The Best Restaurants for Families in Newport Beach
While Newport Beach has plenty of cocktail bars and date-night restaurants for adults, today, we’re making things a family affair. Whether you’ve got toddlers or teens in tow, Newport Beach’s great selection of kid-friendly restaurants is sure to please every palate. From casual breakfast spots to family-owned dinner restaurants and beyond, let this list be your guide to dining with kids in Newport Beach. Here are nine family restaurants in Newport Beach to enjoy with your crew! Let’s dig in, shall we?
When spending a family day on Balboa Island, starting your morning at Wilma’s Patio Restaurant is a must. Located on the charming Marine Avenue, this beloved eatery has been a go-to spot for years, offering a classic American breakfast that hits the spot. Whether you’re craving corned beef hash, fluffy omelets or a stack of pancakes, Wilma’s has something for everyone. And the best part? Their dog-friendly patio means Fido can join in on the fun, making it a perfect spot for the whole family to enjoy.
For a family meal with a view, Lighthouse Café in Marina Park is hard to beat. Overlooking the harbor, this spot offers a delicious mix of brunch favorites like avocado toast and steak chilaquiles, and dinner options like lobster rolls and clam chowder. The kids are covered too, with a.m. options like buttermilk pancakes and French toast sticks for just $8.99 and evening eats like fish and chips and grilled cheese for $10.99. After a satisfying meal, the nearby nautical-themed playground at Marina Park is perfect for the little ones to burn off some energy, making it an ideal family-friendly destination.
For a quintessential Southern California dining experience, head to The Beachcomber Café in Crystal Cove. Perched right on the sand, this family-friendly restaurant offers stunning ocean views and a laid-back vibe perfect for a family breakfast, lunch or dinner. Enjoy your meal together on the expansive outdoor deck, where you can indulge in their famous beignets or get your fix of fresh seafood. And for the adults, a round of cocktails is the perfect way to soak in the seaside atmosphere. The Beachcomber Café truly embodies the best of alfresco dining by the sea.
Mama D’s is a cherished locale that has been serving up warm, homestyle Italian eats since 2005. Here, the focus is on creating a welcoming atmosphere where families can gather and enjoy hearty, flavorful dishes made with the finest ingredients. The menu is packed with recipes passed down from Mama D’s Italian grandmother—from the irresistible garlic bread and crispy fried calamari to the savory stuffed mushrooms. And if you’re visiting with picky eaters, they can build their own pasta dishes and pizzas!
Get your brunch on at Cappy’s Cafe! For the past 39 years, Cappy’s has served as a second home to countless friends and family and is the go-to spot for good conversation and even better food. And let it be known: this hoppin’ locale is a superb spot for a hearty breakfast. With a.m. offerings like Eggs Benedict, stacked Bloody Marys and fluffy flapjacks, no one in your party will go hungry. Be sure to check out their extensive kid’s menu, which features dishes like French toast and eggs and bacon, and their lunch menu, loaded with kid-friendly favorites like chicken strips, mac and cheese, and sliders.
Nothing beats family-owned! For over 55 years, Avila’s El Ranchito has served up authentic Mexican dishes that have been passed down from generation to generation. Each of their locations is run by a member of the Avila family, furthering their reputation for treating each customer like a part of their own. The Newport Beach and Corona del Mar locations feature a bustling and welcoming atmosphere casual enough for a festive family outing. Parents can enjoy handcrafted margaritas and traditional Mexican dishes, while the little ones can snack on quesadillas, burritos and more.
Located on Newport’s bustling Bristol St, Sgt. Pepperoni’s serves up New York-style pizza with a California twist. Each pie is uniquely crafted with the best local ingredients, so you and your family can have their pie and eat it too! Pick a night to hang up the apron and feed the entire fam with a specialty NY pizza at this fast-casual hotspot. Choose from creations like their four-cheese white pizza, or sneak in some protein and veggies with The Works, a pie featuring marinara, mozzarella, pepperoni, bell pepper, onion, mushroom, black olives and garlic. Pro tip: If your kids aren’t keen on pizza, order Sgt. Pepperoni’s kids pasta entree.
Calling all lobster lovers! This Puerto Nuevo-style restaurant is a seafood haven that both the kids and adults will enjoy. From tacos and tropical drinks to seafood buckets and ceviche, Rockin Baja Lobster is a (sea)foodie’s dream. And with a location just steps from the Newport Beach Pier, you can indulge in a delicious meal, then head to the beach! Start with an order of the crispy calamari, then dig into the fish and chips bucket or fish taco sampler for a hearty dose of wave-to-table goodness.
A favorite among guests staying at Newport Beach Marriott Bayview, Vista.Kitchen.Bar is a family-friendly Newport Beach restaurant that caters to every type of eater. This spot serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and features a menu of American cuisine that is not only approachable but also delicious. Snag a table on the terrace for beautiful views of the calm Back Bay, and be sure to ask for a kid’s menu when the little ones get hungry!
