7 Stunning Restaurants in Los Angeles by the Beach

Not all cities are lucky enough to be located near the ocean. But cities in Los Angeles county, such as Santa Monica and Venice, are home to dozens of restaurants that offer stunning views of the Pacific ocean. From hip lounges to classic bars, Los Angeles is home to a number of vibrant beachside restaurants. Here are our 7 favorites. 

Are you on the hunt for the perfect holiday gift for your loved ones? Surprise them with a virtual GiftYa card! In just one text, you can treat your friend with a GiftYa card to their favorite restaurant. Not only are virtual GiftYa cards convenient to carry, but they are also a safe, contact-free alternative to physical gift cards or cash. 

1. James’ Beach

Lively bar in Venice featuring a spacious new patio perfect for enjoying a delicious meal outside

60 N Venice Blvd | Venice | jamesbeach.com

For 24 years, guests have flocked to James’ Beach for its savory cuisine and stunning beachside views. On the menu, you’ll find delicious comfort food such as their Famous Fried Chicken and Grilled Scottish Salmon. James’ Beach also serves a wide selection of tacos like the Crispy Duck Tacos and Roasted Jidori’s Chicken Tacos. 

Since the start of COVID, James’ Beach has begun to offer cocktails and wine to-go along with its new outdoor patio dining service. Everything from the Summer Mai Tais to the Watermelon Margaritas can be loaded into a pitcher for you to enjoy at home. 

“James Beach has some scrumptious burgers!!! We dined here with a gift card and glad we did...the prices were a bit too high for the food that was being served. They had their outdoor patio available for seating. Their staff was following all CDC guidelines with gloves, masks, and face coverings.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for James’ Beach. 

2. Mastro’s Ocean Club

Popular beachside restaurant in Malibu known for its sophisticated and refined atmosphere

18412 Pacific Coast Highway | Malibu | mastrosrestaurants.com

If you’re looking for something a little more swanky and upscale, we recommend visiting Mastro’s Ocean Club. Located along the Pacific Coast Highway, this popular restaurant is almost within reach of the ocean. 

To start, you’ll want to share an appetizer with your dinner mates. The Shrimp Cocktail and Alaskan Red King Crab Claws are a couple of their most popular appetizers. As for the main entree, you have a wide selection of steaks, chops, seafood, and vegetable entrees to choose from. If you’re still hungry after the main dish, a small dessert selection is also available for you to peruse. 

“So for my birthday celebration dinner we went with Maguro lime sushi and ribeye steak. Since we are cognac fans we ordered Hennessy sidecar. Sushi was great 5/5, steak was delicious 5/5, and the drinks were pretty strong. Jake, our waiter left the shakers on our table for us or him to pour more. Unlike most fancy restaurants that you pay $20 for a drink and that's about it.” - Yelp Review 

Purchase a GiftYa card for Mastro’s Ocean Club. 

3. Rock’n Fish

Casual American seafood restaurant located in Downtown Manhattan Beach

120 Manhattan Beach Blvd | Manhattan Beach | mb.rocknfish.com 

Since 2000, Rock’n Fish has been one of the most popular destinations in Manhattan Beach for a sizzling steak or fresh seafood plate. Located about 30 seconds from the beach, this restaurant is perfect for anyone who wants to take a quick walk along the ocean before or after their meal. In addition to its great location, Rock’n Fish also serves some pretty delicious food. Fresh seafood, meats, salads, and more await you at this popular beachside restaurant. 

“Very nice bar / restaurant with good food and vibe to chill while in Manhattan beach. Oysters were fresh and good too. Right close to a pier which you can take a walk after getting full. Being in a busy Manhattan beach area, parking may be a bit difficult to find.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Rock’n Fish. 

4. The Strand House

Lively restaurant in Manhattan Beach known for its farm-fresh meals

117 Manhattan Beach Blvd | Manhattan Beach | thestrandhousemb.com

The Strand House is another popular restaurant in Manhattan Beach that is known for its breathtaking ocean views. This family-owned restaurant offers an award-winning menu filled with savory appetizers, cocktails, and entrees. According to executive chef Austin Cobb, he has a “New-American, freestyle way of cooking that blends inspiration from cuisines all around the world.” Some of their most popular dishes include the Grilled Prime Filet of Beef, Ora King Salmon, and Chill-Spiced Avocado. 

“I came here for DineLA during COVID and it did not disappoint at all. Our temperatures were taken and hosts were attentive and polite. Everything was clean and I felt safe eating there. I highly recommend making reservations and specifying second floor patio seating with a view of the ocean. Otherwise, you'll most likely be seated at the makeshift tent on the street.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for The Strand House. 

5. Beachside Restaurant and Bar

Oceanside restaurant in Marina del Rey that offers a wide selection of fresh seafood dishes

4175 Admiralty Way | Marina del Rey | jamaicabayinn.com 

While it might be a bit of a trek for most people in Los Angeles, the long drive to the Beachside Restaurant and Bar is definitely worth it. Located inside the Jamaica Bay Inn, this restaurant offers fresh California cuisine and inventive cocktails. From the Heirloom Apple Salad to the Shrimp Fettuccine, the restaurant’s cuisine will leave you filled and satisfied. At the bar, you can customize a delicious cocktail or order a glass of wine or bottle of beer. A small, but appetizing dessert menu is also available for anyone who’s sweet tooth is calling out to them. 

“Service was great and fast. We ordered the cauliflower, charcuterie, and ceviche for appetizers. All were good but I preferred the ceviche which was surprisingly spicy (love spicy food). We also shared a couple of bottles of their brut champagne.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Beachside Restaurant and Bar. 

6. High Rooftop Lounge

Venice bar that offers gorgeous views of the beach from its open-air deck

1697 Pacific Ave | Venice | highvenice.com

Los Angeles definitely does not have a shortage of rooftop bars. Located in Venice, High Rooftop Lounge offers scenic views of the nearby beach and an appetizing bar menu. While you sip on a cocktail, you can enjoy the 360-degree views of LA from the famed Muscle Beach to the iconic Hollywood sign. 

If you want a casual spot where you can try a few cocktails and grab a quick bite to eat, you should head here. Along with an extensive drink menu, the High Rooftop Lounge also serves street tacos, sliders, and mezze plates. 

“Came here for a friend's 30th birthday and I'm so glad it was open! Try to make a resy if you can otherwise you still may have to wait a little. The staff is super friendly and accommodating which was so refreshing to experience during covid. Everyone wanted to celebrate our friend and feel safe while doing it.” - Yelp Review 

Purchase a GiftYa card for High Rooftop Lounge. 

7. Shutters on the Beach

Luxury beach front hotel that offers several dining rooms suitable for different moods and tastes

1 Pico Blvd | Santa Monica | shuttersonthebeach.com 

Shutters on the Beach is a popular seaside hotel known for its luxurious amenities and upscale restaurants. The hotel’s three dining rooms include 1 Pico, Coast, and Living Room. Each restaurant offers its own distinct personality. 1 Pico is perfect for a family dinner or ladies brunch while the Living Room is more suitable for a casual drink between friends. Coast is also great for a quick bite after a day on the beach. If you’re staying at the hotel, you might as well make the effort to visit all three!

“We sat on the terrace overlooking the beach unfortunately it was a very overcast day but still so lovely. Our server who also was the bartender delivered excellent service throughout our 2 hours . Everyone enjoyed their food. I can only comment on mine . I had the tuna salad sandwich with fennel and it was delicious” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Shutters on the Beach. 

Meals by the beach are perfect for romantic dates and fun get-togethers with close friends. The next time you plan a dinner out with friends, remember to visit one of the featured restaurants on our list.