OK, an off the wall suggestion -- the locals like Barbara's Fish Trap near Half Moon Bay, in Princeton-by-the-Sea --very casual! Close to the water for a walk before and after.

But I prefer the downtown Half Moon Bay spots -- Pasta Moon for a very nice meal, Chez Shea for delicious casual diverse ethnic/organic menu, and if you really want the absolutely outstanding water view, have lunch at the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, down the road from town a bit.

My daughter recently ate at Mission Ranch - owned by Clint Eastwood- very nice, great views

but its close to Carmel so might not want to drive that far before eating? If not, keep in mind or while you are at Pebble Beach

Navio at the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay has a really nice view and the food is good but expensive. Half Moon Bay is over the hills from SFO and is fairly close. I would estimate 20-30 minutes but I must confess that I have never timed myself over that route.
I would also consider Roy's at the Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble beach for a great view and very good food. I like their appetizers.

I wouldn't eat lunch at Spanish Bay or Mission Ranch that day -- you will be in the area for a whole week so you'll have plenty of time to eat at one or the other or both.

Half Moon Bay is a good stop -- but it is very near the beginning of your route. I'd personally want to get farther down along Monterey Bay -- Like Phil's or maybe in Capitola.

I think some of you missed my question. We will be in Pebble for a week-so Roys and Ranch will be done then. We will have flown for 6 hours, gotten our car and then head on down to a house on Pebble. We WILL be hungry. So, I am asking for a place to stop on the way down from San Fran- preferably with a view. If I were going to stop in a town, I might as well drive down the Interstate. How much longer of a drive is it down Rt. 1 than down the Interstate or 101?

I'd add an hour for taking Hwy 1 instead of Hwy 101. And actually, the Hwy 101 route, from SFO I'd take 380/280/85/101. It sounds complicated, but it really isn't and it is a much nicer drive than 101 the whole way. When you look at a map, it will make sense. Hwy 101 along the peninsula leaves a lot to be desired.

If you have the time, I'd take Hwy 1 and stop in Half Moon Bay or Pescadero as mentioned - even if you don't end up choosing a restautant with a view. You'll have plenty of views on your drive and places like Duartes, Phil's, etc. are local institutions.

Another thought - if you go through Santa Cruz and don't mind weaving your way through town, Aldos at the yacht harbor is a good option. For something less casual, the Crows Nest is also down there. Both have views.

Half Moon Bay is pretty close to SFO (about 20-25 minutes) so I'd focus on that for a few reasons 1) close to SFO, 2) good restaurants, 3) ocean, 4) nice town.

I would also suggest lunching in HMB, I second that Navio is good but expensive. But since I don't know your budget and you are staying at Pebble, it would be a good intro to the Pebble-type lifestyle!!!

LOL SAB - I was thinking the same thing. Normally when people recommend The Ritz for a meal, I think - geez, who can afford The Ritz? But the OP is spending a week at Pebble Beach, so perhaps (s)he can

we really liked sam's chowder house and i think half moon bay would be a great choice for you