The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is right around the corner! From December 14th to 18th, the harbor will come to life with illuminated boats of all sizes, full of holiday cheer. There are so many great spots to view the parade all along the water, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a dinner and a view! You can’t go wrong with these options for dining and watching this year’s Christmas Boat Parade.

A&O Kitchen+Bar

Balboa Bay Resort serves as a dynamic location to dine and watch thanks to the proximity to the bay and two unique restaurants on property. Waterline Newport Beach has prepared a special menu for diners during the parade, with entrée choices like braised short ribs or porchetta, as well as desserts like Pink Lady apple and ginger torte or flourless chocolate cake. At A & O Kitchen + Bar, diners can try out their innovative menu and sit outside by the fire for a cozy view.

Royal Hen

Charming Balboa Island is a festive location for viewing, with gorgeously decorated homes and views of the parade from around the whole island! Before the parade begins, be sure to stop at one of their great restaurants for dinner. Stop at Royal Hen for an upscale pub experience with a unique and tasty selection of wines and beers that are waiting to party on your palate. For a favorite dining choice for both locals and visitors, drop by Wilma’s Patio or The Village Inn. Or maybe you’re in a hurry to find the perfect viewing spot on the harbor and need to grab something to take with you. Check out Crocker’s “The Well Dressed Frank”, a small quaint local eatery with additions of what we like to call “comfort food” and something for everyone. With fun takes on sausages and franks, you’ll find plenty of choices for the whole family.

Newport Landing Restaurant

Across the harbor in Balboa Village, Newport Landing Restaurant  is just steps from the Balboa Ferry and Boardwalk and is in a prime location for viewing the parade. There is an upstairs dining room, downstairs dining room, outside patio and the Library Lounge. The menu is seafood and steak centric with a lovely oyster bar as well. All the favorites are there.

Located on the first floor of the historic Balboa Pavilion, Harborside Restaurant was built in 1906. The fun feature here is the fact that the dining room is almost at eye level of the water, offering great views of the Main Channel. The menu includes: fresh seafood, Alaskan king crab, Canadian Lobsters, prime steaks and local favorites with a value minded California wine selection.

Lighthouse Bayview Café

At Marina Park, Lighthouse Bayview Café provides a wonderful view of the parade, as well as a special prix fixe menu during the event. Marina Park is also home to Tree of Hope through the American Childhood Cancer Organization.

Pizza Nova

Several viewing locations can easily be found along Pacific Coast Highway. Pizza Nova is offering two great choices for dining and viewing. One is inside the restaurant, and the other is renting a space on the dock for Duffy Boats and viewing the parade from you own boat. How cool is that!? In addition to the amazing wood-fired pizzas, there are a number of items that are just perfect for sharing, for example: Fried Calamari, Caprese Salad, Korean Sweet and Spicy Wings, and my favorite, the Salmon Crostini.

With spectacular waterfront views and an eclectic menu of fresh seafood and tender steaks, Rusty Pelican is also a great spot to set up camp. With only one seating (at 7:30 pm) this will be a prime spot to enjoy fine dining and great views of the Parade.

Billy’s at the Beach

Billy’s at the Beach specializes in fine dining with the freshest steaks, seafood, soups, salads, and unique fish of the day specials. Known for their seafood and Hawaiian flare, guests feel that they are transported to the tropics. Billy’s is one of the few restaurants offering music seven nights a week, adding even more entertainment to your evening!

The Ritz Prime Seafood

The Ritz Prime Seafood is a fine dining restaurant located along Mariner’s Mile. As the name implies, the focus is on seafood and steaks and is the newest darling to this neighborhood (from previous long-time digs in Fashion Island). They serve dinner, Sunday brunch, and music six nights a week. With lovely views of the harbor, their modern dining is complemented by the highest level of classic service. A winning combination indeed!

The Winery

While the parade may pass The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar last, it certainly isn’t least with a special menu during the parade. This popular two-story restaurant offers commanding views of the harbor and pairs contemporary California regional cuisine, with a hip, vibrant, sophisticated setting. Loyal customers are full of anticipation for this holiday season and as such, the restaurant’s reservations are almost completely full for the Boat Parade dates. So do act very quickly if you want to book dinner there.

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