11 Amazing Restaurants Along The Northern California Coast You Must Try Before You Die
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Kate Freeman
Author
One of the best things about living in California is being near the ocean. Whether you’re able to walk there from your home or you can drive there in a few hours, all Californians have the ability to wake up and visit the ocean. And what better way to enjoy those ocean views than with a good meal? Make it a day trip to visit one of these oceanfront restaurants! Check out our list of restaurants with amazing ocean views. (These are ordered from north to south).
Chart Room Restaurant, 130 Anchor Way, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA
From the dining room of this casual seafood restaurant you can view sea lions sunning themselves and swimming. Chart Room is an iconic establishment that draws in locals and tourists alike. The building was once a marine shop. Chart Room is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Moonstone Grill, 100 Moonstone Beach Rd, Trinidad, CA 95570, USA
The aptly-named Moonstone Grill looks onto Moonstone Beach. The restaurant serves elevated American fare and craft cocktails in a serene setting. Regular guests rave about the lobster fettuccine and crab cakes. For parties of eight or more, you’ll need to make reservations at least a week in advance.
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The Wharf, 32260 N Harbor Dr, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, USA
Located in Noyo Fishing Village on a spot that was a coffee shop in the 1950s, this restaurant is a favorite of visitors and locals. Request a table near the floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the water and green landscape. There is also two stories of deck seating outdoors. They are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.
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Ledford House, 3000 CA-1, Albion, CA 95410, USA
Perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean, Ledford House serves California Mediterranean cuisine in a cozy setting. Enjoy the views and live nightly jazz. Located in Albion, a census-designated place in Mendocino county, this stunning coastal area feels far removed from city and suburban life.
Beach Chalet Brewery and Restaurant, 1000 Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
Despite being "The City By The Bay", San Francisco does not have a ton of ocean-facing restaurants. The Beach Chalet Brewery & Restaurant is by bar the best one– with views of the beach and ocean, as well as a large dining room and garden patio. The indoor dining room is elevated above street level and is a great place to enjoy the sunset.
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Moonraker, 105 Rockaway Beach Ave, Pacifica, CA 94044, USA
This fine dining modern restaurant offers superb views of the ocean. The upscale menu includes oysters, crab legs, lobster tails, plus a variety of creative dishes like vegetable tagine, pumpkin nutmeg ravioli, and pappardelle bolognese. They have a curated selection of local California wines, plus Pacifica inspired cocktails. Make a reservation to help ensure you’ll get the table you want.
Miramar Beach Restaurant, 131 Mirada Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, USA
This waterfront restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining on their heated pet-friendly deck. They serve steak and seafood, plus their famous clam chowder. This is an excellent spot to enjoy the sunset. Call or check their website to see their latest specials– they have Happy Hour Specials, Thursday Dinner Specials, and Surf and Turf Night.
Crow's Nest Restaurant, 2218 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA
This long-time local favorite is set away from the noise of the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Opened in 1969, this habor-front restaurant overlooks the ocean with views of the lighthouse and wharf. The downstairs is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Upstairs is the Breakwater Bar & Grill that serves casual food throughout the day and often has live entertainment. Both levels have great views.
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Sea Harvest Moss Landing, 2420 CA-1, Moss Landing, CA 95039, USA
Enjoy a wide selection of seafood favorites while dining on their large deck overlooking the ocean and nearby slough. Fresh grilled fish is a specialty here. They also offer other classic dishes like cioppino, fish and chips, and grilled fish tacos. This is a great place to visit before or after exploring the Elkhorn Slough.
The Sardine Factory, 701 Wave St, Monterey, CA 93940, USA
Located on Monterey’s famous Cannery Row, The Sardine Factory is known for its dining rooms, incredible food, and its award-winning wine list. Dine in one of four distinctly different areas of the restaurant– The Lounge, The Conservatory, The Captain’s Room, or The Wine Cellar. Each has its own unique ambiance that will make your dining experience one you won’t soon forget.
Nepenthe, 48510 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920, USA
Any list of the best California coastal restaurants is not complete without the addition of this must-visit California restaurant. Opened in 1949, Nepenthe still attracts droves of people who enjoy the food and unmatched coastal views. The drive to get to this restaurant is stunning, too. You’ll drive through redwood forests and along some of the most beautiful stretches of Highway 1.
Which of these restaurants would you most like to dine at? Share your vote in the comments.
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