Imagine this: It’s a typical gorgeous day in Orange County, and you’re soaking up the rays on a boat, relaxed by the gentle motion of the sea. This perfect afternoon lacks only one thing: a fabulous meal enjoyed along the waterfront.
   
You’re in the right place, as plenty of seaside restaurants dot the O.C. coastline. Here are a few of our favorites. All of these eateries offer tantalizing views and a tasty assortment of mouth-watering meals, and some even let you dock your boat right alongside them.

21 Oceanfront  – This place sets the romantic mood from the moment you sit down, with its candlelit tables, live entertainment and unbeatable view of the Newport Beach Pier and city beach. Whether you prefer to take in the view while dining in a booth or on the outdoor bar and lounge, the restaurant’s prime steak and fresh seafood are definite delights. For more than 25 years, this spot has been known for serving some of the best swordfish and crab cakes around. 2100 W. Oceanfront, Newport Beach; 949.673.2100
 
3-Thirty-3 – With special events and a menu of delicious seafood and steaks, this place brings life to any day or night out. The restaurant prides itself as an adult clubhouse serving “familiar and no-fuss food.” Start with the calamari and follow it up with the seared ahi. Looking to spice up your weekend routine? Head to 3-Thirty-3 to build your own Bloody Marys and burritos, or attend an evening of wine tasting in March. 333 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach; 949.673.8464

Back Bay Bistro  – Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Back Bay Bistro continues to exceed Newport Beach’s expectations with a menu of American cuisine that provides favorites from both the land and sea. This spot offers two daily dishes of seafood and salad, and an award-winning clam chowder that you should not pass up. The waterfront view and retractable roof create a great scene for enjoying the ocean breeze with your meal. Boats can dock for two hours, while beachcombers wander in the entrance at the Newport Dunes Resort. 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach; 949.729.1144

The Beachcomber Café – You’ll find this gem of a restaurant on the sand in the heart of the Crystal Cove Historic District. If you are on a quest for casual oceanfront dining, your search ends here. This spot furnishes 1930s diner ambience, with its marine-themed décor and timeless photographs of beach vacationers. The Beachcomber specializes in American cuisine, with a must-try Kobe Burger for a dinner delight. It also has an outdoor patio just steps away from the waves, fit for private celebrations and casual family dining. 15 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast; 949.376.6900

Bluewater Grill  – The classic seafood menu you’ll find here is even more enjoyable when consumed on the patio overlooking Newport Harbor. It also provides a prime vantage, if you happened to get their via your own private yacht or Duffy boat. Enjoy the restaurant’s happy hour and small plate menu every weekday from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. And if you’re an oyster lover, you’re going to love this place. 630 Lido Park Drive, Newport Beach; 949.675.3474

The Cannery Restaurant – It’s kept Newport Beach booming for 35 years, serving a classic menu of seafood and steaks overlooking the Rhine Channel. In addition to docking space, the restaurant also has landing space for helicopters, so you can arrive by sea or air. If you’re in the mood for some hearty seafood, try Jack’s Bouilla Baisse, with plenty of crab, shrimp, clams mussels, lobster and the daily catch, all in a tomato-saffron broth. Exquisite. 3010 Lafeyette Road, Newport Beach; 949.566.0060

The Chart House  – Offering classic seaside dining with a hint of island style, The Chart House has become a landmark overlooking Newport Harbor, right in the heart of Mariner’s Mile. Its signature dishes include Shrimp Fresca and Snapper Hemingway, and a to-die-for slow-roasted prime rib. For dessert, try the Hot Lava Cake. It’s the perfect place for a romantic dinner or special occasion. 2802 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach; 949.548.5889

Claes Restaurant – An evening of perfection: That’s what’s in store for you when you dine at Claes. Located inside Hotel Laguna, guests can savor the seafood while admiring the beautiful view and crashing waves. The outdoor patio, resting right on the sand, makes this restaurant ideal for a sunset dinner. Amid the menu lies the Sake-Cured Black Cod dipped in a Shoyu Butter Sauce with Wasabi Turnip Puree – an absolute favorite. 425 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.376.9283

First Cabin Restaurant  – It didn’t earn a Four Diamond Award for nothing. This spot brings it all to the table with waterfront dining, panoramic views of Balboa Bay and guest docking available for no charge. The specialty: continental cuisine and seafood, with a must-try lobster bisque, which is prepared daily. The chef also prepares festive specials according to the season, so expect some Irish food in light of St. Patrick’s Day. Between the delectable dishes and the relaxing atmosphere of the al fresco dining, this restaurant is a gem within Balboa Bay Club & Resort. 1221 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.630.414

The Fisherman’s Restaurant – Situated right above the ocean on the pier, this restaurant boasts the “Best Seafood in San Clemente.” This gem of Orange County offers a variety of steaks, chicken and pasta, if you’re looking to stay on land. Although the clam chowder is a popular item, the cioppino is a classic dish worthy of plunging into. With its award-winning entrées and sunset dining, Fisherman’s Restaurant brings everything to the table. 611 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, 949.498.6390

Harbor Grill – Guests can’t help but feel right at home with this tranquil and comfortable setting. Whether you are coasting in to dock and dine, or exploring the Dana Point Marina, this spot is worth a stop to enjoy superb mesquite-grilled seafood. Harbor Grill also offers an impressive selection of wines and martinis, which nicely complement the must-try Wild Salmon. This oceanfront eatery creates a relaxing dinner atmosphere with its garden terrace and live piano music. 34499 Golden Lantern, Dana Point; 949.240.1416

Las Brisas  – Here you’ll find authentic Mexican Rivera cuisine from a restaurant occupying one of the prettiest spots along the Orange County coast. Located atop a bluff in Laguna Beach, Las Brisas will take your breath away with its spectacular view of a rose garden and the Pacific Ocean beyond. It has all the amenities for a memorable evening. Dip into the ceviche as a starter. And the salmon is a divine choice for an entrée. 361 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach; 949.497.5434

Ruby’s Diner  – Ruby’s sure knows how to turn back time, with its 1950s-era all-American theme. This go-to eatery, located right above the waves on the Huntington Beach Pier, is the place for a sure-fire afternoon of fun and tummy-tickling delights. While you admire the ocean view, don’t forget to try the Kobe Beef Sliders and one of the signature milkshakes. So “shooby down to Ruby’s” for that classic and casual American meal you’ve been hungering for. 1 Main St., Huntington Beach, 714.969.7829

Splashes at the Surf and Sand Restaurant – Splashes brings a casual elegance to fine waterfront dining. And as locations go, it’s tough to beat – you’re dining about 25 feet from breaking waves. Inside Laguna’s Surf and Sand Hotel, the restaurant’s menu features American coastal cuisine, with specials offered nightly. Try the Ahi Trio as an appetizer and the Sea Bass entrée – both are sure to satisy all your seafood cravings. You’ll enjoy a fabulous ocean view, whether you want to stay warm by the fire or enjoy the sea breeze on the outdoor dining terraces. 1555 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.376.2779


Orange County is home to so many great waterfront restaurants, we couldn’t fit them all in our magazine. Here are several more options to whet your appetite.