Sorry, but We Prefer Our Seafood With a Side of Sunshine
With 42 miles of stunning coastline, Orange County is the ultimate destination for seafood lovers. And when it comes to lobster rolls, this region is reeling in some serious flavor. Whether you prefer yours warm and buttery or chilled and dressed with mayo, these local Orange County seafood restaurants serve up the freshest takes on this beloved dish.
From casual beachside shacks to snazzy seafood houses, we’ve cracked the code on where to find the best lobster rolls in Orange County. Get ready to indulge—because when it comes to seafood, there’s no such thing as being too shellfish.
Pacific Catch
West Coast Lobster Roll (chilled): griddled Hawaiian roll, tarragon-dill lobster salad, avocado, radish, romaine, chives and a side of sesame slaw or fries
East Coast Lobster Roll (warmed): griddled Hawaiian roll, buttered lobster, herb aioli and a side of sesame slaw or fries
Located in Tustin’s The Market Place, Pacific Catch is making waves with its sustainable seafood and lively, coastal vibe. This Orange County hotspot serves up Pacific-inspired flavors that’ll have you hooked from the first bite. Case in point: the lobster rolls. Choose between the West Coast Roll—a chilled tarragon-dill lobster salad stacked with avocado, radish and romaine—or the East Coast Roll, featuring warm buttered lobster with a drizzle of herb aioli. Both are served on a perfectly griddled Hawaiian roll and paired with either sesame slaw or crispy fries, making it a feast for anyone in need of a seafood fix.
Originally founded in the Bay Area in 2003, Pacific Catch is known for its ethically sourced, ocean-friendly cuisine that combines diverse influences from across the Pacific. The menu includes everything from poke trios and coconut shrimp to seared ahi burgers and taco platters. With partnerships like the Surfrider Foundation and the Seafood Watch program, diners can indulge guilt-free while supporting sustainable efforts.
In terms of ambiance, the Tustin location spans 4,600 square feet. The space features a skylit dining room with spacious booths, a double-sided indoor-outdoor bar and a shaded patio with communal tables, cozy booths and a fire pit. Whether it’s happy hour (Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m.), date night or a family dinner, Pacific Catch offers a relaxed yet vibrant space perfect for enjoying one of the best lobster rolls in Orange County.
Location: Tustin
The Beachcomber
Maine Lobster Roll: lobster poached in butter with tarragon herb aioli, split-top New England-style bun and a side of French fries
The Beachcomber Café in Crystal Cove delivers classic New England flavor with their Maine Lobster Roll. This decadent creation features lobster poached in butter and topped with a tarragon herb aioli. Served in a split-top New England-style bun with crispy fries, this dish is made even better by the cafe’s breathtaking beachfront location. Situated steps from the sand, The Beachcomber is known for its relaxed atmosphere, ocean views and tropical-inspired cocktails, making it the ultimate spot for a laid-back meal by the waves.
Location: Crystal Cove
The Cannery
Lobster Roll: Maine lobster, top-load bun, Old Bay aioli and lemon oil and served with seasoned fries
For an elevated take on the lobster roll, head to The Cannery in Newport Beach. Their version combines Maine lobster with Old Bay aioli and lemon oil. This mixture is then loaded into a buttery top-load bun with seasoned fries on the side. A Newport Beach institution since 1921, The Cannery offers waterfront dining in a historic setting, emphasizing sustainability and a commitment to responsibly sourced seafood. With its serene marina views and refined menu, this Newport Beach restaurant is a must-visit for Orange County seafood enthusiasts.
Local Insight: The Cannery is also one of the best places for sushi in Orange County! Be sure to stop by for happy hour in the Jellyfish Lounge.
Location: Newport Beach
Bluewater Grill
Lobster Roll: Choose between New England (cold) or Rhode Island (hot buttered) on a toasted brioche bun with fries or coleslaw
At Bluewater Grill in Newport Beach, guests can indulge in two styles of lobster rolls: New England-style, served chilled with mayo, or Rhode Island-style, served warm with melted butter. Both options are stuffed into a toasted brioche bun with your choice of fries or coleslaw. Known for its wild-caught, sustainable seafood, Bluewater Grill offers a dock-and-dine experience where boaters can pull right up for a fresh, boat-to-plate meal in a relaxed, waterfront setting.
Location: Newport Beach
Hook & Anchor
Lobster Roll: Fresh Maine lobster tail, claw and knuckle meat and a seared brioche bun
Hook & Anchor in Costa Mesa takes pride in its lobster roll, featuring fresh Maine knuckle and claw meat flown in weekly. Served on a seared brioche bun, this roll lets the lobster’s natural sweetness shine. Formerly a fast-casual spot, Hook & Anchor has evolved into an elegant seafood restaurant in Orange County. However, its emphasis on wild-caught, never-frozen ingredients remains. With housemade sauces and a refined yet inviting ambiance, it’s the perfect place for a lobster roll that’s as fresh as it gets.
Location: Costa Mesa and Dana Point (coming soon)
Broad Street Oyster Company
World Famous Lobster Roll: Choose between warm with butter or cold with mayo. Then select from add-ons like uni, caviar or extra lobster!
Broad Street Oyster Company, which now occupies the space on the Huntington Beach Pier where Ruby’s Diner once stood, serves a customizable World Famous Lobster Roll. Choose between warm with butter or chilled with mayo, and add decadent toppings like uni, caviar or extra lobster. This scenic spot pairs its sustainable seafood with retro surf-punk vibes, nostalgic design elements and stunning 360-degree ocean views. A favorite among locals and tourists, Broad Street offers a fresh and fun take on pier-side dining.
Location: Huntington Beach
The Dive Oyster Bar
Lobster Roll: Toasted brioche bun, garlic butter, mayo, Maine lobster, The Diveʼs Cajun spice, parsley and Cajun fries
Ready for a bold twist on a classic? Head to The Dive Oyster Bar in Irvine, where they’re giving the lobster roll a bold Cajun makeover. Picture this: Maine lobster tossed in garlic butter and Cajun spices, all stuffed in a toasted brioche bun. Paired with a side of perfectly seasoned Cajun fries, it’s a dish that offers a Southern twist. The Dive’s menu is a vibrant celebration of Creole and Cajun flavors. The space is warm and laid-back, which is perfect for a casual date or foodie outing. Trust us—this one’s worth the detour.
Location: Irvine
Glasspar
Lobster Roll: Brown butter Main lobster, toasted brioche bun, citrus aioli, California avocado and pickled cucumber salad
When it comes to elevated dining, Glasspar in Dana Point whips up a lobster roll that’s love at first bite. Picture brown butter Maine lobster, zesty citrus aioli and creamy avocado, all tucked into a perfectly toasted brioche bun. A pickled cucumber salad adds a crisp, refreshing twist that ties the whole dish together. Led by Chef Rob Wilson, this chic seafood hall blends East Coast classics with California flair. This makes it a standout spot for indulging in an Orange County lobster roll. Trust us—you’ll want to snap a pic (or two) before diving in.
Location: Dana Point
The Lobster Shack
Lobster Roll: Softly dressed special lemon butter aioli, artisan brioche, East Coast-style bun, chives and a light seasoning. Served with a choice of two sides: blue cheese cole slaw, New England baked beans, Cape Cod kettle chips or a drink
The Lobster Shack in Laguna Niguel serves up an authentic East Coast-style lobster roll. It features softly dressed lobster in lemon butter aioli on a brioche bun. Guests can choose from classic sides like Cape Cod kettle chips or New England baked beans to complete their meal. Founded with a passion for sustainability and freshness, this local outpost brings the flavors of New England to South Orange County in a laid-back, welcoming environment.
Location: Laguna Niguel
Larsen
Lobster Roll: Herb creme fraiche, furikake, micro fines herbes, brioche bun and a side of fries (only available on Saturday + Sunday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.)
Located at the iconic Hotel Laguna, Larsen combines chef-driven cuisine with breathtaking 180-degree ocean views. Available exclusively during weekend brunch, their lobster roll elevates the classic. It features herb crème fraîche, furikake and micro fines herbes on a buttery brioche bun, served alongside crispy fries.
Showcasing fresh, local ingredients, Larsen’s menu captures the diverse flavors of the modern West, complemented by California wines and craft cocktails. Whether dining indoors or enjoying the ocean breeze on the patio, this Laguna Beach restaurant offers a refined yet relaxed experience that perfectly matches the beauty of Laguna Beach.
Location: Laguna Beach
From buttery brioche buns to bold Cajun flavors, Orange County’s lobster rolls are a testament to the West Coast’s ability to reimagine this iconic dish. Whether you prefer yours warm, chilled or loaded with toppings, these restaurants offer the best of the ocean—no plane ticket to New England required.
