The Best Restaurants with a View in Los Angeles

One of L.A.'s hottest new dining destinations, 71Above is the highest restaurant west of the Mississippi. Featuring elevated modern American cuisine by Chef Vartan Abgaryan, 71Above boasts spectacular ocean views from Malibu to Laguna Hills, along with the Los Angeles basin and the surrounding mountain ranges.

See the city from one of L.A.’s most breathtaking vantage points, the Griffith Park Observatory, and follow it with an experience at the on-site Café at the End of the Universe. Located between the Gunther Depths of Space Exhibit Hall and the Gottlieb Transit Corridor, the café tucks its guests away somewhere quite special. Wolfgang Puck, the world-famous restaurateur, will have you licking your lips with satisfaction after nibbling on a tasty dessert and sipping a cool summery refresher. The views of L.A. await you when you take a stroll around the observatory after your meal.

Soak in Santa Monica’s sultry rays at Catch, a seafood restaurant located in Hotel Casa Del Mar. This spot specializes in sushi and simply grilled fish. Catch knows the basics of succulent seafood and what better way to enjoy the smooth flavors of the raw bar offerings than here, with the Pacific Ocean in the background? Escape into the sunset views over your glass of sake.

Adorned with priceless antiques from across the U.S., Eveleigh on Sunset offers farm-to-table dishes inspired by Old World European and American country cooking. With fresh daily specials, each guest will have their taste buds delighted as they clink glasses and breathe in the fresh air of the ever-romantic outdoor setting. Sit comfortably under perfectly dim lighting while you dine and take in the stellar city views on the patio.

Geoffrey’s in Malibu is what happens when a beachside New American restaurant serving seafood is done right. Daydream over the panoramic ocean views and multimillion-dollar homes as you dive into their fantastic brunch options. You may even brush shoulders with some of Hollywood’s elite, who have dined at Geoffrey’s for the better part of three decades – adding to its charm, class and effortless appeal.

Feast over flickering Downtown lights at LA Prime Steakhouse high above South Figueroa Street. Located in the Westin Bonaventure Hotel, LA Prime gives its guests a gorgeous view from 35 stories up. Treat yourself to a culinary adventure filled with mouth-watering prime rib or lobster bisque. No matter who the person is at your table – friend, partner or family member – your experience will immediately be enhanced by the Downtown views and romantic flair that LA Prime has in store for you.

There’s nothing quite like a day spent on the Santa Monica Pier, taking in the fresh ocean air, vibrant sights and the scent of freshly caught seafood. Located at the historic pier’s entrance, The Lobster offers unparalleled views and delectable seafood dishes to its hungry guests. Relax your day away in this 1923 establishment, known as one of L.A.’s most romantic restaurants. After dinner, hit the beach for a sunset stroll. You’ll be dipping your toes in the water just minutes after you leave the table - that’s a perk that just can’t be beat!

Imagine a dining experience so delightful you’ll be pinching yourself as if it were a dream. Mar’sel at the Terranea Resort, a stunning restaurant overlooking the Pacific, is just that. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing evening or an afternoon of reflection looking out over the sandy shore, nothing beats the seasonally rotating menu and extensive wine list at mar’sel. Grab a cozy seat at the fire pit and start daydreaming.

Where to with Nobu Malibu? One of Malibu’s most acclaimed restaurants certainly lives up to the hype for a number of reasons. Offering the freshest fare, like Chef Gregorio Stephenson’s Ribeye with Truffle Butter Sauce and Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno, Nobu treats its eaters with blindingly beautiful ocean views from every seat. You’ll be swept away by the simple elegance of the setting and will want to get your hands on all the dishes you can. Make a reservation, because these tables fill up fast, and for good reason.

Santa Monica’s Penthouse at the Huntley sits pretty 18 stories above California’s sexy coastline. A treasure of the hotel, this restaurant gives a 360-degree glimpse over the coastal cliffs and straight out where the sky meets the water’s edge. Treat yourself like a celebrity for a night with a creative cocktail and a contemporary dish. After all, you’re living the Penthouse lifestyle.

Elevated above Downtown LA’s bright skyline, Perch is a French inspired rooftop bistro offering the perfect backdrop to a relaxing dinner. Perch knows fine food - some of our favorite dishes include the Boeuf Bordelaise, Pan Roasted Salmon and Israeli Cous-Cous Caviar. Top your night off with a serving of White Chocolate Bread Pudding to warm your soul and your experience. It’s no wonder why Perch keeps it regulars around–they’re doing it all right, from setting to service.

If you’re heading to San Pedro for a tasty meal and an even more scrumptious view, Ports O’Call has a seat saved for you. There’s just something about soaking in the rays at this waterfront restaurant that has us smiling. Whether you’re there for Champagne Sunday Brunch (voted the best in the South Bay), an al fresco barbeque or partying on the patio, this is a definite “cheers to the weekend” spot that you must hit!

If you’re like us, a great day is made better with three things: being outdoors, a stunning view and a tasty meal. The Restaurant at the Getty Center treats guests to all of that. With indoor and outdoor dining areas and a full menu of sandwiches, salads and pizzas, this spot offers fabulous views of the Santa Monica Mountains to compliment your meal choice. Plus, after your bite to eat, you can get your art on and explore the famed museum with even more appreciation than before.

The Strand House in Manhattan Beach overlooks the Pacific and offers its diners a “modern heirloom” of traditional dishes. With produce hand-selected from local farms, and drinks like the Sunset Cocktail and classic Bloody Mary, The Strand House’s magical setting gives you a reason to enjoy the simple things in life. Hit the beach today, you’re in Los Angeles after all!

Takami Sushi & Robata Restaurant floats 21 stories above Downtown L.A.'s Financial District. Get whisked away by their Japanese-influenced entrees and signature cocktails before moving outside onto the patio, where you’ll be surrounded by other high rise buildings. Takami’s clean design will enhance the elegance of your dining experience as you get lost in the flavors of every bite.

A striking view compliments the perfect meal. West Restaurant atop Hotel Angeleno celebrates the good life with mouthwatering dishes, myriad drink options and a remarkable cityscape. Whether it’s Butternut Squash Gnocchi or Togarashi Spiced Ahi that whets your appetite, West will certainly have a few of your favorites on the menu. Chat with friends over a glass of local wine and look out over the City of Angels. You deserve it.

First-time visitors to the family-owned Whiskey Red’s are stunned by the unobstructed views of Marina del Rey’s open waters from the restaurant’s ideal spot in Fisherman’s Village. Diners come to Whiskey Red’s to just “kick it” and do you blame them? There are fire pits, patios and complimentary parking to complete your experience. You might even see some regulars docking their boats alongside the coast to grab a bite to eat. No matter how you get here, plan to stay awhile to enjoy some of the freshest seafood in L.A.

Wolfgang Puck’s WP24 at The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles offers modern Chinese cuisine and panoramic views from 24 stories up. This restaurant’s sleek interior will have you feeling very well treated as you peruse their menu of delicious Asian dishes, including Chili “Dan Dan” Dumplings, “Szechuan Style” Steak Au Poivre and Singapore Style Chili Prawns.