Restaurant & American Restaurant & Food restaurant in San Pedro

Nelson's

Discover a gem in San Pedro with a 4.3-star rating. Enjoy breathtaking ocean views, delicious American cuisine, and handcrafted cocktails. Experience coastal dining at its finest.

4.3(1,687 reviews)
$$$
Restaurant · American Restaurant · Food
Nelson's in san-pedro

Casual spot for Californian fare, an oceanfront patio with fire pits & a recycled-wine-bottles bar.

About Nelson's

Perched above the dramatic ocean cliffs, this coastal eatery provides a truly picturesque dining experience. Diners consistently praise the breathtaking panoramic views, especially enchanting as the sun dips below the Pacific horizon, often enjoyed by the warmth of outdoor fire pits. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance, offering relaxed coastal vibes with a touch of refinement. This popular spot, earning a solid 4.3 out of 5 stars from nearly 1700 reviews, is known for its American fare and handcrafted cocktails. It’s a favored destination for those seeking a memorable meal with an unforgettable backdrop, and it’s well-suited for groups.

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Restaurant Analysis

Restaurant Characteristics

Formula-Based Analysis

This restaurant has been analyzed using our formula-based system to help you understand its key features and match it with your dining preferences.

💰Price Range
Upscale
🕐Meal Time
dinner
👥Group Size
Groups Welcome
🎭Atmosphere
Outdoor
🍽️Dining Style
Flexible
Features & Amenities
Outdoor Seating
Cocktails
Beer
Wine
+5 more

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Why Travelers Love Nelson's

Sourced from recent guest feedback and verified reviews.

4.3 / 5.0(1,687 reviews)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Nelson’s at Terranea Resort 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. 🌅 We were very disappointed with our experience at Nelson's. To start, be prepared for mandatory valet parking, which costs $15. We would also strongly advise making a reservation, as we were quoted a 45-minute wait for a table without one. 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. Breathtaking Views and Delicious Coastal Fare at Nelson’s 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!

Find the Restaurant

Where to Find Them

100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275, USA

View on Google Maps

Opening Hours

Closed Now
Monday11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
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Recent Reviews

Kate M.

October 28, 2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Nelson’s at Terranea Resort 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. 🌅

Ingo L.

June 30, 2025

We were very disappointed with our experience at Nelson's. To start, be prepared for mandatory valet parking, which costs $15. We would also strongly advise making a reservation, as we were quoted a 45-minute wait for a table without one. 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.

Peter G.

July 4, 2025

Breathtaking Views and Delicious Coastal Fare at Nelson’s 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!

Rachel K.

July 29, 2025

Exceeded my expectations! Went for a casual Monday afternoon walk and spontaneously ended up at Nelson’s—wow. My husband and I shared the Shrimp and Lobster Cobb and it was amazing. There was a generous about of lobster and shrimp. We also had the poke bowl. Everything was so fresh. The view and vibe were perfect for a nice lunch.

Hiroshi Y.

July 6, 2025

I went to Nelson's for a late lunch on Saturday, and there was a long line even after 3 pm. I ordered Nelson's burger with Caesar salad, and it was perfect. With a cool breeze from the sea, the tables were well covered by umbrellas, and we were all super comfortable. Looks like there was a staff shortage, which may be why the restaurant uses only part of the tables. The service is attentive and top-notch. Would come back again if I have a chance to visit the area.

What to Expect

Features and amenities that make Nelson's special

Outdoor Seating

Cocktails

Beer

Wine

Coffee

Family Friendly

Dog Friendly

Groups Welcome

Reservations

Practical Information

Everything you need to know before you visit

Payment Options

Credit Cards
Debit Cards
NFC/Contactless

Parking

Free Parking Lot
Valet Parking

Accessibility

Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
Wheelchair Accessible Seating
Wheelchair Accessible Parking

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