The San Francisco Peninsula offers the perfect setting to gather with loved ones for a delicious meal with a view. The region provides numerous options for visitors to dine overlooking the San Francisco Bay, the Pacific Ocean, or scenic lagoons. Here's a list of restaurants with beautiful views to make your next dining experience an unforgettable one!
Oceanview Restaurants
Sam's Chowder House
Nestled on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Half Moon Bay, Sam’s Chowder House offers true oceanfront dining, stunning sunsets, and fresh local seafood. The restaurant’s famous Lobster Rolls were selected by the Food Editor as one of the five “Best Sandwiches in America” and are a must when visiting Half Moon Bay. Sam’s menu also features other dishes such as their New England clam chowder or an enormous Seafood Paella. While visiting beautiful Half Moon Bay, keep Sam’s in mind and watch the crashing surf by a fireplace, dine outside under a cozy heat lamp, or settle into an Adirondack chair with a view.
Nick's Seafood Restaurant, Pacifica
Located in Pacifica, Nick's Restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily in a relaxed atmosphere with extraordinary views of the Pacific Ocean. Fresh seafood is always available, and their extensive menu is sure to contain at least one of your cravings. Nick's bar and lounge are open daily for cocktails and appetizers and feature live music and dancing on the weekends. Listen to the sound of the waves rolling on the beach's edge and enjoy the beautiful cove, Rockaway Beach gives to its visitors. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle Nick's Restaurant and Sea Breeze Motel welcome and invite you to unwind.
Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
This award-winning brewery and restaurant has become a favorite for locals and is also a very popular destination for international travelers. The Half Moon Bay Brewing Co. offers striking views of Pillar Point Harbor and the Pacific Coast. Their selection of beer is quite unique; we highly recommend trying their “Full Swing” IPA or their “Calf-eine” Coffee Milk Stout or both! In addition to beer, the brewery also offers a wonderful menu that features locally sourced produce and seafood. The artichoke hearts and clam chowder are our favorites. To top it all off, if you happen to be visiting with your dog, the brewery is a dog-friendly establishment that welcomes your pooch with house-made dog treats and its very own Dog Menu!
La Costanera, Pacifica
La Costanera spans two floors and provides diners with modern Peruvian cuisine and a stunning ambiance featuring ocean views and floor-to-ceiling windows. With a new location in Half Moon Bay, their outdoor patio includes fire pits and string lights, a perfect atmosphere for an evening drink, and with two full bars, they are certain to satisfy everyone’s taste. Be sure to try the Pisco Sour, a classic Peruvian cocktail. Their dining areas can also be reserved, making them an excellent location for your next private event or party!
Miramar Beach Restaurant, Half Moon Bay
Originally built as a speakeasy during Prohibition, Miramar Beach Restaurant has proudly kept the historical ambiance of the era while providing exceptional food and an unbeatable view of the Pacific Ocean. Try their weekly special every Thursday night or classics like their Crab Cakes, Seafood Chowder, or Filet Mignon. Their menu also includes a large selection of imported and domestic wines and cocktails. Enjoy live jazz music Wednesday-Sunday featuring pianist Terry Dinsley, named London’s Best Jazz Musician of the Year. Perhaps best of all, the restaurant has a heated, pet-friendly dining patio, perfect for those chillier evenings in majestic Half Moon Bay.
Navio, Half Moon Bay
Navio is the refined seafood restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. This elegant venue combines our county’s local coastal flavors with fresh textures and savory accompaniments. The restaurant faces the gorgeous Half Moon Bay Golf Links and the Pacific Ocean, both offering a very relaxed atmosphere. Navio’s exquisite menu features delicious dishes such as Mount Lassen Trout, Diver Scallops, and flavorful Pumpkin Soup!
Moss Beach Distillery, Moss Beach
Moss Beach Distillery is a historic restaurant perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Moss Beach, California. Established in 1927 as a speakeasy named Frank's Place, it transitioned into a renowned dining spot after Prohibition. The restaurant offers a menu featuring fresh seafood, prime steaks, and other American favorites, emphasizing wild-caught seafood and organic vegetables. Guests can enjoy indoor dining or opt for the heated outdoor patio, which is dog-friendly and equipped with fire pits, providing a cozy atmosphere with panoramic ocean views. The establishment is also known for its resident "Blue Lady" ghost, adding a touch of intrigue to its rich history.
Moonraker, Pacifica
Moonraker Restaurant, situated at 105 Rockaway Beach Avenue in Pacifica, California, offers a distinctive dining experience with panoramic ocean views. Under the guidance of Chef and owner Jason Yeafoli, the restaurant specializes in classic seafood dishes with a modern twist, complemented by a selection of local California wines, beers, and Pacifica-inspired cocktails. The interior features floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the beach and surf, creating a welcoming, ocean-side ambiance. The name 'Moonraker' is inspired by a nautical term referring to a sail used on a clipper sailing ship, symbolizing hope-in-heaven or a moonsail. The restaurant's design incorporates retro accents while maintaining a classic, modern, and comfortable atmosphere. Notably, Moonraker also operates a food truck, Moonraker Mobile, which brings its signature seafood bites to various locations along the San Francisco coast.
Bayfront View Restaurants
AC Waterfront Lounge
This cool lounge is located inside the AC Hotel San Francisco Airport/Oyster Point Waterfront and is open to the public. The AC Waterfront Lounge’s menu features a variety of Spanish-inspired entrees and shareable plates. The lounge also has a full bar featuring craft and signature cocktails (be sure to try the Karl the Fog cocktail!) local beer and wine selections. When in South San Francisco, make a reservation at the AC Waterfront Lounge for a nice dinner or drink (or both) and enjoy a wonderful view of the San Francisco Bay.
Kincaid's
For those traveling around San Francisco International Airport, Kincaid’s is an absolute must! Located in Burlingame, this restaurant boasts a breathtaking location right next to the stunning San Francisco Bay. Their menu highlights delicious, American fare including seafood and steaks. From small plates to their impressive wine selection, Kincaid’s menu features a little something for everyone, and it’s a restaurant for any occasion. We highly recommend the exquisite oven-roasted crab & artichoke dip!
Dominic's at Oyster Point, South San Francisco
Dominic's at Oyster Point is known for its excellent food and lovely ambiance. The restaurant is located inside the Inn at Oyster Point, sharing views of the Yacht Harbor and San Francisco Bay. The menu offers a variety of options, including seafood and steak. During the pandemic, it operated as a food truck with outdoor seating, serving dishes like ribs, cioppino, and crab sandwiches at reasonable prices. The restaurant has also been praised for its Peruvian cuisine, including oysters and ceviche. Some reviewers noted the friendly staff and good service.
Hurrica, Redwood City
Hurrica Restaurant & Bar is a waterfront dining destination in Redwood City, offering a modern American culinary experience with live-fire cooking and stunning views of Westpoint Harbor. Named after the classic Hurrica V sailing yacht, the restaurant features a glass kitchen showcasing live-fire cooking, complemented by a calacatta viola marble bar and a floor-to-ceiling jellyfish aquarium. The menu includes seafood, steak, and vegetables prepared over live fire, with options like whole roasted dorade, New York Strip with dungeness crab hollandaise, and kombu-wrapped Maine lobster. The restaurant also offers a take-out cafe, H2Go, serving morning coffee, pastries, and soft serve ice cream. Guests can arrive by land or sea, with 500 feet of guest dock space available for boaters, sailors, and kayakers.
