17 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 18 of the best waterfront restaurants in Newport Beach to drop anchor and grab a bite.
A+O Restaurant | Bar
Nothing beats an afternoon at Balboa Bay Resort’s A+O Restaurant | Bar. This seafood-centric restaurant boasts a wrap-around outdoor patio dotted with striped yellow umbrellas and comfy lounge furniture—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 when the sun goes down.
Tavern House Kitchen + Bar
Perched at the corner of Coast Highway and Bayside Drive, Tavern House Kitchen + Bar delivers some of the most jaw-dropping harbor views in all of Newport Beach. This breezy spot offers diners completely unobstructed views of the water, no matter where you sit. With a covered patio and expansive windows, the vibe is effortlessly coastal and relaxed. The menu leans seafood-forward with standout dishes like Chipotle Bourbon BBQ Oysters, Spicy Ahi Poke, and Ale Battered Fish & Chips. Come for the food, stay for the view—and the unbeatable bay breeze.
Billy’s at the Beach
Known for its world-famous mai tais, Billy’s at the Beach is a time-honored oasis on the waterfront with island soul. Soak in views of the bay at one of the best waterfront restaurants in Newport Beach as you sip tropical libations and savor bites like Black Sesame-Crusted Ahi, Cho Cho Skewers, and Crispy Calamari. Billy’s also has a great dock-and-dine program; pull up dockside and get your sips and bites to go!
Buddha’s Favorite
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. Pro tip: You can also visit their newest location, called Lil’ Buddha’s, if you prefer to watch the sushi chefs work their magic up close.
Nobu Newport Beach
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. The Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño and Black Cod with Miso are popular standouts, but if you’re looking to get some bang for your buck, you’ll want to stop by during their famous happy hour.
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 during date night, or sip the day away by the bay as you snack on happy hour bites like the Pomme Frites, Poke Stack, or Lollipop Pork Belly.
Lighthouse Bayview Café
Situated in the heart of Marina Park, Lighthouse Café is an airy eatery with floor-to-ceiling windows, unobstructed bay views, and a spacious deck with plenty of outdoor seating. Brunch here is always a hit, with favorites like the Seafood Omelette and Lemon Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes. But fast-forward to dinnertime, and Budi’s Butterfish and warm Maine Lobster Roll will surely make it worth your while. Por tip: plan a day with the family here and take full advantage of the 120-foot boat dock.
Shorebird
Is there anything better than a decadent brunch with a side of bay views? We think not! And Shorebird, one of the best waterfront restaurants in Newport Beach, delivers when it comes to harborside dining. This breezy restaurant in Peninsula Village recently expanded its outdoor patio, creating more room for diners to soak in those blissful harbor views. During brunch, sip mimosas with friends and treat your tastebuds to dishes like Avocado Fries, Crab Cakes, and Overstuffed Bacon & Eggs.
Rusty Pelican
With bay 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.
The Beachcomber Café
Make the most of your day on the water with a stop at The Beachcomber Café in Crystal Cove. Located just steps from the sand, this waterfront restaurant in Newport Beach 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. If you’re stopping by for brunch, an order of the powdered sugar-dusted beignets is a must.
Crystal Cove Shake Shack
A neighbor to The Beachcomber Café, Crystal Cove Shake Shack is what California dreams are made of. Shake things up with a midday stop at this 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.
Newport Landing
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. Bonus: You can even rent a boat nearby in Balboa Village if you’re craving some time at sea.
The Cannery Seafood of the Pacific
With sweeping views of the harbor and some of the freshest seafood in town, it’s no surprise that 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, and they offer a killer happy hour (seven days a week!) upstairs in the Jellyfish Lounge. Pair your selection with an ice-cold beer or craft cocktail, and cheers to a summer evening well spent.
The Dock
One of the best waterfront restaurants in Newport Beach, The Dock embodies the quintessential old Newport style with its continental fare menu, global wine list, 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. The Dock is traditional and intimate in every sense—perfect for a date night or special celebration.
Pelican Grill
With its updated contemporary yet classic design, this beloved Newport Beach seafood house offers an inviting atmosphere for enjoying fresh seafood and harbor views. Boaters, take note: their Lobster Roll Kit is perfect for a day at sea. It includes ingredients to assemble two or four lobster rolls with coleslaw and housemade chowder. They even offer a Family-Style Cioppino Kit that comes with zesty marinara broth, shrimp, scallops, mussels, clams, fresh fish, and crab meat. This is coastal dining elevated.
City Cruises
You will literally get IN the view with a City Cruise! Hop on board one of their Brunch or Dinner cruises to enjoy the scenic views of Newport Harbor. Enjoy delicious cocktails, chef-prepared menus, and top-notch service. Live entertainment adds to the experience while you soak in the views of Newport Beach Harbor from the water. Book your cruise here.
Bluewater Grill
With its updated contemporary yet classic design, this beloved Newport Beach seafood house offers an inviting atmosphere for enjoying fresh seafood and harbor views. Boaters, take note: their Lobster Roll Kit is perfect for a day at sea. It includes ingredients to assemble two or four lobster rolls with coleslaw and housemade chowder. They even offer a Family-Style Cioppino Kit that comes with zesty marinara broth, shrimp, scallops, mussels, clams, fresh fish, and crab meat. This is coastal dining elevated.
Zinqué
Tucked on the docks of Lido Marina Village, Zinqué serves up French-inspired fare with a laid-back, rustic twist. Think Tuna Tartare Tartine, Steak Frites, and a perfectly crisp Asparagus Niçoise—all best enjoyed on the breezy bayside patio of the waterfront restaurant in Newport Beach. After your meal, make it a full afternoon with a stroll through the chic waterfront village, where nearby boutiques like Jenni Kayne, Stoney Clover Lane, and Eberjey offer some of the best shopping in town. It’s bon appétit meets beach day!
Experience Unforgettable Dining & Unmatched Views in Newport Beach
Whether you’re cruising the harbor, docking for dinner, or simply soaking in the salty breeze, there is no shortage of restaurants with a view in Newport Beach. From fresh-off-the-boat sushi and iconic mai tais to harbor-view brunches and elegant sunset dinners, each of these waterfront restaurants in Newport Beach brings its own unique flavor and charm to the table. So next time you set sail, let this list be your guide—and get ready to dine dockside in true Newport style.
