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, the chance to dine just steps from the surf is even better. 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.

 

1. Escape to the 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 chops and rib-eye for meat lovers. Cocktails nod to the Mediterranean with Calabrian-candied lemon peels 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.

Studio Mediterranean
30801 South Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949.371.8709
W-Su, 5-10 p.m.

 

2. Rooftop Magic

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 spicy tuna crispy rice stacks, sweet potato fries, lobster roll and pork & beef meatballs are just a few favorites. The craft cocktails are as photogenic as they are flavorful, from cold brew martinis to peach 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.

The Belle Rooftop
300 Pacific Coast Highway, Ste. 220
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
714.740.2524
F, 4-10 p.m.; Sa, Noon – 10 p.m.; Su, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

 

3. Coastal European Vibes

CasaDamí in Newport Beach feels like stepping into a chic European café with a West Coast address. The interior feels intimate yet airy, with warm lighting and modern-rustic details that create an inviting, stylish atmosphere throughout. But the patio is just as tempting, overlooking the waterways winding through Newport Harbor. The menu reads like a Mediterranean love letter. Creamy burrata pairs with heirloom tomatoes, while charcuterie boards overflow with artisanal delights. Wines are carefully chosen, spanning Italy, France and California, each sip telling a story. Start your day with a quiet espresso or flaky pastry. Stretch lunch into an afternoon affair with fresh salads and caviar. Evenings invite wine flights paired with savory tapas. The vibe feels relaxed, sophisticated and effortlessly charming. CasaDamí never relies on flash. Instead, it wins you over with warmth, authenticity and an irresistible sense of ease.

CasaDamí
2210 Newport Blvd.
Newport Beach, CA 92663
949.781.4644
M-Th, 5-10 p.m.; F-Sa, 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Su, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

 

4. A Seaside Honky-Tonk

SeaSalt Honky Tonk 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 operates seasonally right on the sand. The cuisine is provided by Heritage Barbecue, a Michelin Bib Gourmand winner, Food & Wine pick for one of America’s Best New Barbecue Spots and a 2025 James Beard Award finalist. The beachside menu leans into handheld favorites: sandwiches, tacos, nachos and grab-and-go smoked meats with that signature Heritage flavor.

Live country music plays every weekend at 2 p.m., and the Bluegrass Brunch runs Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with bottomless pancakes and mimosas. Line dancing lessons follow at 1 p.m., and Sunday brings a Nashville-inspired residency from local legends Redneck Rodeo. Whether you’re in boots or flip-flops, SeaSalt is a celebration of music, barbecue and the unbeatable charm of a meal by the waves. 

SeaSalt Honky Tonk at the Beach
17851 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
714.698.4188
Seasonal; confirm current hours at seasaltatthebeach.com 

 

5. A Slice of History

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 pomegranate gastrique or a hearty New England clam chowder. The sushi menu is a sleeper hit, with fresh cuts rivaling any high-end sushi bar. Brunch brings bottomless mimosas and dishes like eggs Benedict with sous vide bacon, 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.

The Cannery
3010 Lafayette Ave.
Newport Beach, CA 92663
949.566.0060
Su 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; M-T, 3:30-8:30 p.m.; W-Th, 11:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.; F, 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sa, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

 

6. Global Influence

Enjoy global flavors in Huntington Beach with a menu that’s as adventurous as it is satisfying at HQ Gastropub. This isn’t your average pub fare; think sushi rolls alongside gourmet burgers, braised short rib tacos and wood-fired flatbreads. 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 while watching or listening to the waves crashing across PCH. 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 regularly.

HQ Gastropub
155 5th St., Ste: F-183
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
714.369.2155
Su-Th, 11:20 a.m. – Midnight; F-Sa, 11:30 – 1 a.m.

 

7. Tavern Fare by the Harbor

At Tavern House Kitchen + Bar in Newport Beach, the comfort of a neighborhood favorite combines with the polish of a destination restaurant. The menu is modern American, with highlights like buttermilk fried chicken, seafood pasta and a standout Angus sirloin burger topped with bacon jam. Weekend brunch is a hit, offering everything from huevos rancheros to eggs Benedict. 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.

Tavern House Kitchen + Bar
333 Bayside Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
949.673.8464
M-Th, 4-9 p.m.; F-Sa, 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Su, 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.

 

8. Steak & Seafood

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.

Pelican Isle
16400 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
562.592.3221
M-Su, 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.

 

9. Elevated Italian with a View

Elegant Italian steakhouse Louie’s by the Bay in Newport Beach offers 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 caprese salad or filet carpaccio, then move to seafood pasta with house-made spaghetti or a perfectly prepared wagyu rib-eye. 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.

Louie’s by the Bay
2801 W. Coast Highway
Newport Beach, CA 92663
949.720.1800
M-Th, 5-9 p.m.; F, 5-9:30 p.m.; Sa, 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.; Su, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

 

10. Sunset Sips Nine Stories Up

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 spicy tuna rolls, charcuterie boards and Thai steak salad pair perfectly with craft cocktails, fine wines and bubbles 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.

Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge
21100 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
714.845.8000
M-Th, 4-9 p.m.; F, 4-10 p.m.; Sa, 2-10 p.m.; Su, 2-9 p.m.

 

11. Beach Shack Snacks

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, closing at sunset each day. Menu highlights include shrimp tacos, poke bowls, burgers, seasonal salads and breakfast burritos. There’s also a solid coffee program, smoothies and cocktails 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 Beach Shack captures the easygoing spirit of the beach.

Local Insight: Young’s Beach Shack regulars enjoy walks up the bluff-top trail for the ultimate Salt Creek picnic.

Young’s Beach Shack
33521 Ritz Carlton Drive
Dana Point, CA 92629
949.388.2430
M-Su, 7 a.m. – Sunset

 

12. The Bounty of Crystal Cove

Located right on the sand, The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove is an Orange County icon for a reason. Breakfast here means powdered beignets and crab cake Benedicts 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 Beachcomber at Crystal Cove
15 Crystal Cove
Newport Coast, CA 92657
949.376.6900
M-Su, 7 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.

 

13. Dine on the Dock

For an intimate, European-inspired dining experience with unmatched harbor views, turn to The Dock in Newport Beach. The open-air patio sits right at the water’s edge, creating a romantic backdrop for the Continental-style menu. Start with red wine-poached pears or crab and shrimp fritters, 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.

The Dock
2816 LaFayette Ave.
Newport Beach, CA 92663
949.673.3625
W-Th, 5-8 p.m.; F-Sa, 5-8:30 p.m.; Su, 5-8 p.m.; closed M-T

 

14. Off the Hook

With locations in Costa Mesa and Dana Point, Hook & Anchor is where seafood dreams dock. Known for serving one of the best lobster rolls 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 macaroni and cheese, and wild-caught 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 & Anchor keeps reeling everyone back.

Hook & Anchor
1773 Newport Blvd.
Costa Mesa, CA 
949.423.7169
M-Th, 3-10 p.m.; Th, 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.; F, 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sa, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Su, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

34091 La Plaza
Dana Point, CA
949.312.2799
Su-Th, 3-10 p.m.; F-Sa, 3-10:30 p.m.

 

15. Picturesque PCH Patio

After a lengthy closure that left regulars counting the days, Javier’s returned to Crystal Cove Shopping Center and has been packing its oceanview patio ever since. This isn’t just Mexican food with a pretty backdrop; it’s elevated coastal dining done with genuine flair. The menu leans into prime Angus beef, fresh sustainable seafood and premium ingredients: Maine lobster enchiladas, pan-seared white Mexican prawns, luxe scallops and Dungeness crab prepared with the care you’d expect from a restaurant that’s been a Newport Beach anchor since 2008. The cocktail program is built around one of the West Coast’s most impressive tequila collections, so whether you’re sipping a hand-shaken margarita on the al fresco patio with the Pacific glittering below or tucking into a private dining room for a special occasion, the experience delivers on every level.

Javier’s
7832 E. Coast Highway
Newport Beach, CA 92657
949.494.1239
Su-Th, 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.; F-Sa, 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.

 

16. On Top

Newport Beach’s only rooftop bar lives up to the billing. Perched atop the boutique Lido House hotel, Topside boasts 360-degree views of the marina, beaches and peninsula for a panorama that makes it one of the most scenic places to hold a cocktail anywhere on the OC coastline. The food program, curated by chef-partner Riley Huddleston, is far more serious than typical rooftop fare with yellowtail crudo, skirt steak skewers, house-made hummus and fries with an umami aioli. The cocktail program is equally distinctive, the signature Topside Margarita arriving with a seasonal popsicle and the Champagne list includes a namesake Lido House Cuvée. Topside Brunch Club on Sundays adds live DJ sets to the mix, reimagining the format with harbor views and craft cocktails.

Topside Roof Deck
3300 Newport Blvd.
Newport Beach, CA 92663
949.524.8500
M-Th, 4-10 p.m.; F, 4-11 p.m.; Sa, 2-11 p.m.; Su, Noon – 8 p.m.

 

17. Dining with a View

With a name like VIEW Restaurant & Lounge, this VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa restaurant earns its title with sweeping panoramas of the Pacific Ocean and a lush golf course visible through glass doors that dissolve the line between indoors and out. California coastal cuisine takes a cosmopolitan turn here: the menu ranges from seasonal margaritas to a signature lobster roll with tarragon aioli. Crispy chicken wings with a soy-ginger glaze, kampachi crudo with truffle ponzu, a well-traveled wine list and fire pits on the outdoor lanai round out a setup that works equally well for a long lunch, date-night dinner or sunset cocktail hour. Live music adds an extra layer of atmosphere on select evenings.

VIEW Restaurant & Lounge
900 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
949.640.4000
Su-Th, 6:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.; F-Sa, 6:30 a.m. – Midnight

 

18. A Perch on PCH

Paséa Hotel & Spa has been perched above the Pacific on PCH in Huntington Beach for a decade, and its food and beverage program has never been stronger. The centerpiece is Lōrea, a California coastal restaurant built around a land-and-sea philosophy and ocean views that make every meal feel like an occasion. The menu swings between fresh seafood and premium meats with a seasonal intelligence that keeps regulars coming back, with locally sourced ingredients driving everything from breakfast through dinner. Weekend brunch runs Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 4 to 5 p.m. For a more relaxed experience, head up to Treehouse on PCH, the hotel’s rooftop lounge offering unobstructed ocean views with fire pits, daybeds and a DJ booth on weekends. 

Lōrea
21080 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
714.698.6130
M-Su, 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.

 

19. Seaside Serenity

If you want to eat as close to the water as possible in Orange County, The Deck on Laguna Beach delivers. Laguna Beach’s only true on-the-sand restaurant sits mere feet above the shoreline at the Pacific Edge Hotel, with open-air seating, the sound of actual waves and sunsets that arrive like a main course. The menu keeps it fresh and approachable, built around fresh seafood and creative cocktails that complement the setting rather than compete with it. The full bar leans tropical, and the vibe is pure Southern California. For a more private oceanfront moment, reserve one of the five Bungalows adjacent to The Deck, each accommodating up to 15 guests with a private oceanfront deck, VIP server and catered food and beverages. The restaurant operates on a waitlist-only basis, so plan accordingly. 

The Deck on Laguna Beach
627 Sleepy Hollow Lane
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949.755.8788
Su-Th, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.; F-Sa, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

 

20. Intimate Cliffside Moments

Driftwood Kitchen has earned its place as one of the most beloved oceanfront tables in Southern California, and the setting does a lot of the heavy lifting. A sister restaurant to The Deck, it is perched above the surf at Pacific Edge Hotel, the airy dining room and intimate cliffside deck delivering uninterrupted whitewater views. Floor-to-ceiling windows and al fresco seating put you practically over the break. But this is a kitchen that earns its reviews on the plate, with dishes ranging from hand-shucked oysters, Scottish king salmon, a Dungeness crab salad and the show-stopping Seafood Tower (featuring Maine lobster tail, Dungeness crab, poached Mexican shrimp, oysters, Spanish octopus ceviche and tuna tartare). Brunch and dinner are served daily, and the handcrafted cocktail program nods to Laguna Beach’s colorful history.

Driftwood Kitchen
619 Sleepy Hollow Lane
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949.749.6367
Su-Th, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.; F-Sa, 9 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.

 

21. Dining That Makes a Splash

Few restaurants in Orange County can claim a backdrop quite like Splashes Restaurant: the Pacific sits just outside, close enough to hear the waves from any seat in the house. The dining room at Surf & Sand Resort is one of Laguna Beach’s most storied tables, recently renovated with a brighter aesthetic, elegant new furnishings and a striking custom Chihuly glass sculpture overhead. A globally inspired, ingredient-driven sensibility enhances the coastal menu, with fresh local ingredients from land and sea paired with a sommelier-curated, award-winning wine list. On Friday and Saturday evenings, The Cut & The Catch experience celebrates dry-aged specialty meats, line-caught fish and pristine shellfish prepared with precision. Weekend brunch on the palm-shaded patios from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. is a Laguna ritual worth joining. 

Splashes Restaurant
1555 S. Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949.376.2779
M-Su, 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.

 

22. Along the Cliffs

The Cliff Restaurant might be Orange County’s most accessible oceanfront dining experience, and that’s part of its enduring charm. Located in the Laguna Village artist community, this open-air, multi-level patio restaurant delivers a panoramic 180-degree view of the Pacific that never gets old. The menu runs all day. Enjoy strawberries and cream French toast at breakfast, mahi-mahi tacos for lunch or macadamia chicken or balsamic salmon come dinner. Fire pits set the mood for lingering through sunset, and live music Thursday through Saturday keeps things lively. Locals often bring out-of-towners for a casual, welcoming, no-pretense meal with great ocean views and solid food seven days a week. 

The Cliff Restaurant
577 S. Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949.494.1956
M-Th, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; F, 8:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sa, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Su, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

 

23. Hawaiian Flair

The location of this restaurant tells you everything you need to know: right at the base of the Huntington Beach Pier, with panoramic Pacific Ocean views stretching in every direction. Named for legendary Hawaiian surfing ambassador Duke Kahanamoku, who introduced surfing to Huntington Beach in 1925, Duke’s Huntington Beach leans hard into its beachy Hawaiian identity with an aloha spirit that permeates both the dining room and outdoor Barefoot Bar. The menu features fresh fish, prime steaks and Hawaiian-inspired plates, with the legendary Hula Pie dessert as the non-negotiable finale. Surf action, beach volleyball and the iconic pier frame every window seat. Come for brunch on a weekend morning as the waves roll in, or time your dinner reservation for a west-facing window at golden hour. 

Duke’s Huntington Beach
317 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
714.374.6446
M, 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; T-F, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sa, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Su, 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. 

 

24. Luxe Moments by the Ocean

When the goal is a splashy evening that delivers on every front, Mastro’s Ocean Club in Newport Beach makes a compelling case. The swanky venue has long been synonymous with celebrations, landing consistently on Best of Orange County lists and earning an OpenTable Diners’ Choice win in 2025. Sweeping ocean views set the scene, enjoyed from cozy window tables, an elegant courtyard or the lively indoor-outdoor patio. The menu is built around Mastro’s signature approach to impeccably sourced seafood and prime steaks with little interference from the kitchen.

Start with the famous lobster cocktail, then commit to the bone-in filet or herb-roasted branzino. Finish with the warm butter cake, a Mastro’s signature that guests order before they’ve even finished their entree. Nightly live entertainment runs from 6 p.m. on weekdays and 6:30 p.m. on weekends, making it just as easy to linger over cocktails as it is to call it an early night. Smart casual dress is encouraged, but this one earns it. 

Mastro’s Ocean Club
8112 E Coast Highway
Newport Beach, CA 92657
949.376.6990
M-W, 5-9:30 p.m.; Th-F, 5-10 p.m.; Sa, 4:30-10 p.m.; Su, 4:30-9:30 p.m.

 

25. Flying High

Shorebird has earned its reputation as one of Newport’s best waterfront spots by doing things a little differently. Situated right on the water, the restaurant brings a sophisticated but genuinely casual twist to Americana, letting a wood-fire grill and rotisserie do most of the talking. Signature dishes like the Duroc pork chop with Brussels sprouts and brandy-poached apples, Faroe Island salmon mignon over cauliflower puree and Harris Ranch prime skirt steak with red chimichurri reflect a kitchen that takes seasonal sourcing seriously. Raw bar selections and shareable plates like the addictive avocado fries with green goddess dressing make it easy to graze. Add in waterfront patio seating with a bayside backdrop and strong craft cocktails, and you have a Newport spot that is quickly added to the repeat list. 

Shorebird
2220 Newport Blvd., Ste. 101
Newport Beach, CA 92663
949.787.2034
M-Th, 3-9 p.m.; F, Noon – 9 p.m.; Sa-Su, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

 

26. Sparkling Golden Hour Delight

For an oceanfront fine dining experience that sets the bar for the entire OC coast, Raya at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel earns its reputation. Perched atop a 150-foot bluff above the Pacific in Dana Point, the restaurant commands one of the most dramatic views in Southern California, encompassing the open ocean and sunsets that seem staged for maximum effect. Chef Richard Sandoval’s coastal pan-Latin concept brings a California lens to Latin American flavors, weaving ají amarillo, yuzu, chipotle and miso into dishes built around sustainable seafood and locally sourced produce. From ceviches and raw bar offerings to prime cuts and dynamic tableside presentations, every detail reflects the kitchen’s ambition. The cocktails are fruit-forward and Latin-influenced, and the service standard is felt in every detail. 

Raya
1 Ritz-Carlton Drive
Dana Point, CA 92629
949.240.2000
M-Sa, 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; F-Sa, 6:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Su, 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m. 

 

These 26 Orange County oceanfront restaurants prove that dining by the water here is more than just a meal. It’s the salt air, the golden light, the sound of waves doing exactly what waves should do while you decide between one more round and the dessert menu. Pick a patio, pick a view and let the Pacific do the rest.