Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Beach Cities

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in Beach Cities? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Aliotta's Via Firenze

4.9

4.9 (657)

$30 and under

Italian

Torrance / Carson

About the restaurant

Aliotta's Via Firenze invites you to experience the essence of Italy in Torrance. Since 1999, this beloved Italian restaurant has offered a warm atmosphere, exceptional service, and a diverse menu of authentic dishes. Chef Michele "Mike" Aliotta crafts each meal with the finest fresh ingredients, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor. Enjoy classic pasta like Rigatoni Bolognese con Polpettine or indulge in seafood specialties such as Scampi Don Mike, showcasing Chef Aliotta's passion for culinary excellence. The enchanting ambiance features Venetian plastered walls and old-world charm, creating a romantic setting for any occasion. The attentive staff guarantees a welcoming experience for all guests. Whether celebrating a special event or enjoying a night out with friends, Aliotta's Via Firenze is the ideal destination. Discover the warmth, flavors, and unforgettable dining experience that has made this restaurant a cherished Torrance institution. Price range: $30 and under. Cuisine: Italian.

Top review

Joey

Dined on Apr 12, 2025

Always so fabulous there 🤩🤩 service food amazing!!! Michael & juan the best❤️❤️❤️❤️💋🌹🥰

Geoffrey's Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (9175)

$50 and over

Californian

Malibu

About the restaurant

Magnificent views of the Pacific coastline complimented by waterfalls and tropical plants create a romantic Mediterranean meets Malibu atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a relaxing weekday lunch and weekend brunch or candlelit dinner with surrounding fire pits. Our international Californian cuisine can be enjoyed while spectacular dolphins and whales showcase their water displays.

Top review

Ryan

Dined 7 days ago

Great experience! Food was great too. Service I gave a plus. Very considerable food choice was given. Recommend to come and have a celebration!

Steak & Whisky

4.8

4.8 (1091)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Hermosa Beach

About the restaurant

Steak & Whisky is a decidedly Californian take on the American Tavern featuring classic American dishes with a modern twist.
Join us for nightly dinner or weekend happy hour, a cozy night out with friends or simply a weeknight meal, Steak & Whisky brings exceptional ingredients and attention to detail to every dining experience.

Each cut of meat has been hand-selected from a single-source herd of cattle to give you the highest quality meat available. Smoked Pork Meatballs, S&W Dry Aged Burger, as well as a selection of quality steaks.

Enjoy a hand-crafted cocktail, 100 plus curated whiskey list, or one of our many by-the-glass wines, a selection from our chef-driven menu, and the cozy ambiance of our intimate dining room. Signature dishes include our Seared Scallops, Butter-Poached Whole Lobster, and our hand-selected steaks, including the Tomahawk, Filet Mignon, and Prime Porterhouse.

*Table Time Limits Enforced*
1-2 people: 1.5hours
3-4 people: 2hours
5+ people: 2.5hours

Top review

Ian

Dined on Apr 2, 2025

Steaks were excellent, lamb starters and oysters were a great start.

Carbon Beach Club Restaurant (The Dining Room) @ Malibu Beach Inn

4.8

4.8 (1131)

$50 and over

Californian

Malibu

About the restaurant

Carbon Beach Club sits directly overlooking an expansive stretch of ocean and sand, forming one of the few intimate locations in Malibu where one can enjoy decadent coastal cuisine, as well as magnificent views, whether it be sunrise or sunset.

Top review

OpenTable DinerVIP

Dined on Mar 6, 2025

The food was amazing! The Service was also amazing too. Can’t wait to go there and try there Breakfast and Lunch menus. We definitely will be back!

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Experience

Golden Happy Hour 3pm-6pm Mon-Fri (BAR ONLY)

Cafe Pacific at Trump National Golf Club

4.8

4.8 (1305)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Rancho Palos Verdes / Rolling Hills Estates

About the restaurant

Experience five-star service and exceptional cuisine at Trump National Golf Club, Los Angeles
Highly-regarded among locals in Southern California, Trump National offers upscale and casual dining facilities with breathtaking ocean views, scenic outdoor dining, exceptional wine lists and a relaxing ambiance. Open to the public for lunch, dinner and in-between, Trump National provides the perfect setting for a casual group gathering or beautiful evening out on the California coast.

Enjoy our indoor and outdoor culinary offerings Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00am to 8:00pm. We look forward to seeing you for lunch, dinner and happy hour. Reservations are highly recommended.

Our High Tea is only offered Three days a week (Wed, Thurs,and Fri) from 2:00pm - 3:00pm, we do need 48 hour Advanced notice before the day of your Reservation. Please call and Book your reservation with our Hostess. (310)303-3260

Top review

JamesVIP

Dined on May 8, 2025

A splendid visit with great food, formal, yet relaxing ambience, complimented by pleasant piano music surrounding the dining room. Truly the touch of class you expect when visiting a Trump property.

Georgia's Lounge

4.8

4.8 (228)

$31 to $50

Lounge

Redondo Beach

About the restaurant

A sophisticated, sleek lounge where the bartenders remember your name. The eclectic tapas menu offers comforting bar bites and rich treats to satisfy those late-night munchies. The cocktail program features classic and uniquely crafted cocktails from fresh, local ingredients. Expect local craft Beers and spirits to challenge the more adventurous drinkers. We have extra parking available every night from 6 pm -12:30 am. Look for the parking lot across the street from Georgia's Lounge, entrance via Huntington Lane at 1444 Aviation Blvd.

Top review

Kelly

Dined on Feb 2, 2025

This is best spot to have a great time! The vibe is amazing and the staff are very nice! I would recommend to all my family and friends!

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Experience

Cheers To You!

Eddie V's - El Segundo

4.9

4.9 (1630)

$50 and over

Seafood

El Segundo

About the restaurant

Eddie V's Prime Seafood is a luxury dining destination known for the seafood flown in from pristine waters around the world, as well as its premium hand-carved steaks. Dishes are artistically prepared and feature an ever-changing array of seasonal seafood, along with critically acclaimed prime center-cut steaks broiled to perfection. The restaurant's award-wining wine list, which has been recognized by Wine Spectator, has more than 300 wines curated by Eddie V's very own Advanced Sommelier. In the V Lounge, guests can sip classic and creative cocktails, and enjoy signature appetizers against a backdrop of live music trios.

Top review

KendraVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Food was delicious, and the chef and manager both came by the table to talk with us. Aimi F amazing server. We split the steak special and twin lobster tails. Fantastic mix-loved it!

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10 oz Center Cut Filet Mignon

Porsche Experience Center’s Restaurant 917

4.9

4.9 (1561)

$31 to $50

American

Torrance / Carson

About the restaurant

The Porsche Experience Center Los Angeles is a cash-free establishment. Guests visiting Restaurant 917 or Speedster Café are welcome to use their AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, or Visa card.

Located on the second level of the Porsche Experience Center Los Angeles, with stunning views of the driver development track, Restaurant 917’s sleek and modern setting echoes Porsche’s world-class design aesthetic. The name and decor were inspired by the legendary 917 race car, which gave Porsche its first overall wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1970 and 1971.

Porsche Experience Center’s Restaurant 917’s refined yet approachable seasonal menu is composed of ingredient-driven dishes that merge diverse flavors, inventive techniques and playful compositions. A unique fine-dining experience worthy of a special trip or serving as the perfect finish to an adrenalin-packed day, it is also an unforgettable venue for special celebrations and meetings.

Top review

Angie

Dined 3 days ago

I had an amazing experience at 917 Porsche Restaurant. We went to celebrate a special occasion and everything was perfect from start to finish. The atmosphere was super pleasant, the food was delicious and came out quickly, and the service was outstanding—attentive without ever feeling intrusive. As part of the celebration, they even brought out a complimentary dish, which was such a thoughtful touch. The entire place was spotless and beautifully presented. What really makes this spot unique is that, beyond the restaurant, you have access to different areas within the establishment: a test track, workshop, souvenir shop, café, museum, and more. Everything is beautifully designed, and you can walk around freely without feeling watched or crowded. Truly a one-of-a-kind experience—I highly recommend it!

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4.8

4.8 (310)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

El Segundo

About the restaurant

Porterhouse in Downtown El Segundo combines the allure of a traditional steakhouse with a contemporary, rustic appeal. The cozy, stylish interior features exposed brick, warm woods and soft lighting. Our diverse menu, crafted by our culinary team, offers a modern twist on steakhouse staples. Our signature Porterhouse steak, an array of other meats, fresh seafood, and flavorful pasta cater to all palates. Our extensive cocktail menu, including a large variety of bourbons, pairs perfectly with our dishes. We aim to create an unforgettable dining experience, melding quality, innovation, and a warm atmosphere. Whether it's a special celebration, a casual outing, or a well-deserved treat, we ensure every meal turns into a celebration of splendid food, pleasant company, and joyous times.

Top review

shahVIP

Dined on May 11, 2025

Exceptional steak sides and service! My new favorite steakhouse!

mar'sel at Terranea Resort

4.7

4.7 (1902)

$50 and over

Californian

Rancho Palos Verdes / Rolling Hills Estates

About the restaurant

Set overlooking the Pacific Ocean with stunning views, Forbes Four-Star award winner, mar'sel offers the ideal location for an elegant dinner or seasonal Sunday brunch. Located just south of Los Angeles on the verdant Palos Verdes Peninsula, mar'sel (a play on the Spanish word for sea, mar and the French word for salt, sel) offers a decidedly inventive twist on international cuisine. Chef Fabio Ugoletti's seasonally rotating fine dining menu that features locally sourced ingredients (including citrus and herbs from the resort's grounds), as well as playful takes on culinary favorites, mar'sel combines approachable luxury with a breathtaking setting perfect for every palate.

Top review

Patrick

Dined 3 days ago

Fantastic service Christopher was amazing, food was incredible all in all 10/10

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Experience

Vintner’s Dinner featuring Schramsberg Vineyards

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