A Restaurant for Every Month: 12 Bucket-List Worthy Spots 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 coastal California. Here are 12 bucket list-worthy, unique restaurants in Southern California that you'll want to consider visiting this year – if you haven't visited them already!

1. January Dining Done Right at Top of the Notch

Start your year of adventurous eating at the restaurant in the San Gabriel Mountains that offers 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. The restaurant pairs well with hiking in the warmer months or skiing in winter. Also, please note that the accessibility depends on weather conditions. Before your visit, remember to check Mt. Baldy Resort's updates. Learn more about this restaurant above the clouds that you need to visit before winter's end.

2. Celebrate February in Style at Chateau Marmont

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. Note that they offer valet parking, and this is a perfect spot for romance, especially in the evening.

3. Fresh Flavors Await at Chowder Barge This March

A unique, rustic floating restaurant 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, or rather, cozy indoor seating. Another advantage of visiting this eatery is that you get free parking at the marina.

4. Carney’s – A Must-Visit April Spot for Burger Lovers

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 housed in a remodeled Pacific Railroad passenger 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.

5. May: Enjoy Timeless Flavors at The Old Place in Southern California

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.

6. Celebrate Summer Dining at San Pedro Fish Market in June

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.

7. La Quinta Cliffhouse – A Must-Visit July Spot in Southern California

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.

8. Enjoy August Dining with Ocean Views at Tony’s on the Pier

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.

9. Celebrate Retro Dining This September at Mel’s Drive-In

If you haven't yet visited Mel's Drive-In, 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. Open late and welcoming to all ages, Mel’s is especially popular with families looking for a nostalgic night out and even with classic car enthusiasts.

10. October: Raise a Glass at Julian Beer Co. in Southern California

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. For a better experience, consider visiting in the fall, when the crisp mountain air is at its best, and they also host apple harvest festivities.

11. Enjoy Seasonal Flavors This November at The Ranch House

The great thing about living in Southern California is that you can enjoy outdoor dining year-round. Hiding in Ojai is the Ranch House, a restaurant 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! Since the restaurant serves fresh food from the farm to the table, make reservations early. You'll wish your meal would never end at this dreamy restaurant among the trees.

12. 71Above – A Must-Visit December Spot with Stunning Views

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.

Have you been to any of these unique restaurants in California? There are so many dining adventures out there! We're always excited to hear your amazing views. Finally, are you ready to turn this list into a yearlong dining adventure? Then, the Only In Your State itinerary planner can be helpful in helping you map out these Southern California restaurants.