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. We’re 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 you’re 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 10 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!
Lido Bottle Works
Before or after hopping on your Vision Electric Boat, Lido Bottle Works is a can’t-miss dining destination. Featuring a sleek design and a dreamy seaside patio, Lido Bottle Works is on Yelp’s list for “Top 100 Places to Dine in the US” and was included in the 2022 Michelin Guide. You’ll 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 restaurant’s 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 Hour—Monday through Sunday from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.—for 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 Shorebird’s 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.
Buddha’s Favorite
Looking for a fun yet relaxed place to dock and dine? Try Buddha’s Favorite—a sushi spot that’s 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 “awaken your taste buds.”
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.
Billy’s at the Beach Dock and Dine Newport
Get the party started with world-famous mai tais from Billy’s at the Beach. This dockside restaurant’s Hawaiian-inspired food and decor will have you thinking you sailed from Newport to Maui. The pupu platter for two incorporates Billy’s favorite pupus (aka appetizers): crab cakes, coconut shrimp, cho cho skewers, black sesame-crusted ahi and BBQ baby back ribs. It’s sure to be a good time!
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The Dock Dock and Dine Newport
This waterfront, open-air restaurant is upscale with a cozy feel—a 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 Café
If you’re playing captain for the day, dock your boat at Lighthouse Café! Hop off right onto the sand, which surrounds the café’s outdoor patio. You’ll also notice Marina Park next door, where the kids can stretch their sea legs. Quench your thirst with a frozen cocktail—frosé or margarita—or a local draft beer. Try your favorite shellfish in the seafood alfredo as you soak up the beautiful bay views.
Book your boat today and set sail!
Vision Electric Boat Rental
3424 Via Oporto, Ste 101
Newport Beach, CA 92663
949.612.8248
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!
Currently based in San Diego, Kambria Fischer is a lifestyle photographer known for her impactful, authentic imagery of lifestyle brands, food, people and travel. She holds a BA in Journalism and Public Relations 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!
