Two distinctly different scenes under one beachfront roof. Dress up for drinks and dinner upstairs to soak in a martini with the panoramic ocean view, or let it loose downstairs, where DJs and a high-energy 20-something crowd pack the dance floor. [Suggested toe attire]: your dancing shoes.

Secluded in an actual cove, this cafe is an old favorite with families and the bikini-clad alike. The fish is fresh and the portions are generous, but watch out for the seagulls swooping down for tidbits. The Cove proudly advertises that Paris Hilton shot her music video here. Your inner heiress might just require some cheesy platform heels.

A full renovation and Pedals, the default hotel cafe at the base of Shutters on the Beach, became Coast, a casual spot outfitted to the hizzy in Martha-Stewart-on-the-beach chic. The breathtaking, sand-level view of the Pacific hasn't changed, but the revamped menu serves breezy California fare of seafood, salad and more seafood—morning, noon and night.

Surf memorabilia line the walls at both beach locations of Duke's, named for Duke Kahanamoku, pioneer surfer and Olympic swimming star. The menu features a long list of fish prepared six ways, including herb-crusted Parmesan. On Tuesdays, there are fish tacos: fried, grilled or Cajun. (Fish entrées, $21.95; fish tacos, $2.)

This aptly named spot is, as one patron wrote, “Good Stuff, not great stuff…but, thankfully, not ‘crappy stuff’ either.” A popular Westside chain—with four locations at various distances from the ocean—this surf-themed cafe serves up familiar dishes with a quirky Cali-international twist and a fresh dose of chillaxed beach culture. From egg scrambles and sandwiches to “wrapps” and tacos, be charmed by the copious use of chile verde and jack cheese.

At first glance Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market and Patio Cafe, with its kitschy sign featuring a lobster lounging beneath a beach umbrella, looks like just another beachside eatery. But if you make a quick turn off Pacific Coast Highway into its packed driveway you'll discover a local institution with high-quality grilled and fried seafood, including seared ahi tuna and succulent swordfish, at reasonable prices in a relaxed outdoor environment. There are ocean views galore from the tables, set on three patios that stagger up the hillside. On a recent Saturday afternoon Colleen Reilly is on the topmost patio, eating clam strips and reading "The Disorderly Knights" by Dorothy Dunnett. "I'm just driving up the coast," she says. "It was my birthday yesterday and I had to work, and now I just want to get some fresh air." Suddenly a man shouts, "Look, dolphins!" Customers turn to catch a glimpse of silvery-sleek dorsal fins playing peekaboo with the waves. The dolphin-spotter, Eric Dugdale, says he often stops by on his motorcycle, lured by the informality of the restaurant-by-the-sea.

Moonshadows may not be a destination for the serious foodie, but oh, that view. The noise from the rowdy crowd broke over us in waves. Tables were mostly big groups of family or friends, all ages, sizes and ethnicities. In fact, it was one of the most diverse crowds I've seen anywhere in L.A. We couldn't help noticing, though, the couple two tables over, both dressed rather formally for this beach scene, and clearly in love. We ordered up seafood and mango spring rolls, flash-fried calamari with chipotle-lime aioli, and grilled hanger steak and shishito pepper skewers. It was a thrill to see something like grilled baby octopus and arugula salad here, or mussels with chorizo and saffron. This is a better menu than at many other places along the oceanfront, though not something you'd drive miles out of your way to eat unless you had to have that view.

This tiny beach side trattoria is like a microcosm of Venice Beach itself. It’s off the beaten path, it’s earnest and earthy, and everyone involved is very proprietary about it. Case in point, the owners recently took on Zagat, requesting that the restaurant be dropped from the survey. All pastas are house-made, including squid ink garganelli and mini ravioli richly stuffed with beef and kale. Duck prosciutto is also homemade and equally swoon-inducing.

Keep it vintage with the original RubyBurger and fries, or shake it up with a guacamole burger, Parmesan bleu fries or a peanut butter cup shake. Also on the menu are sandwiches, chili dogs, fish & chips, Texas grilled cheese sandwich, refillable fries and more. For those looking to watch their beach bods, opt for one of the many salads on offer. If you're in the know, you'll order from the secret menu. Ask about the Malibu Mud Pie Shake and the Beach Burger.

Sam's is the kind of old-school spot that attracts long-distant (like, from Los Feliz) regulars right to the beach. The warm, inviting atmosphere is complemented by a menu of favorites including blue cheese salad, seafood risotto, roasted lamb shank, lobster mousse salad and veal cordon bleu. Owner Sam Elias's Syrian roots are apparent in such offerings as a sampler trio of hummus, tabbouleh and baba ghanoush.

The wee hours of the morn must be devoted, without doubt, to sweeping the sand off the front stoop. Not far from infamous Pirate’s Cove, and nearly as secluded, this beach bistro channels Cape Cod for seafood- and pasta-lovers. Just remember what your mama told you: As tempting as it is, don’t go swimming right after you eat.