Clients looking to savor a finely prepared meal with breathtaking views along the coast will surely delight in the dining establishments of Newport Beach, Calif.
While some impress with intimate harborside views in a relaxed setting, others thrill with alluring architectural designs or jaw-dropping vistas from afar. For travelers who hold a love of gastronomy and prefer destination getaways, these seaside diners in Newport Beach will not disappoint.
Andrea Ristorante
The only restaurant on this list that doesn’t sit directly on the waterfront, Andrea Ristorante features panoramic views of Crystal Cove Beach and the Pacific Ocean from the hills above. Located within The Resort at Pelican Hill, Andrea includes live music Monday through Wednesday and Sunday. Soothing vibes carry throughout the indoor-outdoor venue, and the cuisine also reflects its Italian vineyard-inspired design, specializing in fresh pastas and scratch-made sauces.
With an emphasis on creating an experience for its guests, Andrea prepares select dishes such as its Traditional Risotto tableside. It also offers pasta-making classes Wednesdays through Saturdays.
www.andreanb.com
Bluewater Grill
Established in Newport Beach in 1996, Bluewater Grill is located in the historic former site of The Sea Shanty & Delaney’s eatery on Lido Peninsula. Bordering the bay, Bluewater offers indoor, bar and patio seating in a nautical-themed space. Clients can drive, walk or bike over, or, if traveling by boat, pull right up to the dock.
According to food critics and patrons alike, Bluewater consistently takes the title of “Best Seafood” in Orange County, Calif. Customer favorites include the Pan-Seared Sea Scallops and Alaskan King Crab. Both wash down well with creatively named drinks, such as the Fisherman’s Mary (Blue Ice Vodka and housemade bloody mary mix served with bamboo-skewered shrimp, pimento-stuffed olive, lime and pickled green beans) and Captain’s Mai Tai (three different types of rum, triple sec and tropical juices).
Bluewater also focuses on sustainability and responsible fishing practices; in fact, the swordfish on offer is caught from its very own boat, the Pilikia.
www.bluewatergrill.com
The Cannery Seafood of the Pacific
The Cannery Seafood of the Pacific is one of the most beloved oceanfront venues on Balboa Peninsula, thanks in no small part to its rich history. In 1921, the Cannery was born as a commercial fishing cannery. It was transformed into a restaurant in 1973, and in the spring of 2000, it was saved from the hands of a land developer by Newport resident Jack Croul, who purchased the Cannery and entrusted it to Southern California restaurateur Ron Salisbury.
The indoor-outdoor restaurant serves fresh seafood and sushi, premium meats, sides and salads along with an extensive drink menu featuring beers, liquors, sakes and wines. Top choices include the Octopus Ceviche starter, as well as the Lobster Dynamite Roll. To get the most bang for their buck, clients can opt for the Cannery’s Sunday Brunch menu, which offers a generously portioned seafood platter and includes bottomless champagne. Clients can also select the Cannery 1 Boat menu, which consists of small bites on the Cannery’s 22-foot Duffy boat as it sails around Newport Harbor.
www.cannerynewport.com
Nobu
Situated at the tip of the Main Deck in the chic Lido Marina Village on Balboa Peninsula, Nobu showcases stunning views of Newport Harbor from its two-story waterfront space. The 16,000-square-foot building was designed by Paris-based architect Severine Tatangelo of Studio PCH and includes a multilevel covered outdoor patio, a sushi bar and a lounge for spacious and romantic dining by the coast. Clients can access the upscale restaurant from a stroll along the main village street, or they can arrive in style on a Duffy boat.
The globally renowned chain was brought to Newport Beach in 2017 as part of community efforts to revitalize the Lido Marina Village with new eateries and attractions. Nobu celebrated its one-year anniversary in April 2018 and announced several new offerings: Tanoshi Hour (happy hour), Wagyu Whiskey Wednesdays and a new Grand Cordon Bleu Bar Omakase menu. Clients can expect a blend of Peruvian-Japanese flavors, and chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s signature dish, the Black Miso Cod, is a must try.
www.noburestaurants.com
