It’s Not Backed By Science, But We’re Pretty Sure Food Tastes Better With Ocean Views

Sure, California’s beaches are gorgeous, but in Orange County, we get something even better: the chance to dine just steps from the surf. Picture this: salty air on your skin, boats drifting lazily across the bay and a fiery sunset melting into the horizon while you sip something chilled. It’s a full-sensory love letter to SoCal living. Whether you’re shaking up date night or showing off our coastal charm to out-of-town guests, these Orange County oceanfront restaurants deliver the flavors, views and vibes that make dining by the water downright irresistible.

Studio Mediterranean

Perched above the waves at Montage Laguna Beach, Studio Mediterranean blends sun-soaked Greek flavors with refined California coastal charm. Chef Dennis Efthymiou draws from his Hellenic roots and Michelin-star experience to create a menu that’s fresh, vibrant and rooted in seasonal produce. Start with charred octopus drizzled in saganaki sauce, then move to whole branzino baked in a coffee-salt crust or turmeric-butter black cod. Shellfish platters arrive piled high with oysters, lobster, prawns and crudo, and there’s grilled lamb and rib-eye for meat lovers. Cocktails nod to the Mediterranean with ouzo, kumquat-cello and fresh herbs, while the wine list spans Greece, France and California. The setting? Breezy olive trees, soft white linens and panoramic Pacific views. It’s elegant without the fuss, smart-casual attire recommended, but that ocean breeze will have your hair down in no time.

 

The Belle Rooftop

High above Main Street in Huntington Beach, The Belle Rooftop sits atop Jolie, bringing a cheeky dose of glamour to the surf city skyline. The menu takes classic American comfort food and gives it a rooftop twist. The crispy fried chicken sliders, truffle fries, artisanal flatbreads and oysters on the half shell are just a few favorites. The craft cocktails are as photogenic as they are flavorful, from seasonal sangrias to smoky mezcal margaritas. The vibe? Laid-back coastal with a splash of date-night sparkle. Come for sunset, when the Pacific glows pink and gold. Stay for the warm string-light ambiance that makes every table feel special. Whether you’re here for a night out with friends or a romantic post-dinner drink, The Belle offers ocean breezes, city energy and the kind of rooftop magic you’ll want to make a habit.

 

CasaDamí

Casa Dami in Newport Beach feels like stepping into a chic European café with a West Coast address. The space feels intimate yet airy. Warm lighting and modern-rustic details create an inviting, stylish atmosphere throughout. The menu reads like a Mediterranean love letter. Creamy burrata pairs with heirloom tomatoes, while charcuterie boards overflow with artisanal delights. Flaky pastries tempt at every turn. Wines are carefully chosen, spanning Italy, France and California, each sip a story. Start your day with a quiet espresso. Stretch lunch into an afternoon affair with fresh salads and flatbreads. Evenings invite wine flights paired with savory small plates. The vibe feels relaxed, sophisticated and effortlessly charming. Casa Dami never relies on flash. Instead, it wins you over with warmth, authenticity and an irresistible sense of ease.

 

Sea Salt at the Beach

Sea Salt at the Beach takes the best of Texas barbecue and drops it right onto the Bolsa Chica shoreline. Part honky-tonk, part smokehouse, this lively beachfront restaurant is a nonstop party. The menu features slow-smoked brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, pulled pork and sausage, all served with bold sides like jalapeño mac and cheese and tangy slaw. Heritage Barbecue’s influence is evident in every bite; it’s rich, smoky and deeply satisfying. Live country bands set the soundtrack, while line-dancing lessons turn dinner into an experience. On weekends, their bluegrass brunch with bottomless pancakes draws early birds and night owls alike. Whether you’re in boots or flip-flops, Sea Salt is a celebration of music, barbecue and the unbeatable charm of a meal by the waves.

 

The Cannery

The Cannery in Newport Beach isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a slice of coastal history. Housed in a century-old building along the Rhine Channel, this seafood spot blends vintage charm with a fresh, modern menu. Start with oysters or ahi poke, then move to signature dishes like Chilean sea bass with miso glaze or a hearty seafood paella. The sushi menu is a sleeper hit, with fresh cuts rivaling any high-end sushi bar. Brunch brings bottomless mimosas and dishes like lobster Benedict, while the Jellyfish Lounge serves craft cocktails with water views. Whether you arrive by boat or on foot, The Cannery delivers that quintessential Newport experience: fine seafood, a laid-back harbor vibe and the feeling that the ocean is part of your dinner.

 

HQ Gastropub

HQ Gastropub brings global flavors to Huntington Beach with a menu that’s as adventurous as it is satisfying. This isn’t your average pub fare; think sushi rolls alongside gourmet burgers, Korean short rib tacos and wood-fired pizzas. Craft beer lovers will find plenty to cheer about, while cocktail fans can sip their way through an inventive list that includes seasonal specialties. The space is modern and energetic, with big-screen TVs for sports fans and a lively patio for people-watching. It’s the kind of spot where you can start with a happy hour drink, get pulled into ordering a full dinner and end up staying for dessert. In short: it’s playful, flavorful and just the right amount of indulgent.

Local Insight:. HQ Gastropub rotates its beer taps with local brews from Orange County’s top microbreweries, so the selection changes almost weekly.

 

Tavern House

Tavern House Kitchen + Bar in Newport Beach combines the comfort of a neighborhood favorite with the polish of a destination restaurant. The menu is modern American, with highlights like buttermilk fried chicken, seafood pasta and a standout burger topped with bacon jam. Weekend brunch is a hit, offering everything from huevos rancheros to cinnamon roll pancakes. The space is bright and welcoming, with marina views and a lively bar scene that’s perfect for happy hour. Whether you’re in for a casual lunch, a celebratory dinner or just a drink with friends, Tavern House delivers a warm welcome and consistently delicious plates.

 

Pelican Isle

Tucked into Peter’s Landing Marina in Huntington Beach, Pelican Isle is a seafood-and-steak haven with a side of neighborly charm. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer sweeping harbor views, and the menu caters to every craving. Fresh fish, prime steaks, pasta and comfort-food favorites share space with daily specials that keep regulars coming back. The wine list leans heavily on West Coast producers, and the cocktails are classic but well-executed. Service here is warm and familiar, and you might just leave on a first-name basis with your server. Whether you arrive in flip-flops after a beach day or dressed up for date night, Pelican Isle makes every guest feel like part of the family, all while delivering plates that satisfy both land and sea lovers.

 

Louie’s Italian

Louie’s by the Bay in Newport Beach is an elegant Italian steakhouse with views that could steal the show if the food weren’t just as captivating. Hospitality legend Ron Salisbury has created a space where fresh pasta, prime steaks, and impeccable service come together under warm lighting and waterfront windows. Start with a silky burrata or beef carpaccio, then move to squid ink linguine with lobster or a perfectly seared filet mignon. The wine list is extensive, with Italian heavyweights and California standouts, and the staff knows their pairings. It’s a place that feels equally right for celebrating a milestone or simply treating yourself to a Tuesday-night splurge.

 

Offshore 9

Perched nine stories above Huntington Beach, Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge offers some of the most stunning coastal views in Orange County. The atmosphere is sleek and sophisticated, with glass railings framing the Pacific and plush seating that invites lingering. Small plates like ahi poke nachos, charcuterie boards and crab cakes pair perfectly with craft cocktails, fine wines and champagne by the glass. Sunset is the obvious showstopper here, but after dark, the space takes on a moody, romantic glow. It’s a walk-in-only spot, so spontaneity is part of the fun. Whether you’re capping off a beach day or starting a glamorous night out, Offshore 9 turns an ordinary evening into something cinematic.

 

Young’s Beach Shack

Overlooking Salt Creek Beach, Young’s Beach Shack blends SoCal surf culture with fresh, unfussy dining. The open-air space serves breakfast, lunch and early dinner. Menu highlights include fish tacos, poke bowls, burgers and seasonal salads. There’s also a solid coffee program, craft beer and local wines for those who want to linger. Casual seating makes it easy to drop in post-surf or for a laid-back date, and the views of Catalina Island and the surrounding coastline are postcard-worthy. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or spending the afternoon. Young’s captures the easygoing spirit of the beach.

Local Insight: Young’s Beach Shack regulars swear by grabbing a poke bowl to go. Their suggestion? Walk up the bluff-top trail for the ultimate Salt Creek picnic.

 

Beachcomber

Located right on the sand in Crystal Cove, The Beachcomber is an Orange County icon for a reason. Breakfast here means cinnamon beignets and crab cake Benedict with your toes practically in the sand. Lunch and dinner bring fresh seafood, hearty salads and classic beach fare, all served with a side of ocean breeze. The tiki-style cocktails are a draw in their own right, with fruity, tropical flavors that feel like vacation in a glass. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for sunset, when the entire restaurant glows. Whether you arrive by the shuttle from the parking lot or stroll down from the beach, The Beachcomber is a quintessential coastal experience.

 

The Dock

The Dock in Newport Beach offers an intimate, European-inspired dining experience with unmatched harbor views. The open-air patio sits right at the water’s edge, creating a romantic backdrop for the Continental-style menu. Start with foie gras or escargot, then indulge in dishes like rack of lamb, duck breast or fresh market fish. The wine list is curated with care, focusing on boutique producers from around the world. Service here is attentive without being intrusive, and the pace is designed for lingering. It’s not just dinner; it’s an evening you’ll want to savor, from the first sip to the last bite.

 

Hook and Anchor

With locations in Costa Mesa and Dana Point, Hook and Anchor is where seafood dreams dock. Known for serving the #1 lobster roll in California, this casual-yet-upscale spot is a must for seafood lovers. Lobster steals the spotlight, but the rest of the menu is equally irresistible. Think seafood towers loaded with oysters and shrimp, steaming cioppino, buttery lobster mac and cheese, and fish grilled just right. Every portion feels generous, every flavor bold, and every plate carries that breezy coastal energy. The vibe works perfectly for a sandy post-beach bite or a polished date night, thanks to the friendly, welcoming service. Order a crisp sauvignon blanc or a citrusy craft beer, and you’ll see why Hook and Anchor keeps reeling everyone back.

 

PCH Tacos & Margarita Bar

Right on Bolsa Chica State Beach, PCH Tacos & Margarita Bar is the definition of toes-in-the-sand dining. This colorful seaside spot serves bold Mexican flavors with a lively coastal twist. Tacos come piled with al pastor, carnitas, carne asada and Baja-style fish, each wrapped in fresh tortillas and topped with housemade salsas. Margaritas are the star: hand-shaken, fruit-infused, and served in vibrant colors that rival the sunset. The menu also features chicharrones with salsa verde, aguachiles and chips with guac worth ordering twice. On weekends, live Latin music transforms the patio into a beachfront fiesta, with ocean waves as your backdrop. No reservations here, just good food, salt-kissed air and a celebration of SoCal’s love affair with tacos and tequila.