Newport Beach, California, offers a wide range of dining experiences, from harbor-side seafood and ocean-view restaurants to steakhouses, Japanese cuisine, Mexican food, Italian comfort food, and contemporary California dining. This guide highlights 15 restaurants in Newport Beach and nearby Newport Coast, with details on cuisine, location, dining style, brunch, waterfront views, live entertainment, and other features that can help you choose where to eat.
Best Restaurants in Newport Beach – Quick lists
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Best For | Location | Dining Options |
| Bayside Restaurant | New American | Harbor-side dining, live entertainment, Sunday brunch | Bayside Drive | Dinner, Sunday brunch |
| Mastro’s Ocean Club | Steakhouse & seafood | Steaks, seafood, ocean views | East Coast Highway | Dinner |
| Nobu Newport Beach | Japanese | Japanese dining and sushi | Via Oporto | Lunch, dinner |
| The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove | California coastal | Beachfront dining | Crystal Cove | Breakfast, lunch, dinner |
| The Cannery Seafood of the Pacific | Seafood | Seafood, brunch, waterfront dining | Lafayette Avenue | Lunch, brunch, dinner |
| Javier’s | Mexican | Upscale Mexican dining and ocean views | Crystal Cove | Lunch, dinner |
| Billy’s at the Beach | Hawaiian-inspired | Waterfront dining, seafood and live entertainment | West Coast Highway | Brunch, lunch, dinner |
| Pelican Grill | Modern California | Ocean-view dining and steaks | Pelican Hill | Lunch, dinner |
| Bear Flag Fish Co. | Seafood | Fresh fish, tacos, poke and sushi | Lido Village, Crystal Cove | Lunch, dinner |
| Mama D’s Italian Kitchen | Italian | Pasta and Italian comfort food | Newport Boulevard | Dinner |
| Rusty Pelican | Seafood & American | Waterfront dining and scenic views | West Coast Highway | Brunch, lunch, dinner |
| Newport Landing Restaurant | Seafood & steak | Harbor views and seafood | Edgewater Place | Lunch, dinner |
| Fable & Spirit | Contemporary | Dinner and weekend brunch | Via Lido | Dinner, brunch |
| Olea | California coastal | Seasonal California cuisine | Westcliff Drive | Dinner |
| JOEY Newport Beach | Globally inspired | Fashion Island dining and happy hour | Newport Center Drive | Lunch, dinner |
1. Bayside Restaurant
Cuisine: New American
Address: 900 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Best for: Harbor-side dining, live entertainment, Sunday brunch, patio dining
Bayside Restaurant is a New American restaurant overlooking Newport Harbor. Its dining experience combines dinner and Champagne Sunday Brunch with a wrap-around outdoor patio equipped with built-in heaters and sun drapes. The restaurant also features a rotating modern art exhibit and live entertainment.
The current menu includes seafood, steaks, salads, starters, desserts and a dedicated brunch menu. Current brunch service is available Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with egg dishes ending at 3:00 p.m.
Bayside’s current reservation hours are Monday through Wednesday from 4:30–9:30 p.m., Thursday from 4:30–10:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 4:30–10:30 p.m., and Sunday from 11:00 a.m.–9:30 p.m. Nightly happy hour is listed from 4:30–7:00 p.m.
Why consider Bayside: It brings together New American food, harbor-side patio dining, Sunday brunch, modern art and a current live-entertainment schedule in one Newport Beach restaurant.
2. Mastro’s Ocean Club
Cuisine: Steakhouse and seafood
Address: 8112 E Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA 92657
Best for: Steakhouse dining, seafood, ocean views and live entertainment
Mastro’s Ocean Club in Newport Beach is a steakhouse and seafood restaurant located on East Coast Highway. Its official location page highlights ocean views, steakhouse dining and nightly live entertainment.
The restaurant currently offers dinner service throughout the week, with later closing times on Thursday through Saturday. Its menu includes steaks, seafood, shellfish and other steakhouse dishes.
Why consider Mastro’s: It is a fit for diners looking specifically for an upscale steakhouse and seafood experience with ocean views and nightly entertainment.
3. Nobu Newport Beach
Cuisine: Japanese
Address: 3450 Via Oporto, Suite 101, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Best for: Japanese cuisine, sushi and elevated dining
Nobu Newport Beach is located in the Lido Marina Village area and serves Japanese cuisine through its food, beverage and wine menus. Current menu offerings include Yellowtail Jalapeño, sashimi, seafood ceviche, Toro Tartare, sushi and other Nobu dishes.
Current dining hours include lunch Friday through Sunday and dinner Sunday through Thursday, with later dinner hours Friday and Saturday.
Why consider Nobu: It is a natural option for diners searching for Japanese cuisine, sushi and an upscale Newport Beach dining experience.
4. The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove
Cuisine: California cuisine
Address: 15 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, CA 92657
Best for: Beachfront dining, ocean views and casual coastal meals
The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove is located directly on the beach in Crystal Cove and operates from a vintage beach cottage. The restaurant serves California cuisine with an oceanside view and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The restaurant also has the Bootlegger Bar and offers beach-related amenities and event services. Current listed hours are 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily.
Why consider The Beachcomber: Its direct beach location makes it particularly relevant for diners searching for an oceanfront or beachfront restaurant near Newport Beach.
5. The Cannery Seafood of the Pacific
Cuisine: Seafood
Address: 3010 Lafayette Ave., Newport Beach, CA 92663
Best for: Seafood, waterfront dining and weekend brunch
The Cannery Seafood of the Pacific is a Newport Beach seafood restaurant with a history connected to the city’s commercial fishing and canning heritage. The restaurant notes that the area’s first commercial fish cannery was built along the Rhine Channel in 1921.
Current service includes weekday lunch, weekend brunch, dinner and the Jellyfish Lounge. Happy hour at the Jellyfish Lounge is currently listed from 3:30–6:00 p.m. seven days a week.
Why consider The Cannery: It combines seafood dining with Newport Beach waterfront history, brunch and a separate lounge experience.
6. Javier’s
Cuisine: Mexican
Address: 7832 E. Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA 92657
Best for: Upscale Mexican dining, seafood and ocean views
Javier’s Newport Beach is located in the Crystal Cove Promenade along Pacific Coast Highway. The restaurant describes its location as offering Pacific Ocean views and an ocean-view patio for sunset cocktails and dinner.
Current listed hours are Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Why consider Javier’s: It is an option for diners looking for Mexican cuisine in a coastal setting, particularly around Crystal Cove and southern Newport Beach.
7. Billy’s at the Beach
Cuisine: Hawaiian-inspired cuisine, seafood and steaks
Address: 2751 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Best for: Waterfront dining, seafood, Hawaiian-inspired dishes and live entertainment
Billy’s at the Beach brings Hawaiian-inspired food and drinks to Newport Beach Bay. Its current menu positioning includes fresh seafood, steaks, pupus and its World Famous Mai Tais, with dockside and waterfront dining available.
The restaurant also offers brunch, daily happy hour and live entertainment. Current hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m.–midnight, and Sunday from 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.; Monday is currently listed as closed.
Why consider Billy’s: It is well suited to searches for Newport Beach waterfront dining, seafood, brunch, live music and a relaxed island-inspired atmosphere.
8. Pelican Grill
Cuisine: Modern California
Address: 22800 S. Pelican Hill Road, Newport Coast, CA 92657
Best for: Ocean-view dining, California cuisine, steaks and special occasions
Pelican Grill at The Resort at Pelican Hill is a Modern California Grill & Bar. The restaurant offers fresh California flavors, signature cocktails, an open kitchen and an outdoor terrace with sweeping ocean views.
Its current service includes lunch from 11:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. and dinner from 5:00–9:00 p.m. daily. The lounge is open from 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Why consider Pelican Grill: It combines California cuisine, steaks, seafood, an open kitchen and ocean-view terrace dining in the Pelican Hill area.
9. Bear Flag Fish Co.
Cuisine: Seafood
Newport Beach locations: 3421 Via Lido and 7972 Pacific Coast Highway
Best for: Fresh fish, tacos, poke, sandwiches and sushi
Bear Flag Fish Co. operates two Newport Beach locations: its Newport Peninsula/Lido Village location at 3421 Via Lido and its Crystal Cove location at 7972 Pacific Coast Highway.
The Lido Village location is a fish market and restaurant with a full bar and sushi bar. The Crystal Cove location offers market-fresh seafood through tacos, burritos, sandwiches and sushi.
Bear Flag also states that it catches its own fish using environmentally friendly methods and focuses on wild-caught seafood.
Why consider Bear Flag: It is a strong fit for people looking for a more casual seafood experience centered on fresh fish, tacos, poke and sushi.
10. Mama D’s Italian Kitchen
Cuisine: Italian
Address: 3012 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, CA 92663
Best for: Pasta, pizza, ravioli and Italian comfort food
Mama D’s Italian Kitchen’s Newport Beach location is at 3012 Newport Boulevard. Its current menu includes starters, salads, pizza, pasta, specialty dishes, oven-baked dishes, homemade ravioli, chicken and seafood.
Current Newport Beach hours are Sunday through Thursday from 4:00–8:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4:00–9:00 p.m.
Why consider Mama D’s: It is a straightforward option for diners searching for Italian food, pasta, pizza and homemade ravioli in Newport Beach.
11. Rusty Pelican
Cuisine: Seafood and American
Address: 2735 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Best for: Waterfront views, seafood, steaks and brunch
Rusty Pelican has been a Newport Beach dining destination since 1972 and features waterfront views along with a seafood-focused menu and steaks.
The restaurant currently offers brunch, lunch and dinner. Its official location page lists Sunday hours beginning at 10:30 a.m., weekday lunch service beginning at 11:00 a.m., and later Friday and Saturday closing times.
Why consider Rusty Pelican: It is particularly relevant for diners looking for seafood, steaks, brunch and scenic waterfront dining.
12. Newport Landing Restaurant
Cuisine: Seafood and steak
Address: 503 E. Edgewater, Newport Beach, CA 92661
Best for: Newport Harbor views, seafood, steaks and happy hour
Newport Landing Restaurant sits on the waterfront overlooking the Balboa Ferry and Newport Harbor. The restaurant describes views toward Newport Harbor, Balboa Island, Newport Center and the surrounding area.
Its offerings include fresh seafood, hand-cut steaks, hamburgers, chicken, California wines, craft beers and tropical drinks. The restaurant also features an upstairs Oyster Bar and covered Lanai patio.
Why consider Newport Landing: It is an option for diners who want harbor views, seafood, steaks and a more casual waterfront setting.
13. Fable & Spirit
Cuisine: Contemporary/progressive dining
Address: 3441 Via Lido, Suite A, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Best for: Dinner, weekend brunch and contemporary dining
Fable & Spirit describes itself as a progressive dining experience inspired by the colorful mythology of Irish culture. The Newport Beach restaurant is located on Via Lido.
Current service includes dinner Monday through Sunday and brunch Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Why consider Fable & Spirit: It offers a different style of Newport Beach dining for people looking for contemporary food, an immersive setting and weekend brunch.
14. Olea
Cuisine: California coastal
Address: 2001 Westcliff Drive, Suite 100, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Best for: Seasonal California cuisine, seafood and private dining
Olea focuses on California coastal cuisine with seasonal ingredients, wood-fired meats, fresh seafood and locally sourced produce. Its beverage program includes wines, craft beers and signature cocktails.
The restaurant also offers private dining and large-party options. Current hours are Sunday through Thursday from 5:00–9:00 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 4:30–10:00 p.m.
Why consider Olea: It is a useful option for diners seeking California coastal cuisine, seafood, wood-fired dishes or a private dining setting.
15. JOEY Newport Beach
Cuisine: Globally inspired cuisine
Address: 453 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Best for: Fashion Island dining, patio dining, happy hour and groups
JOEY Newport Beach is located at Fashion Island and features a globally inspired menu covering starters, entrées, desserts, cocktails, wine and beer.
The restaurant includes an outdoor patio with a bar and retractable roof sections, as well as an outdoor fire pit. It also offers private dining and large-party options.
Current hours are 11:00 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday and 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Daily happy hour is currently listed from 3:00–5:00 p.m., with an additional Sunday-Wednesday late-night happy hour.
Why consider JOEY: It is particularly relevant for people dining near Fashion Island who want a contemporary restaurant with patio seating, cocktails, happy hour and group-dining options.
Newport Beach Restaurants by Dining Experience
The right restaurant depends on the type of dining experience you want rather than simply the restaurant’s name.
Waterfront Restaurants in Newport Beach
Several restaurants on this list offer harbor, bay, beach or ocean views.
- Bayside Restaurant — Newport Harbor views and a heated wrap-around patio.
- Mastro’s Ocean Club — ocean-view steakhouse dining.
- The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove — beachfront dining with an oceanside view.
- Billy’s at the Beach — waterfront dining on Newport Bay.
- Pelican Grill — ocean views from its terrace.
- Rusty Pelican — waterfront views over Newport Bay.
- Newport Landing Restaurant — waterfront dining overlooking Newport Harbor and the Balboa Ferry.
Best Newport Beach Restaurants for Seafood
Newport Beach’s coastal location makes seafood one of the strongest categories represented in the local restaurant scene.
Restaurants on this list with a strong seafood focus include The Cannery Seafood of the Pacific, Bear Flag Fish Co., Rusty Pelican, Newport Landing Restaurant, Billy’s at the Beach, The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove and Bayside Restaurant. Their dining styles range from market-style seafood and casual fish dishes to upscale waterfront dining.
Fine Dining and Upscale Restaurants in Newport Beach
For a more formal or elevated dining experience, options include:
- Bayside Restaurant for New American cuisine, harbor-side dining and live entertainment
- Mastro’s Ocean Club for steakhouse and seafood dining
- Nobu Newport Beach for Japanese cuisine
- Pelican Grill for Modern California cuisine and ocean views
- Javier’s for upscale Mexican cuisine and an ocean-view setting
Newport Beach Restaurants With Live Entertainment
Live entertainment is an important part of several Newport Beach dining experiences.
Bayside Restaurant currently maintains a live-entertainment calendar featuring different performers and styles, including jazz, R&B, classics and contemporary cover music.
Mastro’s Ocean Club also lists nightly live entertainment, with scheduled performance hours varying by day.
Billy’s at the Beach is another Newport Beach waterfront restaurant associated with live entertainment and outdoor dining.
Because entertainment schedules can change, check the restaurant’s current calendar before planning a visit around a specific performer.
Newport Beach Restaurants for Brunch
Several restaurants on this list currently offer brunch or morning dining:
- Bayside Restaurant — Sunday brunch, with brunch menu items available from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove — breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- The Cannery — Saturday and Sunday brunch.
- Billy’s at the Beach — Saturday and Sunday brunch.
- Rusty Pelican — brunch, lunch and dinner.
- Fable & Spirit — weekend brunch.
Newport Beach Restaurants for a Date Night
For date-night dining, the most relevant considerations include the setting, menu style, waterfront views, entertainment and evening service.
Bayside Restaurant offers harbor-side dining, patio seating, live entertainment and dinner service. Mastro’s Ocean Club combines steakhouse and seafood dining with ocean views and live entertainment. Nobu Newport Beach provides an elevated Japanese dining experience, while Javier’s combines Mexican cuisine with an ocean-view patio.
Newport Beach Restaurants Near Crystal Cove
For dining in or near Crystal Cove, options on this list include:
- The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove — located directly in Crystal Cove
- Javier’s — located at Crystal Cove Promenade
- Bear Flag Fish Co. — Crystal Cove location on Pacific Coast Highway
- Mastro’s Ocean Club — located farther south on East Coast Highway in Newport Coast
The Beachcomber, Javier’s and Bear Flag offer different dining formats, from beachfront California cuisine to upscale Mexican food and casual seafood.
How to Choose a Restaurant in Newport Beach
Newport Beach has restaurants suited to different dining goals:
For harbor-side New American dining and live entertainment: Bayside Restaurant
For steakhouse dining: Mastro’s Ocean Club
For Japanese food and sushi: Nobu Newport Beach
For beachfront dining: The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove
For seafood: The Cannery Seafood of the Pacific, Bear Flag Fish Co. or Rusty Pelican
For Mexican food: Javier’s
For Hawaiian-inspired waterfront dining: Billy’s at the Beach
For California cuisine with ocean views: Pelican Grill or Olea
For Italian food: Mama D’s Italian Kitchen
For harbor views and seafood: Newport Landing Restaurant
For contemporary dining and weekend brunch: Fable & Spirit
For Fashion Island dining: JOEY Newport Beach
Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurants in Newport Beach
What are the best restaurants in Newport Beach?
Newport Beach has a broad restaurant scene covering seafood, steak, Japanese, Mexican, Italian, California and globally inspired cuisine. Restaurants featured in this guide include Bayside Restaurant, Mastro’s Ocean Club, Nobu Newport Beach, The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove, The Cannery Seafood of the Pacific, Javier’s, Billy’s at the Beach, Pelican Grill, Bear Flag Fish Co., Mama D’s, Rusty Pelican, Newport Landing, Fable & Spirit, Olea and JOEY Newport Beach.
What are the best waterfront restaurants in Newport Beach?
Waterfront and scenic options include Bayside Restaurant, Mastro’s Ocean Club, The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove, Billy’s at the Beach, Pelican Grill, Rusty Pelican and Newport Landing Restaurant. Their settings range from Newport Harbor and Newport Bay to beachfront and ocean-view locations.
Where can I find seafood restaurants in Newport Beach?
Seafood-focused options include The Cannery Seafood of the Pacific, Bear Flag Fish Co., Rusty Pelican and Newport Landing Restaurant. Other restaurants on this list, including Bayside, Billy’s at the Beach, The Beachcomber and Mastro’s Ocean Club, also offer seafood as part of broader menus.
Which Newport Beach restaurants offer brunch?
Current brunch options on this list include Bayside Restaurant, The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove, The Cannery, Billy’s at the Beach, Rusty Pelican and Fable & Spirit. Brunch days and hours vary by restaurant, so confirm the current schedule before visiting.
Which Newport Beach restaurants have live music?
Bayside Restaurant currently maintains a live-entertainment calendar with performers scheduled throughout the week. Mastro’s Ocean Club also lists nightly live entertainment, while Billy’s at the Beach promotes live entertainment as part of its waterfront dining experience.
Where can I find ocean-view restaurants in Newport Beach?
Ocean or coastal-view options include Mastro’s Ocean Club, The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove, Javier’s, Pelican Grill and other waterfront restaurants. The exact view depends on the restaurant’s location and seating area.
What are some good restaurants near Crystal Cove?
Restaurants in or near the Crystal Cove area include The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove, Javier’s and Bear Flag Fish Co.’s Crystal Cove location. Mastro’s Ocean Club is also located farther south along East Coast Highway in Newport Beach.
What are some Newport Beach restaurants for a special occasion?
Options for a special occasion can include Bayside Restaurant, Mastro’s Ocean Club, Nobu Newport Beach, Pelican Grill, Javier’s and Olea. These restaurants offer different combinations of elevated cuisine, scenic settings, private dining, entertainment or distinctive restaurant environments.
Do restaurant hours change in Newport Beach?
Yes. Restaurant hours can change by season, holiday, special event or operating schedule. Before visiting, check the restaurant’s current official website or reservation page, particularly for brunch, holiday dining and live entertainment.
In Conclusion
The best restaurant in Newport Beach depends on the dining experience you are looking for. The city offers harbor-side New American dining, seafood restaurants, steakhouses, Japanese cuisine, Mexican food, Italian restaurants, California cuisine and globally inspired menus.
For harbor views and live entertainment, Bayside Restaurant is one option. For steakhouse dining, Mastro’s Ocean Club offers steak and seafood with ocean views. Nobu provides Japanese dining, The Beachcomber offers beachfront California cuisine, and Bear Flag Fish Co. provides a more casual seafood format. Other restaurants on this list offer brunch, waterfront dining, Italian food, Mexican cuisine, California cuisine and contemporary dining across Newport Beach and Newport Coast.
Restaurant menus, hours, entertainment schedules and seasonal offerings can change, so verify current details directly with the restaurant when planning a visit.