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!


By Natalie Jones February 27, 2025
Here’s why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach Small weddings are the way to go these days! We aren’t just saying that because small weddings have been our thing since we started our business back in 2015. A small wedding can have the same parts of a large wedding - unforgettable moments, celebration with friends and family and the start of the rest of your life together. But, small wedding have a few more benefits like - less stress, less more, and more of the two of you and what you want for your wedding! We love the scenery of the Central Coast for small weddings. There are million dollar views - from your toes in the sand at one of the beach locations, to overlooking the ocean, to shaded eucalyptus trees, and jagged cliff sides. Small weddings are our favorite because the couple is free to focus on the most important things, like having their day, their way, spending the day with the people who truly matter, and having an amazing day packed with lasting memories. What Is Driving the Trend Toward Smaller Weddings? Several factors are behind the increasing trend of smaller weddings. Modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love, and in most cases, they focus on quality over quantity. Small weddings have become for popular and couples embrace fewer guests and find the beauty of intimate gatherings. Changing societal norms and the desire for unique, personalized experiences also make smaller weddings an attractive option. How Do Small Weddings Create More Meaningful Connections? Small weddings foster more meaningful connections by allowing couples to spend quality time with each guest, creating an intimate and personal atmosphere. With fewer attendees, conversations feel more genuine, and guests feel truly valued and appreciated. Some couples will have a few day long celebration for their wedding - starting a few days before the wedding with wine tasting or seeing the sites of the Central Coast, then relax on the beach the next day. After some fun in the sun, it's wedding day. The day will end with a group dinner or casual private reception. Then, the guests will leave and the couple has a few more days to celebrate their honeymoon in Pismo Beach or other beach location. This setting also encourages deeper interactions, making it easier to share special moments, heartfelt toasts, and personal stories. Without the hustle and chaos of a large event, couples and their loved ones can be fully present, strengthening bonds and making the celebration even more memorable. How Does a Smaller Guest List Reduce Wedding Stress? Planning a wedding can be quite challenging. It is easier for couples to plan their weddings with smaller guest lists, as this dramatically lowers their prospects of worrying. Incorporating fewer guests into a wedding means that there are fewer logistical elements to take care of, such as catering, seating arrangements, accommodations, and more people to please. This way, couples can spend more time and energy making their special day more unique instead of fretting over accommodating numerous people. A more personal gathering helps create a homely and calming vibe, giving the couple a chance to make the most of each interaction with their guests. Most importantly, a smaller guest number means that there would be fewer changes needed at the last minute, which translates to lower expenditure and costs. Hence, all attendees, coupled with the couple, can fully enjoy themselves without feeling the pressure of the wedding arrangements. What Are the Financial Benefits of Hosting a Small Wedding? Hosting a small wedding can be a cost-effective choice, offering couples the chance to allocate their budget more intentionally. With fewer guests, expenses for catering, venue size, and decor are reduced, freeing up funds for other priorities such as an unforgettable honeymoon or investing in a dream home. This financial flexibility allows couples to create a celebration that reflects their values and vision without overspending. Celebrate your love story with us! Small weddings are more than just a trend—they represent a shift in how couples approach one of the most important days of their lives. By focusing on intimacy, meaningful connections, and thoughtful planning, small weddings offer a unique and heartfelt way to celebrate love. For couples looking to create a stunning and intimate wedding experience, Coastal California Weddings is your simple and stress-free way to plan your wedding. We provide expert guidance and inspiration.
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