Beach Dining in Los Angeles
By Tara de Lis, Los Angeles
From Geoffrey's to Malibu seafood, enjoy sunset dinners and brunches at these top beachside Los Angeles restaurants. Glistening water and spectacular sunsets--the pleasures of beachfront dining go far beyond a great meal. Whether its elegant dining rooms or seafood shacks in the sand, we've uncovered the best eats from Malibu to Hermosa Beach.
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Malibu Seafood
25653 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
Fresh seafood, a sunset view and bargain prices--this isn't just another seaside shack. As they say, location is everything, and this one is in a prime spot for perfect Pacific views. -
Paradise Cove Beach Cafe
28128 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
Savor hearty American fare and raw bar delicacies with your toes in the sand. And while you're at it, order up a frilly summer drink--this is one of the few places in L.A. you can legally drink on the beach! -
Moonshadows
20356 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA
A more upscale, white-tablecloth version of the beach restaurant--the views are still killer but you'll need something nicer than a bikini or board shorts to get to enjoy the all-American steaks and seafood here. -
Geoffrey's
27400 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
Panoramic ocean views and elegant Cal-French fare make this celebrity-frequented restaurant worthy of a special-occasion splurge. The feel on the patio is almost European in nature. You can't live in L.A. and not come here at least once.
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The Penthouse
1111 Second St, Santa Monica, CA
Breathtaking ocean and city views make this trendy restaurant and lounge atop the Huntley a one-of-a-kind dining choice from Santa Monica. The bold global tastes are scrumptious. Grab a cabana and look hot--just be sure to snag a reservation in advance so you can get past the doorman. -
Patrick's Roadhouse
106 Entrada Dr, Santa Monica, CA
Check out this beloved beachside breakfast nook ideal for funky pre-sun fun and American fare. It's got a down-home nautical-style diner feel that's earned it the nickname of the "Barney's of the Beach." -
One Pico at Shutters
1 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA
Recently remodeled, this swank hotel eatery offers ocean views, stellar service and an exceptional menu of Cal-Med food. Take it all in with a glass of wine or a classic cocktail from the full bar. -
The Lobster
1602 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA
This sensational beach destination marries marvelous seafood with L.A.'s most iconic Pacific panorama. Basically, with this unrivaled view, they could get away with serving pretty much anything, but the food really is refreshingly good, from a very light lobster chowder to seasonal fresh fish dishes.
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Sidewalk Cafe
1401 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA
Since 1976, beachgoers, skaters, tourists and locals have clamored for outdoor tables under the big red awning overlooking the bustling boardwalk. Bikini-clad hotties, roller-skating guitar players and dreadlocked performance artists make for a compelling floor show during dinner hours. -
Cafe Del Rey
4451 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA
The No. 1 destination dining spot in the Marina offers both sublime harbor views and inspired haute cuisine. Daily dayboat specials on seafood are the way to go here. Plus, there's often a piano player to entertain guests. -
James Beach
60 N Venice Blvd, Venice, CA
This Venice Beach haunt carries on the neighborhood's laid-back, good-time tradition. It's been around for years and years, and the party crowd keeps coming. The food is pretty solid but there's also a sizable bar scene on weekends. -
Tony P's
4445 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA
This causal Marina del Rey eatery is ideal for dockside drinks, sports coverage and nautical noshes. It's basically a casual sports bar with middle-of-the-road food, friendly bartenders, lots of TVs and a killer marina-front location, a neighborhood bar that happens to be in a very nice neigbhorhood.
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Martha's 22nd Street Grill
25 22nd St, Hermosa Beach, CA
An eclectic brunch menu and fabulous views make this cafe a Hermosa Beach tradition. It's popping every day of the week with local families, surfers and hungry visitors looking for great meal deals on their many Benedicts and more. -
Kincaid's Bay House
500 Fishermans Wharf, Redondo Beach, CA
The prime Redondo Beach wharf location guarantees crowds all week, and the upscale seaside chophouse proves there's more to beach cuisine than corn dogs. Oysters are a big draw here. -
Mediterraneo
73 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA
Waterfront Cal-Med cafe lends sophistication to Hermosa's singles-gone-wild bar scene. In fact, the vibe is much more European coastal than South Bay. As the name implies, Mediterranean fare figure prominently, a la cheese, charcuterie and mussels. -
22nd Street Landing Restaurant
141 W 22nd St Ste A, San Pedro, CA
As the name implies, this little San Pedro gem is located right on the landing. Outside, it's pure wharf rat atmosphere, but inside guests enjoy candlelit dinners in a romantic setting. The ultimate splurge? Pick out your lobster, then enjoy the mighty crustacean while overlooking the Pacific.
