MomSkoop
California offers some of the most breathtaking rooftop dining experiences in the world. From ocean views to city skylines, these elevated restaurants serve incredible food alongside unforgettable scenery. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to enjoy a memorable meal, these rooftop spots deliver both amazing flavors and stunning views.
1. The Rooftop Beverly Hills
Perched atop the luxurious Montage Beverly Hills, this elegant rooftop restaurant offers panoramic views of the Hollywood Hills and downtown Los Angeles skyline. The sophisticated menu features modern American cuisine with Mediterranean influences, crafted by world-class chefs.
Guests can enjoy fresh seafood, perfectly grilled steaks, and seasonal vegetables while taking in the sparkling city lights below. The outdoor terrace provides an intimate setting with comfortable seating and ambient lighting.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially during sunset hours when the views are most spectacular and romantic.
2. Catch LA
Located in West Hollywood, Catch LA transforms dining into an exciting social experience with its trendy rooftop atmosphere and celebrity sightings. The restaurant specializes in fresh seafood and innovative sushi rolls, all prepared with artistic presentation that matches the stunning venue.
The rooftop features a retractable glass ceiling and lush greenery, creating an indoor-outdoor feel year-round. Popular dishes include their famous truffle sashimi and lobster mac and cheese.
The vibrant nightlife scene makes this spot perfect for dinner followed by cocktails under the stars with friends.
3. High Rooftop Lounge
Situated atop Hotel Erwin in Venice Beach, High Rooftop Lounge offers unobstructed ocean views and beachfront dining like nowhere else in Los Angeles. The casual yet sophisticated menu focuses on California coastal cuisine with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Surfers dot the waves below while guests enjoy craft cocktails and small plates designed for sharing. The sea breeze and sound of crashing waves create a truly magical dining atmosphere.
Weekend brunch here is particularly popular, featuring bottomless mimosas and dishes like their famous lobster benedict with ocean views as your backdrop.
4. Cara Cara
Hidden atop a boutique hotel in Los Feliz, Cara Cara serves inventive Mexican cuisine with a modern twist and breathtaking views of the Griffith Observatory and Hollywood Sign. Chef-driven dishes blend traditional flavors with contemporary techniques and presentation.
The intimate rooftop space features colorful tile work, hanging plants, and cozy fire pits for cooler evenings. Signature items include duck carnitas tacos and mezcal-cured salmon with unique flavor combinations.
The restaurant’s small size creates an exclusive feel, making every meal feel like a special discovery in the heart of Los Angeles.
5. LA Cha Cha Chá
This vibrant rooftop cantina in Silver Lake brings authentic Mexican street food culture to new heights with panoramic city views and live mariachi music on weekends. The menu celebrates traditional recipes passed down through generations of Mexican families.
Handmade tortillas, slow-cooked carnitas, and fresh guacamole prepared tableside create an authentic experience. The colorful décor includes papel picado banners fluttering in the breeze and traditional pottery.
Happy hour features half-price margaritas and appetizers, making it a perfect spot for groups celebrating or casual weeknight dinners with friends.
6. Merois
Crowning the Four Seasons Beverly Hills, Merois offers fine dining excellence with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing sweeping views from the Santa Monica Mountains to downtown Los Angeles. The restaurant features contemporary American cuisine with French influences and impeccable service.
Executive chefs create seasonal menus using premium ingredients like fresh truffles, wagyu beef, and day-boat scallops. The elegant interior design complements the natural beauty visible through expansive windows.
Wine pairings from their extensive cellar enhance each course, creating memorable dining experiences perfect for anniversaries and special celebrations.
7. Yamashiro Hollywood
Built in 1914, this historic Japanese palace restaurant sits high in the Hollywood Hills, offering dramatic views of Los Angeles alongside authentic Japanese cuisine and architecture. The pagoda-style building and manicured gardens transport diners to ancient Japan.
Traditional dishes like fresh sashimi, tempura, and teppanyaki are prepared by skilled chefs using time-honored techniques. Koi ponds and stone lanterns create a serene atmosphere despite the bustling city below.
The combination of cultural immersion and spectacular vistas makes every visit feel like a journey to another world right in Hollywood.
8. Terra at Eataly
Located on the rooftop of Eataly Los Angeles, Terra brings authentic Italian dining outdoors with views of the Century City skyline and Santa Monica Mountains. The restaurant focuses on regional Italian specialties using imported ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
Wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta, and seasonal risottos showcase the best of Italian culinary traditions. The herb garden on the rooftop supplies fresh basil, oregano, and rosemary for many dishes.
Afternoon aperitivo hour features Italian wines, prosecco, and small plates, creating the perfect European-style social dining experience under California skies.
9. Butterfly at The Shay
Perched atop The Shay hotel in Culver City, Butterfly offers Asian fusion cuisine with stunning sunset views over the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Bay. The menu blends Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian flavors with California ingredients.
Signature dishes include Korean BBQ tacos, miso-glazed black cod, and creative sushi rolls with unique flavor combinations. The modern rooftop space features comfortable lounge seating and an open kitchen.
The restaurant’s location provides incredible sunset views, making it ideal for romantic dinners or special occasions when you want both exceptional food and memorable scenery.
10. Offshore 9
Floating above Huntington Beach, Offshore 9 combines fresh seafood with unobstructed Pacific Ocean views and the sound of waves crashing below. The menu emphasizes sustainably-caught fish and shellfish prepared with California coastal influences.
Daily catches vary based on local fishing boats, ensuring the freshest possible ingredients in dishes like cioppino, fish tacos, and grilled whole branzino. The casual atmosphere welcomes families and couples alike.
Watching surfers and dolphins while enjoying lunch or dinner creates a uniquely Southern California experience that captures the essence of beachside living.
11. Top of the Hyatt
Rotating slowly atop the Grand Hyatt San Francisco, this unique restaurant provides 360-degree views of the Bay Area while serving classic American cuisine with modern touches. The complete rotation takes about one hour, ensuring every table enjoys all views.
Prime steaks, fresh dungeness crab, and locally-sourced vegetables highlight the menu alongside an extensive wine list featuring California vintages. The Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and bay waters create constantly changing scenery.
Sunset dinners are particularly magical as the city lights begin twinkling below while you slowly rotate through different perspectives of San Francisco.
12. The Rooftop Lounge
Situated atop The Standard Downtown LA, The Rooftop Lounge offers a poolside dining experience with dramatic views of the Los Angeles skyline and distant mountains. The menu features California cuisine with international influences and creative cocktails.
Guests can dine at poolside tables or lounge areas while enjoying dishes like Korean short ribs, fresh salads, and gourmet burgers. The swimming pool adds a resort-like atmosphere to urban dining.
Weekend pool parties and DJ sets create a lively social scene, making this spot popular with young professionals and visitors seeking nightlife entertainment.