View finder

Everything tastes better with the ocean in sight. Here are a few places to get your view on.

Jer-ne at the Ritz-Carlton

Here’s proof that a money view -- in this case of the marina -- and stellar food are not mutually exclusive. Chef Troy Thompson is especially adept at seafood. We love his loup de mer braised in sake with sweet summer corn, mizuna and truffles. There are also several dishes you cook at your table, either on a charcoal grill or hot rock.

* Loup de mer, $34; 4375 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey; (310) 823-1700.

Motif at the St. Regis

Hotel brunches tend to be decadent, and the free flowing Champagne Sunday brunch here is no exception. Consider the pancake station, where diners can choose from half a dozen varieties of batter, as well as some 50 ingredients to mix in. Kids will love the crushed Twix bar and marshmallow options. Add a dramatic view and cool ocean breezes, and it’s no wonder no one’s in a rush to leave.

* Brunch, $69 for adults, and $24 for children 5 to 12; 1 Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point; (949) 234-3200.

Jody Maroni’s Sausage Kingdom

Think you have to pay dearly for an ocean view? Not so. At this modest boardwalk stand just south of the paddle tennis courts, you can have a hearty sausage sandwich loaded with grilled onions and peppers for less than $5. Some are even purported to be low-fat.

* Sausage sandwich, $4.49; 2011 Ocean Front Walk, Venice; (310) 822-5639.

Geoffrey’s

Sure it’s a schlep to this popular Malibu destination. But the view makes it worthwhile. And there’s not a bad seat on the spacious patio. We like Geoffrey’s best for brunch, lunch or early dinner when the sun is glinting off the waves below. What to order? Truly the food has always been secondary. Did we mention the view?

* 27400 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu; (310) 457-1519.

Back on the Beach

We wish there were more places like Back on the Beach, a bougainvillea-covered shack where you can literally dig your feet into the sand. It’s especially popular in the summer, when cyclists and skaters roll in off the bike path for a satisfying breakfast quesadilla or Fred’s Salad, named for owner Fred Deni.

* Breakfast quesadilla, $9.75 ; Fred’s salad, $10.25; 445 Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica; (310) 393-8282.