La Costanera

If you need an excuse for a head-clearing drive to the coast, aim just north of Half Moon Bay for dinner at La Costanera. Get to the beach by late afternoon to see the sun dip into the Pacific, then go inside and watch the glow fade through the dining room’s floor-to-ceiling windows. Despite the view, the food is no afterthought. We love the Peruvian ceviches, ultrafresh fish marinated in lime juice, and small plates like yucca balls in a spicy mustard sauce (picture elegant hush puppies) or quinoa-encrusted shrimp. The classic pisco sours will blow your hair back, so if you’re the driver, order a chicha—a tart refresher made from purple corn and sugar.