Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, planning a romantic waterfront dinner, or simply craving fresh seafood in Newport Beach, Bayside Restaurant offers an elevated dining experience that combines exceptional cuisine, harbor views, an award-winning wine program, and live music every evening.
While Bayside is known as one of Newport Beach’s premier fine dining destinations, its seafood menu is particularly impressive. From buttery Chilean sea bass to Mediterranean-inspired seafood paella, every dish showcases premium ingredients, refined culinary techniques, and beautiful presentation.
If you’re wondering what to order on your next visit, here are the 10 must-try seafood dishes at Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach.
Seafood Restaurant in Newport Beach: 10 Must-Try Dishes at Bayside Restaurant
| Seafood Dish | Description | Best For |
| Miso Glazed Chilean Sea Bass | Buttery Chilean sea bass glazed with miso and served with potato purée, asparagus, fennel, salsa verde, and lemon emulsion. | Signature fine dining entrée |
| Bayside Seafood Paella | Saffron Acquerello rice with jumbo prawns, halibut, scallops, mussels, Spanish chorizo, and vegetables. | Sharing or hearty seafood meal |
| Mushroom Crusted Alaskan Halibut | Fresh Alaskan halibut topped with a savory mushroom crust, served with potato purée, asparagus, and Riesling sauce. | Elegant seafood dinner |
| Seared Wild Diver Scallops | Perfectly seared scallops paired with sweet potato risotto, broccolini, and lemon caper beurre blanc. | Light yet luxurious entrée |
| Ōra King Salmon | Premium King salmon served with asparagus risotto and saffron soubise. | Salmon lovers |
| Maryland Style Crab Cakes | Lump blue crab cakes served with Old Bay remoulade, fries, and soft slaw. | Classic seafood favorite |
| Shrimp ‘Scampi’ Linguine | Shrimp tossed with linguine, garlic, white wine, Parmesan, and chili flakes. | Seafood pasta lovers |
| Tartare of Ahi Tuna | Fresh ahi tuna with soy-chili-ginger sauce, avocado, and crispy wonton. | Refreshing appetizer |
| Tiger Prawn Cocktail | Chilled tiger prawns served with traditional horseradish cocktail sauce. | Classic seafood starter |
| Seafood Platter | An assortment of premium seafood, including oysters, prawns, tuna poke, and lobster salad (seasonal selections may vary). | Sharing and special occasions |
Why Seafood Lovers Choose Bayside Restaurant
Located along picturesque Newport Harbor, Bayside Restaurant has become a favorite among locals and visitors seeking upscale seafood in an elegant setting. The restaurant combines fresh seafood, premium ingredients, attentive service, and sophisticated ambiance to create a memorable dining experience. Guests can also enjoy an extensive wine list, live entertainment every night, and beautiful waterfront patio seating.
10 Must-Try Seafood Dishes at Bayside Restaurant
1. Miso Glazed Chilean Sea Bass
The Miso Glazed Chilean Sea Bass is one of Bayside’s signature entrées and a standout for seafood enthusiasts.
The rich, buttery sea bass is glazed with delicate miso, then expertly seared until perfectly caramelized. It’s served with silky potato purée, asparagus, shaved fennel, salsa verde, and a bright lemon emulsion that balances the richness of the fish.
Why you’ll love it:
- Rich buttery texture
- Elegant presentation
- Delicate umami flavor
- One of Bayside’s signature seafood dishes
2. Bayside Seafood Paella
If you’re looking for a dish that showcases the best of the ocean, the Bayside Seafood Paella is an excellent choice.
Prepared with premium Acquerello rice infused with saffron, this generous entrée features:
- Jumbo prawns
- Fresh halibut
- Wild scallops
- Mediterranean mussels
- Spanish chorizo
- Piquillo peppers
- Tomatoes
Every bite offers rich Mediterranean flavors with the freshness expected from a coastal California restaurant.
3. Mushroom Crusted Alaskan Halibut
Fresh Alaskan halibut receives an elevated treatment with a savory mushroom crust that adds depth without overpowering the delicate fish.
The entrée is served alongside:
- Creamy potato purée
- Green asparagus
- Riesling sauce
The combination creates an elegant seafood dish that’s both comforting and refined.
4. Seared Wild Diver Scallops
Perfectly seared on the outside while remaining tender inside, the Wild Diver Scallops are among Bayside’s most refined seafood offerings.
They’re paired with:
- Sweet potato risotto
- Broccolini
- Lemon caper beurre blanc
The buttery sauce enhances the scallops without masking their naturally sweet flavor.
5. Ōra King Salmon
Known as the “Wagyu of the Sea,” Ōra King Salmon delivers exceptional flavor and texture.
Bayside serves it with:
- Creamy asparagus risotto
- Saffron soubise
The result is a beautifully balanced entrée that’s both rich and elegant.
6. Maryland Style Crab Cakes
Prepared with generous portions of lump blue crab, Bayside’s Maryland Style Crab Cakes focus on sweet crab flavor rather than excessive fillers.
Served with:
- Old Bay remoulade
- French fries
- Soft slaw with white balsamic
This dish offers East Coast tradition with Bayside’s refined culinary touch.
7. Shrimp ‘Scampi’ Linguine
Seafood lovers who enjoy pasta shouldn’t miss the Shrimp ‘Scampi’ Linguine.
Fresh shrimp are tossed with:
- Linguine
- White wine
- Garlic
- Parmesan
- Chili flakes
The result is a flavorful yet light pasta dish that’s ideal for lunch or dinner.
8. Tartare of Ahi Tuna
One of Bayside’s most popular starters, the Tartare of Ahi Tuna is light, refreshing, and packed with flavor.
The dish features:
- Premium ahi tuna
- Soy-chili-ginger sauce
- Fresh avocado
- Crispy wonton
It’s an excellent way to begin your seafood dining experience.
9. Tiger Prawn Cocktail
Sometimes simplicity is perfection.
Bayside’s Tiger Prawn Cocktail highlights large, chilled prawns served with a classic horseradish cocktail sauce, allowing the freshness of the seafood to shine.
It’s a timeless appetizer that pairs beautifully with sparkling wine or Champagne.
10. Seafood Platter
If you can’t decide on just one seafood option, the Seafood Platter offers an impressive assortment.
Depending on the menu, it includes selections such as:
- Fresh oysters
- Prawns
- Tuna poke
- Lobster salad
- Traditional accompaniments
It’s ideal for sharing and makes an outstanding start to a celebratory dinner.
Perfect Wine Pairings
One of the highlights of dining at Bayside Restaurant is its extensive wine program. Whether you prefer crisp whites, elegant rosés, or refined reds, the knowledgeable staff can recommend pairings that complement each seafood dish.
Some classic pairings include:
| Seafood Dish | Recommended Wine Style |
| Chilean Sea Bass | Chardonnay |
| Seafood Paella | Spanish Albariño |
| Alaskan Halibut | Sauvignon Blanc |
| Diver Scallops | White Burgundy |
| Ōra King Salmon | Pinot Noir |
| Crab Cakes | Chardonnay |
| Shrimp Scampi | Pinot Grigio |
| Ahi Tuna | Rosé |
| Tiger Prawn Cocktail | Champagne |
| Seafood Platter | Sparkling Wine |
Enjoy Seafood with Live Music & Waterfront Views
A seafood dinner at Bayside is about more than exceptional cuisine.
Guests can enjoy:
- Scenic Newport Harbor views
- Waterfront patio dining
- Live music every evening
- An award-winning wine selection
- Rotating contemporary art exhibitions
- Sophisticated fine dining ambiance
These elements create a complete dining experience that’s ideal for date nights, anniversaries, business dinners, and celebrations.
Experience Fine Seafood Dining at Bayside Restaurant
If you’re searching for outstanding seafood in Newport Beach, Bayside Restaurant offers an exceptional menu that showcases premium ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and elegant presentation. From the rich Miso Glazed Chilean Sea Bass and flavorful Seafood Paella to the delicate Diver Scallops and fresh Ahi Tuna Tartare, every dish reflects the restaurant’s commitment to quality.
Combined with stunning harbor views, nightly live music, and an acclaimed wine program, Bayside Restaurant delivers a memorable fine dining experience for seafood lovers. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying an evening by the water, these ten seafood dishes are an excellent place to start your culinary journey.