Newport Beach’s Fresh Catch of Seafood Spots
Newport Beach has stood proudly as the hub for Orange County’s fresh seafood, dating back to the early 1900s. With the seafood lifestyle alive and well in these parts, Newport’s contemporary seafood game is still maintaining the highest quality of the sea’s bounty in each dish, always keeping the bar raised for its wide array of seafood-centric restaurants. All that’s left is to see who’s reeling in the good stuff!
The Cannery
Situated along the Rhine Channel, The Cannery has been serving up some of the freshest seafood in Newport for over 30 years. The waterfront patio makes for your ideal dock-and-dine experience, while the intimate indoor dining room is warm and romantic for special occasions. The Catch of the Day we suggest: the Swordfish, local and line-caught every day for guaranteed quality and freshness, served over salted Greek yogurt, and finished with marinated roasted peppers with a squeeze of lemon and olive oil drizzle.
Bluewater Grill
Bluewater Grill proudly offers an impressive selection of over 40 fresh seafood options, with beaming recognition as Restaurant with Best Seafood in Orange County! While Bluewater is most known for the Swordfish (considering each spearheaded fish is caught on the company harpoon boat,) we’re hooked on the Crabcakes. Dungeness crab is lumped and tossed with house spices and chive oil, with a dainty crown of micro greens to finish this classic dish.
The Dock
An infused New American menu is housed in waterfront establishment The Dock, with a shady patio and sun-soaked interior at your choosing to enjoy this unique seafood selection. Expand your palate and ask for the Seafood Paella, a medley of mussels, clams, salmon, lobster, piquillo peppers for mild heat, and savory Bilbao chorizo, all placed on a bed of saffron risotto. The best part of this masterpiece, it’s perfect to share on a romantic evening for two at this intimate Newport locale.
Bear Flag
At Bear Flag, high quality fish does not require wearing your Sunday best. This no-nonsense counter service spot has been supplying sustainably sourced seafood, caught right off the company boat, fittingly the namesake of the restaurant. Freshness is 100% guaranteed here. If you’re looking to dine in, request a bowl of their Ahi Poke. Lusciously fresh Ahi is marinated and topped with seaweed salad and speckled with white and black sesame. A side of tortilla chips help to carry the succulent chunks of fish right to your rejoicing tastebuds.
Joe’s Crab Shack
Joe’s Crab Shack has been a household name in the community for the very reason that these guys haven’t deviated from their simple mission of providing casual cajun-inspired seafood boils at a fair price for its loyal customers. Their newest menu addition has really caused a splash: The BYOBoil. That’s right, the ball is in your court for your own succulent seafood platter! Start off with a half pound of dungeness crab with corn and potatoes, all tossed in the seasoning of your choice. But the fun doesn’t stop there! If you’re feeling wild, you can add more seafood like Mussels, half-pound Snow Crab, Crawfish, and so much more.
Lighthouse Bayview Café
Situated in Marina Park, Lighthouse Bayview Cafe stepped into the scene with an eclectic menu of continental variety and a thoughtfully beautiful interior to boot. When inside, just look up for the custom rotating chandelier that’s reminiscent of the restaurant’s lighthouse. Chef Ryan Sumner is whipping up fresh flavors on the waters with modern classics like the Fish Tacos, the only excuse for your Taco Tuesday needs. Crispy white fish is topped with fresh cabbage slaw, pico de gallo, a squeeze of lime, and cool cilantro aioli. Enjoy these guys on the patio for pristine ocean views and you’re good as gold.
Mastro’s Ocean Club
The name is the game, and Mastro’s Ocean Club is one of the highest contenders for top-rated menus, service, and overall experience. Tree-flecked patios with a stone fireplace are met with a dimly lit and sexy dining room, ideal for romantic evenings and special occasions. Though the Mastro’s name carries the weight of their top grade red meats, the Ocean Club’s menu was curated with seafood lovers in mind. The Alaskan King Crab Gnocchi is an infusion of modern flair on classic Italian cuisine, with succulent King Crab and potato dumplings tossed with decadent black truffle, making this one you can’t miss.
Slapfish
Chef Andrew Gruel’s love for quality food and sustainable sourcing fueled his brainchild, Slapfish, a casual seafood eatery with a fresh and fun menu. This food-truck-turned-brick-and-mortar is another low key joint for a quick fish fix, with a mission to be eco-friendly every step of the way. Try out their renowned Lobster Roll, a flakey brioche vessel piled high with succulent crab claw meat, house seasonings, and a touch of mayonnaise (Chef Gruels’ favorite condiment.) If eating these lobster sammies means helping make the world a better place, we’ll take two please.
