Indulge in the beauty and bounty of Californiaʻs Central Coast at these restaurants with ocean views in Monterey County.
Cannery Row
Meals along Monterey's most iconic and historic street come with a side of epic views of the Monterey Bay. Schooners Monterey and Coastal Kitchen at the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, the C Restaurant and Bar at The InterContinental Clement Monterey and the Cafe at the Monterey Bay Aquarium all offer tasty sustainable seafood with scenes of sailboats and kayaks on the bay. Similar views can also be had at Lalla Oceanside Grill, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, the Fish Hopper and Chart House.
If it's drinks with a view you're looking for, A Taste of Monterey Wine Market & Bistro is your place. Not only will you find Monterey County wines and delicious small bites, but the upstairs view is spectacular. If you are lucky you might even spot a pod of playful dolphins!
Sierra Mar
Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur is a favorite among celebrities and locals for good reason. Its cliff-side location perched above the Pacific Ocean makes for an unforgettable dining experience at its award-winning restaurant Sierra Mar.
Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette
Located at the Sanctuary Beach Resort, Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette is known for its cured and wood-fired dishes, with a focus on seafood and impeccable vistas of Marina State Beach. For a real treat, head over during sunset and cozy up next to one of their outdoor fire pits to feel the ocean breeze.
Beach House Restaurant at Lovers Point
A trip to Pacific Grove is not complete without a dinner or a cocktail at the Beach House Restaurant at Lovers Point. The charming Victorian-era building is a welcomed staple and anchor to the Monterey Peninsula. Grab an inexpensive dinner from their "Sunset Special" menu or stay late, grab a cocktail and gaze out at the twinkling lights in the distance.
Nepenthe
The iconic Big Sur dining establishment Nepenthe is known for its melt-in-your-mouth ambrosia burgers and its astonishing views of the Pacific Ocean just beyond their colorful umbrellas on the sun-drenched terrace.
Wild Coast Restaurant and Sushi Bar
Treebones Resort in Big Sur offers guests an ultimate "glamping" experience and fresh produce sourced from their very own organic garden at the onsite eatery, Wild Coast Restaurant and Sushi Bar. Diners can choose to eat inside or opt for the outdoor sushi bar, which both offer expansive views of the glistening ocean.
Old Fisherman's Wharf
Looking for Monterey classics like clam chowder, calamari and sand dabs served with a side of seaside sanctuary? Look no further than the several eateries on Old Fisherman's Wharf. Here you will find icons like Abalonetti Bar and Grill, Café Fina, Crabby Jim's, Domenico's, Old Fisherman's Grotto and Paluca Trattoria.
Pacific's Edge
Dramatic views of Yankee Point and the Big Sur coastline set the laid-back tone at Pacific's Edge. Located at Hyatt Carmel Highlands, the restaurant's causal approach to breakfast and lunch offers visitors the option to bask in the sunshine on their outdoor deck or soak in the views from their cozy interior. If you're looking to take it up a notch, book a dinner reservation and have a front-row seat to nature's most spectacular sunset show where the extensive wine menu is just the icing on the cake!
Pebble Beach
Almost every restaurant within the gates of Pebble Beach has unparalleled panoramas of pristine golf courses, upscale accommodations and the ocean; of course! At Spanish Bay, soak in the sunset and the Asian fusion menu at Roy's at Pebble Beach or stick to American classics at STICKS. Meanwhile, The Bench, Stillwater Bar & Grill and The Hay overlook the famous 18th hole at the Pebble Beach Golf Links.
The Sur House
Rustic redwood charm meets untouched natural beauty at The Sur House at Ventana Big Sur. Both encompassing views of the Big Sur coastline and crafty and locally sourced menu creations from Chef Paul Corsentino are sure to please your palate. If you're dining on the outdoor patio be on the lookout for a California condor or two.
Restaurant at Mission Ranch
One of Carmel's only ocean-view restaurants also happens to be owned by one of Carmel's famous residents. Former Carmel-by-the-Sea mayor, Clint Eastwood, takes pride in his oceanside gem and for good reason. The Restaurant at Mission Ranch is situated just above the Carmel Mission with views of Carmel Valley, Carmel River Beach and Point Lobos in the distance. Its top-notch American menu, piano bar and famous Sunday Brunch make this a must when visiting the Monterey Peninsula.