Top 10 Ocean View Restaurants in Northern California

Northern California’s rugged coastline is a stunning backdrop for memorable meals—and these ten restaurants deliver on both views and flavor. Whether it’s a Michelin-starred retreat or a casual seafood shack, these coastal gems offer the best of both worlds. 

Top 10 Ocean View Restaurants

1. The Restaurant at Harbor House Inn, Elk 

Located directly on the Mendocino coastline, this 18-seat restaurant delivers an unparalleled culinary experience. With two Michelin stars and a Green Star for sustainability, the menu changes daily based on local foraging and fresh catch. Expect seaweed, mushrooms, garden produce, and seafood from the cove below, all artfully presented. It’s perfect for a special occasion dinner or a more accessible five-course lunch. The ambiance is serene, with sweeping ocean views enhancing every bite. 

• Website: theharborhouseinn.com 

• Address: 5600 South Highway 1, Elk, CA 95432 

2. Coast Kitchen at Timber Cove Resort, Jenner 

Nestled in a midcentury-modern resort along the Sonoma Coast, Coast Kitchen is known for its dramatic cliffside views and refined yet approachable cuisine. Floor-to-ceiling windows and an inviting interior create a relaxed atmosphere, while the menu features dishes like seaweed-crusted halibut and Blakeman Farm lamb. Whether dining inside or by the fire pits outside, it’s an ideal place for slow meals and long conversations. Post-dinner, grab a cocktail and unwind at the oceanside fire pit under the stars. 

• Website: coastkitchensonoma.com 

• Address: 21780 Highway 1 Jenner, California, 95450 

3. Restaurant at Nick’s Cove, Marshall 

This historic restaurant on Tomales Bay blends rustic charm with fresh, flavorful seafood. Originally opened 90 years ago, Nick’s Cove now features an updated menu from chef Chris Cosentino, with favorites like clam chowder, cioppino, and Dungeness crab rolls. Sit inside or on the waterfront deck for peaceful bay views. Though casual and unpretentious, the food quality and heritage ambiance make this a destination in its own right. It’s a perfect stop while exploring West Marin. 

• Website: nickscove.com 

• Address: 23240 CA-1, Marshall, CA 94940 

4. Spud Point Crab Co., Bodega Bay 

This beloved crab shack has served up award-winning clam chowder and crab rolls for over two decades. Owned by local fishermen Tony and Carol Anello, the catch is fresh from their family boat and served hot with no fuss. During crab season, the line stretches out the door. Diners grab outdoor tables or perch on the dock to enjoy the view and the bounty. It’s a no-frills, authentic taste of the California coast that locals swear by. 

• Website: spudpointcrabco.com 

• Address: 1910 Westshore Rd, Bodega Bay, CA 94923 

5. Ledford House Restaurant, Albion 

Overlooking the Mendocino coast, Ledford House offers elegant provincial cuisine and warm hospitality. Owners Tony and Lisa Geer have run the restaurant since the 1980s, with Lisa in the kitchen and Tony greeting guests. Expect classic, comforting dishes and sunsets framed by wide ocean-facing windows. The space exudes old-school charm, far from the trend-driven scene of big cities, yet always welcoming and serene. It’s the type of place you’ll want to return to season after season. 

• Website: ledfordhouse.com 

• Address: 3000 North Highway One, Albion CA 95410 

6. Nepenthe, Big Sur 

A cultural icon since 1949, Nepenthe blends Big Sur’s mystique with sweeping ocean views and a bohemian soul. Built by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, it once hosted legends like Rita Hayworth and Orson Welles. Today, the deck still buzzes with creatives, travelers, and locals enjoying hearty café fare—burgers, salads, and house specialties. It’s less about haute cuisine and more about soaking in the spirit of the coast from one of California’s most iconic restaurants. 

• Website: nepenthe.com 

• Address: 48510 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920 

7. Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur 

Dramatically perched on a cliffside, Sierra Mar offers one of the most breathtaking dining experiences in California. Located at the luxurious Post Ranch Inn, the restaurant serves prix fixe menus using ingredients from its chef’s garden. Large windows invite sweeping ocean views into every table, while the food balances local inspiration with refined technique. Whether for a romantic dinner or an indulgent lunch, Sierra Mar is a culinary journey from the edge of the continent. 

• Website: postranchinn.com/dining 

• Address: 47900 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920 

8. Sam’s Chowder House, Half Moon Bay 

With Adirondack chairs on a cliffside patio and roaring fire pits, Sam’s Chowder House captures the essence of casual coastal dining. Known for its lobster rolls—voted among America’s best—the menu also features New England clam chowder, seafood paella, and fresh fish entrees. Watch the surf roll in with a warm drink, or enjoy the outdoor seating under heat lamps. Sam’s combines oceanfront views with satisfying, family-friendly food and a laid-back atmosphere. 

• Website: samschowderhouse.com 

• Address: 4210 N. Cabrillo Hwy (Hwy 1), Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 

9. Nick’s Seafood Restaurant, Pacifica 

Nick’s is a Pacifica institution known for its retro charm, beachside views, and hearty seafood plates. Overlooking Rockaway Beach, it serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Diners enjoy crab sandwiches, fried seafood, and steak dinners in a nostalgic dining room, while the lounge features live music and dancing on weekends. Ideal for unwinding away from the city buzz, Nick’s invites guests to relax, eat well, and soak in the rhythm of the sea. 

• Website: nicksrestaurant.net 

• Address: 100 Rockaway Beach Ave, Pacifica, CA 94044 

10. Half Moon Bay Brewing Company 

This popular brewpub by Pillar Point Harbor offers excellent local beers, coastal views, and a dog-friendly patio. Try house-brewed favorites like the “Full Swing” IPA or “Calf-eine” Coffee Milk Stout. The menu features artichoke hearts, fish tacos, and chowder made with local ingredients. It’s lively but relaxed, perfect for a weekend lunch or sunset session with friends—and even your dog, thanks to its dedicated dog menu and welcoming vibe. 

• Website: hmbbrewingco.com 

• Address: 390 Capistrano Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 

Whether you're seeking a fine-dining experience high on the cliffs of Big Sur or a laid-back bowl of chowder with your feet in the sand, Northern California’s ocean view restaurants offer something for every taste and mood. These coastal destinations not only deliver spectacular scenery but also highlight the region's culinary excellence, with fresh, local ingredients and unforgettable ambiance. So next time you're headed for the coast, let the ocean be your dining companion—these ten spots ensure your view is as impressive as what’s on your plate.