Nelson's at Terranea Resort is one of those spots you go to for the setting alone. Perched high on the bluffs overlooking the ocean, the views are absolutely stunning and make it a popular (and busy) destination--so I definitely recommend making a reservation ahead of time. We came here last Sunday for brunch with a large group and were seated inside. While the interior is nice and the bar area is lively--with multiple TVs and a great energy--you really come here for the outdoor experience. If you can snag a table on the patio, that's the move. You'll get front-row views of the coastline, with birds flying by and even the occasional whale or dolphin sighting, which makes the whole experience feel extra special. That said, this visit didn't quite live up to what I remembered. The service was a bit slow, especially for a large party, and the food just didn't hit the same--it was good, but not as memorable as past visits. Overall, Nelson's is still worth it for the incredible ocean views and ambiance, but I'd set expectations that the food and service may not always match the scenery. read more

Went there for brunch. Does have the view of the ocean. Food was ok. The loco moco sauce and the egg was good but the meat itself was flavorless. The chorizo burrito was big and packed inside but there was mostly carbs inside. The chocolate chip pancake was actually very good. Fluffy and just the right amount of sweetness. FYI it's quite far from self parking so make sure you have plenty of time to walk there. The walk itself was actually nice. Got to see parts of the resort. read more

See all

We did the trails first and honestly, they were the kind of beautiful that makes you feel like you did something good for yourself. So we were already in a good mood by the time we landed at Nelson's for lunch. The views do not disappoint. We were seated outside and had an amazing view, which was so relaxing. We kicked things off with margaritas, Arnold Palmers, and Bloody Marys while we took it all in. Good drinks, great scenery, even better company. The service was great too, our server was nice, personable and attentive. The food was fresh, good quality, nicely put together. Our whole group just felt like it was missing a little something in the flavor department, and we all had different dishes, so it was just a common thread we noticed. Not a dealbreaker at all, more of a "this could be a five star experience with a few small tweaks" situation. Would we go back? Absolutely. The whole vibe makes it worth it. read more

See all

Amazing view! Casual lunch spot over looking the water. We received a ride from the hotel out to the restaurant. The absolutely best dessert of peanut butter torte! read more

See all

Our second visit proved more successful than the first. We enjoyed the patio seating on a Sunday morning with great views of the coast. Our server was pleasant and checked with the kitchen when she didn't know the answer to our question. She frequently checked on us during our meal. The pancakes may have been the best I've ever had in a restaurant. They make their own batter and that makes a huge difference. Fresh strawberries and strawberry jam were delicious. The American breakfast was good. I really liked the hot and extra crispy tater tots. The apple sausage appealed to my husband, but not as much to me. The toasted whole grain bread was also a hit. I recommend Nelson's for breakfast. read more

See all

This review has nothing to do with the food, my lobster roll was so fresh! But I was a little disappointed when I asked for my umbrella to be put up and they told me they couldn't because of the wind. VALID. My issue was there were 6 other umbrellas up at the time and when I pointed that out they still refused to open mine and didn't take down the others. I wasn't offered to move either. For the price I'm paying, I'd at least expect to be offered to move tables. read more

Nelson's - Connecticut Lobster Roll - Seafood Near Me - Rancho Palos Verdes, California

We came to Terranea after being in the area and decided to dine here since we were exploring the area! We got 2 drinks, wings for apps, a clam chowder, and burger total was about $130 with tax for these items. The wings were good, but it could've been crispier. The clam chowder was a small bowl for $20?! Which is crazy, it was also pretty average. The burger was also average along with the Caesar salad. The food and drinks are pretty mediocre and nothing memorable. Besides the view and location, there isn't much to rave about. Our server was very friendly and kept checking up on us. I would probably try something else at the resort! read more

See all

After a morning hike around Terranea, we decided to have lunch at Nelson's. Wasn't sure what to expect based on the reviews, I ordered a blackened salmon salad - it was Really good. The salmon was cooked just right, Juicy served over a bed of greens with dried cranberries, diced squash, cucumber slices and cherry tomatoes. The pomegranate dressing was light, sweet (but not too sweet) and a bit tangy. Not sure about other items but I would certainly recommend giving this salad a try - best of all - the view! read more

Nelson's - Blackened Salmon Salad - Seafood Near Me - Rancho Palos Verdes, California

Perched right on the edge of the cliffs, Nelson's offers some amazing views and provides the best laid back lunch vibes in Terranea. I must admit that I overlooked this place while staying on property, as a quick look over their menu didn't really pique my interest. So I didn't think a reservation was necessary when we walked over for a casual lunch. Boy was I wrong. Not only was the wait over an hour without a reservation, they stopped taking walk-ins altogether by about 1pm. It turns out that this is the place to be when the beautiful PV weather shows up. While it's true that the patio setting and view are Nelson's main draw, the food was prepared surprisingly well. You won't find anything too adventurous outside of the simple menu of burgers, tacos and salads, but the quality of the ingredients was noticeable and my crispy shrimp tacos were presented well and satisfying. So if you're looking to enjoy a nice lunch on a sunny day, there are not many patio settings as idyllic as Nelson's. Just do yourself a favor and make a reservation. read more

See all

Nelson's at Terranea is one of those places where the pace is part of the charm. The service is never lightning fast, but honestly, do you really want it to be? When you're sitting on the bluffs looking out over the Pacific, the last thing you should be doing is rushing. The outside seating is spectacular with sweeping ocean views from the Palos Verdes cliffs. They also do a great job making it comfortable, plenty of heat lamps and, in our case, a cozy fireplace nearby to keep the chill off the ocean breeze. Inside, they've got TVs if you absolutely must keep an eye on whatever sporting event is happening that day. On this particular visit we had Carly as our server and she did a great job taking care of us while offering some solid menu suggestions. We started with the mussels appetizer, which was excellent. The mussels were plump and tender, served in a savory broth that had great depth of flavor. The real move here is soaking up that broth with the warm bread, simple, but ridiculously satisfying. For my entrée I ordered the seafood salad, which was bright and refreshing, a generous mix of chilled seafood layered over crisp greens with fresh vegetables and a light vinaigrette that lets the seafood take center stage. Clean, coastal flavors that feel exactly right when you're dining next to the ocean - see my picture. My wife went with the brisket steak sandwich. The flavor was good, but the steak tips came out well done, which isn't necessarily her preferred preparation. Still tasty, just not quite the doneness she would normally choose. And the cocktail of the night was the Wake Up Call. At $20, I suspected it would be good, and it delivered. It's a bourbon-forward cocktail with rich coffee notes, a little sweetness, and just enough kick to remind you it's doing its job. Smooth, bold, and a great drink to sip while watching the sun drop into the Pacific. Nelson's remains one of the best casual spots on the Peninsula to relax, take in the view, and enjoy a good meal. Sometimes the best thing you can do here is simply slow down and let the ocean set the pace. read more

Nelson's - Seafood salad, a generous mix of chilled seafood layered over crisp greens with fresh vegetables - Seafood Near Me - Rancho Palos Verdes, California

See all

This is a beautiful restaurant located over a cliff overlooking the sea. The views are incredible. The service and the food was mediocre just to get into the resort and go to the restaurant. There's a $10 parking fee and it's a valet. The grounds were beautiful, but the way to the restroom can be very long. We waited over an hour to get seated, but we made the best of it by walking around and enjoying the grounds and the views of the ocean. There was some miscommunication about the seating. The bench seats closest to the water our self service you can get a drink at the bar and see yourself in that area. However there's a plexiglass that separates the open area from the area that you actually get waiter to serve you. read more

Nelson's - Seafood Near Me - Rancho Palos Verdes, California

See all

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. They also have live music on the weekends, I think?. read more

See all

Golfed the par 3 course in the morning and headed straight to Nelson's immediately after. Awesome that the Terranea property will happily golf car you to and from the golf course and restaurant. Nelson's sits on the Palos Verdes bluff with beautiful vistas. They quickly seated our hungry post golf party and quickly took our drink orders. I got my margarita... no complaints. We ordered appetizers: nachos,ceviche, wings. All very good I ordered the fish tacos... perfectly battered and fried, on top of shredded cabbage and creamy sauce. My husband ordered the smoked brisket sandwich that came with with fries. Everyone enjoyed everything they ordered. read more

Nelson's - Swordfish Tacos. Ordered them crispy. yummy - Seafood Near Me - Rancho Palos Verdes, California

See all

The Terranea resort as a campus is spectacular, from the walking trails with vast ocean access open to anyone (not just hotel guests) to the abundance of restaurants. The hotel itself is gorgeous and a delight to stay in, but you can still get that feeling of *escape* by coming to Terranea and not being a hotel guest by walking around or enjoying one of the restaurants on site. One of the bright spots is Nelson's, a well-known secret among locals. Having dined at all 3 of the Terranea restaurants (the other two are mar'sel and Catalina Kitchen), I can say that Nelson's is the standout because of the bluffside views on the outdoor dining patio. In addition, the interior dining room is an homage to Sea Hunt, a mid-20th Century TV show starring Lloyd Bridges, with lots of photos and other inspiration. The restaurant is named after his character Mike Nelson. It's a tip to the fact that the show was shot at the Terranea resort back in the day. You also get great views from the other restaurants but Nelson's takes the cake for me, and given the everyday casual dining menu, it's more accessible than the higher end mar'sel, the latter which is more fitted for special occasions. In sum, the Terranea restaurants ranked by views: 1) Nelson's: best views, as the outdoor seating is right on the bluffs. Casual fare 2) mar'sel: second best views, more remote/private location, great for a fancy night out 3) Catalina Kitchen: still get a view but you see the resort pool in front of you and then the ocean behind it. Another casual fare place that is slightly more upscale than Nelson's. Standout for their Friday night seafood buffet (but beware the lines from the crab legs!) and Sunday brunch buffet. read more

I don't know why I keep trying to have a good meal here. I would normally enjoy the Lobby Bar but it wasn't open yet. So I went to Nelson's. Be so for real... $20 for sliders on their "specials" menu. Also they were gross. Did you really use Hawaiian rolls? Get it together Nelson. Excellent service as always. Edit: just remembered that these were billed as "smash burgers". This place is deeply unserious. Smash burgers... I can't. read more

Nelson's - Seafood Near Me - Rancho Palos Verdes, California

One of the better tasting, more unique restaurants in terrenea! I prefer this over Bashi and Catalina Kitchen as it's similar in pricing, but food feels more special and not something you can easily get elsewhere. The views are amazing during sunset! They close at 9pm on weekdays, so great for a late night bite. Service is fast and the quality you'd expect at a resort like Terrenea. Favorites: Ahi Tuna Burger (fish is so fresh!) is a must, I've never seen this elsewhere. The crispy wonton and avocado really elevates the sandwich. Steamed mussels and sausage is the best appetizer, save the sauce to dip bread / burger into. Mussels are very fresh, perfectly seasoned. They have unique drinks too! Will definitely come back, always a favorite at Terrenea. read more

Nelson's - Seared Ahi Tuna Sandwich - Seafood Near Me - Rancho Palos Verdes, California

See all

THE MOST AMAZING VIEWS EVER! We have been coming here since it opened. We love parking in the neighborhood and going on a small hike around the property and ending with watching the sunset over the most beautiful Palos Verdes coast. Then ending with a delicious dinner at Nelson's. The menu is not large but it has many delicious options. Today we had fish and chips and my husband said it's the best he has ever had. I had the Ahi sandwich. I wasn't sure about it because sometimes the ahi can be a big chunk that can be chewy or overcooked and tasteless but not this one! It was the best fish sandwich I have ever had. My son agreed. The ahi was sliced into sushi size pieces making it easier to eat and avoiding overcooking, there was a spicy aioli, a yummy slaw, creamy avocado, a buttery soft bun, and the best crunchy wontons! I can't stop thinking about this sandwich and can't wait to go back and get it again. They also have burgers, salads, and other great options. They have fire pits where you can buy a s'mores package and enjoy making them. The s'mores are a bit pricey but the view and ambiance make up for it. Our waitress was sweet and helpful with suggestions. read more

See all

My partner surprised me with a visit to this gorgeous restaurant right by the ocean. We arrived about 40 minutes before closing, yet the staff welcomed us warmly and delivered excellent service without rushing us. We started with the shrimp ceviche (absolutely scrumptious) served with perfectly crisp tortilla chips. For our main course, we had the swordfish tacos, which were buttery, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. I paired the meal with a local craft Hefeweizen beer, which complemented the fresh, coastal flavors beautifully read more

See all

Sub par food, ordered lobster roll and a Caesar salad. We had to send the salad back considering not just the lack of taste but horrible presentation. I understand it's a simple salad but for the price, I expect a nice presentation at minimum. Service was great, the server was kind enough to make a recommendation of the ceviche which was also not great. No flavor. Ambiance is why people come here, the views are unmatched! Overall, I would not come here for food I'd play it safe with a burger. read more

Nelsons: live locally and visit often. How often? Yelp calls me the duke here. The views are awesome. The ambiance California casual And The staff are awesome, especially Dylan Mosher. He was above and beyond great, pointing out a dolphin pod out in the sea that we had overlooked. And THAT is the kind of support you can expect - surprise and delight Get the poke as an app, and get the fish & chips (with Caesar as a substitute for fries) and you won't be disappointed. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the batter (or chef) had changed and the fish are really perfectly battered and fried read more

See all

Food is kinda decent. Portion is small specially the clam chowder. For $20? That cup is too small. Price is on the high side. I get it, it has a beautiful view and in a nice area. Am I gonna go back here? Maybe? Maybe not? So yeah. Service is good tho. read more

Nelson's - House Made Clam Chowder - Seafood Near Me - Rancho Palos Verdes, California

See all

We have been coming here for dinner almost every year for ten years during the Christmas season as Terranea Resort's Christmas carolers. Our group was here to only sing for the tree lighting ceremony because of budget cuts, so don't look for us this year strolling the restaurants providing some Christmas music. Maybe, if they'll have us, we will be back to spread some holiday cheer next year! Nelson's will always have a warm spot in my heart. The food is terrific, the service impeccable, and the views on their patio are spectacular. My husband and I will be back to patronize their other restaurants on future visits. I love Nelson's warm lobster rolls served with butter and fries, the seafood Cobb salad, the Nelson burger, the fish and chips, the ceviche appetizer, the soft pretzel appetizer, their huge selection of microbrews on tap, and their marvelous desserts. There are so many more options to choose from! read more

The atmosphere and food were incredible! Each dish we ordered had tons of delicious protein. My favorite was the ceviche and swordfish tacos. Thank you and next time we're in town we'll be back. read more

Amazing food, service, views and ambience! They accommodated us last minute for a birthday party/reunion and it was such a memorable experience! Special thanks to our wonderful server, Sam. We can't wait to return again in the near future! read more

Nelson's - Ahi Sandwich - Seafood Near Me - Rancho Palos Verdes, California

I stayed at Terranea in Rancho Palos Verdes over the summer with my wife and friends, and we made it a point to eat on property throughout our visit. After reading some mixed reviews about Nelson's, I wasn't sure what to expect--but I was pleasantly surprised. After a day at the adult pool, we headed over for dinner and drinks outside at a picnic table overlooking the cliffs and ocean. The sunset was absolutely gorgeous, which made for a perfect setting. The restaurant was busy, and there were a few kids running around, but the food, drinks, and service were all solid. I ordered the burger and fries, and it hit the spot--simple, satisfying, and perfect for a casual dinner with that view. My dining companions all enjoyed their meals as well. Was it cheap? Not exactly--$26 for a burger--but for a million-dollar setting overlooking the Pacific, it's understandable. Overall, a very enjoyable experience. I'd definitely come back. 4 stars read more

I've been here a couple of times, and have enjoyed both experiences! Sitting outside is a complete must! The views are stunning. If you are dressed up and are wearing high heels, or even just wearing sandals, there is quite a bit of decomposed granite outside, so that may or may not impact your experience if you dine outside. Parking is not the greatest, but not the worst. There is valet parking or self parking. The self parking lot is a bit limited, but if you are lucky enough to get a spot, it's about a 10 minute walk to Nelson's. I have had the poke appetizer as well as the tuna sandwich (forget the specific names). Both are fantastic, but I like the appetizer a bit more. I've had their margarita, which wasn't bad, but also not the best I've had either. Would definitely be back, since they have fresh ingredients, incredible views. read more

Nelson's at Terranea Resort is one of those restaurants where the view alone makes it worth the visit - but the food definitely holds its own too! We got lucky with free parking in the nearby lot and even got a golf cart ride to the restaurant, which was a nice touch (and helpful since it's quite a walk from the lot to the dining area). We didn't have reservations but only waited about 30 minutes, for a party of 6, which gave us time to walk around and enjoy the stunning ocean views on a clear, sunny day. Once seated, we loved the spacious outdoor seats with unbeatable ocean views right from our table. We ordered the Calamari and Peppers ($23) for the table, and the coating was nice and light. The calamari were also nice and tender. I ordered the Connecticut Lobster Roll ($35), and while it was on the pricier side, it was absolutely delicious - fresh and generous in portion. The hot butter came on the side (which was nice), so that you can put as much as you want and not drench the whole roll. It also came with fries, which you can sub out for an additional charge for sweet potato fries or a side salad. The fries were just okay (wish they were crispier), so I'll probably sub it out for a side salad the next time. My daughter had the Buttered Pasta ($14) which also came with a side of fries. For the Kids Menu, I only wish that they had healthier options, perhaps a seafood dish and the ability to sub the fries for fruit or vegetables. I appreciate it when restaurants provide healthier options for kids on their menu. The only downside was the service - our waitress was hard to find, didn't offer water refills, and never checked in after taking our order until it was time for the bill. Still, the experience overall was lovely - great food, relaxing atmosphere, and those views can't be beat. We'll definitely be back (and will probably make a reservation next time). read more

Nelson's - Connecticut Lobster Roll - Seafood Near Me - Rancho Palos Verdes, California

See all

Nelson's at Terranea was amazing! The wait was estimated at 30 mins but it was shorter than that. Henry was our server and made our visit absolutely phenomenal. He was attentive and ensured we were taken care of our entire visit. We brought our dog and the first thing he did was take care of her with a fresh bowl of water. We will definitely be coming back and recommend not only Nelson's but Henry for his above and beyond attention to detail. Sam was also was very attentive...10/10 will recommend! read more

Nelson's - Seafood Near Me - Rancho Palos Verdes, California

Located inside the Terranea resort, Nelson's is our go-to place for a casual oceanview meal in PV especially if we are already staying at Terranea. We love their outdoor patio. They also have heat lamps that they turn on when it gets a bit too chilly. There's a cute little area with a fire pit as well. I recommend making reservations in advance on OpenTable. They do take some walk-ins but they're usually busy and there might be a bit of a wait. I always get their Connecticut lobster roll which is usually delicious... The last time I went though, it was a bit on the dry side. They were having a bit of an off day and understaffed. Their ceviche and calamari are a couple of their decent shareable appetizers. Wash it all down with an ice cold beer and it's *chef's kiss--perfection! There is also a kids menu. My daughter likes their buttered pasta (pappardelle noodles) which comes with fries. Service is usually excellent but the food can be a bit slow to come out if they're busy or understaffed in the kitchen. Overall, come for the ocean view and the al fresco dining. Doesn't get more California than this. read more

If you're looking for a casual brunch with ocean views or are staying at Terranea, then Nelson's is an easy choice. My family and I had a reservation here for 11:30am on a Saturday and got seated immediately. Both indoor and covered outdoor seating is available but I'd recommend sitting outside to enjoy the ocean views. I ordered the green veggie curry (this is a vegetarian option although you can add chicken) and I really liked the coconut curry sauce. The pulled pork sandwich my dad had was a bit dry and the fries were overly salted, but overall it was still a decent meal. The clam chowder was creamy and quite filling despite the small serving size. Service was slow but as long as you're not in rush, it's all good. To see a reel of this spot, check on @dinewithshanelle on IG! read more

See all

Expensive, but beautiful property and good food. Dog friendly and nice atmosphere. I enjoy coming here with my dog. read more

Nelson's - Seafood Near Me - Rancho Palos Verdes, California

Food here was very average - lobster roll was quite disappointing. You get a tiny bit of lobster on a mini-sized bun, you could literally eat it in two bites. What you're really paying for is the view - there were a few pods of dolphins that popped up while we were dining. read more

See all

We sat outside and enjoyed our meal under the big umbrellas. We saw dolphins, pelicans, and gulls. The pretzel was soft and delicious. The shrimp taquitos were nothing short of amazing (they're on a specialty menu). The fish and chips were crispy and delicious (not oily at all). The burger was fantastic. All the components worked well together. Their ranch is so good too! Their vegetable green curry was so creamy and delicious. All of their food was a hit. Service was attentive and very informative. We will definitely be back. read more

See all

Excellent place to eat while at the resort or otherwise!! It has limited vegetarian options, even more so if you are someone like us who does not include eggs in their diet. Unfortunately the friers common and so all fried options are out for us as well. Having said that what we did eat was excellent with great service and quality. It is an excellent brunch location for me while hiking in the adjoining public trails which gives you access to the restaurant if you would like to make a day out of it!! read more

Food was not bad but also not good. I would expect for the prices and the area that the food would be better. I ordered fish and chips. The fish was good but fries were stale. It was strange. Also fries were not seasoned well. Great view. Very lovely atmosphere. Parking is free but it's quite a walk if you don't valet. Service was average. Nice place to grab a drink and relax. read more

My partner and I took a spontaneous trip to Rancho Palos Verdes, and wow--this part of LA County is a whole different kind of stunning. Nestled along the cliffs, Nelson's offered one of the most scenic dining experiences I've had in a while. Think panoramic views of the Pacific, a breezy trail walk along the ocean bluffs, and even a designated whale-watching spot with a plaque--seriously. We parked in the nearby neighborhood to take a leisurely walk along the coastal trail before reaching the restaurant. As you approach Nelson's, you pass through the peaceful resort grounds, and when we arrived, we were immediately struck by the laid-back, coastal vibe--ample seating both indoors and outdoors, plus a live music setup as part of their summer concert series. We opted to sit outside under a shaded umbrella, with ocean views that made the whole lunch feel like a mini-vacation. Inside, there's a full bar for cocktails or brews to pair with your meal. I ordered the herb-crusted ahi tuna sandwich, cooked perfectly medium--tender, flavorful, and stacked just right. My partner went with the classic burger, which was equally delicious--juicy and seasoned well. It was one of those meals where every bite had you daydreaming about the other plate. I kept thinking about her burger while eating my sandwich, and vice versa. The menu is refreshingly tight, which is a good sign--they focus on quality over quantity, and it shows. Pro Tip: This place is incredibly photogenic. Make sure to bring your camera or phone--you'll want to snap the food and the view. Whether you're hiking the trails, exploring the coast, or just looking for a scenic spot to unwind with good food, Nelson's is 100% worth the stop. Can't wait to come back. read more

See all

Enjoyed the great ocean view and good food at Nelson's. I was here to celebrate a birthday with family and my sister is a local in town. The waitress did an amazing job and everyone was very patient with our toddler. Food was overall great. I feel like you get what you pay for and we got to watch the sunset from a resort and eat good food. I'll be back next time I'm visiting my sister in Palos Verdes. read more

See all

Best cliff top view in all of LA County! Get there early to get a good seat The venue and view will keep you coming back Several other restaurants in the hotel grounds read more

Whenever we stay at Terranea, Nelson's is a must! During our last visit, we ate there twice. The seafood Cobb is not only my favorite menu item, it's also my favorite salad among salads anywhere else! It's truly fantastic. The view at Nelson's can't be beat and the food is great. Service is usually really good as well. There is always a line though so reservations are highly recommended. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating. Although they have umbrellas, it can get pretty warm outdoors but I still recommend seating outside if possible. read more

See all

Food is okay. We felt the food was average. Nothing wow for the cost. Service and ambiance is wonderful. Green curry was okay. If you're going to offer Thai food, make it Thai style. It was a vegetarian dish but you can put vegan fish and oyster sauce. Chicken sandwich was not crispy as it says on the menu. Food quality was a huge disappointment. read more