Motoring around the Newport Harbor is an idyllic adventure. The charming homes line the waterfront promenades, the seals are barking, pelicans are gliding above, and we smile and wave at our fellow boaters and kayak paddlers. And boating often turns to dining in one form or another. Here we find great choices for “dock side” dining in Newport Harbor. With waterfront access, here are some of the special spots you may not have even known had “Dock & Dine” accommodations.

From the most casual local’s spots, to elegant settings, this list has a plethora of options for you and your guests to explore. And just for the asking—many of these same restaurants provide “take away” dining for your boat-touring adventure. With a mere phone call, delivery can be made to your boat dockside. How very Newport Beach of you!

Listed here are 11 restaurants, in six different neighborhoods that are on the water. Each one offers “private or public guest docks” available for your visiting pleasure. The largest dock is the public dock adjacent to The Cannery Seafood of the Pacific and Bluewater Grill restaurants on the Rhine Channel. Guests can call ahead for dock space inquiries, however most restaurants have indicated that all availability is on a “first come-first serve” basis.

1) Main Channel/Mariners Mile- Between Newport Blvd. & Jamboree Blvd.

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar– The newest restaurant on the water, is the darling of Newport and plans to win dining awards to rival its sister restaurant located in The District. Originally the Villa Nova, this restaurant was completely redone, and features a two-tiered dining room to complement the views, two bars, an upstairs terrace with fireplaces overlooking the water, and two private dining rooms. The cuisine is inventive and features seafood, steaks, and delicious salads.
* Three boat slips are available.
Opens at 4:00 for bar and 5:00 for dinner nightly
949-999-6622
www.thewineryrestaurant.net

Billy’s At The Beach– This restaurant is just a few doors south of The Winery Restaurant & Bar, and has been bringing the Aloha spirit and exotic flavors to the Newport Harbor for years. They have fish flown in daily from Hawaii, and also offer exceptional salads, steaks and appetizers too. They offer music seven nights a week (and from 3:00-7:00pm on Sundays).
*Two Slips are marked in yellow for guest boat parking.
Open every day for lunch and dinner and brunch on Saturday and Sunday’s.
949-722-1100
www.billysatthebeach.net

Waterline Restaurant & A&O Kitchen+Bar at The Balboa Bay Resort (BBR) – An elegant restaurant overlooking the bay with indoor and outdoor patio seating. Waterline has been rebranded with a new Chef in place. The dining room is refreshed with blue leather and silver accents to play gently into the nautical theme. Large picture windows, and water-level seating, give guests a sense of gliding along the bay in a yacht. Menu features steak and seafood, with a dash of French influences. The A&O Kitchen+Bar is the new lounge with indoor/outdoor seating. On the Terrace, fire pits will ignite the sunset ambiance, while guests enjoy the bay view craft cocktails and shared plates.
* There is one Dock available in front of the Dock Master’s office.
BBR is a private Marina, therefore it is first come-first serve basis.
The Restaurant is open every day for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
949-630-4390- Restaurant ~ 949.630.4422- Dock Master
www.balboabayresort.com

2) Balboa Marina-Near The PCH Bridge & Back Bay

SOL Cocina– This restaurant offers Baja-style Mexican fare with indoor and outdoor dining, and a full bar featuring craft cocktails and margaritas. Inside fire pit warms the hearts of patrons. Chef Deborah Schneider is famous for her authentic cuisine and a noted cookbook author as well.
* Slips 65, 66 &74—public docks just to right of the restaurant as you pull up
Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday Brunch
949-675-9800
www.solcocina.com/newport-beach

3Thirty3 Restaurant – Home of the original Gourmet Slider, this restaurant has casual dining fare, a busy bar, surf and turf and everything in between. With dark wood tones, numerous booths, stonework accents and a lovely view from both floors, this is a great spot to enjoy waterside views.
* Slips 65, 66 &74—public docks straight ahead as you pull up
Open for lunch and dinner nightly.
949-673-8464
www.3thirty3nb.com

3) Back Bay

Back Bay Bistro– Tucked away in the ecological reserves of the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina, the Back Bay Bistro features fifteen foot high panoramic windows, a retractable roof, and outdoor patio overlooking the Back Bay. Here, guests can choose from a wide array of contemporary American inspired entrées ranging from exciting local seafood to fabulous meat dishes. Burgers, salads and a host of appetizers are also available.
* Two boat slips are available.
Open: Wednesday thru Sunday for lunch and dinner, and for Brunch on Saturday and Sunday.
949-729-1144 for Reservations or Resort Concierge at 949.729.3863
www.newportdunes.com/back-bay-bistro

4) Balboa Village – Home of the Fun Zone

Harborside Restaurant – The most iconic Newport Beach waterfront restaurant—it is located inside the historic 1906 Balboa Pavilion building. The Harborside Saloon offers the “longest happy hour in town” every day of the week from 12:00 to 7:00pm with commanding views and six flat screens. The Restaurant menu include: fresh seafood, Alaskan king crab, Canadian Lobsters, prime steaks and local favorites. Huge picture windows mean guests do not miss any of the action in the busy Marina.
*A 30 ft. dock is located on the south side of the restaurant.
Open daily for lunch and dinner.
949-673-4633
www.harborside-pavilion.com

5) Balboa Peninsula

Woody’s Wharf – A Newport Beach landmark since 1965, and was first built by Woody Payne a local fisherman who used the spot for boat repairs. Later wanting a watering hole for his local fisherman buddies, this idea was hatched. The restaurant is known for its fun bar atmosphere, however also offers excellent seafood, poultry and prime beef. This is a local, bar-centric spot with casual fun in mind. DJ music Thursday thru Saturday, and Tuesday is Karaoke night.
*Two docks are available for use right front and center.
Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.
949-675-0474
www.woodyswharf.com

6) Rhine Channel and Lido Village

Bluewater Grill – The former site of The Sea Shanty & Delaney’s this is a classic New England-style fish house. With wood and brass throughout, this casual restaurant has a very lively bar with adjacent seating, an indoor dining room with windows overlooking the channel, and a lovely outdoor patio with plank & pier floorboards and a shaded canopy overhead. The food is incredible with daily fish specials that seem to go on and on. The warm sourdough bread and butter is just so hard to resist, as is the authentic New England Clam Chowder. A local’s hang out for sure.
*One two-sided dock is available for guests with smaller electric boats. There is a second public dock that runs perpendicular to the restaurant. This public dock can accommodate larger boats.
Open daily for lunch and dinner.
949-675-3474
www.bluewatergrill.com

The Cannery Seafood of the Pacific– This restaurant shines with a rich history in this community. Built in 1921, it began as a commercial fish cannery. By 1934 they were canning by hand at the rate of 400 cases a day. Today it is a charming rustic two-story building with large picture windows and a delicious cuisine. As one might imagine, seafood is the hallmark of this establishment, with excellent fish entrees, sushi, chicken, salads and steaks. The happy hour upstairs in the bar is very popular with the locals.
*There is a long dock that runs the length of the restaurant, and there is another public dock that runs perpendicular to the restaurant. These docks can accommodate larger boats as well as the electric boats.
Open for lunch and dinner daily.
949-566-0060
www.cannerynewport.com

The Dock Restaurant– This little hide-away offers alfresco patio dining with an infused continental menu. There is an indoor dining room with skylights, and a terrace dining area overlooking the bay with soft latte-colored drapes to frame the spectacular views. They have a wonderful wine list of both domestic and imported wines. The menu changes daily. From delicious Salads, to Trout, NY Steak, Venison Loin, to Jidori Chicken Breast—the menu is a treat of a read.
Hours: The restaurant is open Wednesday thru Sunday for dinner, and for Sunday Brunch. During the remainder of the week, the restaurant is open for small group dining (15 or more, with advanced reservations).
There is one two-sided dock available for guests.
949-673-3625
www.eatatthedock.com

Note: If you know of new docks that are available for restaurant “dock and dine” please email me at: Deirdre@TastesAndTravel.com to be added to future updates. Thank you !

Photo Credit: Jason Dewey