These 9 Newport Beach Seafood Restaurants Are a Total Catch
For decades, Newport Beach has stood proudly as the hub for Orange County’s freshest seafood. This history dates back to the early 1900s when Newport Harbor was a working seaport that supported maritime industries, such as boatbuilding and commercial fishing.
While today, the harbor is mainly used for recreation, our city is still known for reeling in some of the freshest, wild-caught seafood. Whether you’re craving sushi, shellfish, clam chowder, lobster rolls or anything in between, there’s a spot to cure your cravings. So, let’s drop anchor and dive into our list of the best seafood restaurants in Newport Beach!
Tucked along the Rhine Canal, The Cannery has been serving up some of the freshest seafood in Newport for over 30 years. The waterfront patio makes for an ideal dock-and-dine experience, while the intimate indoor dining room is sophisticated and cozy for date nights or special occasions. In terms of their sea-to-table menu, diners can feast on appetizers like crab cakes, oysters, calamari, sushi rolls and charred octopus to start, then move onto mains like the Alaskan halibut, cioppino or grilled whole branzino. Pro tip: If you’re looking for a more casual dining experience, head upstairs to The Cannery’s Jellyfish Lounge, where they serve happy hour seven days a week from 3:30-6 p.m.
An infused New American menu and a quintessential old Newport vibe make The Dock a classic and elevated place to dine. The shady patio gives way to beautiful views of the boat-filled bay and is the perfect place to savor a salty breeze and some fresh seafood. For your first course, dig into Japanese hamachi sashimi or red wine-poached pears. Then, savor mains like the soy-glazed ora king salmon, prosciutto-wrapped mai diver scallops and spiced New Zealand rack of lamb.
With two locations in Newport Beach, Bear Flag Fish Co. is renowned for its wild-caught seafood, innovative dishes and unwavering dedication to sustainability. This local seafood house has become a popular gathering spot for wave-to-table eats, offering some of the best wild-caught seafood in Orange County. The menu features daily catches by their own skilled fishermen, which distinguishes them in the industry. But Bear Flag’s success is also driven by its creative menu, which includes unique sushi rolls, zesty ceviche and popular creations like the poke burrito.
Newport Beach’s culinary landscape is flourishing, with Fashion Island recently serving as the epicenter of this culinary revival. Ocean 48, which celebrated its grand opening on July 30, is quickly becoming a must-dine spot for seafood aficionados. This elegant restaurant showcases a menu brimming with fresh offerings, including decadent crab and lobster, as well as wild-caught tuna and salmon. To enhance your meal, an extensive wine selection and an inventive cocktail program are available, promising a dining experience that’s both refined and full of flavor. Don’t forget to book your table for August!
The name is the game, and Mastro’s Ocean Club is one of the top contenders for exceptional menus, service and overall experience. Tree-flecked patios with a stone fireplace are met with a dimly lit and sultry dining room, ideal for romantic evenings and special occasions. Though the Mastro’s name carries the weight of their top-grade cuts of meat, the Ocean Club’s menu was curated with seafood lovers in mind. The jerk-spiced mahi mahi, sautéed sea scallops and twin lobster tails are all worth every penny.
A mainstay on the Balboa Peninsula, The Crab Cooker has mastered the art of seafood like no other. Since its modest start in 1951, this beloved Newport Beach landmark has become a magnet for seafood lovers from all over. Enter the nautically-themed dining space for a laid-back yet delectable seafood experience. The red clam chowder, a treasured family recipe, is a must-try, while the crab cakes and calamari are equally irresistible. And don’t be shocked if you find a line stretching out the door—it’s all part of the charm.
Set sail for the iconic upstairs Oyster Bar at Newport Landing, where you can indulge in seafood snacks paired with local wines, craft beers and cocktails that’ll transport you to the tropics. Situated on the harbor’s edge beside the Balboa Fun Zone, this historic restaurant offers an ideal setting for a waterfront happy hour or sunset dinner. Snack on small plates like steamed clams, chargrilled oysters and crab cakes as you take in the second-story view of the bustling harbor.
After a multimillion-dollar renovation in 2022, Bluewater Grill in Cannery Village reopened its doors, debuting an elevated setting perfect for a bayside meal. The seafood here is purchased from local fishermen, and they also do some of their own fishing via the restaurant’s own swordfish harpoon boat! Kick things off with a round of michelada oyster shooters or smoked old fashioned, then dig into the baked crab and artichoke dip. For entrees, the lemon pepper mahi mahi and sautéed sanddabs with scalloped potatoes, spinach, lemon and a caper beurre blanc sauce are crowd favorites. If you plan on docking and taking your food to-go, however, the menu of kits and platters is your best bet!
Housed in the historic McFadden Building, 21 Oceanfront is reminiscent of a grand, turn-of-the-century dining club. This elegant, old-school restaurant sits steps from the Newport Beach Pier and is renowned for its classic continental fare, featuring an impressive array of fresh fish, seafood and prime meats. Enhance your oceanfront dinner by booking a table during sunset, and be sure to order the Colossal Prawn Cocktail and black mussels to share.
