The beaches in Los Angeles are not only famous for their charming scenery, but the restaurants around them also provide tourists with countless food options. Whether it is fresh seafood, exquisite Western food, or Mediterranean-style dishes, restaurants near the beach perfectly combine delicious food with beautiful scenery. Here, you can not only taste mouth-watering food, but also enjoy the comfort of the sea breeze and feel the unique beach culture and food style of Los Angeles.
1. The Lobster – Classic seafood and beautiful sea view
1.1 Restaurant history and overview
The Lobster is a seafood restaurant located near Santa Monica Beach, famous for its fresh lobsters and magnificent sea views. The restaurant’s history can be traced back to 1923, when it was a simple little seafood restaurant. Over time, it gradually became one of the most representative restaurants in Santa Monica. The restaurant’s name comes from its signature dish – fresh lobster. Today, The Lobster has been renovated and expanded many times, but it always insists on providing fresh and exquisite seafood cuisine, and every visitor can enjoy unparalleled beach scenery.
1.2 Food Features and Taste
The Lobster’s menu is mainly seafood, and the most popular one is of course its lobster. The lobsters provided by the restaurant are tender and rich in flavor. After careful cooking, the natural freshness of seafood is preserved. In addition, the restaurant’s seafood platter is also very popular, including fresh oysters, crabs and prawns, each of which tastes excellent and full of seafood flavor.
In addition to the main course, The Lobster also provides some exquisite side dishes, such as golden and crispy fried squid, creamy and rich lobster pasta, etc. Each dish is carefully prepared, focusing on the freshness of the ingredients and the balance of taste.
1.3 Personal Experience
What impressed me most about dining at The Lobster was not just the food itself, but the relaxed and pleasant atmosphere of the restaurant. Sitting at the table by the window, facing the vast sea, the sea breeze blowing on your face, the sun shining on your face, everything seems so peaceful and beautiful. Especially at dusk, outside the floor-to-ceiling windows of the restaurant, the sea surface reflects the warm golden sunlight, which is intoxicating.
The quality of the food is impeccable, the lobster meat is delicious and juicy, especially with the store’s secret butter sauce, the taste is simply unforgettable. In addition, the service of the restaurant is also very thoughtful, the waiters are enthusiastic and professional, and always make people feel at home.
1.4 Location and transportation
The Lobster is located in the Pier 7 area of Santa Monica Beach, just a few steps away from Santa Monica Beach. There are many parking spaces around, which is convenient for tourists who drive. There are also many bus stops and subway stations near the restaurant, and transportation is very convenient.
1.5 Booking platform and cost
Through platforms such as OpenTable and Resy, you can easily make reservations, especially on weekends and holidays, it is particularly important to reserve seats. The cost of the restaurant is moderate, and the average cost of a single meal is about $40-$80. Of course, if you choose a set meal or drinks, the cost will increase.
2. Geoffrey’s Malibu – Luxury Beachfront Dining Experience
2.1 Restaurant History and Overview
Geoffrey’s Malibu is one of the most famous beachfront restaurants in Los Angeles. It is located on Malibu Beach and enjoys a high reputation in the local area for its unique location and cuisine. The restaurant was founded in 1990 and quickly became one of the representatives of high-end dining in the Los Angeles area. Geoffrey’s is good at combining seafood with international cooking techniques, and its menu is constantly innovating, which is deeply loved by local residents and tourists.
2.2 Food Features and Taste
Geoffrey’s menu focuses on high-end seafood and creative cuisine, among which the seafood platter is particularly classic. The restaurant’s oysters, fresh red lobsters and various marine fish are absolute highlights. One of the restaurant’s most popular main dishes is the grilled sea bass, which has an intoxicating taste with a crispy outside and tender inside. Moreover, Geoffrey’s side dishes are also very unique, such as garlic mushrooms baked in butter and sweet and sour lemon butter sauce, which add a unique flavor.
One of the characteristics of the restaurant is the use of local organic ingredients, which ensures deliciousness while also demonstrating the concept of sustainable development. The restaurant’s desserts are very creative, especially the handmade strawberry tart and rich chocolate mousse, which make the end of each meal perfect.
2.3 Personal experience
The dining experience at Geoffrey’s is luxurious. The interior decoration of the restaurant is elegant, and every detail reflects high-end taste. Standing on the terrace, you can enjoy the unbeatable beach view. The sea breeze blows gently, and the waves in the distance beat the beach. This feeling of close contact with nature is really rare.
The service of the restaurant is also a highlight. The staff is not only enthusiastic and professional, but they will provide personalized recommendations based on the tastes of customers. The grilled sea bass I tried was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with an excellent taste, and the refreshing salad and white wine that went with it made the entire dining experience sublime.
2.4 Location and transportation
Geoffrey’s is located in the heart of Malibu Beach, overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean. There is ample parking space around the restaurant. Although Malibu’s traffic is a bit congested, it is still easy to find parking spaces around the restaurant. There are also public transportation options around Malibu. Especially during the peak tourist season, the restaurant recommends booking seats in advance.
2.5 Booking Platform and Cost
Through platforms such as OpenTable and Resy, you can book a seat at Geoffrey’s. Due to its reputation in the field of high-end dining, the restaurant often fills up quickly, especially during dinner time. In terms of cost, the average per capita consumption at Geoffrey’s is about $80-$150, depending on the dishes and drinks selected.
3. Moonshadows Malibu – The perfect combination of sea view and bar style
3.1 Restaurant History and Overview
Moonshadows Malibu is a seaside restaurant that combines dining and bar culture. Since its opening in 1980, Moonshadows has been one of the most popular beach restaurants in Malibu. It attracts tourists from all over the world with its modern design and comfortable atmosphere. The name of the restaurant “Moonshadows” comes from the beach scene under the moonlight. The food and drinks provided by the restaurant are also very creative, reflecting the perfect combination of beach style and modern cooking.
3.2 Food Features and Taste
The menu of Moonshadows includes seafood, barbecue and delicious vegetarian options. Its signature dish, Moonlight Lobster, is famous for its delicious lobster meat, crispy shell and rich butter sauce. The restaurant’s seafood tower, which contains fresh crabs, lobsters and oysters, gives people an ultimate taste enjoyment.
In addition, the restaurant’s wine list is very rich, and a variety of hand-made cocktails, craft beers and selected wines from around the world can be found here. The restaurant’s Seaside Blueberry Cocktail is especially recommended, with a strong fruity aroma, suitable for tasting in the warm sea breeze.
3.3 Personal Experience
Dining at Moonshadows is an extremely pleasant experience. The restaurant’s design is modern and chic, with a spacious terrace where guests can enjoy a breathtaking beach view. Especially at sunset, the sea view of the restaurant and the sunset complement each other, forming a beautiful picture.
I particularly like the atmosphere and aperitif here. Order a glass of seaside blueberry cocktail, stand on the terrace, overlook the blue sea, and feel the beauty of living in harmony with nature. The lobster in the restaurant is delicious and rich in taste, and every bite is full of the taste of the sea.
3.4 Location and transportation
Moonshadows is located in the heart of Malibu Beach. The restaurant provides parking. Although the restaurant is located in a remote area, the surrounding transportation network is good and tourists can easily drive there. The beach around the restaurant is also a popular tourist attraction, so it is recommended to make reservations in advance during peak seasons.
3.5 Booking platform and cost
You can easily book a seat at Moonshadows through OpenTable or Resy. The restaurant’s consumption is moderate, with an average per capita consumption of about $60-$120, depending on the dishes and drinks selected.
4. Things to note when dining at restaurants in Los Angeles
Make reservations in advance
Popular restaurants in Los Angeles, especially those near the beach, are often packed during peak hours. To avoid long waits, it is recommended that you make reservations in advance through platforms such as OpenTable and Resy. Especially on weekends, holidays or during peak tourist seasons, there is a huge demand for seats in restaurants. Making reservations in advance not only ensures a seat, but also avoids missing the best dining time.
Pay attention to the dress code of restaurants
Although the restaurant culture in Los Angeles tends to be casual, some high-end restaurants, especially those near the beach, may have dress codes. For example, restaurants such as Geoffrey’s Malibu and The Lobster may require guests to wear smart casual clothing and avoid wearing overly casual clothing such as sportswear and beachwear.
Pay attention to the peak hours of restaurants
The peak dining time of restaurants in Los Angeles is generally during dinner time, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, when restaurants will be very busy. If you plan to dine during these times, it is recommended to plan your time in advance to avoid overcrowding during peak hours of restaurants.
