It’s Not Backed By Science, But We’re Pretty Sure Food Tastes Better With Ocean Views
Obviously, the beach is one of the best parts about California. The fact that we are able to dine just steps from the ocean, with breathtaking views of the big blue, is not to be taken for granted! The relaxation and contentment from smelling that fresh salty air, watching boats drive by on the bay and watching the sunset on a summer’s night is simply unbeatable in Southern California. Change up your date night or take your out-of-town visitors to one of these waterfront restaurants with those quintessential California views. Ocean View Restaurants
1 | Boats, Bites and Bay Sights
Situated on Coast Hwy and Bayside Dr, you can only imagine the views that lie behind Tavern House Kitchen + Bar. Spoiler alert: you get some of the best in all of Newport Beach! “The most striking thing is that Tavern House is elevated a half a story above the ground level. Everyone has a completely unobstructed view of the harbor and the canals,” explains Chef David Wilhelm. With the sunny Newport Beach weather, the atmosphere is warm, welcoming and relaxed—regardless of the time of day. With a covered patio and operable windows, the open-air bay breeze is truly unbeatable. “Every seat in either room has a harbor view! That’s the strongest aspect about the location,” describes Wilhelm.
Dig into seafood-centric dishes along with creative takes on American cuisine. Both the Buddha Bowl (sriracha-spiced basmati rice, a seasonal vegetable medley, heirloom tomatoes, avocado and goat cheese) along with the pan-roasted Chilean sea bass (served with mashed potatoes, spinach and a caper and Castelvetrano olive sauce) are not to be skipped! You’ll be on cloud nine as you enjoy your decadent food, stare out at the stunning blue bay and even watch a dreamy Southern California sunset.
Tavern House Kitchen + Bar
333 Bayside Dr
Newport Beach, CA 92660
2 | Lounge in the Clouds Ocean View Restaurants
Watch the waves roll in from above at 180blu at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. “By far the endless ocean views and stunning sunsets at 180blu make our outdoor cocktail lounge a coveted and favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. The lounge features 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean and sits atop a 150-foot bluff overlooking Salt Creek Beach,” says Ritz-Carlton’s Director of Food and Beverage Sheryl Ishizaki. Pair our unparalleled views with fresh seafood appetizers, craft cocktails and live music on the weekends, and you have the perfect Southern California dining experience.” This lounge setting is ready for you to come and unwind whether that be on a sofa, a hightop table, or just traditional seating, enjoying desserts from RAYA and beverages crafted from expert mixologists.
180blu
1 Ritz-Carlton Dr
Dana Point, CA 92629
949.240.2000
3 | Dine in Style
Take it up a notch and dine at RAYA at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. With Latin American pairings, your senses will ignite with the delicious flavors and the breathtaking views. “RAYA not only features expansive ocean views but also exquisite Pan-Latin coastal cuisine by celebrated Chef Richard Sandoval. Offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, the food is unrivaled and allows our guests to enjoy the restaurant any time of the day—all while overlooking local surfers hit the waves at Salt Creek Beach from sunrise to sunset,” says Ritz-Carlton’s Director of Food and Beverage, Sheryl Ishizaki. Offering breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner menus, you have plenty of opportunities to be wowed.
RAYA
1 Ritz-Carlton Dr
Dana Point, CA 92629
949.240.2000
4 | Down by the Bay
A&O Kitchen+Bar, short for Anchors and Oceans, is the antique-styled waterfront gastropub that is waiting for you. “Exclusive to A&O Kitchen+Bar is its California Distilled cocktail menu. From grain to glass, this menu highlights farmers, small producers, local spirit distillers and purveyors in the Golden State. At A&O Kitchen+Bar our guests can sip on craft cocktails in the daytime and during the evenings, locals can relax by one of three fire pits while they listen to live music on the weekends or create their own tableside s’mores. This summer, I am excited to unveil a new menu that focuses on bright and ingredient-driven dishes which pay tribute to the restaurant’s waterfront setting,” says Balboa Bay Resort Executive Chef Vic.
Local Insight: Staying at the Balboa Bay Resort? Guests can enjoy in-room dining 24 hours a day from the comfort of their room or suite.
A&O Kitchen + Bar
1221 West Coast Hwy
Newport Beach, CA 92663
949.630.4285
5 | Please No Splashing Ocean View Restaurants
Sit and dine only 25 feet above the water at SPLASHES restaurant in Laguna Beach. Whether on the patio, or inside near the open windows, you’re sure to take in the ocean breeze and relax to the sounds of the waves. Fresh and local ingredients make up every dish on the breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner menus, making the food just as delicious as the view.
SPLASHES
1555 S Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
888.281.3502
6 | Catch Some Sol
Located just off Mariner’s Mile on the Balboa Marina in Newport Beach, you will find Sol Cocina, where you can sit on their waterfront patio and soak up a beautiful sunset. Inspired by trips down to Baja, the menu is full of fresh and simple dishes made from scratch. “We’re a place to kick back and relax—enjoy fresh seafood, specialty tacos & awesome margaritas while taken in the view of the Mariner’s Mile,” says Deborah M. Schneider, Executive Chef and Partner.
Sol Cocina
251 Pacific Coast Hwy
Newport Beach, CA 92660
949.675.9800
7 | Birds of a Feather, Dine Together
Grab the rest of your flock and fly down to the Pelican Grill at The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Coast. With a stunning view of the sea and American grill favorites like steak, burgers and pizza, you and the rest of your crew are sure to enjoy an experience like no other.
Pelican Grill
22800 S Pelican Hill Rd
Newport Coast, CA 92657
844.443.0022
8 | Casual Trip to Baja Ocean View Restaurants
Whether you’re a local or want to do as the locals do, keep it casual and head to Coyote Grill in Downtown Laguna Beach where you can sip on homemade margaritas while enjoying grilled fish tacos under the sun in front of an ocean view. Breakfast, lunch or dinner, the Coyote Grill has had its customer’s backs since 1989.
Coyote Grill
31621 Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949.499.4033
9 | Life’s A Beach
What is better than a view of the beach, a view ON the beach! That’s what you’ll get at The Deck on Laguna Beach, one of the few waterfront restaurants actually ON the beach. Enjoy the Daily Catch of oysters or keep it traditional and indulge in a burger. Whichever your preference may be, you’re sure to enjoy your meal with a side of beach.
The Deck on Laguna Beach
627 Sleepy Hollow Ln
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949.494.6700
10 | Don’t Go Adrift! Ocean View Restaurants
Driftwood Kitchen and Stateroom Bar
Experience fresh, ocean-to-table dining at Driftwood Kitchen and Stateroom Bar, a waterfront restaurant whose slogan is “Any closer and you would have to swim.” If that doesn’t give you an indication of the view you’ll get then we don’t know what does! Try their California-inspired cuisine with seasonal ingredients, and of course, a thing or two from the ocean.
Driftwood Kitchen and Stateroom Bar
619 Sleepy Hollow Ln
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949.715.7700
11 | Party on the Rooftop!
Get all the fresh air you need at Tanner’s, the rooftop restaurant atop the Paséa Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach. With a breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and drinks menu, the view can be taken in from any time of day. Or take it up a notch, literally, and go up to Tanner’s Treehouse, a rooftop lounge, for happy hour Monday through Thursday, 4-7 p.m.
Local Insight: Get $8 valet parking for three hours at the Paséa Hotel & Spa with validation when eating at Tanner’s!
Tanner’s
21080 Pacific Coast Hwy
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
714.698.6101
12 | “Shooby-Dooby Down to Ruby’s” Ocean View Restaurants
For something a bit more easygoing, walk down to the end of the pier (either the Huntington Beach Pier or the Balboa Pier) for a burger and milkshake from the beloved Ruby’s Diner. Whether you want to sit down and enjoy the view, or grab food to go, Ruby’s is the perfect place for a casual bite. Feel that ocean breeze as you walk above the water, and you might just spot a few surfers!
Local Insight: Ruby’s Diner has a walk up to-go order window on the outside of the restaurant! Perfect for a quick meal as you walk the pier.
Ruby’s Diner
Huntington Beach | Newport Beach
13 | Ola-La! Ocean View Restaurants
Located in Huntington Beach’s amazing Pacific City, Ola Mexican Kitchen has a view of the coastline from almost every seat in the place! But it doesn’t stop there. Ola Mexican Kitchen sets the mood with live music and a creative menu mixing Mexican comfort food with south-of-the-border ideas.
Local Insight: Just hanging out in Huntington Beach for the day? Pacific City is the perfect stop! Whether eating, shopping or just walking to the beach, you’ll be covered at this central location!
Ola Mexican Kitchen
21040 Pacific Coast Hwy, F200
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
714.969.7300
About the author
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Brittany Lawrencehttps://localemagazine.com/author/brittanylawrence/
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Brittany Lawrencehttps://localemagazine.com/author/brittanylawrence/
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Brittany Lawrencehttps://localemagazine.com/author/brittanylawrence/
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Brittany Lawrencehttps://localemagazine.com/author/brittanylawrence/
