Nestled along the stunning coastline of Rancho Palos Verdes, Nelson’s offers more than just a meal — it delivers a memorable dining experience shaped by scenic ocean views, inviting atmosphere, and a menu that celebrates Californian fare at its best.
With a casual yet polished setting, guests can relax on the oceanfront patio beside fire pits or enjoy the distinctive recycled-wine-bottles bar, creating the kind of setting that feels equally suited to a relaxed lunch, a celebratory dinner, or a special evening out.
Whether you’re stopping in for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, or dessert, Nelson’s brings together comfort, quality, and a sense of place that makes every visit feel worth savoring.
What makes Nelson’s especially appealing is the thoughtful balance of convenience, variety, and hospitality. Guests can choose outdoor seating, dine in, order takeaway, or arrange delivery, making it easy to enjoy the restaurant in the way that best fits their day.
The menu offers a wide range of options, from comfort food and healthy selections to coffee, alcohol, beer, cocktails, happy-hour drinks, and happy-hour food.
Known for its fast service, great beer selection, great cocktails, and great wine list, Nelson’s also features live music, a fireplace, local specialties, and even sport, giving the restaurant a lively personality while still maintaining a comfortable, welcoming feel.
With table service, a bar on site, Wi‑Fi, and restroom access, it is designed to make guests feel at ease from the moment they arrive.
Nelson’s is also committed to making dining accessible and enjoyable for everyone, with wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance, seating, and toilet facilities. Its flexible reservation options are especially helpful for brunch, lunch, and dinner, and reservations are accepted for added convenience.
Guests continue to rate Nelson’s highly, with a 4.30 out of 5 based on 1,781 reviews, reflecting the strong reputation it has built for quality food, beautiful surroundings, and dependable service. Open to solo diners, casual gatherings, romantic evenings, and more upscale outings alike, Nelson’s offers a setting that feels versatile without losing its charm.
Located at 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275, and reachable at +1 866-690-6821, it stands out as a destination where great food, oceanfront ambiance, and attentive hospitality come together naturally.
Popular Items
Frequently ordered and highly recommended items at Nelson's
Our Story
Welcome to a place where great food meets warm hospitality. We believe dining is more than just a meal - it's an experience to be savored and shared.
Our kitchen is dedicated to creating dishes that bring people together, using recipes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
Photos
A glimpse of our restaurant experience
Food & Drinks
Corn tortilla chips, salsa roja, guacamole
Shrimp marinated in lemon and lime juices, onion, tomato, cilantro, jalapeno, and served with chips
Fresh ahi tuna marinated in spicy ponzu sauce, rice cucumber, tobiko, sesame seeds, avocado, crispy wontons, spicy sriracha aioli
Sautéed mussels, white wine, garlic, shallots calabrian chilies, andouille sausage, bell peppers, toasted sourdough bread
Sweet beer mustard, cheese sauce
Carne asada, corn tortilla chips, cheese sauce, pico de gallo, sour cream, guacamole
Calamari tossed with shishito peppers, tartar sauce cocktail sauce, lemon wedges
Buffalo or dry, celery, carrots, ranch, blue cheese dip
Arugula, tomato, red onion, pickles, thousand island, brioche bun, choice of cheddar, provolone or swiss cheese. Served with side of french fries
Fried chicken breast, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, chipotle mayo, brioche bun. Served with side of french fries
sourdough bread, coleslaw, bbq sauce, crispy onion rings,chipotle mayo, slow smoked brisket, choice of cheddar, provolone or swiss cheese, served with side of fries
Togarashi, mixed greens, tomato, avocado, ponzu slaw, crispy wonton chips, sriracha aioli, radish sprouts. Served with side of french fries
Served hot or chilled. Connecticut lobster, clarified butter, lime juice, shallots toasted brioche roll. Served with side of french fries
Beer battered fish, tartar sauce, lemon wedges. Served with side of french fries
Coconut green curry, romanesco, bell pepper, carrots, japanese eggplant, fresh herbs, shallot, sesame seeds, served over steamed short grain rice (veg)
Portobello mushroom, peppers, red onion, tomato vegan american cheese on sourdough (v) served with side of fries
Feta cheese, kalamata olives, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes cucumber sliced red onions, champagne vinaigrette (gf) (veg)
Dried cranberries, roasted butternut squash, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, pomegranate vinaigrette (gf)
Romaine, shaved parmesan, anchovies, garlic crouton, creamy caesar dressing
Shrimp, lobster, romaine, tomato, bacon, blue cheese crumbles, eggs, avocado, ranch dressing (gf)
Grilled swordfish, pico cabbage, pico de gallo, cilantro lime cream on corn tortilla
Carne asada, melted provolone cheese, pico de gallo, cilantro lime cream on corn tortilla
Served grilled or crispy. Pico de gallo, cilantro lime cream on corn tortillas
Parmesan cheese
yellow cake, orange bavarian mousse, ganache, vanilla bean whipped cream, mini chocolate bar with cocoa nibs, vanilla bean anglais sauce
Tart key lime, graham cracker crust, whipped cream
Chocolate mousse, chantilly cream, 46% dark chocolate, plant-based cream, biscoff butter (v, gf)
Sea salt caramel bar, caramel and chocolate ganache swirl
Vanilla/nutella/strawberry
Hazy ipa | 6.3%
American amber | 5.5%
Ipa | 7%
Blonde ale | 4.8%
Mexican lager | 3.7%
Ask your server
American ipa | 7%
Wheat ale | 5.3%
American light lager | 4.2%
Mexican lager | 4.6%
Lager | 4.4%
Blonde ale | 4.7%
Hoppy amber ale | 7%
Coffee infused porter | 6%
Non-alcoholic
Kuleana 'huihui' white rum, kuleana 'nanea' aged rum, giffard orgeat, campari, lime, mint terranea turns pink $1 for every cocktail sold will be donated to cancer support community south bay
Tito's handmade vodka, chambord, simple syrup, lime juice, blackberries, mint
Tanteo jalapeño tequila, triple sec, agave, lime
Mionetto prosecco, st. Germain, grapefruit bitters, grapefruit juice
Fords gin, watermelon puree, lime juice, triple sec
Dos hombres mezcal, apple juice, lemon juice, cinnamon simple syrup, sliced apple
Buffalo trace bourbon, 7 cellars pinot noir, lemon juice, agave, fee foam
Tanteo blanco tequila, lime, orange, cucumber
Tito's handmade vodka, lime, mint, fever-tree ginger beer
Kuleana rum, lime juice, simple syrup
Three spirit social elixir, passion fruit puree, mango puree lemon juice, coconut cream
Three spirit livener, passion fruit puree, iced tea, lemon
Russian river valley, ca
Coke, diet coke, sprite, ginger ale
Orange, pineapple, apple, cranberry
Hear from our valued guests
American food, great views to the ocean, a little far from where you need to park your car but it is a nice walk, the resort also offers free rides
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.
I’ve been here twice on my trips to LA and both times have been great. Easy to book and great views across the sea! Super friendly staff who never rush or bother you but always there when you need anything. I had the lobster roll the first trip and this time the blackened salmon salad, both were lovely. My colleague had the swordfish tacos and enjoyed them and my husband had the burger and said it was really tasty. It’s a great location to come as you can then wander around the hotel grounds and trails & maybe see dolphins!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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. 🌅
Beautiful location such a wonderful staff. Food was very good as well. Great place for a semi casual lunch or dinner with great views.
One of the best burgers I’ve have ever eaten in California ! We tried the calamari and peppers, the Nelson’s burger and blackened salmon salad - they were all very tasty and the quality of the ingredients were unmatched !! Got lucky to some planes flying over the restaurant too !
Awesome restaurant with great service and an amazing view. Best quality of this restaurant is it's amazing location with a cliff view of Catalina Island and ocean. Perfect for an amazing SoCal sunset. They have indoor seating but the outdoor heated patio with fire pits is where you want to be seated. There could be a wait if you don't make reservations. The staff is extremely friendly. The menu has lots of options including gluten free options. I got the sword fish tacos. Comes with two tacos. They're yummy. Also got the Nelson burger cooked to order... Medium... With cheddar cheese. It was juicy and delicious. It comes with a side of fries. Also a side Caesar salad. It was ok... Nothing to brag about :) Portions are just right. Prices are a bit high as expected at an awesome resort and a restaurant with an amazing ambiance and ocean view.
Let's just start with the amazing view by the ocean, under sun with cool breeze. The place cannot be perfectly located anywhere else. The second thing is the friendly server we had who was amazing and so great with our kids. She was very nice and funny with our kids and prompt with the service. We had Nelson's Nacho, Spicy Chicken sandwich, kids beetered pasta and kids cheese burger. The nacho could be little spicy but I had the server get us side of jalapenos. I recommend this to everyone looking a great American lunch.
5 stars for the food, the view, and especially the management! The scenery here is unmatched, and the coastal cuisine was fresh and flavorful. Our server Nayelli recommended that we order the Ceviche, lobster roll, BBQ Brisket Sandwich and key lime pie everything was 10/10 thank you Girl!! Javier the manager is a true professional, very attentive to detail and made our meal feel special. It's the perfect spot for a relaxed but high-quality dining experience. Will definitely be back!!!
Common questions about Nelson's
Nelson's is located at 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275, United States, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, United States.
You can reach Nelson's by calling +1 866-690-6821.
Nelson's has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 1781 customer reviews.
Nelson's features the following accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible seating, Wheelchair-accessible toilet.
Nelson's features the following service options: Outdoor seating, Takeaway, Dine-in, Delivery.
Nelson's features the following highlights: Fast service, Fireplace, Great beer selection, Great cocktails, Great wine list, Live music, Serves local specialty, Sport.
Nelson's features the following popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining.
Nelson's features the following offerings: Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Coffee, Comfort food, Happy-hour drinks, Happy-hour food, Healthy options, Small plates, Spirits, Vegan options, Vegetarian options, Wine.
Nelson's features the following dining options: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dessert, Seating, Table service.
Nelson's features the following amenities: Bar on site, Restroom, Wi-Fi.
Nelson's features the following atmosphere: Casual, Cozy, Romantic, Trendy, Upmarket.
Nelson's features the following crowd: Family friendly, Groups, Tourists.
Nelson's features the following planning: Brunch reservations recommended, Lunch reservations recommended, Dinner reservations recommended, Accepts reservations.
Nelson's features the following payments: Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments.
Nelson's features the following children: Good for kids, High chairs, Kids' menu.
Nelson's features the following parking: Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Paid street parking, Plenty of parking, Valet parking.
Nelson's features the following pets: Dogs allowed, Dogs allowed inside, Dogs allowed outside.
Business Features
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