Newport Beach Waterfront Restaurants Pair Views With Fresh Flavors
When visiting Newport Beach, waterfront dining ranks as a must-do in order to experience the best views and delicious local foods. From casual bayfront restaurants to upscale dining, these Newport Beach waterfront restaurants offer the best of both. Read about our favorite places and pick a restaurant just for you.
9 Newport Beach Waterfront Restaurants to Take Loved Ones
3-Thirty-3 Waterfront
3-Thirty-3 Waterfront has been serving guests hearty portions and bay views for more than 10 years. Visitors have indoor and outdoor seating options, including an enclosed patio that overlooks the bay.
3-Thirty-3 Waterfront opens seven days a week for lunch to late-night and offers a weekend brunch menu. Lunch varies depending on the day, and dinner serves specialty entrees and local favorites. A few examples include: burgers, seafood and beef cuts, and the original gourmet slider. This Newport Beach waterfront restaurant stays open until 1 a.m., welcoming guests to make a night of it.
21 Oceanfront
Overlooking the ocean and pier, 21 Oceanfront ranks among the top Newport Beach waterfront dining options complete with an upscale atmosphere. With a focus on elegance and fine dining, 21 Oceanfront welcomes visitors looking for a more romantic setting.
The restaurant opens for dinner only, and the menu includes seafood and steaks, all carefully crafted. Signature entrees include swordfish, lobster, prime rib and filet mignon. Due to its reputation as an upscale dining hot spot, guests are required to dress business casual. Beach wear and most hats are not permitted.
Bluewater Grill Seafood Restaurant and Oyster Bar
Celebrating more than 20 years in the area, Bluewater Grill Seafood Restaurant and Oyster Bar offers more than 40 fresh-catch varieties and Newport Bay views. The restaurant is located on Lido Peninsula and houses a dock where guests can pull up and park their boats.
Once settled inside – for brunch, lunch or dinner – diners enjoy a large selection of seafood including mahi mahi, snapper and local swordfish. However, the menu doesn’t end there. Other seasonal favorites include lobster, crab cakes, clams and oysters. Bluewater has also been praised for some of the best seafood in Orange County.
The Dock
With a name like The Dock, visitors can expect top Newport Beach waterfront views from this restaurant. The Dock focuses on alfresco-style dining, and serves Sunday brunch and dinner Wednesday through Sunday.
For a fixed price, brunch offers fresh veggies, seafood and breakfast favorites. The dinner menu features fresh salads, seafood – including octopus – duck, lamb and other meats. Don’t forget to pair the meal with a glass of wine, either domestic or imported. Reservations are recommended for weekend dining.
Fly N Fish Oyster Bar and Grill
Located on Balboa peninsula, enjoy the ocean-to-fork experience at Fly N Fish Oyster Bar and Grill. This spot is located in the heart of the boardwalk, perfect for dining while watching an ocean sunset.
Open for lunch and dinner, visitors try fresh oysters, soups, salads, fish, house specialties and platters. Favorites include famous Maryland crab cakes and their award-winning New England clam chowder. Fly N Fish Oyster Bar and Grill is also open late – until midnight on Friday and Saturday – and offers a large selection of wines, cocktails and beer.
Harborside Restaurant
Award-winning Harborside Restaurant ranks as one of the most iconic Newport Beach waterfront restaurants. Located in Balboa Pavilion, visitors enjoy views of the Newport Harbor while dining inside the restaurant or saloon, which has one of the longest happy hours, serving deals from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
In addition to great views, Harborside Restaurant opens for lunch and dinner, offering an eclectic mix of dishes. Lunch features favorites such as soups, salads, burgers and seafood. Dinner brings a more expansive selection of entrees from land and sea, as well as steak-house signature creations and pastas. Due to popularity, reservations are recommended.
Newport Landing
Another top among Newport Beach waterfront restaurants with flavorful seafood is Newport Landing, which overlooks Balboa Ferry, Balboa Island and Newport Harbor.
While enjoying the view, guests select from different menus for lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch and special events. Menus offer starters, soups and salads, fresh catches and steaks, with favorites including shrimp, mahi mahi, crab and the Landing burger. Diners also find a large wine selection and nightly and happy-hour specials.
Rusty Pelican
Rusty Pelican has gained a reputation that extends well beyond waterfront views. The restaurant offers a fine dining experience overlooking the water while guests enjoy an intimate atmosphere.
Rusty Pelican serves brunch, lunch and dinner, and offers indoor and outdoor seating. With a focus on seafood, menus feature fresh catches, seasonal favorites and signature creations. Examples include barramundi, salmon and swordfish, to name a few. This award-winning restaurant is also known for succulent steaks and an expansive wine list.
SOL Cocina
Located in Balboa Marina, SOL Cocina visitors enjoy harbor views and Mexican cuisine. The restaurant offers a more upscale experience, and the menu features in-season fresh seafood and other ingredients.
Open for brunch, lunch and dinner, diners have a vast menu, as well as more than 70 artisan and premium tequilas. For lunch, try one of the tortas featuring different meats, cheeses and veggies. For dinner, select from tacos, specialty entrees, burritos and quesadillas. In addition to flavorful Mexican food, guests also find daily happy-hour specials, taco Tuesdays with live music, and indoor and outdoor seating.
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