Last updated: 2025-05-06
San Pedro and surrounding South Bay neighborhoods boast an incredible dining scene that blends coastal California sophistication with authentic culinary craftsmanship. From waterfront views to innovative kitchens, these restaurants transform local ingredients into extraordinary gastronomic experiences.
Whether craving seafront elegance at Terranea’s mar’sel or classic Italian at J Trani’s Ristorante, the region offers dining destinations that capture the unique character of Southern California’s coastal cuisine and culture.
Discover the South Bay’s most exquisite dining destinations!
Featured Fine Dining Spots in San Pedro
- Porsche Experience Center’s Restaurant 917 (Torrance)
- Parkers' Lighthouse (Long Beach)
- mar'sel at Terranea Resort (Rancho Palos Verdes)
- J Trani's Ristorante
J Trani's Ristorante
What to Expect
Generational Italian family restaurant with 90-year local culinary legacy
Description
A fourth-generation family restaurant nestled in San Pedro, J Trani's offers an intimate, classic Italian dining experience. Candlelit dining rooms showcase generational culinary traditions, with an elegant atmosphere honoring nearly 90 years of local restaurant heritage. Signature dishes reflect traditional Italian cuisine prepared with meticulous family recipes.
Where: San Pedro | More Info: J Trani's Ristorante
mar'sel at Terranea Resort (Rancho Palos Verdes)
What to Expect
Oceanfront dining with panoramic Pacific views
Description
Mar'sel offers an elegant coastal dining experience with panoramic Pacific Ocean views from the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Helmed by Chef Fabio Ugoletti, this sophisticated restaurant showcases seasonal California cuisine featuring locally sourced ingredients, accompanied by an expertly curated wine selection from California and France.
Where: Rancho Palos Verdes | More Info: mar'sel at Terranea Resort
Parkers' Lighthouse (Long Beach)
What to Expect
Two-story wine cellar with Wine Spectator Award of Excellence
Description
Parkers' Lighthouse offers an elegant waterfront dining experience with mesquite-grilled seafood and stunning Pacific Ocean views. The two-story wine cellar and Queensview Steakhouse on the third floor create a sophisticated atmosphere. Wine Spectator Award of Excellence recipient featuring panoramic harbor scenery and meticulously prepared coastal cuisine.
Where: Long Beach | More Info: Parkers' Lighthouse
Porsche Experience Center’s Restaurant 917 (Torrance)
What to Expect
Motorsport-themed restaurant with track-side dining experience
Description
Nestled within the Porsche Experience Center, Restaurant 917 offers a sleek, automotive-inspired dining environment with panoramic views of the driving track. Guests enjoy contemporary cuisine served in a modern space that blends culinary artistry with motorsport aesthetics, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Porsche test tracks.
Where: Torrance | More Info: Porsche Experience Center’s Restaurant 917
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