Diners' Choice: Great for scenic views restaurants in California Central Coast

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking restaurants that have the most scenic view in California Central Coast? 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!

AronHill Vineyards Bistro & Tasting Room

4.8

4.8 (345)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Templeton

About the restaurant

We are a Paso Robles area winery that offers a wonderful dining experience. At the AronHill Bistro you will enjoy fresh dishes made from seasonal and local ingredients, all paired with stunning hilltop views and even better wines.

The AronHill Bistro & Tasting Room is the Paso Robles wine country’s dining discovery, where you will enjoy fresh dishes made from seasonal and local sources, all paired with estate wines and stunning hilltop views.

Top review

HarryVIP

Dined on Jun 24, 2025

Excellent wine tasting with lunch. The KickAss Burger is amazing. And the wines are all wonderful. We are wine club members and find their wines reasonably priced.

The Sur House

4.7

4.7 (493)

$50 and over

Californian

Big Sur

About the restaurant

The Sur House, at Ventana Big Sur, serves cuisine in an awe-inspiring setting. The restaurant’s warm, rustic interior opens onto its legendary terrace where panoramic views of the ocean and rugged Big Sur coastline stretch for more than 50 miles. The cuisine makes use of the abundance of California’s Central Coast with local, simple, sustainable ingredients, including items from Ventana’s own organic garden.

Non-Resort Guests can enjoy our a la carte menu at this location for brunch and dinner service. Reservations are not required, but highly suggested.

We welcome dogs on the outside terraces at the Sur House patio during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Only certified service animals (dogs) are allowed inside The Sur House for dining.

A 22% Service charge will be added to all checks for parties over 6.

Top review

James

Dined 7 days ago

Beautiful environment for a relaxed meal. Service was attentive without being overbearing.

Beach House Restaurant at Lovers Point

4.7

4.7 (4447)

$30 and under

Californian

Pacific Grove

About the restaurant

Casual California dining overlooking scenic and historic Lovers Point Beach.

Top review

TeaVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Appreciated our waiter, views were fantastic, food just ok. The best food was the bread.

Discover more

Popular dish

Lobster Ravioli

Popular dish

Pacific Coast Clam Chowder

Popular dish

Fish and Chips

Vista Steak and Seafood

4.7

4.7 (1939)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Pismo Beach

About the restaurant

Vista Steak and Seafood is located on the bluffs in Pismo Beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Featuring all natural hormone free steaks and fresh seafood, this coastal dining one of a kind restaurant has something that will sure to please everyone.

Reservations are highly recommended. We gladly accept reservations for parties of 6 or less via Open Table. Please call the restaurant directly for parties of 7 or more ~ 805-556-9000.

We will do our best to accommodate seating requests however we can not guarantee a specific table. Vista has no outdoor seating so please leave your fur babies at home.

Top review

Matt

Dined 1 day ago

Perfect. Wouldn't change anything. Great place to unwind during a long road trip.

Discover more

4.6

4.6 (3837)

$30 and under

Seafood

Monterey

About the restaurant

Experience the beauty of the Pacific Ocean combined with world-class dining on historic Cannery Row, just a short walk from the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The newly renovated Fish Hopper, housed in an original sardine cannery building, offers spectacular views of the stunning Monterey Bay from every table, including our heated outdoor patio. The Fish Hopper specializes in fresh, sustainable seafood, certified Angus beef, pastas, and live shellfish. Our seafood is either locally caught or shipped in fresh daily, and our produce is locally grown in the Salinas Valley. Some favorites include fresh Monterey Bay abalone, macadamia-crusted halibut, our famous “Tomahawk Chop” bone-in rib eye, and fresh Dungeness crab. Start your meal with our award-winning clam chowder, and indulge in one of our many exotic cocktail creations or a selection from our extensive wine collection. While enjoying your delicious meal, you can watch sea otters at play and even catch a glimpse of the occasional whale.

Top review

MichelleVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Great service, delicious food and wonderful views

Discover more

Popular dish

Grilled Halibut

Popular dish

Seafood Pasta Isabella

Popular dish

Award Winning Clam Chowder

Bayview Grille

4.5

4.5 (22)

$30 and under

American

Seaside

About the restaurant

After a round or anytime, relax and enjoy delicious food, a welcoming atmosphere, and stunning views from our Clubhouse Restaurant. Our chef uses fresh, local ingredients to create a range of dishes perfect for golfers and families, whether dining indoors or on the patio. Whether you’re watching the game at the bar or savoring a meal with a view of Monterey Bay, Bayview Grill is sure to be a favorite. Daily specials showcase the best of the Salinas Valley and Monterey Bay, featuring gourmet burgers and hot dogs. If you prefer to unwind, the bar offers specialty drinks and six local microbrews on tap. Chef Caleb brings creativity and expertise to the kitchen, using fresh, local ingredients to craft dishes that delight both the palate and the senses. His attention to detail and presentation make each dish a work of culinary art, whether it’s a special tasting menu or a unique twist on a classic.

Top review

Christine

Dined on May 22, 2025

Waitstaff are exceptionally friendly and pleasant . Food is reasonably priced and delicious. Great locals hangout.

The Lantern Room - Monterey Beach Hotel

4.5

4.5 (60)

$31 to $50

American

Monterey

About the restaurant

Nestled right on the Monterey State Beach, The Lantern Room offers a dining experience like no other, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and a menu inspired by the rich offerings of Monterey County. Our dishes celebrate the flavors of the region, each crafted with ingredient sourced from local vendors, ensuring that every bite supports our vibrant community. Complement your meal with a selection of wines and beers exclusively from Monterey County, all while enjoying the calm, nautical ambiance that perfectly frames the ocean’s horizon. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil evening or a memorable meal with a view, The Lantern Room invites you to savor the best of the coast!

Top review

Lois

Dined on Jun 24, 2025

An almost 2 hour dining. Our waiter understood overseeing the table without intruding giving us plenty of time to finish each course. It was wonderful. And the food was superb.

Moby Dick Restaurant

4.2

4.2 (297)

$30 and under

Seafood

Santa Barbara

About the restaurant

Welcome to Moby Dick Restaurant in Santa Barbara—where dining is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Perched right on the iconic pier, we invite you to indulge in fresh, expertly prepared seafood, exceptional service, and breathtaking ocean views. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely weekend brunch, a satisfying lunch, or a relaxed dinner, our inviting atmosphere and picturesque surroundings will make every moment unforgettable.

Top review

Angela

Dined on Jun 15, 2025

Liz was a wonderfully server always checking in and making sure we were satisfied. Drinks can food were good.

Cypress Beach House

4.0

4 (43)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Pismo Beach

About the restaurant

Cypress Beach House at Inn at the Pier is the premier dining destination in Pismo Beach, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific coastline and a chic California Coastal ambiance.
Our menu highlights the finest California seafood and fresh meats, expertly prepared to showcase the region’s vibrant flavors. Dine outdoors at our ocean view restaurant and bar, where every dish is perfectly paired with signature cocktails, locally sourced wines, and the best craft beers from California’s top breweries. Whether you're unwinding with an after-work drink or taking in a spectacular sunset, every moment here feels extraordinary.

Top review

Herbert

Dined on May 25, 2025

Cipris is an outgoing, awesome server. Kendal was very welcoming.

Discover more

Experience

Daybed Rental

Anchor Rose

3.9

3.9 (108)

$31 to $50

American

Santa Barbara

About the restaurant

Life is better when you're on the water.
Located directly overlooking the historic harbor with 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean and downtown Santa Barbara, Anchor Rose is the perfect place to share a cocktail, enjoy a fresh seafood dinner, and people watch or catch one of the American Riviera’s signature sunsets.
Come for the drinks. Stay for the tapas.
Drawn from the seafaring roots that have shaped the Santa Barbara area for hundreds of years, our craft cocktails and scratch-made plates are inspired by the sea, the surf, and the laid-back atmosphere for which this area is famous. Flip-flops welcome.
Anchor Rose is Santa Barbara’s best restaurant, with a view of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Barbara Harbor. Whether you’re looking for the best fresh seafood or a restaurant with a view, Anchor Rose has quickly become the favorite Santa Barbara restaurant for locals and tourists alike.

Top review

Laurie

Dined on Jun 19, 2025

We always have a good time and good food at the Anchor Rose.

Explore Diners' Choice best of California Central Coast

Explore more Diners' Choice lists