Enjoy coastal cuisine and a warm, friendly bar atmosphere surrounded by outdoor fire pits and unrivalled sunset views. This Southern California casual restaurant offers one of the most scenic locations in Palos Verdes to enjoy a meal or drink in a relaxed setting.
Casual spot for Californian fare, an oceanfront patio with fire pits & a recycled-wine-bottles bar.
Hours
| Saturday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Monday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–9 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Phone: (866) 690-6821
Menu Photos
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Reviews
There was some miscommunication about the seating. The bench seats closest to the water our self service you can get a drink at the bar and see yourself in that area. However there’s a plexiglass that separates the open area from the area that you actually get waiter to serve you.
Nelson’s is truly one of the most beautiful coastal spots in Southern California ~the views alone are worth the trip! Perched above the ocean cliffs, it offers a breathtaking panoramic view, especially during sunset. Watching the sun dip into the Pacific while sitting by the outdoor fire pits feels absolutely magical.
The atmosphere is casual yet refined ~relaxed coastal vibes with that special Terranea touch. We tried the Smoked BBQ Sandwich with Caesar salad and the Nelson Burger with sweet potato fries, and both were absolutely delicious. Clam chowder was ok. The BBQ sandwich was tender and flavorful with just the right amount of smoky sweetness, while the burger was perfectly juicy and cooked to perfection. The sweet potato fries were crisp and addictive ~ easily some of the best we’ve had!
Whether you’re stopping by for lunch with a view, a sunset dinner, or just drinks by the fire, Nelson’s is the kind of place you’ll want to linger and take it all in.
The staff were friendly and attentive, and everything came out fresh and beautifully presented. Special thanks to our server Pierce
We’ll definitely be coming back ~ next time, we’ll plan to arrive a little early just to enjoy every moment of that spectacular sunset.
Outdoor sitting in very cold since it is near the ocean but they have the heater.Over all was great experience.
The location and the ocean view are truly the only highlights, but even that is not guaranteed depending on your table. Unfortunately, the rest of our experience did not live up to the setting. The menu was surprisingly limited and more akin to a casual beach shack or a diner, which felt completely out of place with the resort’s otherwise upscale ambiance.
The quality of the food was a significant letdown. It was so poor that we didn’t even want to finish our meals. Considering the high prices, the value for money is simply not there. We left feeling that we paid a premium for a nice view, but received a very subpar dining experience. We cannot recommend this restaurant.
Nelson’s has that sweet blend of indoor, outdoor, and semi-covered seating, all set in an unpaved, shore-side setting, where the sound of the waves becomes part of the atmosphere. Whether you’re tucked inside or lounging outside, the vibe is relaxed and effortless.
The service is warm, attentive, and genuinely helpful, the kind you notice for the right reasons. The kitchen offers a solid lineup of familiar, comfort-driven menu items, with generous portions and no unnecessary complications – think elevated classics done right.
What really sets Nelson’s apart, though, is the environment. There’s a cool, coastal-meets-Mexican-siesta kind of energy, with open fireplaces, soft lighting, and laid-back cocktail chairs scattered about like an invitation to chill. It feels less like a restaurant and more like a casual oceanfront hangout that just happens to have great food and even better views.
A perfect spot for an easy meal, a drink at sunset, or a low-key evening by the fire. Definitely one to return to.
Nelson’s is a must-visit spot in Palos Verdes—offering unbeatable ocean views and a relaxed, coastal atmosphere. Perched on the cliffs at Terranea, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a laid-back meal while watching the sunset over the Pacific.
The menu is fresh and flavorful, with standout seafood dishes, great burgers, and crisp local brews. The fish tacos and calamari are especially good. The service is friendly and attentive without being overbearing, and the vibe is casual yet polished.
Whether you’re visiting for lunch, happy hour, or a sunset dinner, Nelson’s delivers an unforgettable experience with views that truly steal the show. Highly recommend!
The female server with glasses, working in the outdoor area, named “Kaiser,” messed up our bill four times and never apologized. We ordered four different courses, but they charged us for two of each while only serving us one of each. On top of that, they added an extra course that we never ordered. This was clearly intentional, not a mistake.
The management is terrible as well. We also ordered two different tacos but were only served one. When we questioned it, the server insisted we had already eaten both — unbelievable!
To make matters worse, the server twice brought us food meant for the next table, and we had to point out it wasn’t ours.
This is not just a mistake — it feels like fraud. Keep a close eye on your order and your bill
One thing positive, the view is good! And food was good too