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There are few things that make us love L.A. quite like sipping a favorite beverage while taking in a view of the Pacific and scanning the horizon for dolphins. Even better when the surfers are out, or you’ve made it in time to catch the sunset.
One of the most popular places to do just that was Gladstone’s in Pacific Palisades. Many locals ridiculed the place as a tourist trap, but it was hard to beat the ocean views.
With the announced closing of Gladstone’s, LAist 89.3’s AirTalk host Larry Mantle asked listeners to share their favorite places to eat and drink oceanside in and around L.A.
(Gladstone fans, take note: a Frank Gehry-designed, Wolfgang Puck-run restaurant is slated to open in its place in 2024.)
The phone lines lit up, as they say, and those who didn’t call clogged Mantle’s inbox with recommendations. We’ve compiled many of them here and will continue gathering them in an evolving list. (Prepare to be shocked at how many Malibu suggestions show up.)
Let us know if we missed your favorite: Email us at engagement@scpr.org and we may add your suggestion to this list.
Nhà hàng và quán cà phê Malibu Farm
The iconic Malibu Pier is the setting for these two restaurants, the cafe being the more casual of the two. Hit the cafe in the early hours for counter-service breakfast — Swedish mini pancakes, surfers rancheros and a fried egg sandwich. The restaurant is known for heartier fare, including pizzas, salads, lobster rolls, crab cake, oysters and bahn ‘bu tacos.
Location: 23000 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, 90265 (on the Malibu pier)
Hours: Malibu Farm, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Malibu Cafe, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Thị trường Hải sản Tươi Malibu & Café Sân thượng
This spot is both a cafe and a fish market, so consider bringing a cooler with ice when you visit. “Every time we have visitors from out of town we take them to Malibu Seafood.” says Kay Foster of North Hollywood. “In fact when people call and say they’re coming to visit, they ask if we can take them there again.”
The cafe opens at 11 a.m. and boasts that the fish is uber fresh: “The reason we don’t serve breakfast is we’re out catching lunch,” says the menu. Located 1.5 miles north of Pepperdine University, the views are magnificent. The menu hits a variety of price points, including two fish tacos for $12.95 as well as a fried seafood combo of fish, shrimp, scallops, squid and fries ($24.95).
Location: 25653 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, 90265
Hours: Cafe, daily, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fish market, daily, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Long Beach’s Belmont Brewing Company
Located at the foot of the Long Beach Pier, the Belmont Brewing Company lays claim to being the oldest brew pub in Los Angeles County. On tap: A strong stout called Long Beach Crude, an amber ale called Top Sail, and many others. Hand-crafted cocktails, too. For food, expect clam chowder, poke, ceviche, baja fish tacos (the batter’s made with the house Marathon blonde ale), and also plenty of flat breads, burgers and sandwiches. If you like tomato soup, don’t miss their take on it. Another favorite: The Belmont Burger, topped with onion strings, aioli and served on brioche.
Location: 25 39th Place, Long Beach, 90803
Hours: Mondays through Fridays, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Nhà hàng Duke tại Malibu
“Recently drove to Malibu for a stolen weekday lunch at Duke’s. Lunch on the patio at the edge of the shore, lovely and reasonable,” said Rick Teplitz of Westchester. Reservations are recommended, unless you don’t mind a wait. This place can get busy, but it’s easy to see why: It’s hard to beat the jaw-dropping coastal views. On Tuesday’s, it’s also hard to beat that view combined with their specials of the day: Two tacos (chicken, kalua pork, fish, or chef’s special), plus chips and salsa, $14. Go ahead and tack on some house made guac ($7) and a margarita ($8) as long as someone else is driving.
Location: 21150 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, 90265
Hours: Mondays through Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The Beach House in Seal Beach
Right on the sand. The menu is tight, and hits all the favorites in beach dining, and then some. There are oysters, calamari, fish & chips, grilled salmon. But also loco moco, french onion soup and skillet corn bread made to order and served with butter, honeycomb and honey.
Location: 15 1st St., Seal Beach, 90740
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Nhà hàng và Chợ hải sản Captain Kidd tại Redondo Beach
An expansive menu — you choose the type of fish, how you want it prepared (charbroiled, sauteed, deep fried, tempura style), and even what spices you want. Specials include a crab cake sandwich, shrimp fajitas and the market priced lobster roll. There’s New England chowder, Manhattan clam chowder, lobster bisque, seafood cioppino and chicken gumbo, and a variety of seafood kabobs. There are also burgers and steaks. Bring a cooler and some ice for your meal, and then hit the fish market before you head home. The market menu encourages you to ask the staff about choosing the right type of fish, cooking methods and spices, so you can successfully experiment at home. The selection is huge — six varieties of crab, for example.
Location: 209 N. Harbor Drive, Redondo Beach, 90277
Hours: Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The fish market hours are the same, except they open one hour earlier — 9 a.m. — on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Laguna Beach’s Splashes
It’s California cuisine meets Mediterranean at Splashes in Laguna Beach, at the Surf & Sand Resort. Clara Romeu of Ponte Vedra Beach, formerly of Anaheim Hills, says she stops in every time she’s back in town to visit old friends. “It’s right on the beach and the food is fantastic! An eclectic selection of California cuisine,” she said.
“RIGHT over the beach, just gorgeous,” added Nikki Cummings of Ladera Ranch. “I got engaged there and I couldn’t have had a more beautiful setting.” Cummings also recommends catching sunset at the bar.
Some food highlights: Wild mushroom flat bread, a crispy chicken sandwich with honey aioli and mahi mahi fish tacos are on the lunch menu, while hamachi crudo, tableside lobster bisque, whole branzino, and grilled flat iron steak are on the dinner menu.
1555 S. Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, 92651Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Malibu’s Neptune’s Net
Neptune’s is half iconic Malibu beach shack, half biker bar (in the best possible way). “It’s got wonderful fresh seafood … and a great beer selection,” said Jeff Willson of Playa del Rey. And so close to the beach, “You can watch the surfers.”
While many beach shacks go heavy on the deep fried, Neptune’s also goes heavy on the lighter fare, with several grilled fish salads. It sells its “world famous New England clam chowder” by the pint, starting at $8. There’s also a seafood market, so consider bringing a cooler and some ice for your visit.
Location: 42505 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, 90265
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Neptune’s stays open an hour later during spring and summer months.)
The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove
Located right on the beach at Crystal Cove, the Beachcomber is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Among the offerings: Breakfast beignets, omelettes, ranch skillets, coconut-macadamia pancakes; for lunch, clam chowder, grilled artichokes and Korean steak skewers, and for dinner, scallops and miso glazed butterfish. Be there to raise the flag and salute happy hour, with a cocktail at the Bootlegger Bar, serving margaritas, mojitos, martinis and more, with a bar meno that includes spring rolls, steak skewers and burrata crostini. If it’s brunch, try one of the “big jar” cocktails, served in a big jar! A favorite is the Big Bad Bloody Mary, which is adorned with a crab claw and a jumbo shrimp, $21.
Location: 15 Crystal Cove, Newport Beach, 92657
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Terranea in Rancho Palos Verdes
There are several places to dine while watching the waves at the Terranea resort in Rancho Palos Verdes. Hillary Black of West Los Angeles recommends Nelson’s, because it’s “right on the beach,” and offers SoCal favorites like chips and guac ($18), nachos ($28) and ceviche ($22) as well as clam chowder ($20). There’s also Catalina Kitchen, where happy hour runs 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and includes poke nachos ($12) and Nashville hot chicken sliders ($10). For dinner, there’s crab cakes, ahi tuna tartar, pizzas and a burger. For a higher-end experience elsewhere on the property there’s also Mar’sel, (raw bar seafood selection $94, Alaskan halibut, $50), and you can sit alongside the garden growing the herbs and produce that end up on your plate.
Location: 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, 90275
Hours: Nelson’s, Sundays through Thursdays, 11 am to 8 pm, Fridays and Saturdays, 11 am to 10 pm. Catalina Kitchen, Sundays through Thursdays, 7 am to 9:30 pm, Fridays and Saturdays, 7 am to 10 pm. Mar’sel, Mondays through Saturdays, 5 pm to 9 pm and Sunday brunch, 10 am to 2 pm.
Hot Dog on a Stick, Santa Monica Pier
“A deep fried, cornmeal-encrusted hot dog or cheese stick and lemonade, what more do you want??” asks Rob Takata of Valley Glen. A regular beef hot dog will set you back $6.25. You can also spring for the Cheetos Flamin’ Hot version for an extra buck.
Location: 1633 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, 90401
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Geoffrey’s in Malibu
Should you eat there at night, beneath the fairy lights, while listening to the crashing waves? Or go there for lunch, where you can actually see the crashing waves. Your choice. This place has everything seafood (and prices to match the view) including sauteed lump crap cakes, jumbo coconut shrimp, seafood paella, steamed lobster, brioche bread pudding and salted caramel butterscotch pot de crème.
Location: 27400 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, 90265
Hours: Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to a last seating at 8:30 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. to a last seating at 9 p.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m. to a last seating at 9 p.m. Sundays, 10 a.m. to a last seating at 8:30 p.m.
Schooner Or Later in Long Beach
No reservations, Sundays and holidays are busy. Schooner or Later knows how to stay in its lane: They’re only open until mid-afternoon. Nothing fancy, just solid breakfast and lunch fare, enjoyed while overlooking the marina. “Great for breakfast,” said Dennis Atkinson of Los Alamitos. The menu is an expansive one, with omelettes, pancakes, waffles, burritos and four different takes on eggs benedict. For heartier fare, there’s burgers, soups, melts, salads and, of course, fish and chips. And schooners of beer!
Location: 241 Marina Drive, Long Beach
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Reel Inn in Malibu
Casual dining, generous portions, a gorgeous view. That’s the Reel Inn. “Fresh seafood, no frills, picnic tables inside and lovely patio seating where you can step down to the beach while you wait for your food,” said Jordin Lang Johnson of Hollywood. “Amazing little place my Dad has been taking me (and everyone) to since I was a kid.” If you want to keep it simple, you choose your seafood, you choose how you want it prepared — grilled sauteed or blackened — and then add on some sides and beverages. Done. Then, there’s nothing left to do but sit down and enjoy the view. If you want more, there are chowders to choose from, crab cakes, tacos, a fish quesadilla, a variety of fried seafood platters and many grilled seafood specialities, too.
Location: 18661 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, 90265
Hours: Daily, 11 am to 9 pm
Beach House Tacos in Ventura
“Beach House Tacos on the pier in Ventura is always a favorite,” said Fern Zalin of Valencia. Just accept that there’s gonna be a line. The stand is about an hour’s drive from DTLA. Totally doable for lunch. Just accept that there will be a line for the tacos, burritos and bowls, and the don’t miss street corn ($6). The crispy potato tacos ($6.50) are a favorite as is the Marilu burrito, made with fried popcorn shrimp and a chile lime crema ($14). Get a cheesy grilled pasilla chile, too ($6.50). There’s also 3 for $10 street tacos. On weekends, there’s a beachside breakfast menu that includes breakfast tacos and churro donuts.
Location: 668 Harbor Blvd. Ventura, 93001
Hours: Mondays through Fridays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The Sea Chest Oyster Bar in Cambria
This is one of AirTalk host Larry Mantle’s favorites, in case you were wondering. The Sea Chest Oyster Bar overlooks Moonstone Beach, and is about a 4-hour drive from DTLA. So keep this one bookmarked for your next coastal trip. Dinner only. There’s often a line, and they don’t take reservations. But that’s part of the appeal, Mantle said, offering this pro tip: The restaurant is near several wineries, and guests are welcome to pull out folding chairs, and crack open a bottle or two in the parking lot while waiting for tables. (Just make sure someone else is doing the driving, of course.) So get there early, put your name on the list and get ready to watch the sunset. No takeout. Cash only. ATM on site. Offering all the seafood favorites: fresh oysters, steamer clams, seasonal fresh fish, clams linguini and a favorite, Gina’s Cioppino (previously known to faithful customers as Andy’s Ciop). No prices on the online menu.
Location: 6216 Moonstone Beach Drive, Cambria, 93428
Hours: Wednesdays through Monday, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
BALEENkitchen at the Portofino Hotel & Marina in Redondo Beach
We found lots of reasonably priced bar bites on the “Grog Menu” at BALEENkitchen at the Portofino Hotel in Redondo Beach overlooking the marina: Hot crab dip ($13), sliders ($10) and Korean-style chicken wings ($12), but only between 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. daily. There’s plenty of seafood to be had elsewhere on the menu — the miso-glazed black cod is a favorite — but this is also a spot for those who want a burger with guac and an option to add on some candied bacon, or are in the mood for a roasted half chicken or coffee-rubbed, grilled rib-eye served with charred scallion chimichurri.
Location: 260 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach, 90277
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. for breakfast and lunch, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. for dinner.
West Toast Cafe in San Clemente
Serving all the toasts (Nutella, Avocado, $7-$12) as well as a breakfast burrito and bowls, smoothies and juices, burgers and salads. But the big surprise on the menu at West Toast Cafe in San Clemente is the Venezuelan Corner: Arepas! Cachapas! And Tequenos! ($8-$14) (The co-owners have Venezuelan roots.) At first, it was all a bit of an experiment. Now, “Believe it or not, we sell more arepas than burgers,” said one of the co-owners and chef, Adrian Real, who worked in Miami before heading West. He says it’s because of their signature green sauce, which they are about to start selling by the jar because it’s such a hit with diners. Located near the popular surfing spot, T Street Beach, West Toast caters to the local crowd. Serving Panther Coffee, from Miami. IYKYK. Dine right on the beach, with your toes in the sand.
Location: 339 W Paseo de Cristobal, San Clemente, 92672
Hours: Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fridays 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for breakfast and lunch. On Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Fridays, open 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for dinner.
Brophy Bros. in Ventura
It’s about an hour’s drive from DTLA to Brophy Bros. in Ventura, known for its beer battered fish and chips, clam strips and clam chowder, cioppino, and ahi tuna poke. An hour is nothing for the way we drive in L.A., so Brophy’s is the perfect excuse for a day trip to get away from the grind.
Location: 1559 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, 93001
Hours: Sundays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The Cliff in Laguna Beach
Boasts 180-degree whitewater views from the multi-level patio. “The Cliff in Laguna Beach sits above the water and has great, fresh food and live music in the evenings,” said Gena Hamamoto of Alhambra. House specialities include chicken and waffles for breakfast, clam chowder, mahi mahi fish tacos, halibut Laguna, and a fish and shrimp and chips combo.
Location: 577 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, 92651
Hours: Mondays through Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturdays and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The Marine Room in La Jolla
Are you overlooking the water? Or in the water? At the Marine Room in La Jolla, it’s hard to say. One of the many draws of this that dates back to 1941 is that when the tides are right, the waves smash right into the window. Thrilling, or horrifying, depending upon your viewpoint. (There’s a tides chart on the website to help you time it either way.) A high-end lounge menu includes Moroccan lamb lollipops ($30) and cocktails such as the $30 Oaxaca Night, made with Ilegal Mezcal and St. Germain and the $20 Kelp Martini. Dinner menu includes Peruvian Crudo ($35), sustainable local seafood included. Note that there’s a dress code: No beach or active wear, such as ball caps.
Location: 20000 Spindrift Drive, La Jolla, 92037
Hours: Wednesdays through Sundays, 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
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