MomSkoop
California’s coastline offers some of the most breathtaking dining experiences in the world. Picture yourself enjoying fresh seafood while watching waves crash against the shore. From casual beachside cafes to upscale establishments, these restaurants combine delicious food with stunning ocean panoramas that will make your meal unforgettable.
1. The Waterfront Venice, Venice
Right on the famous Venice Beach boardwalk, this lively restaurant captures the spirit of California’s most colorful neighborhood. Surfers paddle by your window while street performers entertain crowds just steps away.
Fresh fish tacos and crispy calamari taste even better when paired with endless ocean views. The casual atmosphere welcomes families and beach-goers still sandy from their day in the sun.
Weekend brunch here feels like a celebration, with mimosas flowing and waves providing the perfect soundtrack to your meal.
2. Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach, Santa Barbara
Nestled directly on the sand, this charming spot makes you feel like you’re dining on a private beach. Seals often pop their heads up near the shore, creating magical moments between bites of your meal.
Their famous fish and chips come with a side of spectacular sunsets that paint the sky in brilliant oranges and pinks. Local wines from nearby vineyards complement the fresh catch of the day perfectly.
Reservations fill up quickly during summer months, so plan ahead for this coveted beachfront dining experience.
3. The Strand House, Manhattan Beach
Perched high above the famous Manhattan Beach Strand, this upscale eatery offers panoramic views that stretch from Palos Verdes to Malibu. Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure every table enjoys the spectacular scenery.
Executive Chef creates modern American cuisine that rivals the stunning backdrop. Watching beach volleyball tournaments while savoring their signature dishes creates an uniquely Southern California experience.
The rooftop bar becomes magical at golden hour, when the setting sun transforms the entire dining room into a warm, glowing sanctuary above the waves.
4. Pacific Coast Grill, Cardiff
Hidden gem status doesn’t begin to describe this Cardiff treasure, where locals have kept this secret spot to themselves for years. Waves literally crash beneath your feet as you dine on their famous deck.
Surfers catch morning waves right in front of your breakfast table, creating live entertainment with your eggs Benedict. The relaxed vibe encourages lingering over coffee while watching dolphins play in the distance.
Their fish tacos earned legendary status among San Diego foodies, but the real star remains that incredible ocean backdrop that never gets old.
5. Georges at the Cove, La Jolla
Sophisticated dining meets dramatic coastline at this La Jolla institution, where three levels offer different experiences with the same jaw-dropping views. The upstairs fine dining room feels like floating above the Pacific Ocean.
California Modern cuisine showcases local ingredients while you watch sea lions sunbathe on the rocks below. Their wine list features selections specifically chosen to complement both the food and the stunning sunset views.
Reservations book months in advance, especially for window tables that provide front-row seats to one of California’s most beautiful stretches of coastline.
6. The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove, Newport Coast
Step back in time at this historic beach cottage that’s been serving diners since the 1940s. Weathered wood and vintage charm create an authentic old California atmosphere that feels worlds away from modern life.
Fresh lobster rolls and clam chowder taste like they did decades ago, while waves roll onto the pristine Crystal Cove beach. The rustic deck provides intimate seating where every table enjoys unobstructed ocean views.
Protected by state park status, this unspoiled stretch of coastline offers a rare glimpse of what California beaches looked like before development changed everything.
7. Miramar Beach Restaurant, Half Moon Bay
Dramatic waves crash against rugged cliffs while you warm up with their famous clam chowder and sourdough bread. Northern California’s wild coastline provides a completely different ocean dining experience than Southern California’s gentle beaches.
Cozy fireplaces inside create the perfect retreat when coastal fog rolls in, but clear days reveal stunning views of the Monterey Peninsula. Local Dungeness crab and fresh salmon showcase the area’s incredible seafood.
Storm watching season brings the most spectacular shows, when massive waves put on nature’s ultimate dinner theater performance right outside your window.
8. Captain Jack’s, Sunset Beach
Nautical charm meets casual comfort at this beloved local hangout where fishing nets and maritime artifacts decorate every corner. The laid-back atmosphere encourages flip-flops and beach attire while you enjoy their famous fish specials.
Sunset views here live up to the restaurant’s name, with brilliant colors reflecting off the water during golden hour. Families gather for early dinners while couples claim romantic spots for later evening meals.
Their outdoor patio puts you practically on the sand, where beach bonfires flicker to life as your meal winds down and stars begin appearing overhead.
9. Rusty Pelican, Newport Beach
Tropical vibes transport you to an island paradise despite being firmly planted on Newport Beach’s busy coastline. Palm trees and tiki torches create an escape from everyday life while boats cruise by in the harbor.
Their signature mai tais pair perfectly with fresh ahi tuna and tropical fruit salads that taste like vacation. The multi-level deck ensures every seat captures either harbor views or open ocean panoramas.
Live music on weekends adds to the festive atmosphere, where celebrating feels natural and the ocean breeze carries away all your worries with the outgoing tide.
10. Sandy’s Beach Shack, Huntington Beach
Authentic surf culture comes alive at this no-frills beach shack where legendary surfers still grab breakfast before dawn patrol sessions. Surfboards line the walls while the smell of bacon mingles with ocean salt air.
Massive breakfast burritos fuel morning surf sessions, while afternoon fish tacos satisfy post-beach appetites. The casual counter service keeps things simple, letting the incredible beachfront location do all the talking.
Watching sunrise over the Pacific while sipping coffee here feels like discovering California’s best-kept secret, even though locals have treasured this spot for generations.
11. The Cliff Restaurant, Laguna Beach
Artistic Laguna Beach provides the perfect backdrop for this cliffside restaurant where every meal feels like a special occasion. Dramatic rock formations and hidden coves create a constantly changing seascape below your table.
Mediterranean-inspired cuisine matches the sophisticated atmosphere, while local art adorns the walls in true Laguna Beach fashion. The wine selection emphasizes California vintages that complement both the food and the stunning coastal views.
Reserving a sunset table requires advance planning, but watching the sun disappear into the Pacific while dining on fresh seafood creates memories that last a lifetime.
12. Beachside Restaurant & Bar, Marina Del Rey
Urban beach dining takes on new meaning at this Marina Del Rey hotspot where city skylines meet endless ocean horizons. Yacht-filled harbors provide entertainment while you sample their extensive seafood menu.
Happy hour brings professionals from nearby offices to unwind with craft cocktails and harbor views. The modern atmosphere attracts a sophisticated crowd who appreciate both the convenient location and the spectacular waterfront setting.
Weekend brunch becomes a celebration here, where bottomless mimosas and eggs Benedict taste even better with boats gliding past your window and sea breezes cooling the sunny patio.
13. The Hangout Restaurant & Beach Bar, Seal Beach
Beach bar atmosphere reaches perfection at this Seal Beach favorite where cold beer and hot sand create the ultimate California combination. Volleyball tournaments happen right outside while you enjoy their famous fish and chips.
The relaxed vibe encourages long afternoons spent watching waves and people while sampling their craft beer selection. Families feel welcome during the day, while evening hours bring a more adult-oriented crowd seeking sunset cocktails.
Their outdoor deck practically sits on the beach, making this one of the few places where you can literally feel sand between your toes while dining on fresh seafood.