Oceanfront dining, fresh seafood, and sunset views along the LA coast
Last Updated: August 21, 2026
Los Angeles is home to some of the best beachside restaurants in the country, where world-class dining meets sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. This updated 2026 guide rounds up 17 of the top oceanfront restaurants in LA, organized by neighborhood — from the celebrity-favorite spots along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu to the elegant hotel restaurants of Santa Monica, the laid-back boardwalk cafés of Venice Beach, and the sunset-facing dining rooms of Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach. Whether you're planning a romantic dinner, a casual beach brunch, or sunset cocktails with a view, these are the beachfront restaurants in Los Angeles worth booking.
At Malibu Farm, you have the choice of two exquisite beachfront dining experiences on the iconic Malibu Pier. Nestled at the beginning of the pier, the upscale restaurant serves farm-fresh dishes and handcrafted cocktails, immersing you in an ambiance where you can almost taste the ocean spray. Alternatively, the casual café, positioned at the pier's far end, extends over the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, allowing you to savor the ocean breeze and the mesmerizing sound of waves crashing as you indulge in delectable bites. Regardless of your selection, you'll be treated to awe-inspiring vistas of one of the world's most renowned beaches and surfers' havens.
Malibu Farm Restaurant, 23000 Pacific Coast Hwy Building C, Malibu, CA 90265
Indulge in the best of both worlds at Lucky's Malibu, a classic American steakhouse perched by the pristine shores of Malibu. Whether you're strolling in fresh from the beach in your sun-kissed shorts or seeking a late-night cocktail in an upscale setting, Lucky's caters to all. With its roots in the star-studded enclave of Montecito, this Malibu gem might offer fewer Oprah and Meghan Markle sightings, but you'll find a crowd that's no less impressive. Picture Real Housewives sipping martinis while showcasing their dazzling jewelry and surfers who casually mention their two Oscars at home as they strut in board shorts. Beyond the captivating people-watching, Lucky's impresses with its delectable cuisine, making it a must-visit destination that seamlessly blends sophistication with beachside charm.
Lucky's Malibu, 3835 Cross Creek Rd Suite #18, Malibu, CA 90265
Nobu Malibu, nestled along the picturesque Pacific Coast Highway, is more than just a restaurant; it's a coveted oceanfront experience synonymous with luxury and celebrity sightings. If you're seeking a taste of Japanese-Peruvian culinary excellence, this is the place to be. Renowned for its delectable selection of sushi and sashimi creations, Nobu Malibu has welcomed a parade of A-listers through its doors. From chart-topping musicians like Drake to Hollywood's finest like Natalie Portman and Megan Fox, the restaurant has become a haven for the rich and famous. Securing a reservation here is akin to winning the lottery, but the reward is worth it as you savor tiny plates of fresh seafood and innovative Peruvian-Japanese cuisine in the heart of celebrity-rich Malibu.
Nobu Malibu, 22706 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Mastro's Ocean Club Malibu combines the glamour of a classic steakhouse with one of the most spectacular oceanfront settings along the Pacific Coast Highway. Perched directly on the Malibu coastline, the restaurant offers sweeping Pacific Ocean views, an elegant dining room, and an upscale atmosphere that makes it particularly popular for romantic dinners, celebrations, and special occasions. The menu focuses on prime steaks, fresh seafood, shellfish, decadent sides, and classic steakhouse desserts, while the full bar adds an extensive selection of cocktails and wines. With its dramatic coastal backdrop and sophisticated atmosphere, Mastro's Ocean Club is an excellent choice for diners looking to pair a luxurious meal with a quintessential Malibu sunset.
Mastro's Ocean Club, 18412 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
One Pico, the elegant beachfront restaurant nestled within Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica, has developed a reputation as a celebrity favorite — thanks to its sweeping views of the Pacific and refined coastal cuisine. The hotel itself is often referred to as "Hollywood's Beach House," and One Pico has welcomed an impressive array of famous faces over the years. According to reliable sources, the venue has hosted stars such as Jennifer Aniston, Julia Roberts, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, Ben Affleck, Eva Longoria, Christian Bale, Zac Efron, Megan Fox, and Tim Robbins, all drawn by its sophisticated ambiance and prime oceanfront location.
Terrazza at Hotel Casa del Mar is a stunning ocean-view restaurant in Santa Monica, offering an elegant yet relaxed dining experience with breathtaking views of the Pacific. Located inside the luxurious Hotel Casa del Mar, this airy, sunlit space features floor-to-ceiling windows, plush seating, and a stylish coastal ambiance. Guests can indulge in a Mediterranean-inspired menu with fresh seafood, handcrafted cocktails, and fine wines while watching the sunset over the beach. Whether enjoying a leisurely brunch, a romantic dinner, or evening live music, Terrazza provides a quintessential Southern California dining experience with unparalleled oceanfront charm.
Terrazza, 1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Situated gracefully 18 stories above the breathtaking Southern California coastline, The Penthouse at the Huntley in Santa Monica is a true gem within the hotel. This dining destination offers a 360-degree spectacle of the coastal cliffs and the ethereal meeting point where the sky kisses the ocean. Embrace the allure of the Penthouse lifestyle as you sip on imaginative cocktails and savor contemporary cuisine fit for a celebrity. Designed by the renowned Thomas Schoos, this Santa Monica rooftop restaurant on the 18th floor provides an extravagant dining experience, complete with panoramic ocean vistas, inviting beach cabanas, and open sky enclaves. Whether you're sipping on signature craft cocktails or indulging in the finest contemporary California cuisine, The Penthouse guarantees a dining experience that's unparalleled, making it one of the premier culinary destinations in Santa Monica.
The Penthouse at the Huntley, 1111 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90403
Positioned atop the scenic Santa Monica coastline, Élephante is more than just a restaurant; it's an Instagrammer's paradise and a culinary haven. With sweeping ocean vistas and an inviting, semi-open ambiance, Élephante provides the ideal backdrop for capturing social media gold or rubbing shoulders with the city's influencers. Chef Thomas Lim's Italian-American fare shines with delectable pasta dishes and perfectly blistered personal-sized pizzas. This chic destination not only offers elevated Italian cuisine but also serves as a tranquil escape, channeling the spirit and flavors of coastal southern Italy. As the sun sets over the Pacific, Élephante takes you on a Mediterranean journey right in the heart of Santa Monica.
Élephante, 1332 2nd St Rooftop, Santa Monica, CA 90401
The Lobster is one of Santa Monica's most iconic seafood restaurants, occupying a prime location directly across from the Santa Monica Pier. Floor-to-ceiling windows and an elevated dining room provide spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, making the restaurant particularly memorable around sunset. As its name suggests, seafood takes center stage, with lobster, oysters, shellfish, fresh fish, and other coastal favorites featured throughout the menu. The restaurant's combination of excellent seafood, polished service, and one of the city's most recognizable beach views makes The Lobster a classic choice for a special lunch, romantic dinner, or celebratory meal by the ocean.
The Lobster, 1602 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Water Grill Santa Monica offers a refined seafood experience just steps from the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Pier. Known for its extensive raw bar and impressive selection of fresh seafood, the restaurant provides an elegant setting for enjoying oysters, shellfish, seasonal fish, and other seafood specialties. Its location on Ocean Avenue makes it especially convenient for combining dinner with a stroll along the pier, beach, and surrounding downtown Santa Monica. While the restaurant has a more sophisticated atmosphere than a traditional beach café, the combination of ocean proximity, quality seafood, and stylish surroundings makes Water Grill an excellent destination for upscale coastal dining.
Water Grill, 1401 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Meat on Ocean offers a modern steakhouse experience in the heart of Santa Monica, with an enviable position overlooking the Pacific and just a short walk from the Santa Monica Pier. The restaurant specializes in prime steaks, seafood, craft cocktails, and an extensive wine selection, creating a polished setting for dinner with an oceanfront backdrop. Large windows and outdoor seating help bring the coastal scenery into the dining experience, while the menu provides a welcome alternative for diners who prefer steak and classic steakhouse fare to the seafood-focused menus found at many beach restaurants. Sunset is an especially attractive time to visit, when the Pacific provides a dramatic backdrop to dinner.
Meat on Ocean, 1501 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Located directly on the Venice Beach Boardwalk, The Waterfront Venice delivers the kind of casual coastal atmosphere that makes beachside dining in Los Angeles so appealing. The restaurant combines a relaxed beer-garden atmosphere with a menu of California-inspired favorites, seafood, tacos, burgers, salads, and refreshing cocktails. Its position on Ocean Front Walk puts guests right in the middle of Venice's famous beach culture, making it an especially fun choice for people-watching, sunset drinks, and an easy meal after a day on the sand. With the Pacific Ocean and boardwalk just outside, The Waterfront Venice is a laid-back alternative to the city's more formal oceanfront restaurants.
The Waterfront Venice, 205 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291
Kassi Venice Beach brings a stylish Greek-inspired dining experience to the rooftop of Hotel Erwin, just steps from the sand and the Venice Beach Boardwalk. The restaurant features an expansive view of the Pacific Ocean, breezy indoor-outdoor surroundings, and a menu built around Greek-inflected mezze, salads, crudo, grilled skewers, and seafood. The atmosphere becomes especially appealing around sunset, when the rooftop transforms into a colorful coastal gathering place with cocktails, music, and panoramic views toward the ocean. For visitors looking for a more fashionable and elevated Venice Beach experience, Kassi offers an ideal combination of Mediterranean-inspired food, ocean scenery, and Southern California beach culture.
Kassi Venice Beach, 1697 Pacific Ave, Venice, CA 90291
Dudley Market is a beloved Venice Beach neighborhood restaurant that combines a relaxed coastal atmosphere with an ambitious, seafood-forward menu. The intimate restaurant emphasizes seasonal ingredients and locally caught seafood, creating a dining experience that feels distinctly Californian without sacrificing culinary creativity. Located just a short walk from the Pacific, Dudley Market is particularly appealing for visitors who want to experience the food-focused side of Venice rather than simply choosing a restaurant on the busiest stretch of the boardwalk. Its intimate setting, carefully selected wines, and frequently changing menu make it a standout destination for a more sophisticated meal after spending time at the beach.
Dudley Market, 9 Dudley Ave, Venice, CA 90291
Located on the strand of Downtown Manhattan Beach, The Strand House is a distinguished coastal California cuisine restaurant that seamlessly blends sophistication with comfort. Born from the shared love of exceptional food, wine, and companionship among a close-knit group of South Bay families, this family-owned establishment opened its doors in 2011, spearheading a culinary revolution in Manhattan Beach. Boasting a breathtaking 180° vista of the Pacific Ocean, The Strand House entices both globetrotters and locals with its panoramic views, but it's the culinary creations of Chef Chris Park that truly captivate. Showcasing the year-round abundance of Southern California's produce, the menu is a testament to the chef's dedication to sourcing directly from the finest farmers and purveyors found at the weekly farmers market. To complement the dining experience, The Strand House boasts a thoughtfully curated cocktail and wine program that caters to the preferences of every guest. In keeping with their belief that impeccable service need not be formal, The Strand House provides a five-star experience steeped in the warmth and hospitality of a beach town, treating each guest like a cherished member of the family. Additionally, StrandBar, conveniently located steps away from the Pier, serves as the vibrant heart of Manhattan Beach's bustling downtown scene. It offers the perfect setting to savor handcrafted cocktails as the sun gracefully sets over the Pacific, or to unwind with a local craft beer while catching the latest game on television, creating a delightful retreat for those leaving the beach.
The Strand House, 117 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Sea Level Restaurant & Lounge at The Beach House Hotel is one of Hermosa Beach's most direct oceanfront dining experiences. Located on The Strand, the restaurant features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the sand and surf, creating an especially impressive setting for sunset dining. The coastal menu emphasizes fresh seafood and California-inspired dishes, complemented by a full cocktail and wine program. The relaxed yet upscale atmosphere works equally well for a romantic dinner, weekend brunch, or evening drinks while watching the activity along Hermosa's famous beachfront. For diners who place a premium on an unobstructed beach view, Sea Level is one of the South Bay's strongest options.
Sea Level Restaurant & Lounge, 1300 The Strand, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Coni'Seafood brings the vibrant flavors of Nayarit-style Mexican seafood to Hermosa Beach, creating a lively dining option for anyone craving something different after a day at the ocean. The restaurant is particularly known for fresh ceviches, seafood tacos, aguachiles, grilled seafood, and other bold preparations inspired by Mexico's Pacific coast. Located just a block from the beach, Coni'Seafood benefits from the salty ocean air and relaxed atmosphere of Hermosa while offering a more casual and energetic alternative to the area's upscale beachfront restaurants. It is an excellent choice for groups, seafood lovers, and diners looking for a memorable post-beach meal.
Coni'Seafood, 934 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254