Mozambique

A Pacific Coast Highway staple where Portuguese spice traditions meet fresh California seafood, best enjoyed on the upstairs patio at sunset.

The peri-peri chicken here arrives blistered and glistening, its heat building slowly under a char that says the grill cook knows exactly what they're doing. Order the whole prawns Mozambique-style, swimming in a garlic-white wine sauce that demands bread for mopping, and let the sangria pitcher do the rest of the talking. Time your reservation for golden hour on the upper deck, when the Pacific turns copper and the whole scene feels like a well-kept secret that everyone happens to know about.

Best for: Date night or a lively group dinner with a view