Dine with a View: Los Angeles' Most Breathtaking Restaurants

Los Angeles is a city where food and scenery go hand in hand. Whether perched high above the city’s glittering skyline, nestled into the Malibu coastline, or tucked into the rolling hills of Hollywood, the best dining experiences in LA go beyond just the plate. They are immersive, transporting diners into spaces where the atmosphere, architecture, and view are as much a part of the meal as the flavors on the menu. For those looking to pair an unforgettable meal with a stunning visual feast, these restaurants offer the perfect blend of exceptional cuisine and unparalleled scenery.

Photo courtesy of Geoffrey's Malibu

Skyline Sophistication in Downtown LA

Few places in Los Angeles capture the city's vibrancy like its downtown skyline, and nowhere is that more evident than at Cara Cara, the rooftop restaurant atop the Proper Hotel. With a panoramic perspective of the city's ever-evolving architecture, this urban oasis offers market-driven dishes that highlight California’s bounty. Whether savoring a beautifully plated seafood dish or sipping a signature cocktail against the backdrop of a golden sunset, Cara Cara exudes effortless elegance.

For a more elevated experience—literally—71Above reigns supreme. Situated on the 71st floor of the US Bank Tower, this restaurant is the highest dining destination west of the Mississippi, offering 360-degree views of the entire city, from the Pacific Ocean to the San Gabriel Mountains. The modern American tasting menu, curated by Executive Chef Javier Lopez, provides a refined experience that matches the grandeur of its surroundings.

Adding a touch of old-world charm to downtown’s high-rise glamour is Perch, a French-inspired rooftop bistro. With its cozy fire pits, vintage décor, and live jazz performances, Perch transports guests to a Parisian terrace, where they can sip wine and indulge in escargot while admiring the twinkling lights of the city below.

Hollywood Hills & Westside Wonders

Perched above Hollywood, offering a breathtaking view of the city’s sprawl, Yamashiro provides a dining experience steeped in history. Originally built as a Japanese-inspired estate in 1914, the restaurant now serves as one of the most romantic spots in LA. Guests can dine on exquisitely prepared sushi and Wagyu Sukiyaki while gazing out over the Hollywood lights, framed by the estate’s traditional architecture and tranquil koi ponds.

For a sleek, contemporary rooftop experience, Harriet’s Rooftop at the 1 Hotel in West Hollywood delivers. The lounge-style restaurant offers an upscale but relaxed setting with craft cocktails and globally inspired small plates. The real star, however, is the uninterrupted view stretching from the Hollywood Hills to the ocean, making it a prime location for a sunset toast.

Just a short drive away, The Rooftop Beverly Hills at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills offers an equally stunning vista, with sweeping views of the Beverly Hills skyline and beyond. Asian-inspired dishes created by Executive Chef Peleg Miron and the award-winning culinary team of Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, making for a dining experience as refined as its surroundings.

Photo courtesy of 71Above

Coastal Luxury in Malibu

Nowhere does oceanfront dining quite like Malibu, and no name is more synonymous with seaside luxury than Nobu Malibu. The minimalist yet elegant space allows the ocean to take center stage, with waves crashing just beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows. The restaurant’s fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors, featuring dishes like the famous Black Cod Miso and Yellowtail Jalapeño, ensures that the culinary experience is just as memorable as the setting.

Further along the coast, Geoffrey’s Malibu has been a beloved retreat for decades. With its sun-drenched patio perched over the Pacific, the restaurant offers a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle. The menu, featuring fresh seafood and California-inspired cuisine, perfectly complements the sound of the waves and the scent of salt in the air. Whether dining at sunset or under a starlit sky, Geoffrey’s provides a quintessential Malibu experience.

Hillside Retreats & Hidden Gems

For those seeking a dining experience with a commanding view of the San Fernando Valley, Castaway Burbank is a must-visit. Tucked into the Verdugo Hills, this modern steakhouse boasts a setting that is both refined and inviting. Guests can enjoy dry-aged meats and an extensive raw bar while gazing over a sprawling vista that stretches from downtown Los Angeles to the valley floor.

A hidden gem among the city’s rooftop offerings, Sendero delivers an elevated Latin American culinary journey with a breathtaking cityscape backdrop. With its diverse menu inspired by the flavors of Mexico, Central, and South America, this sleek downtown destination offers a dining experience as rich as the culture it celebrates.

Equally impressive is West Restaurant & Lounge, located on the 17th floor of Hotel Angeleno. From this vantage point, diners can take in sweeping views that extend from the Getty Center to the Pacific Ocean. The sophisticated yet approachable menu features California-inspired cuisine with global influences, making West an underrated treasure in LA’s dining scene.

A City Where Dining Meets Design

Los Angeles is a city that thrives on spectacle, and its dining scene is no exception. Here, the view is just as important as what’s on the plate, creating an atmosphere where every meal becomes an event. Whether it’s a sky-high perch above the glittering metropolis, a tranquil terrace overlooking the Pacific, or a hidden retreat nestled in the hills, the city’s most breathtaking restaurants ensure that both the food and the setting leave a lasting impression.

So the next time you're searching for a restaurant that offers more than just a meal, consider one of these exceptional destinations—because in Los Angeles, the view is always part of the experience.