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LA’s Best Beachside Restaurants

On Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012

Photo By: Cheyenne Meets Chanel

Long days in the sun this summer are bound to work up your appetite, but one of the perks of being in Los Angeles is that one doesn’t have to stray too far from the beach in order to satisfy their hunger. In fact, there are dozens of amazing eateries along the sunny coastline designed to suit any mood, whether it be an intimate dinner for two or a Sunday brunch with the family.  Here are Los Angeles’ Best Beachside Restaurants for the perfect seaside dining experience:

1. The Strand House

Nestled in the cozy beach town of Manhattan Beach with views that look straight out onto the Pacific Ocean, The Strand House is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy an array of  “modern heirlooms” created by Owner Michael Zizlis and Master Chef Neal Fraser. From bacon wrapped duck terrine with tart cherries, pistachios and black truffle to the Dungeness crab salad, all the dishes are hand-selected from local farms.  End the night with a signature “Strand House Margarita” at the adjacent Strand Bar while local DJs spin the latest hits.

2. Terranea

Indulge in an evening of relaxation at Terranea, a luxurious oceanfront resort in Palos Verdes with front-row views of Catalina Island. Whether you want a small bite or a decadent meal, the resort offers a variety of dining options. For an inventive twist on California cuisine, Mar’sel features Hawaiian Hamachi and homemade potato gnocchi, among other fine dishes. Sip on a Tropical Bikini Martini by the fireplace at the Lobby Bar & Lounge while you enjoy live piano and jazz music. Catalina Kitchen hosts a seafood buffet every Friday, as well as their popular Sunday brunch. And for a post-workout snack, choose from a wide selection of smoothies and salads at the Spa Café.

3. The Sunset

Cruise up the coast to The Sunset Restaurant, a Southern California landmark that has been satisfying customers for over a hundred years. Located on the beachfront in Malibu, this spot offers both a bistro and a lounge. After a bowl of the Sunset Clam Chowder and an order of beer-battered fish and chips, choose from the extensive wine list before taking a seat at the downstairs bar, watching the waves crash on the shore as you sit comfortably on one of the nautical-inspired pillow seats.

4. Shutters

Whether you want to grab a quick cup of coffee or indulge in an afternoon of wine tasting followed by dessert, Shutters On The Beach has it all. This hip hotel hosts several of the best dining spots in Santa Monica. Have lunch with the ladies at One Pico, which features a variety of tasty dishes, including the Pumpkin Cappellacci pasta and fresh Ahi Tuna. For a more casual dining experience head on over to Coast, where you can fill up on fish tacos, crab cakes or a good ole’ fashioned Coast Cheeseburger on a pretzel bun. Then get comfortable on one of the couches at the Living Room and throw back a Starfish Mojito as you immerse yourself in the ultimate beach cottage experience.

5. Geoffrey’s

Located on the site of the former Holiday House, Geoffrey’s first opened its doors in 1983 and since then it has served as a restaurant to the stars for several decades.  Their Lobster Cobb Salad, Tahitian Corn Chowder and Shiitake Mushroom Omelette are out of this world. Be sure to add the Classic Geoffrey’s Crème Brulee on your list of desserts to devour.

6. The Lobster

At the corner of Ocean Avenue and the Santa Monica Pier you’ll find The Lobster, a restaurant that was originally established in 1923. Stop by for their Happiest Hour and take advantage of the indulgent truffle Parmesan fries, lobster and shrimp corn dogs, along with their Cantaloupe Martini and popular Southern Tea. Their unique menu features festive after-dinner drinks like the Jamaican Sunset and the Boardwalk Blast, as well as their infamous pineapple upside down cake.

7. Moonshadows

For a night out with friends, head over to Moonshadows in Malibu,  a place where sexy meets the sea and locals and visitors alike can unwind in style. As you make your way into the main dining room, stop by the Blue Lounge Bar on the patio for a pre-dinner drink, then enjoy the live DJ sets as you spend the rest of your evening feasting on the Ripe Red D’Anjou Pear Salad and Chilled Mexican White Shrimp Cocktail, soaked in spicy Wasabi Bloody Mary Cocktail sauce.

8. Catch at Casa del Mar

Hotel Casa Del Mar is home to the infamous Catch Restaurant, which offers charming views of the Pacific Ocean and a range of dishes that are all freshly prepared with local seafood and Farmer’s Market vegetables. They also offer a gluten-free menu for the more finicky eater. After your main meal, sashay over to the Lobby Lounge which features a diverse wine bar for the self-acclaimed vino. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, stop by the cocktail trolley and allow one of the on-hand expert mixologists to create a custom cocktail tailored to suit your palette.

9. Chez Jay

Known as the place where “stars go to slum”, this local celebrity dive spot is just half a block south of the Santa Monica Pier and is the perfect place to go for some prime people-watching.  Get your steak made any way you like, from Filet Mignon to New York Cut Steak, and don’t forget to try the sticky toffee pudding for dessert. Chez Jay also serves a mean breakfast on the weekends, and if you get up early enough, you just might catch sight of Ben Affleck or some of the other famous regulars seated at Table 10 in the back.

10. The Penthouse

For those that have always wanted to dine in the sky, look no further. The Penthouse, located eighteen stories above the shore in the exclusive Huntley Hotel, offers sweeping ocean views all the way to Malibu. A modern fusion of American, Asian and Pacific cuisine, the menu at this Santa Monica hotspot includes the Vietnamese Chicken Sandwich, Steamed Mediterranean Mussels and New Zealand Snapper. For dessert, the Grilled Peach Napoleon will send your taste buds into a state of flavorful bliss.