Cruise Over to These Waterfront Gems for Bites, Sips and Great Views
One of the aspects of Newport Beach that makes it so special is the picturesque bay. Weāre lucky enough to hop on a boat with our best pals, hang under the sunshine (no matter which season), and pull up to dine at the most noteworthy restaurants in Orange County. Plus, who said you had to own a boat?! Vision Electric Boat Rental at Lido Marina Village makes it easy to rent a boat, sail along the bay and simply dock right outside your restaurant of choice. Whether youāre celebrating a special occasion with friends or simply enjoying the weekend with family, these boats make for the perfect midday or sunset outing on the bay! Simply book your vessel of choice online and then prepare for a day of cocktails, good food and beautiful weather. Here are our favorite places to dock and dine in Newport Beach.
Tavern House
Enjoy fresh seafood and amazing views a half story above ground level at Tavern House. With the elevated seating, you get to look beyond the boats and out across the harbor. The menu boasts dozens of seafood options, including the ever-popular red snapper Veracruzana or the spicy ahi poke for something a little lighter. Be sure to try one of their refreshing blood orange margaritas!
Louieās By The Bay
Louie’s By The Bay offers an Italian dining experience with a 180-degree view that rivals the Amalfi Coast. As you dock your boat, the aroma of freshly prepared pasta and seafood greets you. The restaurant’s elegant ambiance and waterfront location make it a perfect spot for a romantic evening. Enjoy dishes like the signature linguini vongole while watching the sunset over the harbor, creating a dining experience that is both intimate and unforgettable.
Circle Hook
Circle Hook is a seafood lover’s paradise, offering sustainably sourced fish and a casual, welcoming atmosphere. Once docked, you will dive into a menu that celebrates the ocean’s bounty. The baja-style fish tacos topped with an avocado relish and spicy aioli are a must-try. With its laid-back vibe and prime location, Circle Hook is a favorite among locals and visitors for its fresh flavors and commitment to quality.
Malibu Farm
Malibu Farm brings a taste of California’s farm-to-table movement to Newport Beach. This waterfront eatery offers organic, locally sourced dishes that are as Instagram-worthy as they are delicious. Dock your boat and savor the salmon nicoise salad or the lobster mac n cheese, all while enjoying panoramic views of the marina. Malibu Farm’s fresh ingredients, sourced from small, local farms make it a standout choice for conscious diners.
Nobu Newport
Nobu Newport is synonymous with luxury and innovation, offering a dining experience that is both sophisticated and unique. Settle into your seat and prepare to be dazzled by the restaurant’s world-renowned sushi and Japanese-Peruvian fusion dishes. The black cod miso is a standout, perfectly complementing the chic, modern decor and stunning waterfront views. Nobu Newport is the epitome of upscale dock and dining.
SkƄl Pizza
SkĆ„l Pizza offers a slice of Italy with a Newport twist. This pizzeria on the marina serves up wood-fired pizzas that are perfect for sharing on your boat. Indulge in the mushroom kalamata pizza, with its charred crust and garlic ricotta sauce. SkĆ„l Pizza’s relaxed atmosphere and prime location make it a great spot for a casual meal with friends or family.
ZinquƩ
ZinquĆ© is a chic bistro that brings a touch of Parisian flair to Newport Beach. Dock your boat and enjoy a menu that features French-inspired dishes with a California twist. The tartine selection is a highlight, offering crĆØme fraĆ®che, Parmigiano Reggiano, and pesto on freshly baked bread. With its stylish decor and picturesque setting, ZinquĆ© is the go-to spot for a leisurely brunch or a sunset dinner.
The Winery
The Winery offers a sophisticated dining experience with a focus on fine wines and gourmet cuisine. After you dock the boat, explore a menu that features dishes like the chili lime rubbed mahi mahi, perfectly paired with a glass of Gewurztraminer. The restaurant’s elegant ambiance and stunning views of the harbor make it a top choice for special occasions and romantic dinners.
Harborside
Harborside has an award-winning seafood menu that celebrates the best of American cuisine. As you admire the calm waters, you can enjoy dishes like steamed clams and Pacific Swordfish steak, all while taking in the lively atmosphere and Harborside’s historic location in Newport Beach. Its welcoming vibe makes it a beloved spot whether itās your first or fifteenth visit.
Woody’s Wharf
Woody’s Wharf is a Newport Beach institution, known for its lively atmosphere and delicious seafood. The menu features fresh catches and classic American dishes like harbor calamari and shrimp cocktails. Savor the New England clam chowder, offering a taste of the sea in every bite. With its casual vibe and prime location, Woody’s Wharf is a great spot for a fun, laid-back meal.
Rusty Pelican
Rusty Pelican offers a dining experience that is both elegant and relaxed, with a menu that highlights fresh seafood and creative cocktails. From the comfort of your boat, you can feast on dishes like the seafood pasta or the grilled Australian swordfish, all while taking in the stunning views of the harbor. Rusty Pelican’s warm ambiance and attentive service make it a favorite among Newport Beach diners.
Sol Cocina
Sol Cocina brings the flavors of Baja California to Newport Beach with a menu that is both vibrant and delicious. Thereās no need to step off the boat when you dock and dine here. Enjoy dishes like the grilled Spanish octopus, shrimp chile relleno, and the Ensenada-style fish tacos. Sol Cocina’s commitment to authentic flavors and fresh ingredients makes it a must-visit for anyone looking to spice up their dock and dine experience.
Lido Bottle Works
Before or after hopping on your Vision Electric Boat, Lido Bottle Works is a canāt-miss dining destination. Featuring a sleek design and a dreamy seaside patio, Lido Bottle Works is on Yelpās list for āTop 100 Places to Dine in the USā and was included in the 2022 Michelin Guide. Youāll find seasonal culinary masterpieces like street corn croquettes, cavatelli and pork belly bao buns. Executive Chef Joel Gutierrez crafts each plate carefully with a presentation as unique as the flavors. Check out the restaurantās eclectic selection of wines that includes Betwixt Grenache from Monterey County.
The Cannery
Cruise on over and dine at The Cannery, a local favorite seafood haven preserving over 100 years of American history. This family-owned restaurant serves up tons of seafood dishes, including sashimi and sushi rolls. Pop in during their Jellyfish Lounge Happy HourāMonday through Sunday from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.āfor half off select dishes like shishito peppers, beef sliders and garlic fries.
A+O Restaurant | Bar
Looking for the perfect place to watch the sunset after your day at sea? Cozy up next to a fire table at A+O Restaurant | Bar, located at Balboa Bay Resort. Enjoy tasty starters, such as the beer-battered fish tacos, before you dig into entrees like the seared scallops. The drinks here are colorful and handcrafted. They make everything from classic concoctions and smoked cocktails to drinks like the Newport Express Martini, a concoction featuring Ketel One vodka, Mr. Black, espresso and vanilla syrup.
Shorebird
Maintain that sea breeze by dining just along the dock on Shorebirdās outdoor patio. The sleek California-coastal design features spacious seating in a dining room that lets in plenty of natural sunlight. Their menu includes almond wood-fired specials like prime skirt steak, filet mignon and Duroc pork chop, all available after 5 p.m. Pair your entree with the smoked blueberry sour with Buffalo Trace bourbon for a cozy evening on the bay.
Buddhaās Favorite
Looking for a fun yet relaxed place to dock and dine? Try Buddhaās Favoriteāa sushi spot thatās a hidden gem to the masses but a favorite of locals. The dishes here are made with the freshest ingredients using family recipes from Japan. Pair your favorite roll with their premium sake, from floral flavors to the Suehiro Gensai, which comes in a specialty wood box keepsake and is said to āawaken your taste buds.ā
Bluewater Grill
For a classic diner-style vibe, steer your boat to the recently renovated Bluewater Grill. This establishment made Newport Beach its home in 1996 and has been expanding up (and down) the coast ever since. The menu boasts an award-winning New England clam chowder that you can order by the quart to take home. Other favorites include the lobster roll, fish and chips, and a variety of oyster shooters.
Billyās at the Beach Dock and Dine Newport
Get the party started with world-famous mai tais from Billyās at the Beach. This dockside restaurantās Hawaiian-inspired food and decor will have you thinking you sailed from Newport to Maui. The pupu platter for two incorporates Billyās favorite pupus (aka appetizers): crab cakes, coconut shrimp, cho cho skewers, black sesame-crusted ahi and BBQ baby back ribs. Itās sure to be a good time!
The Dock
This waterfront, open-air restaurant is upscale with a cozy feelāa hard combination to come by! The classic Californian-coastal menu options are endless and offer seasonal changes to ensure the freshest quality. Wine connoisseurs will have a field day here with the wide selection of domestic and imported fine wines.
Lighthouse CafƩ
If youāre playing captain for the day, dock your boat at Lighthouse CafĆ©! Hop off right onto the sand, which surrounds the cafĆ©ās outdoor patio. Youāll also notice Marina Park next door, where the kids can stretch their sea legs. Quench your thirst with a frozen cocktailāfrosĆ© or margaritaāor a local draft beer. Try your favorite shellfish in the seafood alfredo as you soak up the beautiful bay views.
Reyes is a graduate of Hope International University with degrees in General Management (BA) and Marketing Management (MBA). She loves visiting new and trendy restaurants, pop-ups, lounges, etc. Exploring Southern California keeps her busy!
āCurrently based in San Diego, āKambria Fischer is a lifestyle photoāgrapher known for her impactfulā, authenticā āimageryā of lifestyle brands, food, āpeople and travel.āā āāShe holds a āBA in Journalismā and Public Relationsāā from CSULB and has an accomplished professional background in the hospitality and tourism industries. You can find Kambria hiking or playing beach volleyball on the weekends and eating tacos almost any night of the week.
Visit her at www.kambriafischer.com.
Taylor is a graduate from the University of Southern California with a degree in journalism. She is our Los Angeles and Orange County editor. You can find her dining at a new restaurant, in the ocean or planning her next adventure. Say hello!
