cliffside ocean views AND food?

Question

I am planning a small wedding for a party of 20-35 people and looking for a place to have a sit-down dinner, (no djs, etc). All we want is a simple ceremony and then fantastic food with a view - preferably off of cliffs overlooking the sea. All we really care about is sharing a wonderful meal with our closest family and friends...preferably an intimate, non-chain restaurant. 
 
After doing some research, I've come to realize that you can have a view, you can find fabulous food, but you can only rarely find both.
 
We will do the ceremony in a park nearby, wherever we find the restaurant. I've narrowed it down to Laguna Beach, Palos Verdes or Malibu and am still researching. For example, Las Brisas restaurant in Laguna has the view but I've heard the food isn't so hot and I'm not that jazzed by the menu. Other thoughts are Geoffrey's or The Sunset in Malibu. 
 
Any ideas? 
Thanks very much in advance!

Answer

Check out the Chart House in Dana Point, it's on a cliff over looking the ocean. Normally I avoid the Chart House because it hasn't changed in 30 years, but my niece had her rehearsal dinner there a few years ago and they developed a very nice menu for the event. It was summer and outside so that might not work if your planning on a winter or early spring wedding.
 
Her wedding was at Ritz Carlton in Laguna Nigel, really, really nice cliffs overlooking the ocean and a very nice dinner following.
 
Good luck and have a long and happy marriage.

Answer

Studio at The Montage in South Laguna. Fantastic food, fantastic view.

Answer

Along the same line, I have a gift certificate that I have to spend at Fisherman's Restaurant in San Clemente. This seems to be a place that actually is known for it's view (right on the cliff).
 
Has anyone been here? What should I expect?

Link: http://elmomonster.blogspot.com

Answer

Thank you very much! I really appreciate the response. Today we're going to check out Geoffrey's and a few spots in Laguna....I'll post a report afterwards.

Answer

Not right on a cliff, but I've seen weddings at the upstairs bar at Savoury's in Laguna - great views & everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time. I'd imagine would be much less expensive than the upscale hotels, but... would check out the food first.
 
You might also check out Splashes at the Surf N Sand - right over the water, but I've never seen a wedding done at the restaurant or bar area (which would fit your party perfectly). I know they do them there, but I think in function rooms off the main building.
 
Clae's at the Hotel Laguna has a downstairs dining room that opens out to the beach. I wasn't super-impressed with the food at a wedding years ago, but suspect the food didn't come from Clae's or it had to do with the choice of food served.
 
You might also check local catering companies - some might have private homes or other venues that would be beautiful.

Answer

Not a "cliffside" view of the ocean, but a "marina side" view of Marina del Rey at Cafe del Rey. Romantic restaurant with nice view of the Marina. Had a lovely anniversary dinner there. Very good food -- Asian fusion. Possibly get married at the park in the Marina (Burton Chase Park?).
Best wishes!!! (Let us all know what you eventually pick.)

Answer

Just got back in...whew! I now know why people run off and have Elvis marry them in Vegas.
 
Well, we made it up to Geoffrey's, where the staff was particularly friendly and accommodating. We're going back this weekend for brunch for the food test, but the prices are reasonable and there is a good range on the menu - for foodies and non-foodies alike. They said they'd tailor a menu for us and no site fees like many other places. Also they let you bring in a cake from the outside, so that Sweet Lady Jane cake I've been dreaming of could be involved! 
 
Checked out Studio at Montage and...WOW. A first-class hotel/resort and amazing views. Studio is closed Mondays, but we got their menu and snooped around. They have a tasting menu that is to die for - Maine lobster custard, duck breast, goat cheese and more for $115 without wine, $190 with. Not right for our reception party. However, looking at their regular menu, I'd probably want a couple of starters, a main course, and then of course a cake. Not sure what they'll go for as far as a big group and whether or not they bake their own cake...will call tomorrow when they're in. Looks absolutely amazing and RIGHT on the cliffs. Thank you Chowhounds!!
 
Found a cute little bakery "C'est la Vie", family-owned with some great-looking European desserts, including freshly-made creme brulee. If we were having it indoors or weren't going for view, I'd consider it. Lots of character. 
 
We checked out Claes and The Terrace Cafe. A little dumpy from the outside, but the Terrace was very nice and right on the water. I was full, but I'm still kicking myself for not trying the food. (I also had a grumpy fiance dragging along and realized he'd reached his limit for the day - I'm the foodie and he's happy if someone throws a steak at him once in awhile!)
 
We didn't check out Splashes or Savoury's because I did a search of this site and others and people were really unhappy with the food there. 
 
Bottom line - need 1 more trip and a couple of calls to settle everything. The trip will involve checking out Pacific Cafe in Palos Verdes and eating at the terrace cafe at Hotel Laguna and Geoffreys. 
 
Thanks so much for all the great advice and input! I'll report back after more tastings and let you know what we did.

Answer

I recently attended a wedding at Beau Rivage in Malibu. It doesn't have a cliffside view, but was lovely nonetheless. They have a private upstairs room with an ocean view. www.beaurivagerestaurant.com

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