7 Seaside Restaurants with the Best Views

Monterey County is home to some of the most iconic and award winning restaurants ever. Enjoying a special meal involves not only delicious cuisine, but also ambiance.  These 7 restaurants offer killer views that will impress you.  Whether you are planning a get together with friends or family, or looking for a romantic place to enjoy a quiet meal, these are the very best restaurants for spectacular views as well as good food.

1.  Nepenthe features jaw-dropping views of the Pacific Ocean.  Located 30 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1, Nepenthe is an ancient Greek word meaning an elixir for sorrow.  This iconic restaurant has drawn creatives and writers since it opened in 1949.  For more information, see Nepenthe.

2.  Ventana lies further south of Nepenthe, and dazzles with breathtaking views of Big Sur.  It first opened in 1975, and still features vestiges of its hippie beginnings.  It has drawn celebrities throughout the decades, from Dennis Hopper to Taylor Swift.  For more information, see Ventana.

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3.  Rocky Point lies just 10 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1.  This restaurant is perched on a cliff and features spectacular, panoramic views of the ocean.  For more information, see Rocky Point.

4.  The Inn at Spanish Bay, in Pebble Beach, features extraordinary views of the coastline. A bonus:  just before sunset, a bagpiper plays Scottish tunes.  Sit outside around the cozy fire pits and enjoy the views!  For more information, see Spanish Bay.

5.  The historic Mission Ranch in Carmel features pastoral views of sheep grazing, and beyond, striking views of the mountains and sea.  Mission Ranch, owned by Clint Eastwood, lies just around the corner from the beautiful Carmel Mission Basilica.  For more information, see Mission Ranch.

6.  The Beach House in Pacific Grove overlooks gorgeous Lovers Point Park and Marine Reserve.  You may spot sea otters, harbor seals, pelicans, cormorants and more while you dine.  For more information, see Beach House.

7.  Schooners was voted “best drink with a view’ in Monterey, and is is easy to see why. Located in Cannery Row at the Monterey Plaza Hotel, Schooners offers a great place to drink in the ocean air and enjoy all the breathtaking views of the bay.

Thank you for visiting my blog!  I hope you are able to take in the views at one of these amazing restaurants.  You may also enjoy The Most Beautiful Instagrammable Spots in Monterey!, The #1 Guide for What to See and Do in Romantic Carmel, Nepenthe’s Phoenix: Bohemian Bliss in Big Sur, Ventana in Beautiful Big Sur,  Lovers Point: Legendary Park in Pacific Grove and Mission Ranch in Carmel, California.  Wishing you peace, love, happiness & beautiful vistas!