During these challenging times, it is much safer to dine outdoors, and thankfully, California’s fabulous weather allows you to do just that almost any month of the year! There are so many incredible restaurants in Los Angeles, but there are only a small selection that have both delicious food and breathtaking ocean views. *Please* keep in mind that especially during the pandemic with limited outdoor seating, reservations at every restaurant listed below are highly recommended. We did another post like this but with a great variety of restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, check that out here!
Keep reading for my favorite LA foodie recommendations with five-star water views…
#1 Nobu Malibu
Open for: Lunch and Dinner
Nobu restaurants can be found around the world, started by Iron Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and his Japanese delicacies. But this is not your average “chain” because the food is always fresh, inventive, with varying menus and stunning locations. Nobu Malibu is one of my favorite Nobu restaurants because it is located right on the water. This contemporary, beachfront space is very welcoming. While this menu features classic Nobu dishes, you can also expect a California twist.
Menu Recommendations: Any of the sushi and sashimi selections, black miso cod, king crab salad, and mini-tacos
#2 Malibu Farm Restaurant
Open for: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner
There are two restaurants to choose from when you visit the famous Malibu Pier (featured in many TV shows and movies!) but my first choice is Malibu Farm Restaurant located at the start of the pier. The alternative, Malibu Farm Cafe, can be found at the end of the pier and it is the more casual of the two – offering counter service and walk-in’s only. Expect fresh, organic, and local food at Malibu Farm Restaurant, along with a full-service bar and specialty cocktails. The space is light and bright with rustic furnishings, but the showstopper is certainly the Pacific Ocean views.
Menu Recommendations: Any of their salads, burgers, salmon dishes, taco trio, and crab cakes
#3 Duke’s Malibu
Open for: Lunch and Dinner
My third and final Malibu restaurant recommendation is Duke’s, also located perfectly along the ocean with stunning views – I almost always see dolphins here! While their iconic Sunday brunch is not currently being served, there are still many delicious reasons to visit Duke’s. This festive restaurant really transports you to Hawaii, where the original restaurant is located. The vibe at Duke’s is more casual than other Malibu restaurants, and I would highly recommend going for lunch or right before sunset.
Menu Recommendations: Fish tacos, Korean bbq ribs appetizer, and Hula pie
#4 The Lobster – Santa Monica
Open for: Lunch, Happy Hour, and Dinner
While Santa Monica is a beautiful area to visit in Los Angeles, most of the restaurants are quite touristy with mediocre food. However, The Lobster is certainly an exception with not only fresh and flavorful seafood, but scenic ocean views as you’re just a stone’s throw from the Santa Monica Pier. Don’t let the tourist location fool you, the food is worth every penny. With a vast history dating back to 1923, The Lobster has beautifully evolved and expanded to a modern, two-story cantilevered building with glass walls to help you take in the views.
Menu Recommendations: Crab cakes, lobster selections, and seafood pasta
#5 Whiskey Red’s – Marina Del Rey
Open for: Lunch, Happy Hour, Dinner
Whiskey Red’s has been a local favorite in Marina del Rey for several years thanks to its large outdoor patio situated right on the sailing channel in Marina del Rey. In fact, it might be the largest waterfront patio in Los Angeles! On most days of the week, diners can enjoy watching boats of all sizes sail by while you’re enjoying a good meal. You can expect both raw seafood and grilled fish dishes, along with an extensive whiskey-focused cocktail menu for those whiskey lovers out there!
Menu Recommendations: Spinach & artichoke dip, fish & chips, and burgers
#6 Strand House – Manhattan Beach
Open for: Lunch, Brunch, and Dinner
The Strand house is a sophisticated yet comfortable family-owned restaurant conceived by a small group of South Bay families out of their love for great food, wine, and friends. Since 2011, The Strand House has been leading the culinary revolution of Manhattan Beach with the best ocean views in town thanks to floor to ceiling windows. During the pandemic, they’ve been allowed to extend their outdoor seating onto the streets for even more opportunities to enjoy the views of both the Pacific Ocean and the Manhattan Beach Pier. On the menu that’s perfectly designed by award-winning Chef Austin Cobb, you can expect locally sourced ingredients and seasonal dishes. Their desserts are also to die for!
Menu Recommendations: Yellowtail crudo, branzino, scallops, pizzas, and homemade donuts
#7 Rock’N Fish – Manhattan Beach
Open for: Lunch and Dinner
Manhattan Beach locals and tourists alike have been flocking to Rock N’ Fish since 2000. Their location is ideal, only a few steps from the Manhattan Beach Pier and right across the street from The Strand House. This restaurant, while owned by the same people, is definitely the more casual of the two but the food is still excellent. Rock N’ Fish has also have expanded their outdoor seating onto the street which gives them an even better vantage point of the Pacific Ocean. Their menu features delicious seafood, along with a few steak options, and a slight New Orleans influence.
Menu Recommendations: Coconut crusted Mahi sliders, Navy Grog cocktails, fresh seafood specials, and seafood jambalaya
#8 Palmilla Cocina y Tequila – Hermosa Beach
Open for: Lunch, Brunch, and Dinner
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila is easily one of the best places in Hermosa Beach, and probably all of Los Angeles, to enjoy a spicy margarita with ocean views! Palmilla has an upscale Mexican menu, offering almost 30 tequila and mezcal based cocktails. They’re located on the pedestrian-only section of Pier Avenue where the nightlife is always vibrant. Palmilla’s outdoor seating is cozy with fire tables and string lights so you can enjoy dining outside anytime of the day or night. There is also a new rooftop dining area to enjoy too with more great views!
Menu Recommendations: Any of their margaritas (especially spicy), homemade flour tortillas with honey butter, short rib taquitos, and skirt steak
#9 Kincaid’s – Redondo Beach
Open for: Lunch, Happy Hour, and Dinner
Kincaid’s Fish, Chop & Steakhouse is located right on the Redondo Beach Pier, offering stunning water views. Their patio seating is spacious and has been serving its guests in the South Bay since 1986. While all of their food is delicious, Kincaid’s is particularly known for their fantastic happy hour.
Menu Recommendations: Baked brie, crab & artichoke dip, and fresh fish dishes
#10 Mar’sel at Terranea Resort – Rancho Palos Verdes
Open for: Dinner and Sunday Brunch
If you really want to impress your partner, Mar’sel is a perfect date-night restaurant. Located at the five-star Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, Mar’sel is the resort’s most upscale restaurant featuring New American cuisine with locally produced ingredients. In fact, they have their own herb garden right outside of the restaurant! The service at Mar’sel is always fantastic as well. While the outdoor seating is beyond lovely, I’d also recommend spending time before or after your meal and walking around this stunning cliffside resort with unrivaled ocean views. Even though Palos Verdes is in Los Angeles County, you feel very far away from the city when you’re at Terranea Resort.
Menu Recommendations: Scallops, Branzino, and steak selections
