Aloha Nosh!
I like the Surf and Sand Resort in Laguna Beach.
Splashes is an oceanfront restaurant with a great lunch menu with valet.
In La Jolla, Eddie V’s, Piatti’s or George’s on the Terrace.
Thank you all for the advice so far. Bumping the thread for any more… 
I sometimes meet my family at Taco Maria in Costa Mesa. Fairly easy to find in the small area, plus fun shopping afterwards. Though the small dining room can get loud, there is a large patio.
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Agree with you. After a good experience at the one downtown, a friend and I went to the one in Santa Monica. Food was okay, but just okay. Felt like a tourist trap, albeit with a nice view.
We love SoCo. You should also try Pueblo and Shuck, our other favorites there.
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