The Resy Guide to Dining Along the Coast in Los Angeles

A Baja-inspired mini chain with locations in Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, and, recently, Malibu, Prima Cantina is an easy pit stop for crowd-pleasing coastal Mexican favorites like ceviches, multiple kinds of fish tacos, sizzling fajita platters, and surf-n-turn burritos. And with fully stocked bars at all three locations, it’s an ideal place to watch the sun set behind the horizon, margarita in hand.

The longstanding Malibu favorite is as synonymous with star sightings and the glamorous local beach lifestyle as it is for taramosalata, lamb souvlaki, and belly-dancing shows. The icon is ideally situated for a chilled glass of retsina and a feta burger with tzatziki before (or after) a quick stroll across the street to explore the charming expanse of Malibu Lagoon and Surfrider Beach.

Whether it’s golden fried fish ‘n’ chips, cups of chowder, lobsters or grilled mahi-mahi, a stop at this roadside stand across from the sand is a must for every beachgoer. Order in the little cafe, grab a picnic table on the hill, chow down, and watch the waves from your perch. “The reason we don’t serve breakfast is we’re out catching lunch,” boasts their website, but it’s still wise to go early—by mid-afternoon, the wait can be brutal.

No reservations. More info here.

Neptune’s Net, a charmingly divey roadside destination, has been serving Malibu and Ventura locals and visitors off the Pacific Coast Highway since 1965 (it’s long been a favorite of Harley riders cruising down the coast). One key thing to note: the restaurant has two sides, the “restaurant side,” which serves fried food and bottled drinks, and the “seafood side,” where fresh seafood is offered alongside beers on draft. Given the purpose of this list, you’re here for the latter. Grilled fish plates, crab cakes, peel n’ eat shrimp, and seafood baskets are some of what’s on offer.

No reservations. More info here. 

It’s one thing to pick up fresh seafood from this long-standing Santa Monica market. It’s another thing to pop in to the full-service café for grilled specialties, chowder, sandwiches, oysters, cooked crab, and more. That there’s beer and wine to complete the package makes it almost too good to be true. Note that there are only about 15 tables, plus an oyster bar, which fill up quickly at peak hours, so reservations are your friend.

Inspired by coastal Italy in the 1930s, this revamped Santa Monica hotel restaurant channels Art Deco-era glam. It’s the perfect setting to enjoy dishes from Nancy Silverton alum David Almany, including linguine alla scampi, garganelli with oxtail ragu, and a steak menu including a dry-aged Tomahawk ribeye. Take in shoreline views as you sip on cheekily named cocktails like the Shore Thing (rosemary infused tequila, watermelon mint, chipotle, lime) and the Geez Louise (apricot infused whiskey, benedictine, yuzu, citrus) in the stunning space. 

At Crudo e Nudo, the chef Brian Bornemann and his partner Leena Culhane serve up fresh, flavorful, and seasonal preparations of seafood, and plenty of natural wines. There are oysters and crudo (like rockfish with mandarin oil, urfa bieber, and house-made bottarga and halibut with shiro dashi, sesame, and green onion), larger plates like caviar nachos and whole fried lobster, and a handful of vegetarian salads. Best of all, it’s only a few blocks away from the beach, in Ocean Park.

When you want to take in the Santa Monica Pier without entering the tourist terror-dome yourself, there’s no better viewpoint than The Lobster. Perched over the PCH, with sweeping views of the coast and Pacific Park Ferris Wheel, the specialties at this landmark span the gamut from clam chowder, oysters, and Maine Lobster to chef Govind Armstrong’s inventive servings of wild Dungeness crab gumbo and king crab tagliatelle. The ideal hour for these pleasures undoubtedly arrives as the sun sinks and the Ferris Wheel begins its vibrant glow.

For over sixty years, Chez Jay has been more than just a Santa Monica dive bar — it’s a living legend. Located at the end of Route 66 on Ocean Avenue, the landmarked watering hole and restaurant feels like a time capsule between its kitschy maritime theme, ramshackle wooden bar (complete with a captain’s wheel), steak dinners and stiff martinis, and iconic memorabilia lining the walls. Founded by actor Jay Fiondella in 1959, Chez Jay has long been a hangout for celebrities and colorful neighborhood regulars. Stop by for a classic surf ‘n turf dinner from the throwback-laden menu either indoors or out back on the expansive patio.

Sitting at one of iconic waterfront hotel Shutters’ all-day tables right on the bike path in Santa Monica ensures prime people-watching while you toss back a platter of fresh oysters and lobster rolls. A classic Cobb salad, club sandwich, and a glass of bubbles (there are plenty on offer) here makes a beach day (or night) even better.

The cozy, wood-paneled interior of The Golden Bull sits in stark contrast to the other bright, white-washed beachside restaurants dotting Santa Monica. It makes sense when you learn the chophouse has been in business since 1949. From its storied history as a mainstay of the LGBTQ community to its menu of chopped salads, cheeseburgers, and s’mores casseroles, many memories have been made within these walls. Slide into one of their signature black channeled leather booths or grab a table on the expansive back patio to feel the ocean breeze.

Photo courtesy of Only the Wild Ones

Mere steps away from Venice Beach, super-charming neighborhood favorite Dudley Market is owned by fishermen and longtime Venice residents who wanted a place where they could eat fresh oysters and drink wine. So they built it themselves. You’re here for oysters (natch), sashimi, crudo, fish tacos, and excellent people-watching.

It’s all about elegant, simple Mexican seafood and hyperlocal sourcing at Enrique Olvera’s newest Venice spot, replacing the erstwhile ATLA on Abbott Kinney. The sunny, breezy space is the perfect place to sink into fresh shrimp aguachiles, kanpachi al pastor with pineapple butter, and a drink list heavy on agave spirits and Mexican wines.

Sure, this stylish Japanese izakaya from Gjusta alum Travis Lett feels light-years away from the smoke-filled dens of Tokyo. But fussy details tend to fade away while you’re eating roasted mushrooms draped in miso butter, or gyoza stuffed with Peads & Barnetts pork belly. Enjoy a robust menu of hand rolls, binchōtan charcoal-grilled meats and seafood, and ramen served with house-made noodles, just blocks from Venice Beach.

It’s no lie that there’s a lot of mediocre beachy options along the Venice Boardwalk like funnel cakes, dollar slices, and the like. Which is why a smashburger from the folks behind American Beauty is so welcome. In addition to single or double burgers, there’s a mean fried chicken sandwich, a bracing shaved kale salad, shakes, and dipped cones. And like the original attached to its sister steakhouse, it’s delicious and affordable, only with a much better view. PS: Order ahead for pickup.

A pandemic-era pop-up and Heather Tierney’s reverence for Japanese listening bars led to Only the Wild Ones, where professional DJs and neighborhood regulars take turns spinning records, pulled from the restaurant’s formidable collection. This Westside block party is the ideal setting for drinking natural wines and snacking on vegetable-forward dishes like sweet corn ravioli and sumac-scented hummus on flatbread. Or, ascend the building’s staircase to find Force of Nature, Leena Culhane’s ethereal speakeasy celebrating female winemakers, just upstairs.

Cosplay a drive down the French Riviera with a stop at this newish Venice restaurant located on Main Street, just steps from the beach. The Cal-French concept channels Paris with distinctly local ingredients, with a nod to classic aperitif culture as well. Feast on bistro classics like French onion soup, steak frites, and mussels mariniere, and wash it all down with a classic martini in a vintage coupe glass. There’s even a full caviar service if you’re in the mood to vivre la belle vie.

Maintaining a front row seat to the Venice Boardwalk for more than 40 years, it’s safe to say Fig Tree has seen a lot. But the popular breakfast nook looks better than ever thanks to a recent sprucing up, complete with a bougainvillea-accented patio and bright interior inspired by the family’s Latin American roots. In the morning, order plantain-and-coconut pancakes or huevos rancheros divorciados with hot coffee, while witnessing whatever Boardwalk freakiness occurs. Over lunch or a sunset, get honeynut squash mole or the avocado chicken melt with a locally made draft brew.

This Mexican seafood restaurant from the Cossio family is famous for its Nayarit-style dishes, like a blisteringly good pescado zarandeado (whole grilled snook), shrimp ceviche, and smoked marlin tacos. While the original opened in Inglewood in 1987, a recent expansion to Hermosa Beach gives South Bay residents a taste of a local legend, close to the Strand.

As its name implies, the team at Vin Folk takes its wine seriously. The thoughtful list constantly changes and features various bottles from small, sustainably-minded producers. Paired with a cozy, romantic dining room,Vin Folk has quickly become a gold-star destination for Westside date nights. In the kitchen, chefs Kevin de Los Santos and Katya Shastova craft  an eclectic bistro menu to go with all of that wine, like spicy, spreadable red pepper ‘nduja over rye bread, and a beef tongue that comes with tomatoes and Hrenovina, a Slovenian horseradish.

Venerated local and Top Chef superstar Brooke Williamson and husband Nick Roberts command this seaside culinary complex in Playa del Rey. With four distinct concepts under one roof, it’s like choose-your-own-adventure dining: King’s Café for casual daytime meals; Small Batch Ice Cream Bar for a sundae or a scoop; Dockside for evening crab rolls, shio koji-marinated chicken, and ample ocean views; and Grain for a nightcap of prized whiskey.

If the name didn’t tip you off, seafood is the main event at this rustic Manhattan Beach fixture known for its mesquite-grilled fish. Indulge in everything from an extensive raw bar to poke bowls to fish and chips while you take in a big game, or celebrate with friends and family. Weekday specials include a happy hour from 2:30-5:30 p.m. offering discounts on plates of raw oysters, fried calamari, and cocktails like Salty Dogs and Margaritas.

The sprawling, crowded almost-70-year-old bazaar lives under the Redondo Pier, with endless tanks of live oysters, urchins, clams, crab, and other luscious bivalves set to be plucked and prepared on the spot. Head to the market to select any fish for the staff to clean, steam, grill, or fry to your preference. In between, you’ll find ready-made bites like smoked black cod and hot chowder. Sit at a picnic table with a beer and watch the barking sea lions jockey for a roost.