Outdoor Dining in Newport Beach
With perfect year-round weather, Newport Beach is an ideal place for alfresco dining. After all, outdoor dining in Newport Beach is all the rage thanks to sweeping ocean views and a salty sea breeze, and dozens of our city’s restaurants feature spacious outdoor patios great for a bite. So snag a seat on one of these heated outdoor seating areas to sip, eat and soak up that SoCal sunshine. With an ocean breeze and views like these, enjoying an alfresco meal will quickly become your new favorite activity!
Newport Beach Outdoor Dining
With a prime coastal location, it’s no wonder outdoor dining in Orange County has remained a favorite activity among locals—and outdoor dining in Newport Beach is no exception. Newport natives harness a deep appreciation for an al fresco cocktail or open-air happy hour in one of the city’s serene outdoor spaces. Whether it’s brunching on the bay or sipping brews on the bustling Balboa Peninsula, the options for Whether it’s brunching on the bay or sipping brews on the bustling Balboa Peninsula, the options for outdoor dining in Newport Beach are endless! Here are 15 of our favorite places to sip and savor alfresco-style.
JOEY Newport Beach debuted last winter at Fashion Island, and it’s quickly become a local favorite for outdoor dining. Settle in for a meal around the fire pit on the expansive patio, where you can enjoy dishes inspired by both local and international flavors. With a modern design featuring coastal touches and stylish furnishings, JOEY is an ideal place to linger over lunch or dinner under the open sky. Whether you’re taking a break from shopping or planning a romantic evening, this outpost offers a vibrant ambiance and a diverse menu that is sure to wow.
Experience the best of alfresco dining at the beloved Beachcomber Café. This waterfront gem in the heart of the Crystal Cove Historic District sits just steps from the sand and boasts an outdoor deck with breathtaking ocean views. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at The Bootlegger, the on-site tropical bar, and savor a menu brimming with California favorites and refreshing tropical drinks. The beignets are a crowd favorite during brunch, but you can’t go wrong with a blood orange margarita and ai nachos during a sunset dinner.
Newport Beach welcomed this stunner last summer, and it’s safe to say Palmilla is exactly what the Balboa Peninsula needed! With an innovative cocktail list, Sonoran-style Mexican dishes and a wow-worthy design, this restaurant has been turning heads ever since it opened its doors. And what makes it such a great spot for outdoor dining? Well, in addition to its other stunning architectural elements, the restaurant has a fully retractable roof! As the sun begins to set, watch as the ceiling slides back and Palmilla becomes the ideal place to spend a warm summer evening.
Known widely for its farm-to-table approach, Farmhouse sets the scene for a seasonally inspired meal best enjoyed outdoors. Tucked within the lush grounds of Roger’s Gardens, this rustic restaurant features a charming outdoor space and presents a menu that rotates with the seasons. Enjoy the culinary creations of Chef Rich Mead, which range from Prince Edward Island Mussels and Pastrami Cured Salmon to Pork Tenderloin and Flat Iron Steak. Note: Farmhouse even places cozy blankets on the back of each chair in case guests get chilly in the evenings!
One of the best craft breweries in Newport Beach, Helmsman Ale House is a popular spot for a pint and a dose of vitamin D. The brewery’s patio features picnic tables ideal for mingling, along with a pub-style menu with everything from Coconut Shrimp and Spicy Fried Pickles to their juicy Beef & Brisket Burger. Enjoy brews and bites under the SoCal sun with a cool ocean breeze at this hoppin’ Newport brewhouse.
She eats sushi by the seashore! If you’re looking to cure your sushi cravings, Buddha’s Favorite is a great place to pick up the chopsticks and dig in. Grab a table during golden hour on their dockside patio and feast on a wide selection of rolls. We love the Firecracker with spicy scallops, cucumber, spicy tuna, housemade garlic ponzu, chili oil and green onions! Diners also have the option to dock and dine, so if you feel like pulling up in a Duffy, do it!
This Newport Beach locale overlooks the sparkling harbor and continues to wow the taste buds of its loyal patrons with inventive dishes by award-winning Executive Chef Paul Gstrein. Grab a seat on the covered, wrap-around patio, complete with built-in electric heaters, and enjoy a date night with your other half. We recommend starting with some steamed black mussels and calamari and finishing with the Meyer Lemon Panna Cotta or the Chocolate Soufflé for Two.
Cannery Seafood of the Pacific
Enjoy waterfront dining outside at The Cannery—a historic seafood haven with its very own fishing boat! This multi-level restaurant in Cannery Village is the perfect place to get your seafood fix in Newport Beach. Dine on Charred Octopus, Fish & Chips and Lobster Rolls while you watch the boats cruise by. And if you’re one for a deal, don’t miss The Cannery’s happy hour upstairs in the Jellyfish Lounge every day from 3:30-6 p.m.
Pelican Grill at The Resort At Pelican Hill
Dining at Pelican Grill is nothing short of a dream. This upscale restaurant sits on the lush grounds of The Resort at Pelican Hill, boasting a terrace with stunning views of the coast. The combination of the beautiful, Mediterranean-inspired architecture and a fresh ocean breeze is sure to inspire your taste buds. Order a crisp glass of wine and snack on favorites like the Caviar & Fries, Citrus Sea Bass Ceviche or Marinated Beet Salad.
Somewhat new to the Lido neighborhood, Skål Pizza has already made waves on the culinary scene of Newport Beach. This small but mighty pizzeria was brought to life by the visionary behind Malibu Farm, and the same farm-to-table ethos extends into this new concept. Skål sits at the end of the boardwalk in Lido Marina Village and serves up a variety of health-conscious dishes, with fresh and innovative pizzas taking center stage. Snag a seat on the quaint patio for views of the boat-filled harbor, and get ready to chow down on some seriously amazing ‘za!
A+O Restaurant | Bar At Balboa Bay Resort
Dine with breathtaking views of the harbor (and multi-million dollar yachts) under the open sky at A+O Restaurant | Bar. This European-inspired restaurant on the grounds of Balboa Bay Resort pays homage to the Italian coast with its wrap-around patio, featuring yellow striped umbrellas and a pristine palate of nautical blues. Dig into a selection of chef-driven favorites, including Fresh Baked Focaccia, Beer Battered Fish Tacos and Blackened Salmon Sliders!
Situated along the picturesque Mariner’s Mile in Newport Beach, Louie’s by the Bay is a sleek Italian steakhouse with an elegant vibe, exceptional service and 180-degree bay views. This waterfront oasis also features a picture-perfect outdoor dining space and is open for brunch on the weekends from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and daily for dinner starting at 5 p.m. Don’t forget to pair your pasta with a glass of vino from their amazing wine list and you soak in the sea breeze.
In the heart of Marina Park lies Lighthouse Café—an airy eatery with floor-to-ceiling windows, unobstructed bay views and a spacious upper deck with plenty of patio seating. This family-friendly restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but you’ll definitely want to head in for brunch and try their famous Lighthouse Benedict or Lemon Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes. P.S. Don’t forget the bloody marys!
For over 33 years, Wilma’s Patio has remained a go-to outdoor dining destination for locals and visitors of Balboa Island. The laid-back, family-friendly eatery serves up hearty portions of American comfort food in a casual yet homey setting. Out of all the restaurants with outdoor seating in Newport Beach, this one has stood the test of time! You’ll fall in love with the quaint atmosphere of the buzzing patio—especially on weekend mornings. Whether you’re stopping in for breakfast, lunch or dinner, Wilma’s never disappoints.
The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar
Revel in breathtaking views of Newport Harbor as you dine in a cozy and sophisticated setting at The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar. This classy Newport Beach restaurant offers a cutting-edge dining experience like no other. Feast on contemporary California cuisine on the open-air patio, and sip the evening away with a selection of over 650 wines. Guests can even tour the restaurants’ climate-controlled cellars, which can hold up to 7,500 bottles!
Be sure to check our dining page for a complete list of the best Newport Beach restaurants. Also, follow @visitnewportbeach on Instagram for the latest Newport Beach dining updates!