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 throw on your Sunday best and 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 outdoor dining in Newport Beach are endless! Here are 13 of our favorite places to sip and savor alfresco-style.
PALMILLA COCINA Y TEQUILA
Newport Beach welcomed this stunner earlier in June, 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 in late July. And what makes it a great spot for excellent 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.
FARMHOUSE at ROGER’S GARDENS
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 Pickled Bay Shrimp Tostaditos and Pastrami Cured Salmon to Pork Tenderloin and Flat Iron Steak.
HELMSMAN ALE HOUSE
The only craft brewery 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 Pulled Pork Hushpuppies to the juicy Helmsman Burger. Enjoy brews and bites under the SoCal sun with a cool ocean breeze at this hoppin’ Newport brewhouse.
BUDDHA’S FAVORITE
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!
BAYSIDE RESTAURANT
This Newport Beach locale overlooks Newport 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 Chocolate Soufflé for Two.
CANNERY SEAFOOD OF THE PACIFIC
Enjoy waterfront dining outside at The Cannery! This multi-level restaurant in Cannery Village is the perfect place to get your seafood fix in Newport Beach. Dine on savory Maine Lobster Pasta, 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 & BAR 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, Sea Bass Ceviche or Marinated Beet Salad.
SKAL PIZZA
New to the Lido neighborhood, Skal Pizza is already making waves on the culinary scene in 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. Skal sits at the end of the Lido boardwalk 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 KITCHEN | BAR AT BALBOA BAY RESORT
Dine with breathtaking views of the harbor (and multi-million dollar yachts) under the open sky at A+O Kitchen | Bar. This recently refreshed 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 Beer Battered Fish Tacos, Summer Corn + Ricotta Linguine and the Classic Lobster Bisque!
LOUIE’S BY THE BAY
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 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!
LIGHTHOUSE CAFÉ
In the heart of Marina Park lies Lighthouse Café—an airy eatery with floor-to-ceiling windows, unobstructed bay views and a spacious deck with plenty of patio space. This family-friendly restaurant boasts an extended outdoor seating area and an upper deck with beautiful harbor views. Lighthouse Café 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!
WILMA’S PATIO RESTAURANT
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 bustling 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 wine bar 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!
Written By: Kaylin Waizinger
