In Orange County, dining by the water is more than a meal; it’s a lifestyle.
Picture yourself sipping champagne in Newport Beach, tasting fresh seafood in Laguna Beach, or watching a fiery Huntington Beach sunset from a rooftop lounge. With the Pacific as your backdrop, every plate feels richer, every cocktail more refreshing, and every evening unforgettable. Whether you’re impressing out-of-town guests, planning date night, or simply treating yourself, these waterfront restaurants capture the flavor of luxury coastal living.
Studio Mediterranean – Laguna Beach
Perched above Montage Laguna Beach, Studio Mediterranean blends Greek flavors with California coastal charm. Dishes like charred octopus, whole branzino, and shellfish towers pair with sweeping ocean views, soft linens, and breezy olive trees.
The Belle Rooftop – Huntington Beach
High above Main Street, The Belle Rooftop serves fried chicken sliders, artisanal flatbreads, and colorful cocktails as the Pacific glows at sunset. With string lights and sea air, it’s date-night magic with a playful edge.
Casa Dami – Newport Beach
This chic European-inspired café offers burrata, charcuterie, flaky pastries, and wines from Italy, France, and California. With rustic-modern style and warm lighting, it’s perfect for espresso mornings, lunch, or intimate evenings.
Sea Salt at the Beach – Bolsa Chica
Sea Salt takes Texas barbecue straight to the shoreline. Expect smoky brisket, ribs, and jalapeño mac and cheese alongside live music, line dancing, and weekend brunch.
The Cannery – Newport Beach
A coastal landmark, The Cannery blends history with modern seafood. Favorites include miso-glazed Chilean sea bass, seafood paella, and sushi, all enjoyed along the Rhine Channel.
HQ Gastropub – Huntington Beach
Global flavors meet playful vibes here, with sushi rolls, Korean short rib tacos, burgers, and rotating local brews. The lively patio is always buzzing.
Tavern House – Newport Beach
With marina views and a modern American menu, Tavern House is known for seafood pasta, buttermilk fried chicken, and a weekend brunch worth lingering over.
Pelican Isle – Huntington Beach
Floor-to-ceiling harbor views frame fresh fish, prime steaks, and pasta. Friendly service makes this neighborhood favorite a coastal staple.
Louie’s by the Bay – Newport Beach
An elegant Italian steakhouse where handmade pastas and prime steaks rival the harbor views. The extensive wine list seals the deal for a luxurious evening.
Offshore 9 – Huntington Beach
Nine stories up, Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge delivers cinematic sunsets, ahi poke nachos, crab cakes, and champagne under the stars.
Young’s Beach Shack – Dana Point
This open-air eatery overlooking Salt Creek Beach serves fish tacos, poke bowls, and local wines. Catalina Island views bring postcard perfection.
The Beachcomber – Crystal Cove
An OC icon, The Beachcomber sits right on the sand. Enjoy cinnamon beignets at breakfast, seafood salads at lunch, and tiki cocktails at sunset.
The Dock – Newport Beach
Romantic and European-inspired, The Dock offers escargot, lamb, and boutique wines with harborfront intimacy.
Hook and Anchor – Costa Mesa & Dana Point
Known for its lobster rolls, this spot also delivers seafood towers, cioppino, and lobster mac and cheese. Casual yet upscale, it’s a seafood lover’s dream.
PCH Tacos & Margarita Bar – Bolsa Chica
Bold Mexican flavors meet toes-in-the-sand dining. Think al pastor tacos, fresh salsas, hand-shaken margaritas, and live Latin music by the ocean.
Homes Near These Hotspots
Dining at these world-class restaurants isn’t just a treat—it’s part of everyday life when you live in Orange County luxury real estate. Imagine finishing dinner at The Cannery in Newport Beach and taking a short stroll back to your harborfront estate. Or picture starting your weekend with brunch at The Beachcomber in Crystal Cove, then relaxing at your Laguna Beach villa with panoramic ocean views. Living near these hotspots means you don’t just enjoy the food—you immerse yourself in the lifestyle that makes this region one of the most desirable in the world.
Photo Credit: Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge
Featured Home: 31971 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach — $14,950,000 | Listed by Victoria Strombom, DRE#00886773 | 949.533.1116
The iconic Sea Castle Estate in Laguna Beach presents a rare chance to own over half an acre of prime oceanfront with direct beach access and sweeping Pacific views. Represented by Victoria Strombom of Surterre Properties®, this timeless 1930s architectural gem blends European-inspired design with modern coastal luxury, featuring two residences, curated gardens, ocean-facing terraces, a black-bottom pool, and private steps to Thousand Steps Beach. With multiple living spaces, dual suites, and a grand motor court, this exceptional estate offers refined, resort-style living in one of Southern California’s most coveted coastal settings.
Featured Home: 237 Canal Street, Newport Beach — $3,999,000 | Listed by Eliisa Stowell, DRE#01397481
Welcome to your dream retreat in Newport Shores—a fully remodeled, turn-key 4-bed, 3-bath home combining luxury, comfort, and coastal charm. Set on the canal with stunning wetland views, this home features all-new Thermador appliances, a spacious kitchen with island seating, a bar with wine fridge and coffee area, and a large walk-in pantry. High ceilings, luxury flooring, fresh paint, and a stylish fireplace enhance the open floor plan. Enjoy a main-level bedroom and full bath, new furnace, roof, and water heater, plus a two-car epoxied garage. The expansive patio offers the perfect spot for morning coffee or evening drinks by the water. Upstairs, two bedrooms share a bath and laundry room, while the oversized primary suite includes dual closets, a fireplace, Juliet balcony, and spa-like bath. Just minutes from beaches, top dining, and Fashion Island, with resort-style amenities including a pool, clubhouse, and courts, this home is the perfect blend of modern luxury and relaxed coastal living.
Featured Home: 95 Sunset Cove, Irvine — $3,750,000 | Listed by Claire Na, DRE#01700911 | 949.536.4014
Welcome to the ex-model home of La Vita at Orchard Hills, an exceptional residence in the prestigious 24-hour gated community. This stunning property is set on one of the most private lots, offering unrivaled luxury and modern elegance with no rear neighbors. The contemporary floor plan seamlessly blends timeless classical elegance with modern design. The main level features a guest bedroom and a luxurious primary suite with an oversized walk-in closet and French doors that open to the backyard. The spa-like primary bathroom impresses with dual vanity sinks, a standalone soaking tub, and a spacious walk-in shower. At the heart of the home is the gourmet kitchen, showcasing a grand center island, top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, custom chandeliers, and a walk-in pantry. An additional prep kitchen/laundry room enhances functionality. The formal dining room makes a statement with its 20+ foot ceiling and modern crystal chandelier lighting.
Featured Home: 1336 Galaxy Drive, Newport Beach — $12,000,000 | Listed by Brian Thomas & Jennifer Thomas, DRE#01320898, DRE#01396350 | 949.422.6409, 949.422.6407
This Dover Shores architectural gem, originally designed by renowned Los Angeles architect Harold Levitt in 1963, has been masterfully reimagined into a Modern Mediterranean sanctuary, blending open-plan design with coastal resort living. With nearly 5,000 square feet of luxury living space and extraordinary views of Newport’s Back Bay and the Pacific coastline, this estate offers the ultimate in comfort and style.
These restaurants are more than dining destinations—they showcase the luxury lifestyle that makes Orange County real estate so sought after. Living in Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, San Clemente, Costa Mesa, Irvine, or Newport Coast means having world-class coastal dining just minutes from home.
Ready to claim this lifestyle for yourself? Connect with your local experts at Surterre Properties. Visit SurterreProperties.com today, where you can also explore our exclusive listings now!
Source: LocaleMagazine.com
Orange County Waterfront Dining: FAQ
1) What are the best waterfront restaurants in Orange County?
Our guide highlights 15 standouts across the coast: Studio Mediterranean (Laguna Beach), The Cannery, The Dock, Louie’s by the Bay, Tavern House, Casa Dami (Newport Beach), Offshore 9, HQ Gastropub, The Belle Rooftop, Pelican Isle (Huntington Beach), Young’s Beach Shack (Dana Point), The Beachcomber (Crystal Cove), Hook and Anchor (Costa Mesa & Dana Point), Sea Salt at the Beach and PCH Tacos & Margarita Bar (Bolsa Chica). Each offers memorable views and a distinct vibe tied to the Orange County luxury lifestyle.
2) Where can I catch the best sunset views?
For golden-hour magic, try Offshore 9 or The Belle Rooftop in Huntington Beach, Studio Mediterranean at Montage Laguna Beach, and The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove. In Newport Beach, harborside tables at The Cannery and Louie’s by the Bay frame boats gliding through the channel at dusk.
3) Do I need reservations?
Yes—especially for sunset and weekends. Book ahead at Studio Mediterranean, The Cannery, Louie’s by the Bay, and The Beachcomber. Offshore 9 may take walk-ins, but lines form quickly. Casual spots like Young’s Beach Shack and PCH Tacos & Margarita Bar are typically first-come, first-served.
4) What’s the dress code?
Upscale venues in Laguna Beach and Newport Beach lean smart-casual or resort-chic (think Studio Mediterranean or Louie’s by the Bay). Rooftops and harborside patios welcome polished casual. Beach-adjacent spots—Young’s Beach Shack and PCH Tacos—are relaxed and surf-friendly.
5) Which restaurants are family-friendly?
Young’s Beach Shack (Dana Point), The Beachcomber (Crystal Cove), Pelican Isle (Huntington Beach), and Tavern House (Newport Beach) are crowd-pleasers with views, approachable menus, and easygoing service. They’re great after a beach day in San Clemente or a harbor stroll in Dana Point.
6) What are the best romantic date-night spots?
The Dock and Louie’s by the Bay in Newport Beach offer intimate harbor views and refined menus. Studio Mediterranean in Laguna Beach pairs Mediterranean flavors with a dramatic ocean backdrop. Offshore 9 delivers rooftop sunsets and champagne under the stars.
7) Are there gluten-free or vegetarian options?
Yes. Many kitchens highlight coastal produce and fresh seafood. Look for vegetable-forward plates at Casa Dami, salads and crudo at The Cannery, and customizable seafood bowls at Young’s Beach Shack. Ask servers about dietary modifications—most are happy to accommodate.
8) How is parking and access at these waterfront locations?
Newport Beach offers valet and garage options near the harbor; The Cannery also has dock access. Laguna Beach relies on metered street parking and city lots. Bolsa Chica venues have beach lots. Rideshare works well on weekends. From Irvine or Newport Coast, coastal drives are quick and scenic.
9) What price range should I expect?
Casual beachfront spots (Young’s, PCH Tacos) are $$; elevated rooftops and harborside dining (Offshore 9, The Cannery, Louie’s) trend $$$–$$$$. Special-occasion tasting menus at Studio Mediterranean reflect fine-dining pricing consistent with high-end properties neighborhoods nearby.
10) How can I live near these restaurants and the OC coastal lifestyle?
Make waterfront dining your everyday. Explore luxury estates and Orange County real estate near Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, San Clemente, Costa Mesa, Irvine, and Newport Coast. Connect with local experts at SurterreProperties.com for private tours and neighborhood guidance.
