A Plate With a View
The other day, LAist received an inquiry via email about our picks for the restaurants that have something inedible (but, perhaps indelible) on the menu: A great waterfront view. We did a little culling, and have come up with the following lowdown.
Our favorite spot for drinks and light appetizers is Splashes Lounge at the Surf and Sand Resort in Laguna Beach. We loved watching the sun go down and having the waves pound on the shore right over our shoulders, as seen and heard via the bar's wide-open windows. Although we hit the bar as a part of the agenda on our recent indulgent overnight stay at the hotel and spa (and dined elegantly on a delicious meal at the bar's adjoining restaurant that night), this romantic and smack-dab on the waterfront spot could just as well be the day's destination. And, psssttt... if you tell your server/bartender that you'd like to finish that drink (fresh Raspberry Mojito, may we suggest) "poolside" (wink, wink) they'll pour it into a plastic cup, perfect for transporting. And if you should happen to, whoops, hang a right onto the awaiting sand instead of up to the deck, well...
For seafood by the sea, we like the old reliable The Lobster in Santa Monica. It might be a tad chilly of late to nab a spot in their outdoor section, but the view can be worth it. We've had a few terrific meals here, and have no qualms about endorsing it.
Chowhounds chimed in with recommendations for Duke's in Malibu for bar fare in your bare feet, Jer-Ne in the Ritz Carlton in Marina Del Rey, Sunset Restaurant at Zuma Beach, 21 Oceanfront at the Newport Pier, The Clubhouse at the Trump National Golf Club, and Chimayo's at the Huntington Beach Pier. And OC-area foodblogger Professor Salt heartily endorses the Beachcomber at Crystal Cove in Crystal Cove State Park. Curious about Citysearch? They've assembled their own list "Best Of 2006" for Waterfront Dining spots; you'll spot a couple of our suggestions there as well.
Think we left something out, dear readers? Do let us know...
Photo by Lindsay William-Ross from Splashes Bar, Laguna Beach