Top 10 Best Beach Restaurants in Los Angeles

This Santa Monica rooftop stunner transports diners straight to the Italian Riviera with its breezy Mediterranean-inspired menu and impossibly chic atmosphere. The Branzino al Forno is a masterclass in simplicity—whole roasted fish with lemon and herbs that tastes like summer on the Amalfi Coast. While not directly on the sand, the rooftop perspective offers sweeping ocean and city views that feel uniquely LA, attracting stylish crowds for lingering lunches and golden hour cocktails. It's a scene—beautiful people, beautiful food, beautiful views—best suited for date nights, girls' brunches, or anyone looking to feel fabulous.

The restaurant that put Malibu on the global culinary map, Nobu Malibu is where A-list celebrities, industry moguls, and well-heeled tourists converge for world-class Japanese-Peruvian fusion with arguably the best oceanfront views in LA. The Yellowtail Jalapeño is non-negotiable—silky, spicy, and utterly addictive—though the Black Cod Miso runs a close second. Yes, it's expensive and yes, you might spot someone famous, but the consistently exceptional food and the privilege of dining on that iconic PCH deck make it worth the splurge for special occasions. Book weeks in advance for sunset tables, and prepare your credit card for a workout.

Part of the exclusive Malibu Beach Inn, Carbon Beach Club Restaurant offers the most intimate beachfront fine dining experience in Malibu, with tables positioned mere feet from the waves. The Pan-Roasted Halibut showcases pristine ingredients with Mediterranean influences, perfectly executed in an elegant yet relaxed setting. Despite the surprisingly modest price level rating, this is luxury dining—think white tablecloths on the sand, impeccable service, and the kind of Malibu sunset that makes proposals happen. It's ideal for milestone celebrations, romantic occasions, or when you want to treat yourself to the Malibu lifestyle without the Nobu price tag.

This Santa Monica gem sits right where Pacific Coast Highway meets the sand, offering a California-cool atmosphere that feels effortlessly stylish. Their Lobster Roll is the stuff of local legend—generous chunks of buttery lobster in a perfectly toasted bun that justifies the price tag. The vibe is upscale-casual, drawing everyone from Santa Monica joggers refueling post-run to business lunches that benefit from the calming ocean backdrop. With both indoor and patio seating overlooking the Pacific, it's a versatile choice that works for romantic dinners or casual weekend lunches alike.

Positioned directly on Venice's Ocean Front Walk, The Waterfront offers an unfiltered Venice Beach experience complete with muscle beach views, skateboarders, and that unmistakable coastal energy. The BBQ Bacon Burger is a guilty pleasure done right—juicy, messy, and best enjoyed with a cold beer while watching the circus of humanity parade by. It's unpretentious and fun, ideal for groups of friends, solo travelers soaking up the scene, or anyone who wants to feel the pulse of Venice without the fuss. The all-day happy hour specials make it dangerously easy to settle in for the afternoon.

Nestled in the pristine Crystal Cove State Park, The Beachcomber feels like a secret you've stumbled upon—a charming beach shack serving elevated comfort food with unbeatable coastal views. Their Fish Tacos are near-perfect: beer-battered, topped with fresh slaw, and served with a side of that coveted laid-back Orange County beach vibe. With the highest rating on this list and a location that requires a scenic walk down to the shore, it attracts everyone from wetsuit-clad surfers grabbing post-session breakfast burritos to LA day-trippers making the pilgrimage south. The Strawberry Lemonade hits different when you're watching dolphins swim by.

A Malibu institution since the '80s, Paradise Cove Beach Café lets you dine with your toes literally in the sand while waves crash just feet away. The Grilled Salmon Salad is a standout, but honestly, anything tastes better when you're seated under an umbrella on a private cove beach with unobstructed Pacific views. It's touristy, yes, but also genuinely magical—perfect for families with kids who can play on the beach between courses or couples seeking that classic Southern California beach experience. Arrive early on weekends or prepare for a wait, but the $30 beach access fee (waived with dining) is worth every penny.

Right on Venice's iconic boardwalk, Belles Beach House captures the free-spirited soul of the neighborhood with its bohemian-chic décor and people-watching paradise patio. Their Avocado Toast with poached eggs and microgreens has become an Instagram sensation, but the real insider move is coming for the Açai Bowl after a morning bike ride along the beach path. It's quintessentially Venice—eclectic crowds, street performers just steps away, and a menu that caters to health-conscious Angelenos and hungover brunch-seekers alike. Groups of friends flock here for boozy weekend brunches that often stretch into the afternoon.

Manhattan Beach's crown jewel, The Strand House delivers elevated coastal dining with breathtaking panoramic ocean views from its modern, airy space. The Wood-Grilled Branzino is legendary here—perfectly charred with herbaceous notes that complement the sea-to-table freshness. This is where Manhattan Beach locals bring out-of-town guests to impress, and the sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere makes it ideal for date nights or celebratory dinners. With an exceptional wine list and craft cocktail program, it's worth the splurge for special occasions.

Perched right on the Marina del Rey harbor, Beachside Restaurant & Bar offers front-row seats to bobbing yachts and golden hour sunsets that'll make you forget you're still in LA. The menu leans into fresh seafood with a California twist, but locals swear by their Grilled Mahi Mahi Tacos paired with a craft margarita on the expansive waterfront patio. It's the perfect middle-ground spot for casual family lunches or after-work drinks with colleagues who want to feel like they're on vacation. The breezy, unpretentious vibe makes it a Marina staple that tourists and locals alike return to again and again.