California has more than 800 miles of coastline, plus mountains, deserts, and busy city skylines, and some of the best ways to see them come with a dinner menu. Rooftop restaurants let you enjoy a meal while the sun sets over the Pacific or the city lights flicker on below.
This list covers spots from San Diego to Napa, with steakhouses, sushi bars, seafood towers, and garden-style patios. Each one offers a view good enough to plan a special night around.
1. Born and Raised, San Diego, CA
Old Hollywood glamour meets serious beef at this Little Italy steakhouse, where the dining room glitters and the real prize waits one floor up. The open-air second story looks out over the San Diego skyline.
Dinner gets a front-row seat to the city lights as evening settles in.
The menu leans proudly into classic steakhouse territory. The Dry Aged Bone in Ribeye is the headliner, and the Steak Sampler Platter lets a table compare cuts side by side instead of arguing over just one.
Steak Tartare and Uni Spaghetti bring richer, more adventurous flavors to the start of the meal.
Sides get real attention here, too. The Dirty Hashbrowns and Mac and Cheese are both vegetarian, and a full vegetarian menu means guests who skip meat are not stuck with a lonely side salad.
Even the simple Bread and Butter earns a spot among the favorites.
A fireplace adds warmth on cool coastal nights, and the room mixes romance with a trendy, upscale buzz that suits anniversaries. The Layered Carrot Cake Slice makes a tall, old-school finish.
Kitchen hours stretch to midnight or later every single day.
Address: 1909 India St, San Diego, CA 92101
2. Birdseye Rooftop & Bar, La Jolla, CA
Sunset in La Jolla is famous for a reason, and this Prospect Street rooftop hands you a seat right above it. The ocean stretches out below the deck, and the golden evening light turns an ordinary dinner into an event.
The good news is that the food holds its own against that scenery.
Seafood takes the lead on the menu. Jumbo Shrimp Ceviche arrives fresh and bright, Grilled Octopus brings a smoky char, and the Pan-Roasted King Salmon makes a solid main course.
For something heartier, Argentinian Beef Empanadas and Carne Asada Fries are a nod to Southern California comfort food.
Families will feel welcome here. The restaurant offers a kids’ menu and high chairs, and even dogs are allowed, both inside and out.
Pepperoni Flatbread and crispy Calamari are easy wins for younger or pickier eaters at the table.
Weekends start earlier, with brunch beginning at 10 AM on Saturday and Sunday. Full vegan and vegetarian menus mean everyone in the group can order something beyond a plain salad.
Service tends to move quickly, which helps on busy Saturday evenings when the deck fills up for that famous view.
Address: 1110 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
3. Perch, Los Angeles, CA
Paris and downtown Los Angeles meet about 15 stories up, on top of an office building on Hill Street. Down on the sidewalk, you would never guess a French-style rooftop sits overhead.
Step off the elevator, though, and glowing towers surround you in every direction.
The menu reads like a Parisian bistro with an LA accent. French Onion Soup is rich and cheesy, Steak Frites is a bistro classic done right, and Baked Brie melts into a warm, shareable starter.
Ahi Tuna Tartare adds a lighter, fresher option for the table.
Live music plays often, and cozy lighting plus fireplaces keep the mood warm after dark. The setting feels romantic without being stiff, which explains why couples and groups both book tables here.
Late hours let dinner roll well past midnight on most nights.
Weekend brunch is another strong reason to visit. The Crab Benedict is a standout, and Perch Truffle Cheese Fries are a fan favorite at any hour.
End with the White Chocolate Bread Pudding, a soft and sweet finale. Full vegan and vegetarian menus make it easy to bring along friends with different diets.
Address: 448 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
4. The Rooftop Beverly Hills, Beverly Hills, CA
Twelve stories above Wilshire Boulevard, a leafy garden blooms on top of the Waldorf Astoria. Greenery frames the tables, and the view sweeps a full 360 degrees across greater Los Angeles.
On a clear day, you can trace the city all the way to the hills.
The kitchen serves New American food with a playful, luxurious streak. The Lobster Burger is the dish people talk about most, a fancy twist on a backyard favorite.
Sashimi with Spicy White Ponzu and Tuna Tartare bring clean, zippy flavors that suit the bright, airy setting.
Lighter eaters have plenty to choose from. The Miso Caesar swaps classic dressing for a savory miso kick, and the vegan Avocado Mash is a very California way to start a meal.
Anyone wanting a classic main can order the Filet Mignon.
Hours run from 11 AM to 11 PM daily, so lunch, brunch, and dinner all get the same view. Families are welcome, with a kids’ menu, high chairs, and changing tables available.
The vibe changes through the day, from relaxed garden lunch to lively evening crowd as the city lights switch on.
Address: 9850 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
5. Cara Cara, Los Angeles, CA
Picture a summer breeze, a fireside lounge, and the DTLA skyline spread out in front of you. That is the scene on the roof of the Proper Hotel on Broadway.
Cara Cara is relaxed enough for a casual lunch yet pretty enough for date night.
The menu is Californian with flavors borrowed from around the world. Piri Piri Fried Chicken brings a spicy, Portuguese-style kick, while the Braised Wagyu Brisket Tacos are tender and gluten-free.
Seafood Ceviche and Grilled Branzino offer lighter choices that fit the sunny setting.
One fun detail is the Caldo Verde Caesar Salad. It borrows the name of a famous Portuguese kale soup and turns the idea into a vegetarian salad.
The Maine Lobster Roll is another crowd-pleaser, and Herbed French Fries are vegan, so the whole table can share.
Compared to many fancy rooftops, Cara Cara is surprisingly easygoing on the wallet. Doors open at noon daily, and the kitchen stays open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Brunch and full vegan and vegetarian menus round things out, making it simple to plan around different appetites and schedules.
Address: Proper Hotel Rooftop, 1100 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015
6. Élephante, Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica Beach glitters just beyond the railings at this breezy rooftop on 2nd Street. Lounge-style seating, soft fabrics, and an open-air feel make it seem more like a coastal getaway than a city restaurant.
The ocean view is the star, but the Italian menu is a close second.
Start with the Whipped Eggplant Dip with Pita, a smoky and creamy shareable that many tables order first. Fried Calamari and meatballs are popular starters, too.
From there, the Burrata Pizza and Soppressata Pizza show off the kitchen’s Italian roots.
Pasta lovers should look at the Truffle Pasta, a rich vegetarian dish, and the pasta in vodka sauce, which can be made vegan. Desserts are a highlight, especially the classic Tiramisu and a light, crisp Pavlova topped with fruit.
Hours run long, from morning brunch to late night, with weekends open until 1 AM. Weekday lunch is a quieter time to enjoy the view, and live music sometimes adds to the mood.
A fireplace keeps things comfortable when ocean air turns chilly. Private dining rooms are available for bigger celebrations by the beach.
Address: 1332 2nd St Rooftop, Santa Monica, CA 90401
7. MYA Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge, Glendale, CA
Sushi with a sunset is the whole idea at this rooftop on Brand Boulevard. Glendale sits at the foot of the hills, so evening light paints the city in warm colors as dinner begins.
The terrace layout feels open and airy, yet the tables still feel private.
Fresh sushi is the heart of the menu, prepared with care and plated to impress. There is also an all-you-can-eat option, which turns dinner into a fun, long feast for sushi fans.
Small plates and comfort food dishes fill out the rest of the menu for anyone not in a raw fish mood.
Unlike many glamorous rooftops, MYA feels family-friendly. Kids get their own menu and high chairs, and dogs are allowed too.
Full vegan and vegetarian menus make sure nobody leaves hungry.
MYA is a dinner-only spot, opening at 6 PM Tuesday through Sunday and staying open until midnight. It is closed on Mondays, so plan around that.
Ambient lighting and a fireplace help the mood shift from sunset glow to cozy night. Private dining and catering are offered for birthdays, graduations, and other special events.
Address: 1100 N Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91202
8. RH Ocean Grill at RH Newport Beach, Newport Beach, CA
Walls made of glass are impressive, but a glass roof takes things further. At RH Ocean Grill, sitting on top of the RH furniture gallery in Newport Center, the whole dining room is wrapped in glass.
Sunlight pours in, and the Pacific Ocean shimmers in the distance.
As the name suggests, seafood rules the menu. The Chilled Seafood Tower with Lobster is a showstopper, stacked high and meant for sharing.
Raw Oysters on Crushed Ice, Grilled Shrimp with Arugula Salad, and a Grilled Whole Branzino keep the ocean theme going.
Caviar is a specialty here too. The Lobster and Caviar Brioche Bites are small but luxurious, a fancy two-bite treat.
The Lobster Roll with Lemon Garnish is a slightly more casual way to enjoy the same sweet shellfish.
For dessert, Bananas Foster with Ice Cream is a classic that never goes out of style. Weekend brunch starts at 10 AM, and the busiest times are Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
Free parking at Newport Center is a nice bonus in a beach town. Dogs are even allowed inside, matching the relaxed side of this elegant space.
Address: 1101 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660
9. Oku, Santa Barbara, CA
Across the street from the beach on Cabrillo Boulevard, Oku’s roof terrace looks out at both the ocean and Stearns Wharf. Few dinner settings in Santa Barbara can match watching the pier light up as the sky turns pink.
The menu, a mix of sushi and Asian fusion, makes the view taste even better.
The Spider Roll, made with crispy soft-shell crab, is a longtime favorite. Fresh hamachi shows off the kitchen’s skill with raw fish, and wagyu gyoza brings rich, juicy flavor in every dumpling.
Saigon Wings add a Vietnamese twist that stands out from typical sushi bar fare.
Plant-based diners have it easy here. Crispy Korean Cauliflower is a popular vegan pick, and the Crouching Tiger roll, Edamame, and Miso Soup are vegan too.
Full vegan and vegetarian menus mean nobody gets left out.
Oku also offers a great tea selection, a nice touch for a calm evening. Weekday service starts at 4 PM, while weekends open earlier for lunch.
A fireplace warms the terrace when the marine breeze kicks in. For dessert, the Flourless Chocolate Cake is dense, rich, and naturally gluten-free.
Address: 29 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
10. LindaRose Rooftop Bar & Grill at Hotel 1110, Monterey, CA
An antique elevator, small enough for just two people at a time, carries guests up to this fourth-floor rooftop. That quirky ride is part of the charm at Hotel 1110 on Del Monte Avenue.
At the top, Monterey Bay, the peninsula, and the city spread out in every direction.
The menu takes its cues from the Mediterranean, which fits a seaside town nicely. The Lamb Burger is a signature dish, giving a familiar favorite a bolder, more flavorful spin.
Shrimp Tacos offer a lighter option and pair perfectly with the salty bay air.
Small plates make it easy to graze and share while watching the sun drop over the water. Full vegan and vegetarian menus are available too, so mixed groups can all find something tasty.
LindaRose feels intimate rather than huge, which makes it a cozy pick for a romantic dinner. A fireplace helps when Monterey’s famous fog rolls in.
The restaurant opens at 4 PM and is closed Mondays, with later hours on Friday and Saturday. Compared to many rooftops on this list, it is fairly gentle on the budget for such a lovely view.
Address: 1110 Del Monte Ave, Monterey, CA 93940
11. Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar, Napa, CA
Lobster corn dogs might be the most fun thing you eat in Napa. They are a signature at Sky & Vine, a big, lively rooftop in the heart of downtown.
The playful menu matches a space built for hanging out, not just sitting still.
Fire pits glow across the deck, and outdoor games give groups something to do between bites. Live music and performances often fill the air, especially on weekends.
Meanwhile, sweeping views stretch over downtown toward the rolling Napa Valley hills.
The food is casual and great for sharing. Beyond the corn dogs, there are Oysters on the Half Shell, a buttery Lobster Roll, Chicken Wings, and French Fries, which happen to be vegan.
Happy hour food deals make an afternoon visit even more appealing.
Kids are welcome, and so are dogs, which is rare for a rooftop this popular. Saturday afternoons and evenings are the busiest times, while weeknights are calmer.
Doors open at noon most days and at 11 AM on Sundays. Free parking nearby is a welcome perk in a busy tourist town.
It all adds up to a relaxed, fun break from fancier valley dining.
Address: 1260 1st St, Napa, CA 94559
12. Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, Walnut Creek, CA
Rain or shine, the terrace stays open at this aptly named spot on Mt Diablo Boulevard. Covered seating means a gray day does not ruin plans for a rooftop meal.
On clear days, panoramic views of Walnut Creek stretch out in every direction.
The New American menu has something for every kind of appetite. Short Ribs are slow-cooked and tender, and the Lamb Chops make a strong choice for a celebration.
Seafood fans can order Oysters, Tuna Tartare, Grilled Octopus, or Crispy Fried Calamari.
Truffle Fries are a popular shareable, and they happen to be vegan. A classic Caesar Salad offers a lighter pick, and full vegan and vegetarian menus give plenty of plant-based choices.
The vibe here is lively. Live music plays at times, and screens make it a good spot to watch a big game with friends.
Families are welcome, with high chairs ready for little ones. Brunch is served on weekends starting at 10 AM, and private dining rooms help with group events.
Friday and Saturday evenings get busy, so this is one rooftop where booking ahead really pays off.
Address: 1500 Mt Diablo Blvd #300, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
13. Charmaine’s, San Francisco, CA
Moody and dark inside, wide open outside, Charmaine’s plays with contrast on top of the San Francisco Proper Hotel. The stylish indoor lounge opens onto an open-air rooftop with a 360-degree view of the city.
Famous landmarks and the downtown skyline circle the whole deck.
Fire pits and cozy couches make it feel like a friend’s very fancy living room. San Francisco evenings can turn chilly fast, so those flames are more than decoration.
The space is built for lingering and chatting, not rushing through a meal.
The menu is short but thoughtful, leaning toward upscale bar bites. The Proper Cheeseburger is a hearty favorite, while Pork Belly Skewers bring smoky, savory flavor.
Seared Sablefish is a more refined choice, flaky and rich.
Simple snacks like Marinated Olives and Kennebec Fries, both vegan, are perfect for sharing. Charmaine’s opens at 4 PM daily, staying open later on Fridays and Saturdays.
It gets busy midweek too, not just on weekends, so booking a spot is smart. Golden hour here is especially beautiful, as the light sweeps across the city at sunset.
Address: Proper Hotel Rooftop, 1100 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102
14. RH Rooftop Restaurant at RH Marin, Corte Madera, CA
Shopping for furniture rarely ends with a meal this lovely. At RH Marin, the restaurant sits on the roof of the gallery, inside a chic, glass-enclosed space.
Light floods the room, and the windows frame views of Corte Madera and the green Marin hills.
The interior is a big part of the appeal. Elegant decor, greenery, and a polished design make it feel like dining inside a magazine spread.
The setting works for a calm weekday lunch or a special weekend brunch.
Elevated American food fills the menu. The Shaved Ribeye on Charred Garlic Bread is a standout, and the RH Burger with Bacon is a hearty classic.
The Lobster Roll comes with Sweet Potato Fries for a fun change from regular fries.
Vegetables get real care here. Charred Heirloom Broccolini is vegan and full of smoky flavor, and Burrata with Roasted Peppers is a creamy vegetarian starter.
Broiled Salmon and Shrimp Cocktail round out lighter choices, while Truffled Fries with Black Truffles add a little luxury. Free parking is plentiful, and weekend afternoons draw the biggest crowds, so weekdays feel calmer.
Address: 1750 Redwood Hwy, Corte Madera, CA 94925
15. 4 Saints, Palm Springs, CA
The San Jacinto Mountains rise right behind downtown Palm Springs, and 4 Saints serves them up as a backdrop. From this rooftop on Tahquitz Canyon Way, diners see the peaks and the town spread out below.
As the desert sun sets, the mountains glow in shades of pink and orange.
The design is sleek and stylish, a good match for a city famous for mid-century modern architecture. Upscale yet relaxed, the space feels made for a long, unhurried evening.
Friendly, skilled service keeps things running smoothly.
The kitchen serves globally inspired small plates, so ordering a few dishes to share is the way to go. The Caviar Cone is the signature bite, a playful mix of fancy and fun that looks almost like a tiny ice cream cone.
It is the kind of dish that gets photographed before anyone takes a bite.
Full vegan and vegetarian menus open the door for every kind of eater, and desserts and coffee earn high marks too. Doors open at 4 PM daily, right in time for desert sunset.
Free parking nearby adds to the easy, laid-back Palm Springs feel.
Address: 100 W Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
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