One of the most enjoyable parts of visiting Newport Beach is the food. Mornings that begin with great coffee and ocean air. Long lunches near the harbor. Evenings that turn into sunset dinners by the water. Eating well is part of the Newport lifestyle, and locals take it seriously.
At Beachview Rentals, we don’t just help guests find beautiful places to stay. We help them experience Newport like a local. Our team lives here, works here, and spends a lot of time eating our way through the city. We know which restaurants are worth your time and which ones look better online than they actually are. If you’ve ever wondered where locals eat in Newport Beach, this guide is built around those real, trusted favorites.
Newport offers everything from casual taco spots and cozy brunch cafés to waterfront seafood and refined fine dining. There are farm-to-table menus highlighting California produce, fresh seafood sourced from local fishers, and long-standing neighborhood restaurants that have earned their reputations over years of consistent quality.
Whether you’re planning your first Newport visit or coming back for another stay, this local’s guide to the best restaurants in Newport Beach will help you eat well and avoid the tourist traps. We’ll share our favorite breakfast spots, taco joints, seafood restaurants, romantic date-night picks, business lunch options, and a few relaxed places for craft beer and casual dinners. Along the way, we’ll point out patios, happy hours, ocean views, and those with pet-friendly seating.
Good news! If you’re staying with Beachview Rentals, many of these restaurants are just a short walk or bike ride from your front door.
How We Chose These Restaurants
Newport Beach has no shortage of places to eat, but not all of them live up to the hype. Some are truly special. Others look great on social media but fall flat once you sit down. We built this guide the same way we give dining recommendations to our guests, with honesty, local knowledge, and a focus on quality and taste.
Every restaurant on this list is one we would send friends and family to. These are places known for strong menus, consistent service, and a welcoming atmosphere. Many have been part of the Newport dining scene for years. Others are newer spots that locals have already embraced, often showing up in coverage of the Orange County dining scene.
We also paid attention to what matters when you’re on vacation. Walkable locations. Patios with ocean air. Happy hour menus. Family-friendly vibes. Dog-friendly seating. Restaurants that work just as well for a relaxed beach lunch as they do for a nice dinner out.
You won’t find tourist traps here. Just local favorite restaurants in Newport Beach that are worth your time.
Breakfast, Brunch & Coffee
Royal Hen
Royal Hen feels like a neighborhood gem that locals quietly protect. It’s warm, welcoming, and consistently excellent. The menu leans into comfort food with thoughtful twists, and everything feels made with care. It’s the kind of place where brunch turns into a long, relaxed hang because nobody wants to rush out the door. Popular dishes include buttermilk pancakes, breakfast burritos, avocado toast, and short rib hash. These favorites can be served with an array of beverages, including craft coffee, fresh juices, and mimosas.
Highlights
Price: $$
Ocean View: No
Kids Menu: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes, patio seating
Newport Coffee Company
If you love great specialty coffee and a laid-back local vibe, Newport Coffee Company is an easy favorite. It’s a go-to for early risers, remote workers, and anyone who appreciates a well-made drink. One of the things locals love most is the kombucha on tap, which is refreshing and perfect after a morning walk on the sand. The açai bowls are another standout, light, colorful, and packed with fresh fruit, but don't pass on the breakfast sandwiches, pastries, or smoothies.
Highlights
Price: $
Ocean View: No
Kids Menu: No
Pet-friendly: Yes, patio seating
Casual Lunch Favorites & Sandwich Stops
Sessions West Coast Deli
Sessions is a classic Newport go-to. It’s casual, friendly, and always busy for a reason. The menu is packed with creative sandwiches, salads, and comfort food that hit the spot for a beach picnic or after a morning in the sun. The vibe is relaxed and fun, making it a great stop for families, friend groups, and anyone who wants something satisfying without feeling heavy. Popular dishes include the Surfin' Bird, Cali Club, loaded fries, and chopped salads served with your choice of craft sodas, iced tea, or local beer.
Highlights
Price: $
Ocean View: No
Happy Hour: No
Kids Menu: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes, patio seating
Lido Bottle Works
Lido Bottle Works is one of those places locals love to bring visitors because it feels elevated but still easygoing. The menu focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients and clean flavors, and it’s a great pick for a relaxed lunch or light dinner that still feels special. The craft beer list is excellent, and the wine selection is thoughtfully curated for wine lovers. Popular dishes include the ahi poke bowl, fish tacos, burgers, and seasonal salads.
Highlights
Price: $$
Ocean View: No
Happy Hour: Yes
Kids Menu: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes, patio seating
Authentic Tacos & Mexican Favorites
Wild Taco
Wild Taco is colorful, energetic, and always buzzing. It’s the kind of place you go after a beach day when you’re hungry and ready for something fulfilling. The menu combines traditional flavors with creative twists, and everything feels fresh and fun without being too much. Best for a casual lunch or laid-back dinner, popular dishes include the baja fish tacos, carne asada tacos, shrimp tacos, and street corn, served with an array of beverages, including margaritas, local beer, or aguas frescas.
Highlights
Price: $
Ocean View: No
Happy Hour: Yes
Kids Menu: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes, patio seating
Sancho’s Tacos
Sancho’s is a bona fide local favorite! It’s simple, no-frills, and consistently good. The focus is on classic Mexican street food done right, and locals love it for a quick bite for lunch or dinner that always hits the spot. Savor the al pastor tacos, carnitas tacos, or a California burrito, perfectly complemented by an ice-cold Mexican soda or a refreshing horchata.
Highlights
Price: $
Ocean View: No
Happy Hour: No
Kids Menu: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes, patio seating
Seafood and Waterfront Dining
Cannery Seafood of the Pacific
The Cannery is a Newport classic that still feels special every time. You’re right on the waterfront, watching boats drift through the harbor, which makes it romantic without being stuffy, and lively without feeling loud. The menu leans into fresh seafood and polished coastal dishes that are consistently well executed. Ideal for date nights and special celebrations, we recommend the lobster rolls, miso-glazed salmon, seafood pasta, and fresh oysters, best enjoyed with one of their classic cocktails, a glass of wine, or a craft beer.
Highlights
Price: $$$
Ocean View: Yes
Happy Hour: Yes
Kids Menu: Yes
Pet-friendly: No
A Restaurant
A Restaurant has old-school vibes, it's intimate, and perfect for a romantic dinner or fine-dining experience. The dining room feels cozy, and the service is attentive without being overbearing. The menu focuses on premium seafood and seasonal ingredients, making it a favorite for anniversaries and special nights out. This place is epic, especially when you order the Dover sole, scallops, or seafood risotto, while sipping on craft cocktails or exploring the curated wine list.
Highlights
Price: $$$
Ocean View: No
Happy Hour: No
Kids Menu: No
Pet-friendly: No
Fine Dining and Special Occasions
Nobu Newport Beach
Nobu is iconic for a reason, and the Newport location delivers the same refined Japanese cuisine and sleek atmosphere the brand is known for, with a coastal California feel. It’s lively, elegant, and perfect for a special evening. Best for celebrations and upscale dining, you'll love the black cod miso, yellowtail jalapeño, or sushi rolls while indulging in the craft cocktails, sake or wine.
Highlights
Price: $$$$
Ocean View: No
Happy Hour: No
Kids Menu: No
Pet-friendly: No
Marché Moderne
Marché Moderne brings French fine dining to the heart of Newport. The room feels intimate and refined, and the menu is rooted in classic French techniques with modern touches. It’s a favorite among locals for anniversaries and quiet romantic date nights. The tasting menu is fantastic, and the wine list is superb! Popular dishes include the duck confit, steak frites, and the seasonal tasting menus, which pair beautifully with one of the many wine selections or craft cocktails.
Highlights
Price: $$$
Ocean View: No
Happy Hour: No
Kids Menu: No
Pet-friendly: No
Gulfstream Newport Beach
Gulfstream is one of those restaurants that locals quietly rely on when they want something consistently excellent. It’s polished without feeling formal and relaxed without feeling casual. The menu blends classic American comfort food with refined coastal flavors, and everything feels thoughtfully done.
It’s a favorite for business lunches, date nights, and celebratory dinners because it works for almost any occasion. The dining room has a warm, upscale energy that feels timeless, and the service is always smooth and professional. The can't-miss dishes here include prime rib, rotisserie chicken, fresh seafood, and sushi rolls with your choice of classic cocktails, wine, or craft beer.
Highlights
Price: $$$
Ocean View: No
Happy Hour: Yes
Kids Menu: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes, patio seating
Business Lunch and Elevated Casual
Cucina Enoteca
Cucina Enoteca feels warm, stylish, and easygoing all at once. The menu focuses on Italian-inspired dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, making it a great choice for a business lunch or a relaxed date night. We recommend ordering the fresh pasta, wood-fired pizzas and seasonal vegetables with wine or one of the many craft cocktails.
Highlights
Price: $$
Ocean View: No
Happy Hour: Yes
Kids Menu: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes, patio seating
Javier’s
Javier’s is a Newport institution. It’s lively, upscale, and high-energy. The Mexican cuisine feels elevated without losing its soul, and the margaritas are legendary. Yum! Great for business lunches or group gatherings, we suggest the enchiladas, carne asada, or the lobster tacos.
Highlights
Price: $$$
Ocean View: No
Happy Hour: Yes
Kids Menu: Yes
Pet-friendly: No
Craft Beer and Laid-Back Evenings
Helmsman Ale House
Helmsman Ale House has a welcoming neighborhood feel. The beer list is strong, and the food goes beyond basic pub fare. Locals enjoy a casual dinner of burgers, fish and chips, or flatbread paired with a craft beer or cocktail.
Highlights
Price: $$
Ocean View: No
Happy Hour: Yes
Kids Menu: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes, patio seating
Newport Beach Brewing Company
Newport Beach Brewing Company is small, friendly, and full of local character, with a focus on house-brewed beers and a simple, satisfying menu. Perfect for casual hangouts and anyone who loves house-brewed craft beer, especially when paired with pretzels, wings, and burgers.
Highlights
Price: $
Ocean View: No
Happy Hour: Yes
Kids Menu: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes, patio seating
A Few Local Tips
Weekday lunches are usually calmer, and early dinners are easier to book, especially at waterfront restaurants. Happy hour is a great way to try some of the best restaurants in Newport Beach without paying full dinner prices.
If you’re staying near the harbor or Lido Marina Village, many of the top places to eat in Newport Beach are walkable, including lunch spots, taco joints, and waterfront dining.
For anyone wondering what the best restaurants are near Newport Beach Pier, head toward the harbor and the peninsula for more local favorites and fewer tourist traps.
Newport Beach is one of those places where eating well is part of the experience. From cozy breakfast spots and authentic taco joints to waterfront seafood and romantic date-night restaurants, there’s something here for every mood and every appetite.
At Beachview Rentals, we don’t just offer great places to stay. We offer a predictable, professional experience and concierge-style support that makes your trip easier and more enjoyable than booking with Airbnb or unlicensed rentals. From luxury beachfront homes to cozy, dog-friendly condos, we have options for couples, families, and larger groups.
If you’re planning a trip to Newport or still collecting information, we’d love to help. Visit us online and explore our vacation rentals in Newport, and feel free to reach out with any special requests, larger party needs, or dining questions. We’re always happy to share more local tips.