Newport Beach Seafood Restaurants for Fresh Catches and Flavor

When visiting Newport Beach, sampling local cuisine ranks as a must-do activity. The city has direct access to the Pacific Ocean, enabling restaurants to feature fresh catches as well as imported favorites from nearby destinations. In addition, area chefs have garnered worldwide attention for their creations. So get ready to try something new at these top Newport Beach seafood restaurants.

Newport Beach Seafood Restaurants Foodies Can’t Miss

Eddie V’s Wildfish (upscale)

For an upscale dining experience, head to Eddie V’s Wildfish. This high-end restaurant focuses on delectable dinners paired with elegance and handcrafted cocktails. Dress to impress and enjoy live jazz in the lounge.

Eddie V’s Wildfish opens for dinner only and serves local and imported seafood. There’s even caviar. Order both East and West coasts oysters, or an appetizer such as calamari, Pacific ahi tuna and Hawaiian yellowtail sashimi.

For the main course, guests select from salads, fresh catches and chef’s classics. One popular dish is bacon-wrapped Alaskan king crab. In addition to seafood, the restaurant also offers hand-cut steaks.

Bluewater Grill (casual)

This top among Newport Beach seafood restaurants sits on the water and overlooks Newport Bay. Consistently voted for the best seafood in Orange County, Bluewater Grill serves fresh favorites for Sunday brunch, daily lunch and dinner.

For lunch, try oysters, soups, salads and seafood treats – such as lobster rolls and fish tacos. Dinnertime brings signature favorites and daily cuts. For example, select from swordfish, San Francisco cioppino, snapper and black cod. Land lovers also have a large selection of goodies, including ribs, burgers and Angus steak.

Bluewater Grill offers casual dining in a relaxed environment. Dress comfy and prepare to see yachts and boats drive up to the dock.

Rusty Pelican (casual)

Rusty Pelican also showcases waterfront views paired with local flavor. This hot spot is known for steaks and seafood served in an inviting, open atmosphere.

This restaurant opens for lunch and dinner daily and Sunday brunch. For over 40 years, Rusty Pelican has provided simple and delicious food combined with an award-winning wine list. Those visiting during lunch should try a signature selection such as arctic char, barramundi, catfish or mahi mahi. Dinner brings more variety, including swordfish, lobster and salmon. In addition, Rusty Pelican serves steak, poultry and pasta.

Guests are welcome to drive up and dock their boats. Rusty Pelican offers a casual dining experience with gourmet flair.

The Cannery (casual/romantic)

Another local staple, The Cannery, ranks among the best Newport Beach seafood restaurants for its selection and longtime service. For over 90 years, The Cannery has served fresh seafood and sushi with a side of waterfront beauty.

Enjoy lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch. For a mid-day meal, try soups, salads, tacos or sushi burrito. Dinner brings a full selection of main courses, such as sea bass, rainbow trout, scallops and sushi bar specialties. Even better, The Cannery only uses wild, line-caught fish, so each dish is guaranteed fresh. Not into seafood? This spot also serves certified Angus cuts.

The Cannery has both indoor and outdoor seating options overlooking the water. Visitors can enjoy both casual lunches and romantic dinners here.

Bear Flag Fish Co. (casual)

This casual spot has been around since 2007, when they started creating signature dishes from scratch. Today, that tradition continues and guests love the friendly service delivered with every meal.

Bear Flag Fish Co. on Newport Peninsula opens daily for lunch and dinner. On the starter menu, find sushi rolls, seaweed salad and smoked fish. Main entrees range from fish tacos and small seafood plates to burritos and large plates with a 1/2-pound of fish. On Monday through Thursday, find daily specials on tacos and refreshments.

Want to cook at home? Bear Flag Fish Co. offers a large selection of fresh catches. Shop yellowtail, tuna, tempura, halibut and mussels, to name a few.

The Crab Cooker (casual)

The Crab Cooker has served customers delicious and simple recipes for over 50 years. This iconic spot ranks among the best Newport Beach seafood restaurants and most loved local landmarks.

Start with oysters, clams or mussels. Then sample award-winning clam chowder, shrimp, scallops, Alaskan king crab, lobster and seasonal catches. To put a spin on seafood, buy direct from the market. The Crab Cooker sells fresh catches, crab legs, smoked salmon and shell fish.

Need something fun to do? Check out these Newport Beach outdoor activities. Then browse spacious vacation rentals in Newport Beach.