Nothing says summer like relaxing with cocktails and bountiful bites at a rooftop restaurant while soaking up the views … and maybe catching a golden sunset. Ready to celebrate the season? Here are 10 rooftop restaurants in Central and Southern California where you can raise a glass (and fork!) from on high.
Jump to rooftop restaurants in: Central California | Los Angeles | Orange County | San Diego
Rooftop restaurants in Los Angeles
By Lizbeth Scordo
1. Terra, Century City
The seafood platter is one of many dishes that come from the wood-burning grill at Terra in Century City. Photo by Jordana Sheara Photography
Spanning 11,000 square feet, Terra is a stunning rooftop restaurant on the third floor of Italian-themed food hall Eataly. The indoor dining room and sprawling outdoor patio are dotted with lush potted plants and showcase vast views of the Hollywood Hills.
The kitchen makes excellent use of its massive wood-burning grill, churning out grilled whole branzino, lamb chops, a tomahawk steak, and a bountiful seafood platter replete with swordfish, Pacific razor clams, shrimp, and calamari. There’s even a wood-fired frittata at brunch. Don’t miss the house-made pastas, from squid ink pacherri in a calamari ragù to a simple (but must-order) spaghetti pomodoro.
A bartender puts the final touches on a lychee cocktail at Terra in Century City. Photo by Jordana Sheara Photography
On a sunny afternoon, grab a stool at the emerald-colored Bar Botanica. Order a refreshing Lavender Collins or the boozy Venetian Gimlet, punched up with a splash of Aperol. (Be sure to designate a driver if you plan to drink alcohol.)
2. The Rooftop by JG, Beverly Hills
Glam open-air restaurant The Rooftop by JG sits on the 12th floor of the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. Photo by Jordana Sheara Photography
Panoramic views stretching from Beverly Hills to downtown abound at The Rooftop by JG, the swanky open-air restaurant on the 12th floor of the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. It’s just as impressive on a sunny day as after dark, when the city lights twinkle and overhead heaters kick on to combat chilly Westside nights.
Guests enter The Rooftop by JG on the 12th floor of the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. Photo by Jordana Sheara Photography
The verdant setting features a living wall flanking the bar and teal-hued cushioned seating surrounding both dining and lounge tables, from where you’ll want to order a refreshing cucumber martini or ginger margarita.
The decadent brie-topped truffle burger is even better with a mound of fries at The Rooftop by JG in Beverly Hills. Photo by Jordana Sheara Photography
Share a round of appetizers from renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s menu that’s heavy on global influences. Try his signature tuna tartare, tender grilled octopus with paprika crème fraîche, or the indulgent caviar-topped fries. For entrées, order the seared salmon with summer peas or the Brie-topped truffle burger made for matching with the seriously decadent combo of crispy fries and caviar.
3. Spire 73, Los Angeles
The Purple Dress cocktail at downtown L.A.'s Spire 73, the tallest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere. Photo by Jen Warren
The towering InterContinental Hotel’s Spire 73 became the Western Hemisphere’s highest open-air bar when it opened in 2017, perched atop a whopping 73 stories and providing close-up views of downtown L.A.’s electric skyline. The upscale venue is surrounded by glass partitions, so you can sit dramatically close to the edge. There’s also a large backlit bar and a rectangular communal table centered around an oversized firepit.
Patrons can order mixology-forward sippers like the aptly named City View with vodka, raspberry, and sparkling wine.
The abbreviated food menu highlights appetizers with an international twist, including Bangkok crispy shrimp, wings tossed in both buffalo sauce and citrus Tajin, and samosas served with mint chutney. Some of the entrée prices are as breathtaking as the views ($75 for an 8-ounce filet mignon), but others are more approachable, like the $26 Spire Burger. Reservations recommended.
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Rooftop restaurants in Central California
By Nancy Ransohoff
4. Elderwood, Visalia
The pork belly is cured in soy and sugar for 48 hours and topped with kimchi pickles and ginger slaw at Elderwood in Visalia. Photo courtesy The Darling Hotel
Award-winning art deco–style The Darling Hotel is home to Visalia’s only rooftop restaurant and lounge. Situated 5 stories up, Elderwood is a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike. Travelers visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks come for the upscale American cuisine starring ingredients from nearby farms and stay for the striking views of the Sierra Nevada and the Central Valley.
A fusion of fun and refinement, the restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating for brunch, late-afternoon cocktail hour, and dinner. Early-day favorites include chicken and waffles with spicy maple butter sauce, French toast battered in crunchy cornflakes, and mimosa flights made for Sunday funday.
At Elderwood in Visalia, the vodka-based Darling cocktail gets its bright red hue from cranberry juice and grenadine. Photo courtesy The Darling Hotel
On the dinner menu, look for standout starters such as 48-hour soy-and-sugar-cured pork belly. Mains include a grilled New York strip steak done with a velvety whiskey peppercorn cream sauce and a seafood pasta studded with prawns, mussels, and Spanish chorizo.
It all pairs well with selections from the wine-and-beer list. Instagram-worthy cocktails include The Darling, a combination of vodka, cranberry juice, lemon, maple, grenadine, and cranberry bitters, with rosy hues that echo the sunset.
5. Cypress Beach House, Pismo Beach
Guests can take in views of the nearby Pismo Beach Pier and Pacific Ocean from Cypress Beach House. Photo by Sierra Prescott
The classic beach town’s oceanfront hotel is capped with this lively open-air rooftop spot, complete with a restaurant, bar, pool, and poolside lounge. Located next to the pier and boardwalk in downtown Pismo, the hotel sees a steady stream of guests. But you don’t have to be a guest at the hotel to chill at Cypress Beach House.
Enjoy 180-degree views of the Pacific coastline along with a seasonally inspired menu that includes both California cuisine and Italian fare. Think ever-changing crudo offerings, bison meatballs, brothy cioppino overflowing with shellfish, and a sampler of crostini topped with artichoke, heirloom apples, and whipped ricotta that guests can pair with scratch-made cocktails. Reservations are recommended for dining.
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6. Oku, Santa Barbara
Located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s waterfront in the über-popular Funk Zone, seaside sushi spot Oku buzzes year-round. Savor the California Asian-inspired cuisine, lively vibe, and views of the beach, Stearns Wharf, and the palm tree-lined boulevard.
The restaurant’s second-floor rooftop dining and outdoor lounge areas are warmed by a cozy fireplace. If you can’t snag a rooftop spot, the outdoor sidewalk patio downstairs is equally chill and inviting.
Guests rave about the fresh-off-the-boat seafood, including wild-caught fish, sea urchin, and spot prawns from the Santa Barbara Channel. Among the highlights from the sushi bar is the Crouching Tiger Roll that combines tempura shrimp and spicy yellowtail. It’s often paired with the Hidden Dragon cocktail made with zippy Thai chili–infused tequila.
Don’t-miss dishes include crispy tempura cauliflower tossed with gochujang sauce over yuzu-shiso aioli and tender short ribs with bok choy. Tipples are from the well-curated list of California and international wines and the restaurant’s robust sake selection.
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Rooftop restaurants in Orange County
By Candice Woo
7. The Fifth Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, Anaheim
Diners at The Fifth Rooftop Restaurant & Bar in Anaheim get both creative presentations of classic bar fare and views of Disneyland at the open-air venue. Photo by Jordana Sheara Photography
Spanning 5,000 square feet on the top floor of the Grand Legacy at the Park hotel, The Fifth is a rare rooftop locale in Anaheim. The coveted location across from the Disneyland Resort offers prime viewing for the park’s fireworks.
Bartenders craft tropical drinks on Tiki Tuesdays at The FIFTH Rooftop Restaurant & Bar in Anaheim. Photo by Jordana Sheara Photography
The restaurant and bar offers a variety of themed nights. On Tiki Tuesdays, patrons dressed in tiki attire score 20% off tropical cocktails. Taco Thursdays offer discounted margs and taco trios. DJs spin on Friday and Saturday nights.
The food menu leans heavily on classic bar fare like burgers, nachos, and fried chicken tenders, with deals on select bites such as loaded tots come happy hour, which takes place Tuesday through Thursday. Frequented by partygoing crowds, the bar mixes up cocktails that are sweet and strong. Whiskey fans should mark their calendars for Wednesdays, when Manhattans and mint juleps are on special all night.
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8. The Rooftop Lounge, Laguna Beach
The creme brûlée French toast (paired with a mojito) at The Rooftop Lounge in Laguna Beach. Photo by Jordana Sheara Photography
The best spot to take in the sweeping Pacific coastline in Laguna Beach might be The Rooftop Lounge. This outdoor venue boasts ocean views atop the historic Spanish-style La Casa del Camino boutique hotel located just steps from the sand. An ideal stop after a visit to the beach, it’s both an attractive amenity for hotel guests and a destination for Orange County residents.
The panoramic views provide a backdrop for an eclectic menu that features za’atar-spiced wings, reflecting the property’s Mediterranean vibes, alongside comfort food like fried coconut shrimp and spicy fish-and-chips.
Weekend brunch is a great time to gather on the glass-surrounded patio. Share extravagant breakfast plates of crème brûlée French toast, steak and eggs with chimichurri, and duck confit egg rolls. Toast with a glass of bubbly or one of La Casa del Camino’s famous fresh-fruit mojitos in flavors like berry or mango.
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Rooftop restaurants in San Diego
By Candice Woo
9. Ocean Terrace, La Jolla
A margarita sits alongside the locally caught yellowtail at La Jolla's Ocean Terrace. Photo by Rob Andrew
With a nearly 40-year residency in the coastal enclave of La Jolla, George’s at the Cove remains among the area’s top restaurant destinations. Its rooftop Ocean Terrace is the crown jewel of this 3-tiered venue. Perched above Prospect Street overlooking the Pacific Ocean, almost every seat at the casual outdoor restaurant and bar has a view. You can also make a special reservation to secure a coveted table closest to the water.
The breezy patio, shaded by umbrellas and awnings, draws San Diegans and tourists alike who come to soak up the sparkling sights of La Jolla Cove.
Decorated chef Masa Kojima’s vibrant menu showcases San Diego–sourced seafood, including the restaurant’s take on Baja fish tacos stuffed with local rockfish or the poached (and equally local) tuna melt as a lunchtime nosh. Head over as the sun is setting to dine on scallop crudo followed by seared yellowtail plated with an eggplant miso puree.
The bar pours a compelling pineapple-jalapeno margarita as well as a sparkling citrus spritz on tap. For a refreshing nonalcoholic option, try the watermelon agua fresca.
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10. Mister A’s, San Diego
The well-garnished Creole Bloody Mary at Mister A's, overlooking the skyline of San Diego. Photo by Rob Andrew
From its sky-high vantage point near Balboa Park, Mister A’s has been a fine-dining icon and a landmark in the Bankers Hill neighborhood since 1965.
The penthouse restaurant recently underwent a serious renovation, giving the dining room a glitzy makeover—including original chandeliers—to pay homage to the venue’s midcentury history, adding an entirely new bar and lounge, and updating the wraparound rooftop deck, which boasts 270-degree views of the surrounding cityscape and airplanes gliding by.
Longtime chef Stephane Voitzwinkler cooks up elegant dishes, ranging from luxe caviar paired with buckwheat blini to Wagyu rib eye served with bordelaise sauce and duck fat potatoes.
The bar hosts live music several nights a week and offers more casual bites. Try the mini French dip sandwiches, warm herbed olives, and truffled fries. Craft cocktails include a barrel-aged espresso martini and drinks highlighting gin and vodka from San Diego–based You & Yours Distilling Company.
A special Saturday edition of brunch features live jazz and a dedicated menu of New Orleans–inspired classics such as blue crab cakes, beignets, and Creole Bloody Marys.
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