Dock and Dine: Newport Beach, California Restaurants to Visit by Boat
From boating, fishing and sightseeing to surfing, swimming and strolling along the shoreline Southern California’s warm and sunny Newport Beach is a great destination for water lovers of all interests. It’s got some equally great restaurants, and you don’t even need to leave the boat at the private boat dock rental.
Located along the Pacific Ocean, between Huntington Beach and Laguna Beach, Newport Beach is famous for its beautiful beaches, historic harbor, fishing piers and the waterfront community of Balboa Island. Let’s check out some cool spots to visit from a boat while cruising or sailing around the coast.
Billy’s at the Beach
Photo: Billy's at the Beach (Facebook)
Located in the harbor just off the Pacific Coast Highway, Billy’s at the Beach offers a Hawaiian-inspired menu of fresh seafood, steaks and pupu platters (appetizers) filled with crab cakes, coconut shrimp and black sesame-crusted ahi. Of course, there’s going to be plenty of mai-tais and other tropical drinks on the menu. Blue Hawaiian, anyone?
There’s a tie-up dock at the pier. Enjoy live music while watching the waterfront action during lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. You can even purchase the famous canned mai-tais to take with you for later on the boat or the private boat slip for rent.
Buddha’s Favorite
Photo: Buddha's Favorite (Facebook)
When in SoCal, sushi is a must, and Buddha’s Favorite is one of the best. Located on the Balboa Peninsula, the waterfront eatery serves traditional and authentic Japanese cuisine blended with the creativity of coastal California. Choose from a slew of sushi selections as well as spring rolls, rice bowls and sake. Sit right on the docks looking out over boats on the bay and capturing stunning sunsets. You can also order sushi to-go and pick it up in the boat. Boat docking is by reservation only, so be sure to call ahead.
Bluewater Grill
Photo: Bluewater Grill (Facebook)
Open since 1996, the Bluewater Grill serves New England and Manhattan-style clam chowder, lobster rolls, shrimp and chicken gumbo, rainbow trout amandine, pan-seared Alaskan halibut, fish tacos and top sirloin. They also offer a “you catch it / we cook it” deal, so be sure to check that out after a day of fishing. There’s docking for boats beside the patio.
The Cannery
Photo: The Cannery (Facebook)
The Cannery, situated right on the water, serves creative cocktails, filet mignon and a variety of seafood such as sushi, sashimi, seared scallops and Chilean seabass. Don’t miss weekend brunch. The family-owned, multi-level building has downstairs speakeasy called Snug Bug. We think that’s reason enough to visit from a private boat lift rental.
The historic building first opened in the 1920s as a fish cannery. It went through various phases of life until it was purchased in 2000 by the current owner. Pull up and dock the boat or order take-out for a great dinner on board or back at the boat dock for rent.
Lighthouse Café
Photo: Lighthouse Café (Facebook)
You can’t miss Lighthouse Café. It’s the one with the lighthouse on the outside of the building. It’s located on West Balboa Peninsula and open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch. Menu items include seafood alfredo, filet mignon, burgers, Southern chicken and gravy, grilled mahi and an extensive wine, beer and cocktail list. Brunch offers omelets, eggs benedict and breakfast burritos. You can dine while looking out at your boat and the docks.
Shorebird
Photo: Shorebird (Facebook)
The motto at Shorebird is “Dock, Dine, Sip.” It’s even on the outside of the building. The modern American restaurant features an upscale casual ambiance with a swanky bar area. Choose from sushi, sashimi, oysters, taco platters, sandwiches, braised angus short ribs, pork chips and filet mignon and more. Located near the Newport Beach Pier, you can pull up to the dock and dine indoors or on the outdoor patio.
Tavern House Kitchen + Bar
Photo: Tavern House Kitchen + Bar (Facebook)
At Tavern House Kitchen + Bar, you can enjoy lunch, dinner and weekend brunch while looking out over boats and the harbor. Choose from flatbreads, linguine and clams, buttermilk fried chicken, rib eye, burgers, pork chops and other sustainable seafood selections. Sunset is a stunning time to visit. The dock is just a few steps away.
The next time you’re in Newport Beach, check out a couple of these dock and dine restaurants while staying at a marina, waterfront hotel or private boat dock rental. Let us know what's good!
