Nelson's at Terranea Resort

Name: Nelson's at Terranea Resort
Address: 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, United States, 90275
Telephone: (866) 690-6821
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.6

4.6

387 Reviews

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Make a booking

2 people

17 Feb 2025

19:00

Booked 34 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 11:00–20:00 Fri 11:00–21:00 Sat 09:00–21:00 Sun 09:00–20:00
Phone number
(866) 690-6821
Website
http://www.terranea.com/palos-verdes-dining
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Juan Nunez

Location
100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Area
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, Takeaway, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Chips & DipUS$18.00
Corn tortilla chips, salsa roja, guacamole
CevicheUS$22.00
Shrimp marinated in lemon and lime juices, onion, tomato, cilantro, jalapeno, and served with chips
Ahi Poke BowlUS$27.00
Fresh ahi tuna marinated in spicy ponzu sauce, rice cucumber, tobiko, sesame seeds, avocado, crispy wontons, spicy sriracha aioli, seaweed salad
Steamed Mussels & SausageUS$26.00
Sautéed mussels, white wine, garlic, shallots calabrian chilies, andouille sausage, bell peppers, toasted sourdough bread
Hot Bavarian PretzelUS$20.00
Sweet beer mustard, cheese sauce
Nelson's NachosUS$28.00
Carne asada, corn tortilla chips, cheese sauce, pico de gallo, sour cream, guacamole
Calamari and PeppersUS$23.00
Calamari tossed with shishito peppers, tartar sauce cocktail sauce, lemon wedges
Crispy Chicken WingsUS$20.00
Buffalo or dry, celery, carrots, ranch, blue cheese dip

Land and Sea

Sub sweet potato fries $1, sub a side caesar salad $2

Nelson's BurgerUS$26.00
Arugula, tomato, red onion, pickles, thousand island, brioche bun, choice of cheddar, provolone or swiss cheese. Served with side of french fries
Spicy Chicken SandwichUS$26.00
Fried chicken breast, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, chipotle mayo, brioche bun. Served with side of french fries
Smoked Bbq Brisket SandwichUS$28.00
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
Seared Ahi Tuna SandwichUS$28.00
Togarashi, mixed greens, tomato, avocado, ponzu slaw, crispy wonton chips, sriracha aioli, radish sprouts. Served with side of french fries
Connecticut Lobster RollUS$35.00
Served hot or chilled. Connecticut lobster, clarified butter, lime juice, shallots toasted brioche roll. Served with side of french fries
Fish and ChipsUS$28.00
Beer battered fish, tartar sauce, lemon wedges. Served with side of french fries
Garden Vegetable Green Curry (V)US$26.00
Coconut green curry, romanesco, bell pepper, carrots, japanese eggplant, fresh herbs, shallot, sesame seeds, served over steamed short grain rice (veg)
Mushroom MeltUS$22.00
Portobello mushroom, peppers, red onion, tomato vegan american cheese on sourdough (v) served with side of fries

Soup & Salad

Add choice of grilled chicken $6, swordfish $10, shrimp $10, or salmon $10

Mediterranean Quinoa & Kale SaladUS$22.00
Feta cheese, kalamata olives, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes cucumber sliced red onions, champagne vinaigrette (gf) (veg)
Blackened Salmon SaladUS$28.00
Dried cranberries, roasted butternut squash, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, pomegranate vinaigrette (gf)
Chopped Caesar SaladUS$22.00
Romaine, shaved parmesan, anchovies, garlic crouton, creamy caesar dressing
Seafood CobbUS$30.00
Shrimp, lobster, romaine, tomato, bacon, blue cheese crumbles, eggs, avocado, ranch dressing (gf)
House Made Clam ChowderUS$20.00

Specialty Tacos

Two tacos per order | add sweet potato fries, regular fries, or salad for an additional charge

Swordfish TacosUS$24.00
Grilled swordfish, pico cabbage, pico de gallo, cilantro lime cream on corn tortilla
Carne Asada TacosUS$24.00
Carne asada, melted provolone cheese, pico de gallo, cilantro lime cream on corn tortilla
Shrimp TacosUS$25.00
Served grilled or crispy. Pico de gallo, cilantro lime cream on corn tortillas

Kids

Chicken TendersUS$14.00
Buttered PastaUS$14.00
Parmesan cheese
Hamburger or CheeseburgerUS$14.00
Grilled CheeseUS$14.00

Dessert

Boston Orange Cream PieUS$15.00
Yellow cake, orange bavarian mousse, ganache, vanilla bean whipped cream, mini chocolate bar with cocoa nibs, vanilla bean anglais sauce
Terranea Gelato BarUS$10.00
Key Lime PieUS$14.00
Tart key lime, graham cracker crust, whipped cream
Biscoff Chocolate MousseUS$15.00
Chocolate mousse, chantilly cream, 46% dark chocolate, plant-based cream, biscoff butter (v, gf)
San Pedro BarUS$14.00
Sea salt caramel bar, caramel and chocolate ganache swirl
Ice Cream SandwichesUS$14.00
Vanilla/nutella/strawberry
S'mores KitUS$25.00

Barley, Hops & Malt

Drafts

Seasonal Hazy Ipa | Smog CityUS$12.00
Hazy ipa | 6.3%
Toasty Biscuits | Rad Beer Co.US$12.00
American amber | 5%
Inclined Ipa | Santa Monica Brew WorksUS$12.00
Ipa | 7%
310 Blonde | Santa Monica Brew WorksUS$12.00
Blonde ale | 4.8%
Modelo | Modelo EspecialUS$12.00
Mexican lager | 3.7%
Hef Leppard | Breachwood BrewingUS$12.00
Hefeweizen | 5.1%

Barley, Hops & Malt

Bottles / cans

West Coast Ipa | Green FlashUS$10.00
American ipa | 7%
Citrus Witbier | Santa Monica Brew WorksUS$10.00
Wheat ale | 5.3%
Coors LightUS$10.00
American light lager | 4.2%
Corona ExtraUS$10.00
Mexican lager | 4.6%
Pacifico Mexican LagerUS$10.00
Lager | 4.4%
'805' Blonde Ale | Firestone Walker Brewing Co.US$10.00
Blonde ale | 4.7%
Sabre-Toothed Squirrel | Smog City BrewingUS$11.00
Hoppy amber ale | 7%
Coffee Porter | Smog City BrewingUS$11.00
Coffee infused porter | 6%
Best Day BrewingUS$10.00
Non-alcoholic, kolsch style
Heineken Zero 0. 0US$10.00
Non-alcoholic, lager

Sea Hunt Signatures

Bluffs BramblerUS$20.00
Tito's handmade vodka, chambord, simple syrup, lime juice, blackberries, mint
Spicy MargaritaUS$18.00
Tanteo jalapeño tequila, triple sec, agave, lime
Grapefruit Hugo SpritzUS$20.00
Mionetto prosecco, st. Germain, grapefruit bitters, grapefruit juice
Watermelon RefresherUS$18.00
Fords gin, watermelon puree, lime juice, triple sec
Smokey CiderUS$20.00
Dos hombres mezcal, apple juice, lemon juice, cinnamon simple syrup, sliced apple
Terranea SourUS$20.00
Buffalo trace bourbon, 7 cellars pinot noir, lemon juice, agave, fee foam
The Reef MargaritaUS$18.00
Tanteo blanco tequila, lime, orange, cucumber
Texas MuleUS$20.00
Tito's handmade vodka, lime, mint, fever-tree ginger beer
Hi-Tai'dUS$20.00
Kuleana rum, lime juice, simple syrup

Non-Alcoholic Libations

Tiki ColadaUS$18.00
Three spirit social elixir, passion fruit puree, mango puree lemon juice, coconut cream
Passion Iced TeaUS$18.00
Three spirit livener, passion fruit puree, iced tea, lemon

Sparkling Wine Champagne

19551 Prosecco, Mionetto 'Organic', D. O. C. , Mv, Veneto, ItalyUS$16.00
- GlassUS$16.00
- BottleUS$75.00
153 Brut, Domaine Chandon, Mv, CaliforniaUS$15.00
- GlassUS$15.00
- BottleUS$72.00
144 Brut Veuve Clicquot 'Yellow Label', Reims, France, MvUS$30.00
- GlassUS$30.00
- BottleUS$115.00
156 Brut Rose, Schramsberg, North Coast, CaUS$26.00
- GlassUS$26.00
- BottleUS$106.00

White Wine

Riesling

333 Zilliken 'Butterfly', Mosel, GermanyUS$15.00
- GlassUS$15.00
- BottleUS$60.00

Pinot Grigio

325 Alois Lageder, Alto Adige, ItalyUS$17.00
- GlassUS$17.00
- BottleUS$67.00

Sauvignon Blanc

305 Grgich Hills Sauvignon BlancUS$17.00
- GlassUS$17.00
- BottleUS$70.00
30321 Matanzas Creek, Sonoma County, CaUS$16.00
- GlassUS$16.00
- BottleUS$63.00

Chardonnay

214 Cambria 'Katherine's Vineyard', Santa Maria Valley, CaUS$17.00
- GlassUS$17.00
- BottleUS$67.00
228 Catalina View, Palos Verdes, CaUS$17.00
- GlassUS$17.00
- BottleUS$67.00
2131 Flowers, Sonoma Coast, CaUS$24.00
- GlassUS$24.00
- BottleUS$94.00

Red Wine

Rose

417 Flowers, Sonoma Coast, CaUS$18.00
- GlassUS$18.00
- BottleUS$70.00
402 Whispering Angel, Provence, FranceUS$17.00
- GlassUS$17.00
- BottleUS$66.00

Pinot Noir

618 Catalina View, Palos Verdes Peninsula, CaUS$18.00
- GlassUS$18.00
- BotttleUS$71.00
6023 Davis Bynum, Russian River Valley, CaUS$16.00
- GlassUS$16.00
- BottleUS$64.00

Merlot

5841 Grgich Hills Estate, Napa Valley, CaUS$21.00
- GlassUS$21.00
- BottleUS$86.00

Cabernet Sauvignon

5066 Kenwood 'Six Ridges', Alexander Valley, CaUS$18.00
- GlassUS$18.00
- BottleUS$70.00
5151 Daou, Paso Robles, CaUS$18.00
- GlassUS$18.00
- BottleUS$70.00

Zinfandel

6912 Grgich Hills Estate, Napa Valley, CaUS$19.00
- GlassUS$19.00
- BottleUS$78.00

Beverages

SodaUS$7.00
Coke, diet coke, sprite, ginger ale
LemonadeUS$7.00
classic or strawberry
JuiceUS$7.00
Orange, pineapple, apple, cranberry
Black Iced TeaUS$7.00
Assorted Hot TeaUS$7.00
Drip CoffeeUS$7.00

What 387 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4.5Service
4.8Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Beach Cities
Great for outdoor dining
Beach Cities
Great for scenic views

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Nelson's at Terranea Resort offers "unbeatable views" and a "relaxed atmosphere" ideal for enjoying the oceanfront setting. The service is often praised as "friendly" and accommodating, with special touches like blankets and heaters enhancing the experience. Menu highlights include the "BBQ brisket sandwich" and "lobster roll."

387 Reviews

J
Jason
Los Angeles
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Tasty food. Can be very busy at times. You get a great view of the ocean.
Is this helpful?
M
Mick
VIP
Los Angeles
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on 2 February 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
My wife and I love to visit Nelsons but wow the food has gone down on quality. We spend 20 years in the the hospitality space and are very open and understanding, and actually sometimes too unforgiving of restaurant experience. A few months ago, we took my wife’s mother-in-law to Nelson‘s where we had to send back the nachos. Low quality cheese sauce on top of soggy nachos. The most recent visit last week we ordered the calamari as a starter. All of the breading fell off the calamari and sat in a pile of grease at the bottom of the bowl. Surf is OK ambience is always great. That’s why we go there. I really concerned about the quality of your food and considering maybe not going back.
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J
Jon
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 28 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Service and food was great. Chilly night and they made sure the table was nice and warm. After dinner they shuttled us to our car also. Great night
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D
David
Los Angeles
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on 20 January 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
The location is spectacular at the beautiful Terranea Resort on the cliffs above the ocean. Service was friendly but very very slow (They seemed short-handed). The menu is pretty limited, but we enjoyed what we ordered. The BBQ brisket sandwich was a highlight. Go for the ambiance.
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M
Michael
Orange County
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on 18 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a great, fun atmosphere that isn’t stuffy and is relaxing. Truly and enjoyable experience thank you
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C
Chad
Washington DC
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on 18 January 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Amazing views, great ambience. Service was good. Decent food, great cocktails.
Is this helpful?
A
Al
VIP
Los Angeles
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on 13 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Dinner was great Made reservation to be outside at sunset Weather was perfect
Is this helpful?
A
Andrea
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 12 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food! Great views and awesome service. Definitely coming back
Is this helpful?
A
Aaron
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 3 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a fabulous experience as a group of 4 adults and 4 kids. We made our reservation via OpenTable the night before and had no difficulties securing a table for our larger group. I got a text saying that our table was ready and was able to easily communicate ahead of time. We arrived at the resort and were promptly offered a shuttle ride down to the restaurant (as I was on crutches). The shuttle driver even ran inside to snag 2 stuffed whales to give to my young kids. Very thoughtful. We arrived at the restaurant and had wonderful service from Tabitha—-everything from soft blankets to portable heaters. And then the sun came out blazing halfway through our meal and I overheard her offering a nearby table her own personal sunscreen because she overheard them talking about how they were unprepared for the sun and were concerned about exposure. I thought that extra touch was so thoughtful. I don’t even need to waste my space on talking about the view. It’s unbeatable. You won’t find a better view in any other restaurant ever. Period. You can even hear the waves crashing. If you sit on the west patio you will be treated to 180 degree water views that include the Point Vicente lighthouse as well. Food standouts: the hot lobster roll was perfect! Chips and guacamole excellent (and I don’t even usually like guacamole). Shrimp Cobb salad. Burger. Poke bowl. And the kids were all thrilled about their chicken tenders. Enough that they even asked to eat their leftovers the next day—which they usually aren’t willing to do. After lunch our group took a lovely stroll down the ocean path. Because I was on crutches I planted myself on a bench at the top while the rest of my group continued on and everyone was treated to outstanding—we were even lucky enough to see seals frolicking nearby. Because our validation got us $10 parking for the day, we could have explored for as long as we wanted. The path goes all the way to the lighthouse!
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M
Marie
Orange County
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 2 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The views are beautiful! The food was delicious, but the portions were small. The service was exceptional.
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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 4.6 stars by 387 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

17 Feb 2025

19:00

Booked 34 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
Area
Rancho Palos Verdes / Rolling Hills Estates
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu 11:00–20:00 Fri 11:00–21:00 Sat 09:00–21:00 Sun 09:00–20:00
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, Takeaway, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.terranea.com/palos-verdes-dining
Phone number
(866) 690-6821

Nelson's at Terranea Resort

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Appetizers

Chips & DipUS$18.00

CevicheUS$22.00

Ahi Poke BowlUS$27.00

Steamed Mussels & SausageUS$26.00

Hot Bavarian PretzelUS$20.00

Nelson's NachosUS$28.00

Calamari and PeppersUS$23.00

Crispy Chicken WingsUS$20.00

Land and Sea

Nelson's BurgerUS$26.00

Spicy Chicken SandwichUS$26.00

Smoked Bbq Brisket SandwichUS$28.00

Seared Ahi Tuna SandwichUS$28.00

Connecticut Lobster RollUS$35.00

Fish and ChipsUS$28.00

Garden Vegetable Green Curry (V)US$26.00

Mushroom MeltUS$22.00

Soup & Salad

Mediterranean Quinoa & Kale SaladUS$22.00

Blackened Salmon SaladUS$28.00

Chopped Caesar SaladUS$22.00

Seafood CobbUS$30.00

House Made Clam ChowderUS$20.00

Specialty Tacos

Swordfish TacosUS$24.00

Carne Asada TacosUS$24.00

Shrimp TacosUS$25.00

Kids

Chicken TendersUS$14.00

Buttered PastaUS$14.00

Hamburger or CheeseburgerUS$14.00

Grilled CheeseUS$14.00

Dessert

Boston Orange Cream PieUS$15.00

Terranea Gelato BarUS$10.00

Key Lime PieUS$14.00

Biscoff Chocolate MousseUS$15.00

San Pedro BarUS$14.00

Ice Cream SandwichesUS$14.00

S'mores KitUS$25.00

Barley, Hops & Malt

Seasonal Hazy Ipa | Smog CityUS$12.00

Toasty Biscuits | Rad Beer Co.US$12.00

Inclined Ipa | Santa Monica Brew WorksUS$12.00

310 Blonde | Santa Monica Brew WorksUS$12.00

Modelo | Modelo EspecialUS$12.00

Hef Leppard | Breachwood BrewingUS$12.00

Barley, Hops & Malt

West Coast Ipa | Green FlashUS$10.00

Citrus Witbier | Santa Monica Brew WorksUS$10.00

Coors LightUS$10.00

Corona ExtraUS$10.00

Pacifico Mexican LagerUS$10.00

'805' Blonde Ale | Firestone Walker Brewing Co.US$10.00

Sabre-Toothed Squirrel | Smog City BrewingUS$11.00

Coffee Porter | Smog City BrewingUS$11.00

Best Day BrewingUS$10.00

Heineken Zero 0. 0US$10.00

Sea Hunt Signatures

Bluffs BramblerUS$20.00

Spicy MargaritaUS$18.00

Grapefruit Hugo SpritzUS$20.00

Watermelon RefresherUS$18.00

Smokey CiderUS$20.00

Terranea SourUS$20.00

The Reef MargaritaUS$18.00

Texas MuleUS$20.00

Hi-Tai'dUS$20.00

Non-Alcoholic Libations

Tiki ColadaUS$18.00

Passion Iced TeaUS$18.00

Sparkling Wine Champagne

19551 Prosecco, Mionetto 'Organic', D. O. C. , Mv, Veneto, ItalyUS$16.00

153 Brut, Domaine Chandon, Mv, CaliforniaUS$15.00