01
Best overall pick
Mar'sel at Terranea Resort
Terranea Resort, Rancho Palos Verdes • Upscale Coastal California Restaurant • Special-Occasion Showpiece
Fine dining with sweeping ocean views and a seasonal menu that feels made for celebrating.
Mar'sel is the kind of place locals book for anniversaries and big nights out, thanks to its cliffside setting and polished service. The menu leans into California coastal flavors—think pristine seafood, market vegetables, and an excellent wine list. Time your reservation for sunset and the views alone make it feel like a mini getaway without leaving the peninsula.
02
Best oceanfront patio
Nelson's
Terranea Bluffs, Rancho Palos Verdes • Casual Coastal Gastropub • Laid-Back View Spot
Relaxed burgers-and-beer kind of place with one of the most dramatic patios on the coast.
Perched on the bluffs below Terranea, Nelson's is where you go for fish tacos, burgers, and craft beers with waves crashing below. Fire pits, outdoor seating, and a front-row view of the Pacific make it a favorite for sunset after a hike along the coastal trail. It’s casual enough for families but scenic enough to impress out-of-town guests.
03
Neighborhood breakfast staple
Good Stuff Palos Verdes
Promenade On The Peninsula, Rolling Hills Estates • Sunny Neighborhood Café And Diner • Best For Hearty Breakfasts
Crowd-pleasing spot for generous breakfasts, fresh salads, and easygoing weekday lunches.
Good Stuff has long been a go-to for locals looking for a relaxed start to the day before errands on the hill. You’ll find all the classics—omelets, pancakes, scrambles—alongside lighter options like grain bowls and big salads. The friendly staff, kid-friendly menu, and mall-side location make it an easy meeting point for just about any group.
04
Cozy date-night spot
Avenue Italy Cucina Italiana
Deep Valley Drive Corridor, Rolling Hills Estates • Warm, Traditional Italian Restaurant • Best For Pasta And Wine
White-tablecloth Italian with comforting pastas, solid wine, and a neighborhood feel.
Tucked just off Silver Spur, Avenue Italy feels like the kind of reliable trattoria every neighborhood wants. House-made pastas, generous portions, and attentive service make it a favorite for date nights and low-key celebrations. Ask for a booth, split a couple of pastas, and let the staff guide you to a bottle from their well-chosen list.
05
Local grab-and-go favorite
Malaga Cove Ranch Market
Malaga Cove Plaza, Palos Verdes Estates • Classic Market Deli And Café • Best Casual Lunch On The Hill
Old-school market with a deli counter locals rely on for sandwiches, salads, and beach snacks.
Set in the red-tile charm of Malaga Cove Plaza, this market’s deli counter turns out quietly excellent sandwiches and salads. It’s popular with locals grabbing lunch before heading to the beach or up the hill to work. Order a sandwich, take it outside to the plaza fountain or the nearby bluff, and you’ll feel like you’ve found a very P.V. kind of picnic spot.