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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Santa Monica

Seafood with scenic views

You want to eat your seafood while looking at something worth seeing.

Based on 727 Opinions
+724
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Updated May 2026
01
Orla by Michael Mina image 1
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Tiered flooring and panoramic ocean views create an elegant, inviting atmosphere with high ceilings and a large bar. Music from a DJ blends into the background, supporting a vibrant yet conversational vibe. Spaces range from lively patio areas to quiet, segregated rooms for intimate talks.

Tables offer incredible beach and sunset views. Covered patio overlooks the ocean, pool, and Santa Monica pier with panoramic sights.

Fish dishes like Alexandria Fish and Branzino come out cooked to perfection. The salad and bread service complement the seafood well, and wine pairings match the fish nicely.

People are saying

"The food at these dinner spots is extraordinary, with layers of flavor."

"The sunset here is a beautiful, free magic show."

"The seafood here is cooked to perfection, especially the fish."

Good to know

1

Valet parking costs $25 if validated inside.

2

A mandatory 20% service charge is added to all bills.

3

Reservations are recommended to guarantee a spot, especially for outdoor seating.

02
Perry's Cafรฉ & Beach Rentals - Santa Monica 2400 image 1

Outdoor seating on sand with ocean views and umbrella-covered tables creates a relaxed, beachside atmosphere. Comfortable beach chairs and live music on select days add to the laid-back vibe. The setting features sunset views and casual dining right by the water.

Offers beautiful ocean views with a relaxed vibe right on the beach. Dining happens with toes in the sand, overlooking the bike trail, volleyball courts, and the Pacific Ocean breeze.

Fish and chips come out crispy and flavorful, often prompting repeat orders. Shrimp tacos and mahi mahi plates offer fresh, firm grilled fish paired with tasty sides like Greek salad.

People are saying

"I loved watching everything happening on the beach from the cafe."

"You can enjoy a great ocean view right on the beach."

"The fish and chips here are crispy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 5pm to 7pm on weekdays.

2

Bikes and beach umbrellas can be rented for $8 per hour.

3

The cafรฉ closes just before sunset, limiting evening visits.

03
The Albright image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seaside restaurant on a pier offers huge outdoor deck with scenic views and patio seating where dogs are welcome. Atmosphere stays chill and cozy with Bob Marley music and heaters keeping the space warm. Counter service uses buzzers for orders, creating a casual, relaxed vibe.

Picture-perfect ocean views meet a casual seaside vibe. Eating outside on the pier offers a breeze and boardwalk view that complements hearty coastal comfort food.

Freshness stands out with super fresh oysters and perfectly cooked fish. The seafood boil and shrimp tacos come with seasoned to perfection flavors.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The oysters here are super fresh and delicious."

"The food here is great, and the scenic views make the experience even better."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is wheelchair accessible.

2

Expect long lines around noon; arrive early to secure a table.

3

Prices are effectively 10% higher due to a hidden fee.

04
The Whaler Santa Monica image 1

Oceanfront setting offers unmatched beach views and a lively atmosphere with loud music and a DJ at night. The space includes a game room nook and TVs showing sports, attracting groups who enjoy social and energetic vibes. Outdoor seating on terraces enhances the experience with sunset views and a bar-focused environment.

Outdoor seating offers great views of the Santa Monica Pier and the beach. The rooftop provides a lovely vantage point with a lively atmosphere including music and TV.

Fish and chips stand out with a crispy texture and fresh taste. The menu features lobster rolls, crispy fish tacos, and coconut shrimp, all prepared with a seafood-forward approach.

People are saying

"The live sports here are great, with friendly and attentive service."

"The seafood, especially the fish and chips, was delicious."

"I loved the great view of the Santa Monica Pier."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-5pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Karaoke night, called terry-oke, happens every Monday at 9pm.

3

Parking is available nearby through SpotHero for convenience.

05
1 Pico image 1
Californian restaurant

Upscale restaurant offers gorgeous ocean views and a welcoming, romantic atmosphere. Dining room provides a perfect sunset spot with meticulously decorated surroundings. Energy stays pleasant and relaxed, attracting diners who appreciate both setting and seafood.

Outstanding ocean and beach views dominate the scene, especially at sunset. Tables near the beach offer a gorgeous, close-up view of the Pacific that stands out.

Seafood dishes stand out with delicious fish and great meat and seafood combinations. Oysters are small and lack flavor, but other seafood options are lovely.

People are saying

"I loved the gorgeous ocean views, especially at sunset."

"The gorgeous beach views here are truly special."

"The seafood dishes here were great."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

Expect entrees to range from $50 to $100, excluding sides.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of vegan options on the menu.

06
Coast image 1
Californian restaurant

Beachfront restaurant offers breathtaking ocean views and comfortable outdoor seating that creates a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Soft live music enhances the peaceful vibe while diners enjoy the scenic patio setting.

Unobstructed beachfront views and the sound of waves create a peaceful setting. The sunset over the water adds to the relaxed, casual vibe.

Fish and chips stand out as a favorite, often paired with lobster rolls and seafood plates. Oysters come highly recommended, especially with a glass of wine and a beach view.

People are saying

"The food at this beach spot is outstanding, especially the lobster roll."

"I loved the beautiful ocean view from the patio."

"The seafood here is excellent, with great oysters."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers during specific hours.

3

Valet parking is available for $20 on weekends.

07
MARELLE Santa Monica image 1

Restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating with ocean and pool views and a breezy coastal charm. Outdoor area features live DJ sets and heaters, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Space suits both casual meals and large events, blending Tulum-style design with a beach-front vibe.

Ocean views dominate the setting, with seating that overlooks the pool and offers a partial beach view. The space feels open and airy, capturing a breezy coastal charm that enhances the dining experience.

Menu features a variety of fish dishes including salmon, white fish, and crudo, plus a lobster option. Starters include an amuse poke and shrimp scampi orzo, though the orzo's price feels high. Sides like mac and cheese use a bรฉchamel base.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and totally worth it."

"The seafood here is so tender, you'll be searching for more."

"You can enjoy amazing ocean views from the outdoor seating."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, and the restaurant is usually not busy at night.

2

Parking validation is available for $10 off valet parking.

3

The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating options.

08
Terrazza image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers gorgeous beach views and a garden setting that suits romantic evenings and first dates. Live music with piano and vocals enhances the spectacular ambiance and decor. Valet parking adds convenience to the experience.

Seating offers a beach view with sights of the boardwalk, sea, and sand. The setting shows an amazing sunset and peaceful views of the Pacific Ocean, even on rainy days.

Pink salmon comes with a very unusual sauce that enhances the seafood without overpowering it. Shrimp appears in perfectly cooked spaghetti and fish tacos, while short rib pasta called Busiate adds a unique twist to the seafood options.

People are saying

"The food here is spectacular, with fresh ingredients and balanced flavors."

"You'll love the great ocean views and relaxing vibe here."

"The seafood here, like the fish tacos, is awesome."

Good to know

1

Valet parking costs $20 if validated, increasing to $40 after three hours.

2

Reservations are not required for dinner at 5 pm, and seating is available by the window.

3

The restaurant closes from 3 to 5 pm, which coincides with sunset.

09
LouLou Santa Monica image 1
French restaurant

Rooftop restaurant offers cool views of water and Ferris wheel with a club-like vibe created by a live DJ and percussionist. Atmosphere suits large groups and blends beachy elegance with lively energy.

Rooftop seating offers beautiful views that create a lively yet relaxed vibe. Cozy decoration and cool atmosphere add to the overall scenic experience.

Seafood noodles and fresh oysters stand out here. Salmon and grilled fish come cooked perfectly, often paired with flavorful vegetables like asparagus and broccolini.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and high quality."

"The service here is fantastic, attentive, and friendly."

"The seafood here is outstanding, especially the grilled fish."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on food and drinks, making it worthwhile.

2

Expect long wait times during busy events, like Valentine's Day.

3

The restaurant turns into a lively party after 9 pm with dancing.

10
Maria Sol image 1
Mexican restaurant

Ocean-facing patio offers breathtaking views and warmth from scattered heating lamps. Live music from street artists creates a lively atmosphere with a touristy vibe. Fresh, locally sourced seafood and exceptional margaritas complement the energetic seaside setting.

Offers a stunning ocean view with a beautiful beach backdrop. The setting combines breathtaking scenery with a clean, welcoming environment.

Fish tacos stand out with great flavor and quality. Plenty of seafood and shellfish options exist, including perfectly cooked shrimp in the Sizzling Fajita Trio.

People are saying

"The Mexican Food here is served with quick, friendly, and welcoming service."

"The ocean views here are truly unbeatable."

"I loved the coconut shrimp; the pieces were a good size."

Good to know

1

Check your bill carefully as extra charges may be added.

2

Expect a reasonable cost of about $50 for two entrees and drinks.

3

Outdoor seating is available, but the upper level may be closed.

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Santa Monica, California

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