California’s restaurant scene offers more than just amazing food—it’s a feast for the eyes too. From oceanfront patios to hidden forest gems, the Golden State boasts dining spots with views that might leave you too distracted to eat. These gorgeous eateries combine stunning natural landscapes, innovative architecture, and interior design that turns dinner into an unforgettable experience.
1. Nepenthe – Big Sur
Perched 800 feet above the Pacific Ocean, Nepenthe offers jaw-dropping views that have captivated visitors since 1949. The restaurant’s name—meaning “no sorrow” in Greek—perfectly captures the feeling you’ll have while dining on their famous Ambrosia Burger.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the coastline like living paintings, while the expansive outdoor terrace seems to float between sea and sky. The rustic wooden architecture blends seamlessly with its surroundings.
Originally built as a cabin by Orson Welles for Rita Hayworth, this historic spot has welcomed celebrities, artists, and travelers seeking beauty and tranquility on California’s most dramatic coastline.
2. Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn – Big Sur
Glass walls disappear into thin air at Sierra Mar, creating the illusion of dining in the clouds above the Pacific. The restaurant crowns the exclusive Post Ranch Inn, where architecture defies gravity on Big Sur’s rugged cliffs.
Chef Elizabeth Murray crafts seasonal menus that rival the panoramic views, using ingredients from the property’s organic gardens. The four-course prix fixe dinner changes daily, reflecting the coastal bounty.
The award-winning wine cellar houses over 14,000 bottles, ensuring perfect pairings as you watch the sun melt into the horizon. Even the most jaded travelers admit this dining experience borders on the spiritual.
3. Geoffrey’s – Malibu
Hollywood glamour meets beachfront beauty at Geoffrey’s, where every table boasts uninterrupted ocean views. Since 1948, this Malibu landmark has hosted everyone from Frank Sinatra to Marilyn Monroe, maintaining its reputation as a celebrity haven.
The outdoor patio hovers above the crashing waves, surrounded by lush landscaping and fragrant flowers. White umbrellas provide shade while the California sun sparkles across the water, often accompanied by dolphin sightings during lunch.
Seafood dominates the Mediterranean-inspired menu, with the lobster Cobb salad standing as a signature dish. Reserve well in advance for sunset dining—the technicolor sky show is worth planning your entire day around.
4. The Marine Room – La Jolla
Waves crash dramatically against floor-to-ceiling windows at The Marine Room, creating the thrilling sensation of dining underwater. During high tide, the ocean spray creates a natural light show as water splashes against the glass—a phenomenon that’s drawn diners since 1941.
Nestled in La Jolla Shores, this iconic restaurant pioneered “high tide breakfasts” where guests witness the morning surf while enjoying French-influenced coastal cuisine. The interior features elegant wood paneling and sophisticated nautical touches that complement rather than compete with the main attraction.
Executive Chef Bernard Guillas brings global influences to local seafood, creating dishes as artistic as the setting. Time your visit during a full moon for an especially magical dining experience.
5. The Mountain House – Woodside
Hidden among ancient redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains, The Mountain House feels like stepping into a storybook cabin. This historic roadhouse dates back to 1912, when it served as a rest stop for travelers making the treacherous journey between San Francisco and the coast.
Massive stone fireplaces warm the wooden interior during foggy evenings, while multiple levels of outdoor decks embrace the forest setting during warmer months. Strings of twinkling lights illuminate the towering trees after sunset, creating a magical woodland dining experience.
The menu honors its heritage with hearty steaks and wild game dishes that satisfy after a day of hiking nearby trails. Locals treasure this secret spot for its unpretentious charm and timeless connection to California’s pioneering spirit.
6. SingleThread – Healdsburg
Farm-to-table transcends to art form at SingleThread, where the three-Michelin-starred restaurant occupies a minimalist sanctuary in Wine Country. The Japanese-inspired interior features handcrafted woodwork, custom ceramics, and an ever-changing tableau of seasonal flowers and branches from the restaurant’s own farm.
Before each meal, guests receive a rooftop tour overlooking Healdsburg’s picturesque town square and the surrounding vineyards. Chef Kyle Connaughton’s 11-course tasting menu changes daily based on what’s harvested that morning by his wife Katina, who manages their nearby farm.
Each dish arrives on pottery specifically designed for that creation, often nestled in moss, stones, or flowers that evoke the season. The aesthetic precision extends to every detail, creating dining as visual meditation.
7. Yamashiro Hollywood – Los Angeles
A 600-year-old pagoda transported piece by piece from Japan crowns this replica of a Kyoto palace, offering the most dramatic views of the Los Angeles basin. Built in 1914 as a private residence, Yamashiro (meaning “Mountain Palace”) sits among koi ponds and Japanese gardens that transport diners far from Hollywood’s hustle.
The interior preserves ornate woodwork, silk screens, and authentic artifacts that survived decades of history, including a stint as headquarters for the exclusive “400 Club” during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Outdoor tables along the terrace provide panoramic views from downtown to Santa Monica.
While the Asian-fusion menu satisfies, most visitors come for sunset cocktails and the surreal experience of finding feudal Japan hidden above the world’s entertainment capital.
8. Merois – West Hollywood
Wolfgang Puck’s rooftop marvel crowns the Pendry Hotel, blending indoor-outdoor spaces that showcase Los Angeles from downtown skyscrapers to the Pacific Ocean. Floor-to-ceiling windows retract completely, allowing the dining room to transform with California’s perfect weather.
Designed by the acclaimed Martin Brudnizki, Merois features mid-century modern furniture in jewel tones, brass accents, and a stunning circular bar that becomes the social center at sunset. Tropical plants soften the clean lines, creating intimate spaces within the expansive setting.
The menu reflects Puck’s signature fusion of French technique with Asian flavors and California ingredients. Reserve well ahead for a poolside table, where the twinkling city lights below compete with the stars above in this sophisticated urban oasis.
9. The Penthouse – Santa Monica
Eighteen floors above Santa Monica Beach, The Penthouse offers a 360-degree coastal panorama that stretches from Malibu to Palos Verdes. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the iconic Santa Monica Pier, with its illuminated Ferris wheel creating a magical backdrop after sunset.
White-on-white décor with subtle ocean blue accents allows the views to take center stage. Sleek modern furniture and strategically placed mirrors amplify the sense of floating above the Pacific. The wraparound outdoor terrace catches ocean breezes perfect for enjoying California sparkling wines.
Executive Chef David Codney’s menu emphasizes sustainable seafood and seasonal produce from the nearby farmers market. Arrive before sunset to witness the sky’s transformation from brilliant blue to fiery orange to deep purple over the endless horizon.
10. Coast Kitchen – Jenner
Perched on a windswept bluff where the Russian River meets the Pacific, Coast Kitchen offers front-row seats to one of California’s most dramatic natural intersections. The restaurant anchors the Timber Cove Resort, a mid-century modern lodge renovated to highlight its spectacular location.
Massive redwood beams frame floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase crashing waves against jagged rock formations. The dining room’s stone fireplace creates a cozy contrast to the wild scenery outside, especially during winter storms when the ocean spray reaches the glass.
Chef Phillip Kaufman focuses on hyperlocal ingredients, including seaweed harvested from the coves below and mushrooms foraged from nearby forests. This remote North Coast gem rewards those willing to drive the winding coastal highway with unforgettable views.
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