16 Spectacular Spots To Dine With A View In Newport Beach
Summer is near, which means a day on the water is in your future. Luckily, waterfront restaurants in Newport Beach aren’t hard to come by. Whether it’s boating around in a Duffy during the day or enjoying a sunset happy hour cruise, there is no better time to relish the sunny weather. But where you dine is important and can make your seafaring excursion that much better. Here are 16 spectacular spots to drop anchor and grab a bite in Newport Beach.
A+O Restaurant | Bar
Nothing beats an afternoon spent at Balboa Bay Resort’s A&O Kitchen + Bar. This seafood-forward restaurant boasts an outdoor patio—perfect for a relaxing weekend meal on the waterfront. Sip on hand-crafted cocktails and local brews, and snack on shareable plates that’ll please your palate. Local Tip: Cozy up around one of A&O’s many outdoor fireplaces!
Tavern House Kitchen + Bar
When you sea food, eat it! Tavern House makes it easy to enjoy all of your seafood favorites! From Spicy Ahi Poke and Coconut Crusted Shrimp to New England-Style Clam Chowder and Ale-Battered Fish and Chips, there is no shortage of tasty plates at this bayside restaurant. Want to take your food to-go? Tavern House’s online ordering service allows you to order ahead and have it ready for pick up, so you can enjoy your meal on the water.
Known for its world-famous mai tais, Billy’s at the Beach is an oasis on the waterfront with island soul. Soak in views of the bay as you sip tropical libations and savor dishes like sesame-crusted ahi, cho cho skewers and Kona shrimp tacos. Billy’s also has a great dock-and-dine program; pull up dockside and get your sips and bites to-go!
Sushi with a view? Sign us up! Buddha’s Favorite sits on a dock overlooking Newport Harbor and serves up some of the freshest fish in town. They have seafood flown in daily from all over the world, and many of the recipes from previous owner Masaki “Yoshi” Yoshitsuka still remain on the menu. Snack on a spicy tuna roll or crunchy roll and pair your pick with an ice-cold Sapporo or warm pour of sake.
Known for its innovative Japanese fare and celebrity following, Nobu remains a staple in the Newport Beach community. Before you embark on your dinner cruise, make a reservation and enjoy a swanky dinner at this stunning, two-story waterfront restaurant in Lido Marina Village. Local Tip: Order the Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño and Black Cod with Miso!
The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar
With a globally-inspired wine list featuring 650 selections, you’ll be thankful you docked at this timeless, harborside restaurant. Whether you’re in the mood for red, white or rosé, The Winery has it all—and the dishes to go with it. Dig into contemporary California cuisine and sip the day away by the bay.
Situated in the heart of Marina Park, Lighthouse Bayview Café is an airy eatery with floor-to-ceiling windows, unobstructed bay views and a spacious deck with plenty of outdoor seating. Plan a day with the family here and take full advantage of the 120-foot boat dock.
Is there anything better than a decadent brunch with a side of bay views? We think not! And Shorebird delivers when it comes to harborside dining. During brunch, sip mimosas with friends and treat your tastebuds to dishes like Lobster Bisque Encroute and Overstuffed Bacon & Eggs.
With harbor views that’ll have you smitten and an esteemed menu of seafood dishes, it’s no wonder Rusty Pelican has remained a culinary staple in Newport Beach since 1972. Relish views of the sparkling water and enjoy happy hour, Sunday brunch, a full bar, an award-winning wine list and patio seating.
Make the most of your day on the water with a stop at The Beachcomber Café in Crystal Cove. This waterfront restaurant in Newport Beach is located just steps from the sand and features an outdoor deck with sweeping ocean views, an on-site tropical bar (The Bootlegger) and a menu cock-full of California favorites and tropical libations.
Shake things up with a midday stop at Crystal Cove Shake Shack—an iconic, counter-serve spot that overlooks the Crystal Cove State Park Historic District. Feast your eyes on the waves and treat your taste buds to classic American bites, including burgers, fries and creamy milkshakes.
Drop anchor and head upstairs to Newport Landing’s iconic Oyster Bar for seafood snacks and a selection of local wines, craft beers and tropical drinks. Perched on the harbor’s edge next to the Balboa Fun Zone, this historic spot makes for the perfect waterfront happy hour.
The Cannery Seafood of the Pacific
With sweeping views of the harbor and some of the freshest seafood in town, it’s no surprise The Cannery is a popular spot for a sunset dinner. The menu features a variety of sea-to-table eats like sushi rolls and sashimi, grilled octopus, calamari, oysters, crab cakes and more. Pair your selection with an ice-cold beer or craft cocktail, and cheers to a summer evening well-spent.
This waterside eatery embodies the quintessential old Newport style with its menu of continental fare, list of wines from around the globe and intimate patio. Take in views of the bay as the boats cruise by and snack on innovative classics like Blue Crab Beignets and Red Wine Poached Pears.
Located on the lush grounds of The Resort at Pelican Hill, this swanky Newport Beach restaurant has proven time and time again to be a cut above. At Pelican Grill, diners can relish views of the ocean from the restaurant’s heated terrace and indulge in coastal California dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Talk about the perfect date night!
Tequila and tacos on the bay? Yes, please! GuacAmigos is committed to serving authentic Mexican fare and fine tequila in an upscale and vibrant setting. Slurp down one of their signature margaritas, and you’ll wonder why this isn’t exactly where you’ve been all day.
