12 Bucket List Worthy Unique Restaurants In Southern California

The New Year is a great time to think about the new adventures that lie ahead, including food-inspired adventures! Here in Southern California, we’re lucky to have access to some of the most unique restaurants in the country. Whether you enjoy a memorable ambiance, an unforgettable menu, or a balance of both, there is a plethora of incredible dining experiences to be had in SoCal. Here are 12 bucket list-worthy unique restaurants in Southern California that you’ll want to consider visiting in the upcoming year if you haven’t visited them already!

January - Top of the Notch

Alex Guerrero Jr./Google Start off your year of adventurous eating at the restaurant in the San Gabriel Mountains that treats you to sky-high views while you dine. Top of the Notch is a restaurant at Mt. Baldy Resort that sits at an elevation of 7,800 feet above sea level. Open during ski season and on summer weekends, the restaurant is the perfect place to fill up after a day on the mountain! Learn more about this restaurant above the clouds that you need to visit before winter’s end. 7926 Mt Baldy Rd, Mt Baldy, CA 91759, USA

February - Chateau Marmont

eagle eye/googlemaps Looking for that perfect dinner destination for Valentine’s Day? It’s hard to imagine a dreamier place to dine than Chateau Marmont nestled in the hills above West Hollywood. The castle-like hotel is home to an enchanting restaurant that’s attracted visitors for decades. This is definitely a “special occasion” type of place, so be sure to snag a reservation well in advance. Read more about this restaurant that will give you an evening to remember. 8221 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046, USA

March - Chowder Barge

Ross Wilson/Google A unique and rustic floating restaurant that’s unlike any other in Southern California can be found at Leeward Bay Marina. Chowder Barge is a hidden gem that is a bit off the beaten path, but you’ll be glad you made the effort to find it! Inside, you’ll enjoy the best clam chowder bread bowl in the Los Angeles Harbor Region, plus many other iconic seafood dishes. Enjoy views of the harbor while you dine at this hidden gem on the water. 611 N Henry Ford Ave, Wilmington, CA 90744, USA

April - Carney’s

facebook/carneys In April, we’re checking off an iconic destination that has locations on the Sunset Strip and in Studio City. Carney’s is a unique restaurant that turns heads with its appearance, as it’s inside of a remodeled Pacific Railroad passenger train car. The train-themed dining areas can make anybody feel like a kid again! Plus, the menu of All-American comfort food hits the spot at any time. Everybody’s gotta try this iconic restaurant at least once. 8351 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, USA

May - The Old Place

Alice B/Tripadvisor The weather is perfect in May, making it the ideal time to visit Cornell Winery & Tasting Room along Mulholland Highway. It’s here that you’ll find the Old Place, an Old West-themed steakhouse that serves up the finest West Coast fare! Family-run for generations, the Old Place serves a mighty fine steak dinner that you can enjoy in the rustic outdoor dining area. Spend the day at this winery, tasting room, and steakhouse in the Santa Monica Mountains. 29983 Mulholland Hwy, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, USA

June - San Pedro Fish Market

DaniGina27/TripAdvisor It’s the start of summer and we’re celebrating with a visit to the largest outdoor restaurant in Southern California. San Pedro Fish Market boasts a scenic waterfront setting and an unforgettable menu with the freshest seafood. Menu items like the restaurant’s shrimp tray or fish and chips taste even better when enjoyed with a waterfront view. Plan an afternoon at this massive seafood market and restaurant. 1190 Nagoya Way, San Pedro, CA 90731, USA

July - La Quinta Cliffhouse

facebook/la quinta cliffhouse You’ll enjoy a memorable ambiance and awesome food when you visit La Quinta Cliffhouse. True to its name, this restaurant is located right on the cliffside. The cliffside patio opens right up to views of rugged rocks, all underneath a canopy of warm glowing lights. And believe it or not, the food is just as memorable as the atmosphere! You’ll be swept off your feet by this magical cliffside restaurant in La Quinta. 78250 CA-111, La Quinta, CA 92253, USA

August - Tony’s on the Pier

facebook/old tony’s We can’t let summer pass us by without visiting one of the most iconic pier restaurants in Southern California. Tony’s on the Pier has been delighting diners since 1952. From the ocean views to the mouthwatering plates of seafood, there’s nothing better than visiting the pier on a summer day and ending it with a dinner at Old Tony’s! Summer isn’t complete until you’ve visited this oceanfront dining spot in Redondo Beach. 210 Fishermans Wharf, Redondo Beach, CA 90277, USA

September - Mel’s Drive-In

googlemaps/eduardo quezada If you have yet to visit Mel’s Drive-In, well, you know what you need to do. This iconic American diner is a legend throughout SoCal. There are several locations, but you’ll find the original Mel’s in Sherman Oaks along Ventura Boulevard. Serving up a classic variety of burgers, shakes, and fries, you can’t go wrong with an evening spent at this delightfully old-fashioned diner. Read more about this legendary dining spot here. 14846 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403, USA

October - Julian Beer Co.

googlemaps/julian beer co. October is the perfect time to visit the charming mountain town of Julian. Famous for its apple orchards, Gold Rush history, and scenic setting, you’ll find it’s also an underrated foodie destination. After all, it’s here that you’ll find Julian Beer Co. You might assume it’s primarily a brewery, but Julian Beer Co. also serves up lip-smacking delicious barbecue! Nothing goes together better than beer and barbecue in a beautiful farmhouse setting. Who’s ready to plan a trip to the mountains to visit this tasty BBQ restaurant? 2307 Main St, Julian, CA 92036, USA

November - The Ranch House

googlemaps/daniel wingard The great thing about living in Southern California is that you can enjoy outdoor dining on a year-round basis. Hiding in Ojai is a restaurant, the Ranch House, that boasts one of the most breathtaking outdoor dining spaces! Surrounded by lush foliage, gardens, and a koi pond, you’ll feel like you’ve fallen into a storybook at this lovely restaurant that’s surrounded by beauty. Additionally, the menu is filled with drool-worthy eats! You’ll wish your meal would never end at this dreamy restaurant among the trees. 102 Besant Rd, Ojai, CA 93023, USA

December - 71Above

71 above / facebook The year’s end is the perfect time to treat yourself and your loved ones with a visit to 71Above. Located on the 71st floor of a high rise in the middle of Los Angeles, diners are treated to sweeping 360-degree views from 1,000 feet above the ground. It’s a pretty incredible experience! Offering elevated modern American cuisine, the sky-high restaurant will give you an evening to remember. Click here to read more and plan your amazing night at 71Above! 633 W 5th St 71st floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071, USA

Alex Guerrero Jr./Google

Start off your year of adventurous eating at the restaurant in the San Gabriel Mountains that treats you to sky-high views while you dine. Top of the Notch is a restaurant at Mt. Baldy Resort that sits at an elevation of 7,800 feet above sea level. Open during ski season and on summer weekends, the restaurant is the perfect place to fill up after a day on the mountain! Learn more about this restaurant above the clouds that you need to visit before winter’s end.

7926 Mt Baldy Rd, Mt Baldy, CA 91759, USA

eagle eye/googlemaps

Looking for that perfect dinner destination for Valentine’s Day? It’s hard to imagine a dreamier place to dine than Chateau Marmont nestled in the hills above West Hollywood. The castle-like hotel is home to an enchanting restaurant that’s attracted visitors for decades. This is definitely a “special occasion” type of place, so be sure to snag a reservation well in advance. Read more about this restaurant that will give you an evening to remember.

8221 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046, USA

Ross Wilson/Google

A unique and rustic floating restaurant that’s unlike any other in Southern California can be found at Leeward Bay Marina. Chowder Barge is a hidden gem that is a bit off the beaten path, but you’ll be glad you made the effort to find it! Inside, you’ll enjoy the best clam chowder bread bowl in the Los Angeles Harbor Region, plus many other iconic seafood dishes. Enjoy views of the harbor while you dine at this hidden gem on the water.

611 N Henry Ford Ave, Wilmington, CA 90744, USA

facebook/carneys

In April, we’re checking off an iconic destination that has locations on the Sunset Strip and in Studio City. Carney’s is a unique restaurant that turns heads with its appearance, as it’s inside of a remodeled Pacific Railroad passenger train car. The train-themed dining areas can make anybody feel like a kid again! Plus, the menu of All-American comfort food hits the spot at any time. Everybody’s gotta try this iconic restaurant at least once.

8351 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, USA

Alice B/Tripadvisor

The weather is perfect in May, making it the ideal time to visit Cornell Winery & Tasting Room along Mulholland Highway. It’s here that you’ll find the Old Place, an Old West-themed steakhouse that serves up the finest West Coast fare! Family-run for generations, the Old Place serves a mighty fine steak dinner that you can enjoy in the rustic outdoor dining area. Spend the day at this winery, tasting room, and steakhouse in the Santa Monica Mountains.

29983 Mulholland Hwy, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, USA

DaniGina27/TripAdvisor

It’s the start of summer and we’re celebrating with a visit to the largest outdoor restaurant in Southern California. San Pedro Fish Market boasts a scenic waterfront setting and an unforgettable menu with the freshest seafood. Menu items like the restaurant’s shrimp tray or fish and chips taste even better when enjoyed with a waterfront view. Plan an afternoon at this massive seafood market and restaurant.

1190 Nagoya Way, San Pedro, CA 90731, USA

facebook/la quinta cliffhouse

You’ll enjoy a memorable ambiance and awesome food when you visit La Quinta Cliffhouse. True to its name, this restaurant is located right on the cliffside. The cliffside patio opens right up to views of rugged rocks, all underneath a canopy of warm glowing lights. And believe it or not, the food is just as memorable as the atmosphere! You’ll be swept off your feet by this magical cliffside restaurant in La Quinta.

78250 CA-111, La Quinta, CA 92253, USA

facebook/old tony’s

We can’t let summer pass us by without visiting one of the most iconic pier restaurants in Southern California. Tony’s on the Pier has been delighting diners since 1952. From the ocean views to the mouthwatering plates of seafood, there’s nothing better than visiting the pier on a summer day and ending it with a dinner at Old Tony’s! Summer isn’t complete until you’ve visited this oceanfront dining spot in Redondo Beach.

210 Fishermans Wharf, Redondo Beach, CA 90277, USA

googlemaps/eduardo quezada

If you have yet to visit Mel’s Drive-In, well, you know what you need to do. This iconic American diner is a legend throughout SoCal. There are several locations, but you’ll find the original Mel’s in Sherman Oaks along Ventura Boulevard. Serving up a classic variety of burgers, shakes, and fries, you can’t go wrong with an evening spent at this delightfully old-fashioned diner. Read more about this legendary dining spot here.

14846 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403, USA

googlemaps/julian beer co.

October is the perfect time to visit the charming mountain town of Julian. Famous for its apple orchards, Gold Rush history, and scenic setting, you’ll find it’s also an underrated foodie destination. After all, it’s here that you’ll find Julian Beer Co. You might assume it’s primarily a brewery, but Julian Beer Co. also serves up lip-smacking delicious barbecue! Nothing goes together better than beer and barbecue in a beautiful farmhouse setting. Who’s ready to plan a trip to the mountains to visit this tasty BBQ restaurant?

2307 Main St, Julian, CA 92036, USA

googlemaps/daniel wingard

The great thing about living in Southern California is that you can enjoy outdoor dining on a year-round basis. Hiding in Ojai is a restaurant, the Ranch House, that boasts one of the most breathtaking outdoor dining spaces! Surrounded by lush foliage, gardens, and a koi pond, you’ll feel like you’ve fallen into a storybook at this lovely restaurant that’s surrounded by beauty. Additionally, the menu is filled with drool-worthy eats! You’ll wish your meal would never end at this dreamy restaurant among the trees.

102 Besant Rd, Ojai, CA 93023, USA

71 above / facebook

The year’s end is the perfect time to treat yourself and your loved ones with a visit to 71Above. Located on the 71st floor of a high rise in the middle of Los Angeles, diners are treated to sweeping 360-degree views from 1,000 feet above the ground. It’s a pretty incredible experience! Offering elevated modern American cuisine, the sky-high restaurant will give you an evening to remember. Click here to read more and plan your amazing night at 71Above!

633 W 5th St 71st floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071, USA

Have you been to any of these unique restaurants in California? There are so many dining adventures out there! Take a look at these 12 unique dining experiences in Southern California with amazing views. Share your favorite with us in the comments below.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The Best Food In Southern California November 24, 2022 William Suphan What are the most iconic foods in Southern California? These are the most iconic foods in Southern California:

Fish Tacos. Many places all over Southern California specialize in this dish that uses either grilled or fried fish. Guacamole. Avocados are a Southern California staple and their most common use is in making guacamole, usually with tomato, onion, and spices. California Rolls. The sushi rolls that were named for this area. They tend to be made with avocado and crab meat. French Dip. The sandwich was invented in Southern California at Phillipe.

These are just a few of the most iconic foods in Southern California. Find out more about these and other ones. What are some hidden gem restaurants in Southern California? Here are some hidden gem restaurants in Southern California:

Cholada Thai Cuisine. It looks like a nondescript house, but this restaurant in Malibu has some of the best Thai food in Southern California. Ruby’s Sandwich Saloon. Located in Costa Mesa, this little eatery has been serving up excellent sandwiches for over 40 years. Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles. While this dish seems to be more of a Southern food, this Los Angeles restaurant does it extremely well. El Gallito. Nestled in Cathedral City, this cash-only restaurant has some of the most authentic and delicious Mexcian food around.

Find out more about these and other hidden gem restaurants in Southern California. What are the best themed restaurants in Southern California? These are the best themed restaurants in Southern California:

The Galley. This Santa Monica restaurant is decorated like the galley of an old ship and serves delicious seafood. Studio Diner. In true Southern California style, this restaurant is set up like an old-fashioned movie studio. Hawks’ Head Public House. Located in Oak Glen, this restaurant looks like an 18th-century tavern, with waitstaff dressed in Colonial garb. Don the Beachcomber. An old-style Tiki-themed restaurant in Huntington Beach with rum cocktails and lots of bamboo and batik.

Learn about these and a few more of the best themed restaurants in Southern California.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The Best Food In Southern California

November 24, 2022

William Suphan

What are the most iconic foods in Southern California? These are the most iconic foods in Southern California:

Learn about these and a few more of the best themed restaurants in Southern California.

The OIYS Visitor Center

These are the most iconic foods in Southern California:

Fish Tacos. Many places all over Southern California specialize in this dish that uses either grilled or fried fish.
Guacamole. Avocados are a Southern California staple and their most common use is in making guacamole, usually with tomato, onion, and spices.
California Rolls. The sushi rolls that were named for this area. They tend to be made with avocado and crab meat.
French Dip. The sandwich was invented in Southern California at Phillipe.

These are just a few of the most iconic foods in Southern California. Find out more about these and other ones.

What are some hidden gem restaurants in Southern California?

Here are some hidden gem restaurants in Southern California:

Cholada Thai Cuisine. It looks like a nondescript house, but this restaurant in Malibu has some of the best Thai food in Southern California.
Ruby’s Sandwich Saloon. Located in Costa Mesa, this little eatery has been serving up excellent sandwiches for over 40 years.
Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles. While this dish seems to be more of a Southern food, this Los Angeles restaurant does it extremely well.
El Gallito. Nestled in Cathedral City, this cash-only restaurant has some of the most authentic and delicious Mexcian food around.

Find out more about these and other hidden gem restaurants in Southern California.

What are the best themed restaurants in Southern California?

These are the best themed restaurants in Southern California:

The Galley. This Santa Monica restaurant is decorated like the galley of an old ship and serves delicious seafood.
Studio Diner. In true Southern California style, this restaurant is set up like an old-fashioned movie studio.
Hawks’ Head Public House. Located in Oak Glen, this restaurant looks like an 18th-century tavern, with waitstaff dressed in Colonial garb.
Don the Beachcomber. An old-style Tiki-themed restaurant in Huntington Beach with rum cocktails and lots of bamboo and batik.

Learn about these and a few more of the best themed restaurants in Southern California.