artwork. The outdoor terrace offers the best views, especially at sunset.

Hollywood legends have dined here for decades, drawn by both the exotic setting and the unmatched panoramic views of the sprawling metropolis below.

8. Coast Kitchen – Jenner

Where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean, this casual restaurant offers some of Northern California’s most dramatic coastal scenery. The outdoor deck provides front-row seats to watch seals, sea birds, and migrating whales in their natural habitat.

Fresh seafood dominates the menu, with many dishes featuring local Dungeness crab, salmon, and oysters. The clam chowder has earned a devoted following among locals and visitors alike.

The location at Jenner’s river mouth creates constantly changing views as tides shift and wildlife moves through the area, making every visit unique and memorable.

9. Geoffrey’s – Malibu

Carved into the cliffs of Malibu, this romantic restaurant has been serving spectacular food with even more spectacular views since 1948. The multi-level terraces cascade down the hillside, offering intimate dining spaces with unobstructed Pacific Ocean vistas.

California coastal cuisine features the freshest seafood and local produce, prepared with international influences. The wine list emphasizes California vintages that pair beautifully with both the food and setting.

Sunset reservations are the most coveted, as the western-facing location provides perfect views of the sun sinking into the Pacific while dolphins often play in the waves below.

10. Merois – West Hollywood

Crowning the Edition hotel, this sophisticated rooftop restaurant offers stunning 270-degree views of Los Angeles, from the Hollywood Hills to downtown’s glittering skyline. The sleek, modern design creates an urban oasis high above the Sunset Strip.

Mediterranean-inspired cuisine emphasizes fresh ingredients and bold flavors, perfectly suited to the California lifestyle. The raw bar and craft cocktails are particularly popular during happy hour.

City lights create a magical atmosphere after dark, transforming the restaurant into one of LA’s most glamorous dining destinations with views that capture the essence of the sprawling city.