Haute Top 5: Restaurants With a Killer View in Los Angeles

At 71Above, soaring 950 feet in the air on the 71st floor of Los Angeles’ tallest building, the US Bank Tower, it’s easy to imagine that the world is your oyster. Below you, the city lights glitter like stars—which is also how you’ll feel should you secure a highly coveted reservation here; there’s no doubt that owner Emil Eyvazoff’s new American eatery is one of the hottest tickets in Tinseltown. Yes, the view is spectacular, but this restaurant is as beautiful inside as it is facing out. Innovative architecture by Tag Front, in partnership with SageGlass, includes glass panes surrounding the restaurant that automatically darken and lighten—offering shade during the day, while magically lightening as dusk and nightfall arrive. Inside, you’ll find brass compasses embedded in the table windows, assuring each guest that this is the destination and you have arrived. White oak columns and mirrored pillars seamlessly meld into ceiling pods dotted by hexagonal design motifs. Throughout, the room is enhanced by tan leather and warm, masculine woods.

Nobu Malibu often tops our lists, but really, how can it not? In addition to its prime location on Malibu's Carbon Beach, ocean views are accessible from many tables, its bar and its lengthy outside patio. Additionally, you're eating some of the finest sushi and Japanese fare available in the world, courtesy of legendary chef Nobu Matsuhisa in a sleek, chic environment surrounded by beautiful people.

Head to Mastro's Ocean Club for a special occasion and, while there, soak up the views of the Pacific while indulging in a signature steak or the eatery's massive seafood tower presented with dry ice. Relax back into the white linen table cloths and cheers your guest with a crystal goblet of wine (or a glass of Dom—it's totally appropriate here) while enjoying some of the most decadent lobster mashed potatoes you'll ever have again. The crashing waves below are like your own personal symphony to complement the meal.

Yamashiro looms above Hollywood, a towering castle overlooking its kingdom, perched just above another iconic spot, the Magic Castle. Take in the breathtaking views and twinkling lights of Tinseltown from your dinner table, or walk around the koi pond, courtyard or 600 year old pagoda—which also happens to be the oldest structure in Los Angeles—and check out the swimming pool that used to be the playground for exotic black swans. Make sure to take an Instagram shot with the all-seeing Buddha...a guy lucky enough to have this view on the daily.

Located on the tip of Palos Verdes at the tony Terranea Resort overlooking the Pacific Ocean is the lovely mar'sel. (a play on the Spanish word for "sea" and the French word for "salt"). With a seasonally rotating fine dining menu that features locally-sourced ingredients (citrus and herbs from the resort's grounds, hand-ground chocolate, farm-fresh eggs), as well as playful takes on culinary favorites, mar'sel combines approachable luxury with a breathtaking setting perfect for every palate.