Dock and Dine At These 13 Waterfront Restaurants in Newport Beach

Newport Beach is more water than land, so it’s only fitting to captain an electric boat and motor your way to your next meal or happy hour. This is our favorite way to enjoy Newport Beach! It couldn’t be easier to rent an electric boat. And with our calm, expansive harbor, it couldn’t be more beautiful! Here are the most sublime waterfront spots for docking your boat to sip, snack, and soak up the good life.

The Cannery Seafood of the Pacific

Located in the historic Cannery Village, this iconic seafood restaurant offers a wide variety of fresh, sustainable fish and seafood. The menu includes dishes such as seared ahi tuna, lobster bisque, and wood-fired oysters, as well as a selection of sandwiches and burgers. The Cannery also has a full bar with an extensive wine list and craft cocktails. You can dock your boat right in front and then walk right up to the restaurant.

Bluewater Grill

Casual but chic, the Bluewater Grill is tucked back in the harbor and is the perfect place to grab fresh seafood with the whole family. We especially love its beautiful wrap-around porch that looks out onto the bay (and your docked vessel). We also appreciate the fun kids menu, which includes a dessert menu just for kids. An A+ place to wile away a sunny afternoon.

The Dock

For a more upscale dock and dine destination, head to The Dock. Between the phenomenal food and the limited seating, The Dock is usually booked solid, so be sure to make a reservation. We highly recommend this spot for a romantic date night. It’s small, private, and perfectly picturesque with its view of the bay. And pulling up to the restaurant via boat? It doesn’t get more romantic than that!

The Lighthouse Cafe

Lunch in a lighthouse? Yes, please! Located in the center of the Marina Park complex, the Lighthouse Cafe serves three square meals a day in a larger-than-life lighthouse that overlooks the bay. There’s tons of available dock space, so it couldn’t be easier for you and your crew to pull up and order some seriously delicious grub. Don’t forget to order the beignets - they’re fabulous!

Billy's at the Beach

Stop by the laid-back, Hawaiian-themed Billy's at the Beach for a festive tiki drink or tasty app. A favorite of locals and tourists alike, Billy's always has a fun and lively ambiance. With a 3-6pm daily happy hour, no harbor cruise is complete without a stop in a Billy's for a mai tai (or two).

A+O Restaurant and Bar

For a resort-like dining experience, sail over to the Balboa Bay Club. They have a fabulous restaurant and bar onsite that features a swanky, nautical interior along with plush outdoor seating. Sit under the canopies by day, or cozy up to the fire pits by night. Although on the pricier side, the cocktails and apps are worth the splurge for the spectacular ambiance. 

Buddha's Favorite

It pains us a little to be sharing this local hidden gem. But, you're welcome ;) Buddha's Favorite is this small, waterfront restaurant that's tucked back in a finger of the harbor. And when we say their sushi is amazing, we're not kidding. Their sushi rolls are equal parts innovative and delicious, and everything is fresh as can be. Take your fellow boaters to this sushi spot and you'll knock everyone's socks off.

The Winery Restaurant + Wine Bar

The Winery Restaurant knows what's up with the dock and dine experience. They offer dock-and-dine packages, which include the boat rental and the most high-end picnic basket you've ever seen! A quintessential steak house, you can expect fantastic cuts of meat along with delicious seafood and side options. And don't forget to order a bottle or two of wine!

Shorebird

Shorebird is California fusion at its best. We love this waterfront destination for its elevated, but relaxing atmosphere. And the plates of food are always top-notch. All dishes - from pastas to seafood to steaks - are fresh, vibrant, and full of California's diverse produce. We highly recommend cruising to Shorebird for an unforgettable date night!

There's an Array of Dock and Dine Options at Lido Marina Village!

Photo Credit: @lidomarinavillage on instagram.com

Lido Marina Village is Newport's hub for one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants. And it just so happens to be located on the waterfront of our harbor, so docking and dining here couldn't be easier. Dock your boat next to the public docks by Nobu Restaurant and eat at any of the restaurants here - they won't disappoint!

- For world-famous sushi, dine at Nobu. It's as high-end as it gets, but you'll be hard pressed to find anyone who is unimpressed with this restaurant chain.

- For a more casual evening, head to Circle Hook. Order at the counter and then dig into delicious fried fish on stools along their bar.

- Malibu Farms is a popular favorite, with a menu dedicated to healthy, California cuisine that also tastes divine!

- But Lido Bottle Works will always have our heart, with small, shareable plates that will have the whole group moaning with delight.

With so many dining options to boat to, how about a dock and dine restaurant crawl? Boat to the Cannery for a cocktail before sailing over to Lido Bottle Works for happy hour apps, and then ending the evening at Shorebird. There's a million ways to do it, but we promise you that a dock and dine experience is a guaranteed way to have an unforgettable night!