If you didn't get your fill of waterfront restaurants in OC Menus magazine, you've docked in the right virtual harbor. Read on for more great eateries.


DOCK-AND-DINE RESTAURANTS

Gemmel’s Restaurant – This place has been taking French cuisine to the next level for more than 25 years now. The head chef and owner, Byron Gemmel, conjures up exquisite specialties such as the Chilean Sea Bass and a chocolate soufflé that will bring a smile to your face with one bite. But if you really want a tasty meal, you must try the roasted duck. With public boat docking just a short walk away, ocean travelers do not have to search very far to taste a bit of France. Although there is only a slight ocean-view, the authentic environment deems it dock-and-dine worthy. 34471 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.234.0063

Harborside Restaurant – It dazzles guests from the start with its 1,400 lights illuminating the restaurant. This waterfront beauty caters to guests, no matter the number, with its luxurious and intimate banquet room that serves up to 500 people. Sea-goers are also welcome to reserve a slip and dock alongside the restaurant. Harborside focuses on seafood with favorites such as coconut-crusted salmon and roasted rack of lamb. 400 Main St., Newport Beach, 949.673.4633

Jolly Roger – Here’s a restaurant that offers a festive alternative for waterfront dining in Dana Point. And it offers boat docking and seating overlooking all parts of the harbor. Jolly Roger specializes in steak and seafood. Newcomers to the crew must try the popular prime rib and scampi. 34661 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.0855

Villa Nova – Charming Newport Beach for 75 years now, Villa Nova offers nightly entertainment and is home to the best piano bar in Orange County. This Italian waterfront restaurant serves homemade pasta, steak and seafood. Try the calamari starter and Veal Castallena, layered with prosciutto and mushrooms. The romantic ambience of Villa Nova adds a classy touch to the dock and dine experience. 3131 West Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.642.7880

The Wind and Sea Restaurant – Located on the Dana Point peninsula, this eatery boasts beautiful ocean views in all directions. The Wind and Sea, which has a nearby guest dock, has been serving seafood and steak for 30 years. Try dining on the patio, so you can gaze at the waves as you dive into one of the fresh catches of the day. Don’t leave without trying the Alaskan crab legs and macadamia nut mahi-mahi. 3499 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.6500

Woody’s Wharf – If you’re looking for some dock-and-dine fun, you’re sure to find it here. Woody’s Wharf has been rocking Newport Beach since 1965, and by the looks and sound of the live music and Sunday brunch, it won’t be setting sail anytime soon. You can find this joint at on the Balboa Peninsula in a prime waterfront location. The menu offers a great variety of food with a must- try entrée of fresh halibut. The long list of wines and tunes will have you up and dancing after dinner in no time. 2318 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach. 949.675.0474


OCEAN-VIEW RESTAURANTS

Cannons Seafood Grill – Situated on a cliff in Dana Point, this place offers an unbeatable view of the marina and South County coastline. It also serves some unbeatable culinary creations, like the Caribbean Jerk Salmon and the Seafood Rigatoni, with jumbo shrimp, scallops, mussels, lobster and fresh seasonal fish sautéed in a garlic-wine and herb-tomato sauce. And if you’re planning a party, Cannons can accommodate groups of up to 300. 34344 Green Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.6146

Duke’s – A few Maui Mai Tais or Tropical Itch cocktails, and you’ll think you’re in Hawaii. But Surf City is the next best place for a restaurant like this. And it’s pierside location provides for a fantastic view of all the beach action. You’ll find a menu of fresh seasonal fish that you can order prepared to you liking, as well as a few non-seafood favorites such as the Huli Huli Chicken in a garlic, ginger and shoyu sauce, and a great selection of steaks. And you can order small plate entrees in the Barefoot Bar. 317 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.374.6446

Kinda Lahaina Broiler – This quaint little restaurant has been a landmark at the corner of Ocean Avenue and 10th Street in Downtown Seal Beach for years. It’s been completely renovated, and it’s open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. The breakfast menu is fun and creative, the lunch menu offers hot and cold selections, and the dinner menu serves up a fantastic selection of seafood and steak entrées. 901 Ocean Ave., Seal Beach, 562.596.3864

Savannah at the Beach – Here’s where contemporary American cuisine meets oceanfront dining. This spot at the foot of the Huntington Beach pier offers a nice selection of steak and seafood along with “New South” and Creole specialty dishes. The must-try item is the Grilled Romaine Salad, a perfect starter for any meal. Try dining on the large patio just steps from the white sandy beach. 315 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.374.7273
   
Spark Woodfire Grill – The name says it all. This place serves up some of the best seafood, steaks and chops cooked to perfection over a wood-fire grill. Start with a grilled artichoke or the Fork and Knife – a crisp wedge of iceberg lettuce sprinkled with tomatoes, crumbled blue cheese, candied walnuts and red onions, all dizzled with blue cheese dressing. Then enjoy your dinner as you watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean. You’ll have a bird’s eye view, too – the restaurant is located on the second floor of a retail center right across the street from the beach. 300 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 202, Huntington Beach, 714.960.0996


More great waterfront eateries