Dinner with a View in Pismo Beach

If you are planning a wedding a Pismo Beach, you might want to treat yourself to a romantic dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area. And, why not take advantage of one of the best views of the Pacific Ocean on the west coast. Here is a list for you to sample.

I'm going to start with my favorite place for  delicious food and a view - Vista Steak and Seafood. When family is in town, this is our go to place! After selecting a cocktail (try the Pain Killer) or a bottle of wine, you might want to try the crab cakes or steamed clams and mussels for an appetizer. Or, maybe try the duck tacos for something a little different, but really yummy. I had the duck tacos the other day for lunch. They also have yummy flatbreads, if you wanted something lighter. Their clam chowder is one of the best in town. If you want seafood as an entrée, try the sanddabs cooked in lemon white wine butter sauce, or try the striped sea bass served with lemon beurre blanc. Rack of lamb, short ribs, and steaks are also on the menu, and quite tasty. One of my favorite dishes is the shrimp and scallops – a combination of clams, mussels, scallops, shrimp, and fish served over linguini in a light sauce. Then, top it all off with creme brulee or mud pie for dessert.

Let’s start at Sea Venture Restaurant. Not only is the view pretty, but the food is delicious. You can start with one of their tapas, like the coconut shrimp tacos or prime rib sliders; or try the crab cakes or crispy calamari. For your main course, try the pan seared striped bass, or the vol au vent (shrimp, lobster, fingerling potatoes, asparagus in a lobster cream sauce in puff pastry, or pork chops, rib eye, and on and on. And don’t forget to add a bottle of local wine to enjoy as you feast on the food and the sunset.

If you are near the pier, make reservations at the Oyster Loft. As the name implies, you can feast on a selection of fresh oysters while you enjoy the sunset. Then, try the roasted Brussels sprouts or beets as an appetizer. For dinner, my favorite is the pan-seared scallops served with grilled succotash, pork belly, sweet corn puree, and potato gratin. The pan-fried halibut with lobster sauce and potato puree is also excellent. For dessert, try the caramel basket – flambeed bananas and Grand Marnier whipped cream served over salted caramel ice cream.  

For one of the best views on the central coast, make reservations at Ventana Grill. Be sure to request an ocean view booth for the most spectacular sunset. You can start your dining experience with one of their appetizers with a Latin flare. Perhaps, carne asada nachos, halibut ceviche, or sopas. Or try my favorite – the Pacific nachos. Here sushi-grade yellowfin tuna is served with wonton chips and the best wasabi crème, pineapple salsa, and wasabi yuzu dressing. I’m hungry already. The dinner selections also have a Latin flare, from the salmon to the sea bass, chile relleno, rib eye, or enchiladas suizas, or the al pastor pork chops, to mention a few. If you are still hungry, try the fried patron XO Ince cream for dessert – mocha almond fudge ice cream served with fresh raspberry sauce and vanilla bean whipped cream, or the sailor Jerry Plantains, caramelized with rum and served over ice cream. Yum! 

Another fun spot is Marisol at the Cliffs. After you select from their cocktail menu, try the Thai chicken lettuce wraps, clam chowder, bourbon maple glazed Brussels sprouts, or calamari. Their fish tacos are always a tasty treat, as well. From the oso bucco, to the cedar plank salmon, to the halibut or swordfish, their entrees can’t be beat. Try any and enjoy. And, for dessert, try the s’mores mouse tower – a flourless chocolate torte with graham crackers, chocolate mousse, marshmallows, and bourbon caramel. Needless to say, it is delicious!

Or, try Lido Restaurant and Lounge. Start out with one of their signature drinks, like a raspberry lemondrop or a black widow (made with tequila, fresh blackberries, lime and agave).  Or, enjoy one of their many draft beers. Then, try one of their “beginnings”, like crispy Brussels sprouts, a roasted beet salad, or clam chowder. From salmon to halibut to filet mignon, you can’t go wrong with one of these entrées. And, if you still want more, enjoy their flourless chocolate torte.

If fish and chips is what you want, then stop in at Spyglass Inn Restaurant for great food plus a view. But, first you might want to start out with their street tacos or the fried calamari. Or, try the coconut prawns, chicken wings, or the avocado egg rolls. But, hands down, the fish and chips with garlic fries are my favorite. The stuffed sole is also very good, as are the lobster and shrimp tacos. If you want fish with pasta, then try the halibut a la gorgonzola. Or, try the linguine and clams – also very tasty. And, for dessert, try the homemade tiramisu.  

For one of the best views in town, try Vista Steak and Seafood. After selecting a cocktail or a bottle of wine, you might want to try the crab cakes or steamed clams and mussels for an appetizer. Or, maybe try the duck tacos for something a little different, but really yummy. Or try the funghi flatbread, if you want. Their clam chowder is one of the best in town. If you want seafood as an entrée, try the sanddabs cooked in lemon white wine butter sauce, or try the striped sea bass served with lemon beurre blanc. Rack of lamb, short ribs, and steaks are also on the menu, and quite tasty. One of my favorite dishes is the seafood linguini – a combination of clams, mussels, scallops, shrimp, and fish served over linguini in a light sauce. Then, top it all off with creme brulee or mud pie for dessert.

Whichever restaurant you select, you are in for an enjoyable dining experience topped off with a breath-taking view of the ocean and the sunset. Enjoy!