Map of Martins Beach

Half Moon Bay and surrounding area, locate the restaurant called Navio

Housed in the Ritz-Carlton and boasting spectacular ocean views, Navio begins with a level of refinement that carries through to the barrel-vaulted ceilings, tufted chocolate leather banquettes, and internationally inspired Californian fare from the dramatic exhibition kitchen. This is the Ritz, so elegance is de rigueur; but it's also the Bay Area, so expect a local bent. The menu highlights area producers in dishes like roasted quail with wild rice-orzo pilaf, sherried raisins, and royal trumpet mushrooms; hamachi with grapefruit, yuzu, and taro chips; or a chocolate peanutbar with peanut ice cream. Not every dish is transcendent here, but a vista of the California sun dripping into dusky Half Moon Bay may be all the epiphany you can handle over dinner.