Dine Above The City At 20 Stunning Rooftop Restaurants In California

California has a way of making dining feel unforgettable, and its rooftop restaurants take that experience to new heights.

Perched above city streets and ocean views, these spots pair breathtaking scenery with flavors that match the setting.

You’ll find cocktails that taste like sunshine, plates that celebrate local ingredients, and an atmosphere that makes every meal feel like a special occasion.

These 20 rooftop restaurants prove that in California, the sky isn’t the limit – it’s the dining room.

1. Yamashiro Hollywood: A Japanese Oasis Above Los Angeles

Perched atop the Hollywood Hills, this century-old replica of a Japanese palace offers jaw-dropping views of the entire LA basin.

The twinkling cityscape below pairs perfectly with their Asian fusion menu featuring delectable sushi and robata grill specialties.

Come at sunset when the sky transforms into a canvas of orange and pink hues, making this historic gem truly magical.

2. LA Cha Cha Chá: Downtown’s Mexican-Inspired Garden Paradise

Lush greenery surrounds you at this urban oasis where plants cascade from hanging planters and frame spectacular downtown views.

The Mexico City-inspired menu bursts with flavor – their signature grilled corn and pastor tacos are absolute must-tries.

String lights create a magical ambiance after dark, making this spot perfect for date nights. Grab a mezcal cocktail, sink into a comfortable lounge chair, and watch as the city lights begin to sparkle below.

3. The Rooftop Beverly Hills: Luxury Dining at Waldorf Astoria

Glamour defines this sophisticated rooftop haven atop the iconic Waldorf Astoria. Sleek cabanas and fire features create intimate spaces while offering uninterrupted views of the Hollywood Hills and beyond.

Celebrity sightings aren’t uncommon while savoring their upscale California cuisine. The lobster roll and truffle fries deserve their legendary status among Beverly Hills power lunchers.

4. Takami Sushi & Robata: Downtown LA’s Skyscraper Sushi Experience

Floating 21 floors above downtown LA, Takami delivers both exceptional Japanese cuisine and vertigo-inducing views.

Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the urban landscape while you indulge in meticulously crafted sushi rolls and robata-grilled delicacies.

Business deals and romantic proposals happen regularly in this sophisticated space where the city’s energy feels palpable yet distant, creating a uniquely electric dining atmosphere.

5. Terra at Eataly LA: Italy Meets California on a Rooftop

Wood-fired cooking takes center stage at this rustic-chic rooftop oasis atop the Italian marketplace Eataly.

Olive trees and herb gardens create a Mediterranean atmosphere where you can watch chefs transform seasonal ingredients into flame-kissed masterpieces.

The hand-made pasta and wood-grilled steaks transport you straight to the Italian countryside.

Weekend brunches here are legendary – nothing beats their ricotta pancakes paired with prosecco as Century City stretches out before you under the California sunshine.

6. Kassi Rooftop: Mediterranean Vibes in Venice Beach

Channeling Greek island energy, this breezy rooftop transports you to Santorini with its whitewashed walls and azure accents.

Ocean breezes complement the Mediterranean menu featuring fresh seafood, house-made dips, and wood-fired pita.

The Greek-inspired cocktail program deserves special attention – try the Mykonos Mule with its hints of cucumber and oregano while gazing at the palm trees swaying against the Pacific horizon.

7. Catch LA: West Hollywood’s Celebrity Hotspot in the Sky

Arguably the most Instagrammed rooftop in LA, Catch combines star-spotting opportunities with seriously good seafood.

The retractable roof and living green walls create an indoor/outdoor experience unlike any other in West Hollywood.

After dark, the space transforms into a see-and-be-seen hotspot where Hollywood deals are made over craft cocktails and panoramic views of the twinkling Hollywood Hills.

8. Merois: Wolfgang Puck’s Rooftop Masterpiece

Culinary legend Wolfgang Puck’s rooftop creation atop the Pendry Hotel blends Japanese, Southeast Asian and French techniques into something magical.

Floor-to-ceiling windows frame stunning views from Hollywood to downtown while you savor impeccably crafted fusion dishes.

9. Perch: French Elegance Above Downtown LA

Spanning two floors 15 stories above downtown, this Parisian-inspired rooftop feels like stepping into a French film.

Antique furnishings, wrought iron details, and twinkling string lights create undeniable romance while downtown’s architectural gems spread out below.

For the full experience, start at the lower level for dinner, then move upstairs to the open-air bar area where fire pits and unobstructed views create the perfect nightcap setting.

10. Cara Cara: Downtown LA Proper’s Stylish Rooftop Retreat

Atop the design-forward Downtown LA Proper Hotel sits this stunning oasis where James Beard Award-winning chefs create California-inspired cuisine.

The pool-adjacent setting features curved architecture, terra cotta accents, and lush plantings that frame the downtown skyline.

11. Lemon Grove: Hollywood’s Citrus-Inspired Rooftop Garden

Named for Hollywood’s citrus-growing past, this lush rooftop garden transports you to a Mediterranean grove with potted lemon trees and herb gardens.

The Hollywood sign peeks through the greenery while you sample California cuisine with Middle Eastern influences.

Wood-fired flatbreads topped with seasonal ingredients are the standout here.

12. The FIFTH Rooftop Restaurant & Bar: Anaheim’s Disney-Adjacent Gem

Fireworks views make this Anaheim rooftop extra magical – time your dinner right and you’ll catch Disney’s nightly spectacular from a comfortable distance.

The California-inspired menu features shareable plates perfect for groups celebrating theme park adventures.

While touristy, the genuine warmth of the staff and quality of the food elevate this spot above typical visitor traps.

13. Flora Rooftop Bar & Restaurant: South Bay’s Botanical Hideaway

Plant lovers rejoice at this greenhouse-inspired rooftop where hanging gardens and botanical-themed cocktails create a verdant escape.

The South Bay stretches out below while you dine on farm-to-table cuisine highlighting California’s agricultural bounty.

The partially covered design makes this a year-round destination regardless of weather.

14. Birdseye’s Rooftop at The Cormorant Hotel: La Jolla’s Coastal Perch

Soaring above La Jolla Cove, this aptly named rooftop delivers breathtaking ocean panoramas alongside coastal-inspired cuisine.

The minimalist design wisely lets the Pacific views take center stage while you savor locally caught seafood prepared with Asian influences.

Whale watching becomes part of the dining experience during migration seasons.

15. Born & Raised: Little Italy’s Art Deco Steakhouse in the Sky

This two-story steakhouse crowned with a stunning rooftop deck represents San Diego dining at its most opulent.

Vintage-inspired design featuring brass details and leather banquettes creates Great Gatsby vibes while downtown and harbor views unfold below.

The rooftop bar area offers a more casual vibe where craft cocktails arrive in period-appropriate glassware.

16. The Nolen: Downtown San Diego’s Spirited Rooftop Lounge

Fourteen stories above the Gaslamp Quarter, this sleek rooftop specializes in craft cocktails and panoramic city views.

Named for a pioneering San Diego city planner, the space honors its namesake with thoughtfully designed spaces that maximize skyline vistas.

Fire pits and heat lamps make this a comfortable year-round destination even during San Diego’s occasional chilly evenings.

17. Cannonball: Mission Beach’s Sushi Paradise by the Sea

Claiming the title of California’s largest oceanfront rooftop, this Mission Beach hotspot delivers unobstructed Pacific views alongside creative sushi rolls.

The beach-chic design features turquoise accents and surfboard decorations that celebrate San Diego’s laid-back coastal culture.