Written by: Bea Pablo, Staff Writer
For many travelers, food is one of the highlights of their trip. Terranea will make you experience a one of a kind dining experience, from fresh seafood served with sweeping ocean views to cozy trattorias tucked into nearby neighborhoods, guests discover that every meal can be just as memorable as the destination. Here are some of the best dining options at Terranea Resort that capture the flavors, views, and spirit of coastal California.
Mar’sel
Dinner at Mar’sel feels like a celebration of California’s bounty with a Mediterranean touch. The restaurant overlooks the Pacific, so guests dine with the sound of waves in the background and sunsets painting the horizon. It’s elegant without being overly formal. It is the kind of place where you can sip wine, linger over courses, and let the evening unfold naturally.
The menu is seasonal and creative, featuring dishes that highlight local ingredients at their peak. One standout is the Lobster Risotto – butter-poached lobster tail nestled into creamy risotto, with delicate zucchini parisienne and bright preserved lemon mousse. It is luxurious and comforting all at once, a dish that begs to be savored slowly. A crisp white wine is the perfect pairing, balancing richness with freshness.
For pasta lovers, the Bucatani Cacio & Pepe – with pecorino, a soft egg yolk, and truffle that elevates a timeless classic into something unforgettable. Between the thoughtful dishes, curated wine list, and sweeping Pacific backdrop, dining at Mar’sel often becomes a highlight of any Terranea stay.
Nelson’s
Nelson’s is Terranea’s answer to the perfect California evening. Perched high on the bluffs above the ocean cove once made famous by the classic TV series Sea Hunt, this cliffside spot blends laid-back charm with some of the most breathtaking views in Rancho Palos Verdes. Guests settle into cozy outdoor seating, surrounded by glowing fire pits, as the sun melts into the horizon and the Pacific stretches endlessly before them.
The menu is a celebration of coastal comfort food done right. Baja-style fish tacos arrive piled with tender, freshly grilled mahi-mahi topped with bright citrus slaw. Lobster rolls are generous and indulgent, stuffed with sweet, buttery chunks of meat that pair beautifully with chilled California Chardonnay. Hearty favorites anchor the menu too, like Nelson’s Burger — a brioche bun layered with arugula, tomato, red onion, pickles, and your choice of cheese, served alongside a generous portion of fries. The hot Bavarian pretzel is a warm, golden snack made for sharing, served with tangy beer mustard and creamy cheese sauce. And for the table, crispy calamari never fails to please.
The bar keeps things easygoing and distinctly Californian, with local microbrews, regional wines, and craft cocktails that taste even better when enjoyed against the backdrop of crashing waves. Between the wooden decks, the recycled wine-bottle bar, and the casual, seaside energy, Nelson’s isn’t just a restaurant, it is the essence of Southern California dining, where food, sunset, and ocean all come together.
Bashi
At Bashi, the ocean breeze complements dishes that span the flavors of East and Southeast Asia with contemporary flair. The elegantly modern dining room opens to sweeping seaside panoramas, setting the tone for a vibrant culinary journey. Guests gravitate to the sleek sushi bar, where chefs craft rolls from fresh local fish and inventive ingredients. From there, the wok takes center stage with dishes like spicy Szechuan noodles and tangy pork stir-fry that arrive still sizzling, filling the air with fragrant aromas.
The menu celebrates Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian traditions, weaving simple, fresh ingredients into bold, flavorful creations. To accompany the cuisine, Bashi offers an extensive sake list, specialty wines, and a distinctive selection of Asian beers. With its lively atmosphere, contemporary design, and breathtaking ocean backdrop, Bashi invites guests to indulge in a dining experience that is both dynamic and unforgettable.
Catalina Kitchen
Set against sweeping views of the Pacific and Catalina Island, Catalina Kitchen blends California freshness with Mediterranean inspiration. Its bright, open design and ocean-facing terraces create an inviting atmosphere for any occasion, from relaxed breakfasts to festive dinners.
The menu highlights New American cuisine with a coastal twist, crafted with high-quality, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients that showcase the rich bounty of Southern California. Guests can enjoy favorites like avocado toast deluxe, steak and eggs, buttermilk pancakes, and more, alongside vibrant coastal dishes highlighting fresh seafood and artisanal flavors.
Signature experiences include the lively Friday night seafood buffet and the resort’s celebrated brunch, where handcrafted pastries, local specialties, and sparkling mimosas make for an unforgettable start to the weekend.
Sea Beans
From sunrise to sunset, sea beans is the resort’s go-to café for gourmet pick-me-ups and sweet indulgences. Start your day with a handcrafted espresso drink or freshly brewed coffee, paired with buttery croissants, muffins, or pastries from Executive Pastry Chef Pierino Jermonti.
Throughout the day, the menu features light bites, refreshing smoothies, and an irresistible selection of housemade gelato. Guests can also wind down with organic teas or grab something quick to take along on coastal adventures.
With its relaxed atmosphere and tempting daily offerings, sea beans makes it easy to savor simple pleasures by the sea.
The Lobby Bar and Terrace
The Lobby Bar & Terrace offers the perfect setting for any occasion—whether you’re gathering fireside with friends or enjoying a lively evening with handcrafted cocktails. Both spaces feature panoramic views of the Pacific, setting the stage for unforgettable moments.
Sip on signature drinks, explore an impressive wine list, and savor light bites as the sun dips below the horizon. With its inviting atmosphere and oceanfront backdrop, the Lobby Bar & Terrace is the resort’s social hub.
Solviva
At Solviva, dining becomes a restorative experience. The menu highlights nutrient-rich ingredients, locally and sustainably sourced produce, and fresh flavors designed to energize and inspire. Every dish reflects the natural vitality of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, inviting guests to feel balanced and renewed.
Discover a mindful approach to cuisine that celebrates wellness without sacrificing taste.
The Grill at the Pool
Unwind in the heart of the resort at The Grill, where the relaxed energy of poolside living meets fresh coastal flavors. Whether you’re settling into a private cabana or watching the game on the big screen at the bar, this is the perfect spot to recharge between swims.
The menu features classic favorites and light, refreshing bites designed for warm California days, think crisp salads, juicy burgers, and shareable plates made for lingering with friends and family. Pair your meal with a craft cocktail, a chilled glass of wine, or something sparkling to toast the view.
Where to Eat Beyond Terranea
When guests venture beyond Terranea’s culinary world, they will discover a dining scene in Rancho Palos Verdes brimming with coastal charm, sunsets over the ocean, and community-loved eateries.
Avenue Italy Trattoria sits just a few minutes away and offers cozy, authentic Italian dishes like housemade pastas, homemade lasagna and classic risottos served in a welcoming, neighborhood setting. It’s a quiet gem for a relaxed, flavorful dinner. For Thai cuisine with a view, Swan Thai RPV delivers both. Known for its vibrant Southeast Asian flavors, it also offers an ocean-view patio that turns dinner into an experience, whether you are after spice or serenity.
For exceptional sushi, Asaka Japanese Cuisine rewards adventurous diners. With stunning sunset views and standout rolls, it’s a favorite among those eager for fresh Japanese flavors by the coast. Redondo Beach is just a short drive away with standout options like Manhattan Beach’s Strand House, offering sunset vistas from the pier, or Fishing With Dynamite, ideal for seafood lovers and local favorites alike
If you are venturing further afield toward Long Beach or Los Angeles, the options expand even more. You will encounter everything from authentic Mexican taquerias and trendy gastropubs to Michelin-starred fine dining experiences, so you can enjoy Terranea’s comforts while venturing out to taste the region’s best.
Final Thoughts
Food has a way of shaping memories, and at Terranea and along the Palos Verdes coast, every meal feels like part of the adventure. From elegant lobster risotto at mar’sel to fish tacos by the fire pits at Nelson’s, from sushi with ocean views at Bashi to a buttery croissant from sea beans in the morning, dining here isn’t just about eating, it is about savoring moments. And when you branch out beyond the resort, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, and Manhattan Beach welcome you with their own flavors, from cozy trattorias to oceanfront seafood havens.
To make this culinary journey truly unforgettable, why not stay where comfort meets coastal luxury? Our private villa at Terranea gives you the best of both worlds. The privacy of your own home with full access to the resort’s world-class dining, pools, spa, and oceanfront trails. Imagine waking up to the sound of the Pacific ocean, enjoying coffee on your terrace, then stepping out to a day of food, sunsets, and seaside relaxation.
Ready to start planning your stay? Book your stay now and secure your dates for the ultimate coastal vacation. If you have questions, feel free to reach us at info@equiyresidences.com to learn more about availability and how you can make Terranea your next coastal escape.
