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2
Tue, 19/03
20:00

Ratings and reviews

RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere

Food and ambience

Local cuisine, American, Bar, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options
Special Occasion Dining, Romantic, View, Groups, Bar Scene
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours
CUISINES
American, Bar
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Waterfront
Reviews (833)
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813 results
Traveller rating
348
274
121
40
30
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Time of year
LanguageEnglish
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Traveller rating
348
274
121
40
30
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All reviews fish and chips lobster roll salad terranea resort picnic tables the cliff the pacific ocean sunset views dolphins valet edge patio california
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Reviewed 2 January 2024 via mobile

So, Nelson's is in the Teranean resort area of Palas Verdes, a super-upscale resort area right on the Pacific coast. We grabbed an outdoor table with sensational vi w ws of Catalina Island, dolphins, and assorted ships plying u and down the coast. The menu...was Mexican-tinged (fish tacos, ceviche, etc.). We were a party of five, and everyone seemed to enjoy their meal. I got the swordfish tacos and was mostly content. Service was enthusiastic, the afternoon was delightful, and we had a fine time.More

Date of visit: January 2024
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 20 December 2023

My wife and I were disappointed in the menu selection of this restaurant. We looked over all of the options and struggled to find anything that appealed to us, which is much different than our experience with the other restaurants in the Terranea Resort. The...restaurant is in a fabulous, scenic location so that part of our experience was a "5" -- but the food just is not good. Few good, healthy options for those who want to eat healthy meals. The food quality was average and our overall experience was simply disapointing. I would not recommend this restaurant to anybody. Another telling factor is that the entire time we were at the resort, very few people went to this restaurant. There seemed to be a very high table vacancy rate. Normally, good restaurants attract a large following, but not this place. My opinion is that Terranea would be better served by replacing Nelson's with another restaurant option that serves quality, more healthy options. Our experience at the other Terraneea restaurants, by contrast, was very good --- Catalina Kitchen and Bashi, and Sea Beans --- all great for the type of restaurant/bistro they are.More

Date of visit: December 2023
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Reviewed 25 October 2023 via mobile

The absolute best service from Pearce, the best outdoor table in front of the fireplace, the best complimentary anniversary dessert (key lone pie) from our waiter! S perfect day! Seafood Cobb salad with pomegranate dressing, blackened salmon salad, & fish tacos! Not to mention the...beautiful sunset with a green flash’More

Date of visit: October 2023
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Reviewed 5 August 2023 via mobile

Nelson’s is a great spot! Beautiful view, nice relaxing atmosphere, great menu! The food was delicious! We had the burger, which was cooked perfectly, the fish and chips, which was a nice size portion of very good fish! The spicy Margarita was delicious! The staff...was very friendly and our server, Jose, was awesome. It gets busy.. so relax and enjoy!More

Date of visit: August 2023
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Reviewed 1 August 2023

This is my favorite restaurant for taking my friends and family with their families. Bring your camera and you will have the best photos!

Date of visit: July 2023
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Reviewed 22 June 2023

This was place had a great vibe, good food, and killer sunsets! Let's talk about those swordfish tacos. They're like a flavor explosion in your mouth—grilled swordfish, fresh toppings, and a zesty sauce that'll blow your taste buds away. Pair 'em with their lip-smacking spicy...margaritas. The nachos were a cheesy delight. But the real showstopper? The sunset view. Picture this: sipping a margarita, munching on tacos and nachos, and witnessing a jaw-dropping sunset over the ocean. It's pure magic, my friends. This place is a must-visit spot that ticks all the boxes: awesome food, tasty drinks, and views that'll leave you wanting to hang around for a while.More

Date of visit: June 2023
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Reviewed 16 June 2023 via mobile

Nelson's casual and relaxed atmosphere perfectly captures the essence of beachside dining, while offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The menu at Nelson's is a delightful blend of comfort food and coastal cuisine, prepared with the utmost care and using locally sourced ingredients....I couldn't resist starting with their famous Fish Tacos, and they did not disappoint. The fish was perfectly grilled, tender, and flaky, complemented by a zesty slaw and tangy sauce that added a burst of flavor. As I savored each bite, the mesmerizing ocean backdrop and the sound of crashing waves created an unforgettable dining experience. The menu offers a variety of options to suit every palate, from fresh salads to hearty burgers, all crafted with a focus on quality and taste.More

Date of visit: June 2023
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 16 June 2023 via mobile

Great gluten free, pescatarian options! Make reservations to sit on the back patio for sunset. Great big portions and delicious drinks. You. Won’t. Regret. It.

Date of visit: June 2023
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 27 March 2023

Maybe one of the amazing locations for a restaurant on the California Coast. Sat outside with friends, great drinks and casual setting, but when a pod of dolphins cruised by it was like nothing I've ever experienced.

Date of visit: March 2023
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Reviewed 27 February 2023

Nelson's is a short pleasant walk from the main buildings at the Terranea Resort. Especially welcome during the pandemic, Nelson's has a lot of shaded outdoor seating with a wonderful ocean view. We enjoyed delicious salads while looking for migrating whales in the water.

Date of visit: February 2023
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Reviewed 23 February 2023

We came with our family to meet friends...it was a beautiful day and we hoped it would be special...WOW! The location is amazing and truly I don't know if I ever ate in a place like it, whether in California or Hawaii. Food outstanding and...staff terrific and then Dolphins came while we gazed at the ocean...really? WOWMore

Date of visit: February 2023
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Reviewed 8 February 2023

Saturday late afternoon lunch with my husband. Waited 35 min for a picnic table spot right on the cliff edge. There was a nice spot to sit and watch the dolphins and waves before they texted us when our table was ready. The sun had...started to set. There was inside and shaded outside tables as well as picnic tables with a sandy floor. Very dog friendly, with water at the table. Service was slow but the food was hot when it arrived. Prices were typical for a resort lunch. Parking option was valet. But the $20 fee was waived with food purchase.More

Date of visit: February 2023
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Reviewed 29 January 2023 via mobile

DO NOT RECOMMEND - MOUSE IN THE RESTAURANT.. Yesterday I went to the restaurant with my family for my friend's birthday, big table around 20people Unfortunately we were faced with a big mouse moving from the KITCHEN to the bar... disgusting.. All employees saw that...and they were not doing nothing ... we spoke with the manager, no solution...and ridiculous I NEVER more will back to this poor place .. with MOUSE ... not hygienic..More

Date of visit: January 2023
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Reviewed 11 January 2023

Perfect spot to have a beer and share in some nibbles before dinner or after a trail walk. Go before sunset...the view is outstanding!

Date of visit: January 2023
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 17 September 2022

Food was burnt, cold and tasted bitter. Nelson ate it. I couldn't. We went at 8am. I was finally served with something edible at 12.30. Unacceptable. And tge server was very moody. Will not eat again.

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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Questions & Answers
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yazdragonfly
13 March 2019|
AnswerShow all 5 answers
Response from RPVWilly | Reviewed this property |
You either have to park at the resort and walk or take a shuttle down to Nelson's or you can park at the Abalone Cove parking lot and walk 1/2 mile down a dirt path to get there.
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Nelson's, Rancho Palos Verdes - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Nelson's

Nelson's is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travellers:
  • Food: 4
  • Service: 4
  • Value: 3.5
  • Atmosphere: 4.5