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Breath taking sunsets - Nelson's at Terranea Resort, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

Nelson's at Terranea Resort

4.5
4.5
367 Reviews
$31 to $50
Contemporary American

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 37 times today
  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Great for scenic views
  • Charming
A guest favorite for casual dining, Nelson’s is perched directly above the ocean coves made famous by the 1950s television series Sea Hunt – from which this modern surf shack takes its name. The cliff-top eatery pays homage to Sea Hunt’s main character, Mike Nelson, as well as actor Lloyd Bridges’ lifetime efforts to protect the environment and the ocean. Guests enjoy coastal cuisine and a warm, friendly bar atmosphere surrounded by outdoor fire pits and unrivalled sunset views. This Southern California restaurant offers one of the most scenic locations in Palos Verdes to enjoy a meal or drink in a relaxed setting.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Gastro Pub, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 11:00 am–8:00 pm Fri 11:00 am–9:00 pm Sat 9:00 am–9:00 pm Sun 9:00 am–8:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (866) 690-6821
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Juan Nunez
  • Neighborhood
    Rancho Palos Verdes / Rolling Hills Estates
  • Cross street
    Palos Verdes Drive South
  • Parking details
    Hotel Parking
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 367 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 3.9Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Beach Cities

    Great for outdoor dining

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Nestled in the stunning Terranea Resort, Nelson's offers "unbeatable views" of the ocean, making it a delightful spot for both casual and romantic dining. With a menu featuring highlights like the seafood Cobb salad and fish tacos, and servers like Amanda and Pierce earning "praise for their attentiveness," Nelson's promises a satisfying experience. While some find the menu "pricey," the "spectacular views" and "friendly service" make it a must-visit destination.

367 Reviews
  1. John

    VIP

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 14, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It is always a great experience when we visit or dine at Terrenea!

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  2. Val

    Palm Springs

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 8, 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Drinks are expensive! 18 for non alcoholic cocktail. Asked to add a shot and it turned into a $34 drink. I’m okay paying but let people know if that’s the case!

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  3. Andrew

    VIP

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 1, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing setting w Catalina in the background and the Ahi sandwich is a must.

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  4. FrancesR

    VIP

    Los Angeles

    39 reviews

    5.0

    39 reviews

    Dined on November 29, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful view ! Had a delicious sea food Cobb salad and tasty desserts . The waitress was excellent !

    Is this helpful?

  5. Liza

    VIP

    Los Angeles

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 28, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautiful view! Service is always excellent. Great menu items. Best buffalo wings and clam chowder in LA County.

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  6. Vincent

    Los Angeles

    9 reviews

    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Unbeatable location. I ordered the Ahi Sandwich and it was a major disappointment. Should have sent it back to the kitchen. Tough, tasteless, and just overall disappointing. Could not eat it after the first couple of bites. I took it out of the bun and ate the bun. I basically paid 28.00 for the side order of fries that came with it.

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  7. Margret

    San Antonio

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2024

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 4
    We’ve given this restaurant multiple chances, but unfortunately, the service consistently disappoints. This was our second visit, and yet again, we had to wait over 15 minutes at the table before anyone acknowledged us. On two prior visits, even with reservations, we were left waiting outside in the cold because the hostess was inattentive. Once seated, the service felt disorganized, and to top it off, the food was mediocre at best—not worth the hassle or the price. It’s clear that attention to customer experience is lacking here, and sadly, we won’t be returning.

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  8. Connie

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 21, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I visit Nelson’s every time I’m in town from Mpls. Love this place!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Karen

    VIP

    Louisville

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 21, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great service and perfect setting. Heat lamps made it so cozy

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  10. Dayana

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Spectacular service and views. Food was delicious.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Nelson's at Terranea Resort offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (866) 690-6821.

Nelson's at Terranea Resort is rated 4.5 stars by 367 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 37 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Nelson's at Terranea Resort

100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Palos Verdes Drive South
  • Neighborhood
    Rancho Palos Verdes / Rolling Hills Estates
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 11:00 am–8:00 pm Fri 11:00 am–9:00 pm Sat 9:00 am–9:00 pm Sun 9:00 am–8:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Gastro Pub, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Hotel Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Juan Nunez
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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