There are very few locations where you can dine at the water’s edge or better yet, enjoy cocktails on the water then pull right up to your restaurant of choice. Newport Beach, CA is one of those destinations. Nestled between Los Angeles and San Diego, Newport Beach is a comfortable beachside oasis with a year-round Mediterranean climate. Combine ten miles of coastline stretching along the Pacific with a restaurant lined harbor and you have the quintessential coastal retreat.

Dining in Newport Beach is as much of a treat as the destination itself.  Here is a sampling of the area’s many group waterfront dining options:

Waterfront dining in Newport Beach

Beachcomber
The location alone is reason enough to visit The Beachcomber. Located on a stunning portion of the Newport Beach coastline, The Beachcomber is a consistent favorite of both locals and groups.  Set in one of the historic beach cottages that line Crystal Cove State Park, The Beachcomber is ocean front dining in the purest sense.  This popular restaurant has spectacular views of the Pacific and Catalina Island.  Groups will have fun partaking in Crystal Cove’s long-standing tradition of raising the martini flag at sundown signifying the start of cocktail hour!  Ranked as one of OpenTable’s top spots for al fresco dining, the Beachcomber is a must see for groups heading to Newport Beach.

Back Bay Bistro
Located at the Newport Dunes Resort, The Back Bay Bistro is a hidden treasure that offers outdoor dining with stunning views of the harbor and the Back Bay preserve. A retractable roof allows guests to dine year-round and enjoy contemporary American cuisine al fresco.

SOL Cocina
The Best of Baja in the heart of Newport Beach, SOL Cocina offers an upscale, yet inviting dining experience on the water in Newport Harbor. SOL Cocina blends old world charm and urban comfort with its menu of fresh, seasonal ingredients and authentic Mexican flavors. SOL’s expansive bar honors the flavors of the Baja, California region by serving over 60 artisan tequilas, making this restaurant a great location for a tequila tasting or tequila pairing group event.

Waterline Newport Beach
Waterline Newport Beach at Balboa Bay Resort offers scenic views of the harbor, including the many yachts that line the Club’s private marina.  Waterline is known for its water to table experience, with fresh seafood and a unique chef-driven concept. This restaurant has two distinct private dining rooms, perfect for small intimate gatherings.

A&O Kitchen + Bar
A&O Kitchen+Bar, also located at Balboa Bay Resort, is vibrant gastropub with a large outdoor patio overlooking the harbor.  Abbreviated from “Anchors & Oceans”, A&O has quickly become a local favorite serving a variety of unpretentious entrees and creative cocktails. The interior is warm and inviting with several seating arrangements including communal tables.

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar
Situated at the turning point of the harbor, The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar has stunning views of Newport’s gorgeous yacht lined harbor. Known for its impressive wine list, which currently offers 650 selections and changes weekly, The Winery is certain to have the perfect wine to compliment any meal. Serving contemporary California regional cuisine, in an upbeat, sophisticated setting and offering tours of its wine cellars, The Winery is ideal for group dining.

Waterfront dining on the Newport Beach peninsula

Nobu
Located within the luxe Lido Marina Village Nobu boasts more than 16,000 square feet of stunning two-story waterfront space, including outdoor covered patio dining on both levels, expansive bar & lounge, and beautiful special event space.  Known for fresh sushi and signature dishes like Black Miso Cod and Yellowtail Jalapeño, Nobu Newport Beach is an exquisite dining experience.

Zinque
Zinqué, also located at Lido Marina Village is an urban oasis, situated directly on the Marina. The outdoor space epitomizes relaxed, coastal comfort, designed to encourage endless conversations and late night discussions.

The Cannery
The Cannery was the first commercial fish cannery in Newport Harbor.  In the late sixties, the fish cannery was closed and eventually sold to developers who had planned to tear down the building and construct homes along the channel. Fortunately, a longtime resident hoping to preserve the history of Newport Beach purchased the building and restored the Cannery into a thriving waterfront restaurant.

While the outside still resembles the original building, the inside is comfortably chic and houses one of Newport Beach’s most popular bars. Groups enjoying a sunset cocktail cruise can easily pull right up to the Cannery’s docks and head inside to enjoy a group dinner in the private dining space which overlooks the harbor or in one of the semi-private spaces either inside or outside on its large patio.

Lighthouse at Marina Park
Located at Marina Park, a ten-acre beachfront park along Newport Harbor, Lighthouse is a comfortable restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating and unobstructed views of Newport Harbor.

Not only does the destination offer restaurants with spectacular views, Newport Beach’s culinary roster will please even the most discriminating palate. But don’t take our word for it, come taste for yourself.

When you’re ready to begin planning your next group meeting, contact the staff at Visit Newport Beach, the destination marketing organization for Newport Beach, CA. Visit Newport Beach opens the doors to this culinary paradise with destination expertise, customized site visits, strong partnerships and resources that ease the planning process.