Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
Breath taking sunsets - Nelson's at Terranea Resort, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

Nelson's at Terranea Resort

4.6 (413)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 60 times today

About this restaurant

  • Great for brunch
  • Great for scenic views
  • Charming
A guest favorite for casual dining, Nelson’s is perched directly above the ocean coves made famous by the 1950s television series Sea Hunt – from which this modern surf shack takes its name. The cliff-top eatery pays homage to Sea Hunt’s main character, Mike Nelson, as well as actor Lloyd Bridges’ lifetime efforts to protect the environment and the ocean. Guests enjoy coastal cuisine and a warm, friendly bar atmosphere surrounded by outdoor fire pits and unrivalled sunset views. This Southern California restaurant offers one of the most scenic locations in Palos Verdes to enjoy a meal or drink in a relaxed setting.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Gastro Pub, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 11:00 am–8:00 pm Fri 11:00 am–9:00 pm Sat 9:00 am–9:00 pm Sun 9:00 am–8:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Juan Nunez
  • Neighborhood
    Rancho Palos Verdes / Rolling Hills Estates
  • Cross street
    Palos Verdes Drive South
  • Parking details
    Hotel Parking
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Ask Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

What 413 people are saying

Nelson's at Terranea Resort reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Beach Cities

    Great for brunch

  • Beach Cities

    Great for scenic views

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Nelson's at Terranea Resort boasts "unbeatable views" of the Pacific, creating a "relaxing atmosphere" perfect for a scenic meal. Highlights include the hot lobster roll, chips and guacamole, and a delightful ambiance. While some find the food inconsistent, the "spectacular views" and "great service" make it a memorable destination.
413 Reviews
  1. Carrie

    Los Angeles1 review

    3.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Service could’ve been more attentive. Food was brought out without utensils and we had to wait several minutes for utensils. French fries were salty.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Kristine

    Unspecified1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent experience. Relaxing view. Delicious food

    Is this helpful?

  3. Dan

    Dallas - Fort Worth2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautiful venue. We sat outside at one of the picnic tables right next to the dramatic cliff with gorgeous ocean views. Nelson’s is named in honor of the fictional Mike Nelson character in the Sea Hunt TV series which was filmed here before the resort was built. Mike Nelson was a SCUBA diver, former Navy frogman, played by Lloyd Bridges, father of Jeff Bridges.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Colby

    Orlando / Central Florida East1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    CANT GO WRONG WOTH A NELSONS BURGER!!! Great drinks and scenery as well I love taking the family here. Don’t forget to validate your parking for valet!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Isaac VIP

    Los Angeles27 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 13, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful evening by the ocean, fire pit and yummy food

    Is this helpful?

  6. Jonna

    Los Angeles3 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on June 1, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    A group of us go for the view and property, but our outside table was positioned in front of a bunch of heaters stored in black bags. We also think the food tastes worse each time. The tortilla chips tasted dried and stale. The lobster roll is getting smaller and nothing to recommend. They really need to up the ante on the food and put the heaters elsewhere!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Florestine

    Los Angeles10 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 26, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Lovely time. Took the kids this visit. The kids menu was delicious. The best hamburger and fish and chips!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Jan VIP

    Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities12 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It is quite the stunning backdrop for a beautiful lunch!!!!! Family in town and they LOVED it!!! Thanks!!!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Nicole

    Hawaii4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Came here for a lunch with my girlfriends. We were seated promptly at a nice table with a gorgeous ocean view. The service was friendly and prompt, and we enjoyed some nice food and a leisurely afternoon. Extra points for having Schramsburg!

    Is this helpful?

  10. J VIP

    Orange County3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 3, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Great View, Okay food This place has one of the best ocean views around, absolutely beautiful, especially at sunset. The vibe is super chill and perfect for a relaxed meal or drinks with friends. The food was good, but nothing that stood out. You are mostly here for the atmosphere and that part totally delivers. Would definitely come back for the view and the vibe alone!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Nelson's at Terranea Resort offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (866) 690-6821.

Nelson's at Terranea Resort is rated 4.6 stars by 413 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Los Angeles
  4. Beach Cities
  5. Rancho Palos Verdes / Rolling Hills Estates

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 60 times today
Google Map for Nelson's at Terranea Resort

100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Palos Verdes Drive South
  • Neighborhood
    Rancho Palos Verdes / Rolling Hills Estates
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 11:00 am–8:00 pm Fri 11:00 am–9:00 pm Sat 9:00 am–9:00 pm Sun 9:00 am–8:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Gastro Pub, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Hotel Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Juan Nunez
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant Management Solutions
  • Restaurant Reservation Software
  • Restaurant Marketing Software
  • Restaurant Event Software
  • OpenTable For Restaurants
  • OpenTable For Restaurant Groups
  • Restaurant Resources
  • OpenTable Pricing & Plans
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo