You can’t visit or live in Los Angeles without taking in an epic waterfront meal at the beach. With beach cities up and down the coast, it’s not hard to find restaurants with killer ocean views and vibrant, memorable cuisine. The best beachside restaurants Los Angeles serve up a culinary experience that are as spectacular as the views.
Chill out with fresh salads and mimosas with your toes literally in the sand in Santa Monica. Watch boats lazily drift by while partaking in ceviche in Marina del Rey. Or head to the South Bay for some fresh-caught seafood from the harbor.
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Read on to learn more about the 10 best restaurants on the beach in Los Angeles right now.
For chic rooftop vibes and New American cuisine — book a table at The Penthouse Restaurant (Santa Monica)
The Penthouse Restaurant is all about drama. From elegant white and gold furnishings to an upscale menu featuring modern American standouts like lobster truffle mac and cheese and a luxe seafood tower, it’s a go-to for a special night out with chic coastal vibes. With a prime spot atop The Huntley Hotel, it offers stunning panoramic ocean views. Sit on the terrace with a glass of rosé as you watch the sunset at one of the best ocean-view restaurants in Los Angeles.
For lively patio dining right over the water — visit Whiskey Red’s (Marina Del Rey)
Whiskey Red’s in Marina del Rey is where you go for fresh seafood, unbeatable views, and a lively vibe that screams coastal escape. Dig into the famous crab cakes or clam chowder while sipping a signature margarita on the sprawling patio overlooking the harbor. Whether you’re here for weekend brunch with endless mimosas or a romantic dinner under string lights, it’s hard to go wrong when sitting practically on the ocean. Stroll around the Fisherman’s Village afterward.
For 180-degree panoramic ocean views in a stunning dining room — head over to The Strand House (Manhattan Beach)
Steps away from the Manhattan Beach Pier, The Strand House is a go-to for locals to bring visiting friends to awe them with breathtaking ocean views and chef Chris Park’s elegant coastal cuisine. Feast on flavorful bluefin tuna tostada or perfectly cooked tomahawk steak paired with craft cocktails while lounging in a dining room that screams upscale beach. However, nothing beats the scene outside the floor-to-ceiling windows when the sun sets over the pier, bathing the space in golden hues.
For a laidback brunch or dinner with boat views in the heart of Marina del Rey — try Beachside Restaurant and Bar (Marina del Rey)
Perched on the waterfront in Marina del Rey, Beachside Restaurant & Bar is the spot for laid-back seaside dining with a prime view of boats launching off for the day. Kick back on the patio as you savor globally inspired California dishes like citrusy ceviche and an umami-filled garlic noodle dish. The vibe is breezy, with tropical cocktails like a classic margarita setting the tone for a perfect sunset moment.
For a traditional taste of Italy at one of the best restaurants in Hollywood, Los Angeles — book a table at SALT Restaurant and Bar (Marina del Rey)
Part of the Marina del Rey Hotel, SALT Restaurant and Bar delivers upscale Californian cuisine in a charming vintage coastal setting that invites you to lounge the day away. Dive into flavor-packed dishes like steamed mussels, chorizo, and melt-in-your-mouth short ribs. Pair your meal with a handcrafted cocktail—get the tropical, tequila-forward Lorax—or wine from the robust list. Striped umbrellas and plush outdoor couches make you feel like you’re worlds away from regular life.
For a waterfront oyster bar that focuses on sustainability — head to Bluewater Grill (Redondo Beach)
Overlooking the sparkling Pacific on King Harbor, Bluewater Grill is a seafood lover’s dream and a SoCal staple. Known for fresh, sustainable local catches, the menu changes with the seasons and stars standout dishes like miso-glazed black cod and buttery lobster roll. Start your meal with a half dozen in-season oysters paired with a coastal-inspired cocktail. The relaxed, refined ambiance and oceanfront views make it perfect for a birthday meal or a date night out.
For tableside guacamole and savory Mexican dishes at one of the best restaurants on the beach in Los Angeles — head to El Torito (Redondo Beach)
It’s hard to go wrong with sizzling fajitas and ice-cold margaritas while overlooking the ocean right outside your window. El Torito, with a prime spot in the middle of Fisherman’s Wharf in Redondo Beach, is beloved for its all-you-can-eat chips and salsa, tableside guacamole, and vibrant Mexican cuisine. The casual vibe means the whole family can feel at home, and once you’re done eating, just head down the pier to dip your toes in the sand.
For beachside dining right on the sand — check out Back on the Beach (Santa Monica)
Located directly on the sand, Back on the Beach is a quintessential Santa Monica gem. Steps from the water, with the mountains behind, it’s perfect for savoring fresh California fare like colorful salads, juicy burgers, and fluffy pancakes for breakfast. Families love the spacious patio and playground next door, where kids can play while adults enjoy a bloody Mary. On a clear day, you can even spot Catalina Island in the distance for an idyllic SoCal day.
For an elegant meal after a trip to the Aquarium of the Pacific — book a table at Parkers’ Lighthouse (Long Beach)
Located in the heart of Shoreline Village, Parkers’ Lighthouse offers breathtaking waterfront views paired with signature mesquite-grilled seafood. Known for its award-winning wine list and perfectly cooked dishes like cedar-plank salmon and sesame-crusted ahi, it’s a destination for milestone gatherings and date nights. The airy, multi-level space is perfect for catching a breathtaking sunset while visiting the casual rooftop bar, which is a must-do.
Feast on oysters, lobster rolls, grilled fish, freshly caught sashimi, and more while you watch the waves crash feet away from you. Grab a seat on the patio on a sunny day for the best views, but remember the best seats fill up fast—especially near the beach, so make sure to plan accordingly.
