California Coastal Restaurants With Ocean Views Locals Love

California’s coastline offers more than just stunning beaches and sunsets – it’s home to incredible dining experiences where the views rival the food. From Malibu to Big Sur, locals have their favorite spots where fresh seafood and innovative cuisine come with a side of crashing waves and ocean breezes.

These restaurants combine culinary excellence with breathtaking Pacific panoramas that keep Californians coming back again and again.

1. Nobu Malibu

Perched right on Carbon Beach, Nobu Malibu offers a dining experience that’s pure California luxury. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Pacific Ocean, creating a backdrop that’s almost as impressive as the food.

Celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s Japanese fusion masterpieces include the legendary black cod with miso and yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño. The outdoor patio sits so close to the water, you might feel salt spray with your sake.

Reservations are notoriously difficult to secure, but locals know to book weeks in advance or arrive early for a coveted spot at the bar.

2. Sierra Mar At Post Ranch Inn

Eagles soar at eye level when you dine at Sierra Mar, dramatically positioned 1,200 feet above the Pacific on Big Sur’s rugged cliffs. The restaurant’s glass walls seem to float in mid-air, creating the sensation you’re dining in the sky itself.

The prix fixe menus change daily, showcasing ingredients foraged from nearby forests and local farms. Led by Culinary Director Reylon Agustin and Executive Chef Il Hoon Kang, the team transforms seasonal ingredients into works of art while the wine cellar houses over 14,000 bottles.

3. La Costanera

Fog rolling across Half Moon Bay creates magical evenings at La Costanera, where Peruvian cuisine gets a California coastal makeover. The three-story restaurant offers 180-degree harbor views and a heated patio where locals gather year-round.

Chef Carlos Altamirano’s ceviches showcase the day’s catch, while anticuchos (grilled skewers) and pisco sours transport diners to South America. The seafood paella combines Peruvian and Spanish traditions with local Dungeness crab when in season.

Arrive before sunset to watch fishing boats return to harbor while pelicans dive for their own seafood dinner.

4. George’s At The Cove

Sea lions bark in the distance as diners at George’s Ocean Terrace watch waves crash against La Jolla’s famous cove. This local institution offers three distinct dining experiences in one building, with regulars often heading straight for the rooftop Ocean Terrace to take in the views.

The rockfish tacos pair perfectly with local craft beers, while the seasonal seafood celebrates California’s coastal bounty. Guided by the vision of long-time chef and partner Trey Foshee, the culinary team is now led by Executive Chef Masa Kojima and Pastry Chef Anna Adams.

5. Coasterra

The San Diego skyline twinkles across the bay from Coasterra’s massive waterfront perch on Harbor Island. This isn’t your typical Mexican restaurant, it’s a sleek, modern space where floor-to-ceiling windows frame the city panorama. The entire complex, which includes the restaurant, lounge, and event spaces, encompasses a total of 28,000 square feet.

Locals rave about the blue crab and bay shrimp ceviche and the tableside guacamole preparation. The tequila library boasts over 70 premium options, perfect for sunset sipping on the expansive patio.

6. One Pico

Hidden inside the iconic Shutters on the Beach hotel, One Pico embodies Santa Monica’s sophisticated beach culture. The dining room feels like a coastal home with fireplaces, overstuffed chairs, and west-facing windows that frame perfect sunsets.

The menu still features coastal comfort food with refined techniques, utilizing fresh ingredients from the nearby farmers’ market. The lobster risotto, a former cult favorite, may be offered seasonally or re-imagined by the current culinary team.

7. The Marine Room In La Jolla

Waves crash against the windows during high tide at this iconic San Diego institution, creating a dining experience you’ll never forget. Established in 1941, The Marine Room sits so close to the shoreline that during winter high tides, the ocean literally laps at the restaurant’s windows.

Local residents reserve window tables months in advance for special celebrations. The French-inspired cuisine features sustainable seafood caught just offshore, with signature dishes like the lobster bisque becoming legendary among San Diegans.

Sunset dinners here offer a spectacular show as the sky transforms through vibrant oranges and pinks, reflecting off both the water and your wine glass. The restaurant’s longevity speaks volumes about its place in local hearts.

8. River’s End In Jenner

Perched where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean, this hidden gem offers what many locals consider the most magical sunset view in Northern California. The rustic, cabin-like structure sits on a cliff overlooking the dramatic coastline where river waters merge with crashing waves. While not family-owned for generations, owner Bert Rangel has led the restaurant for over 10 years, bringing a passion for local sourcing and sustainable purchasing from Sonoma County’s farms and fishing boats. No reservations for specific tables means everyone gets a fair shot at the coveted window spots.