Whether a visitor or an Orange County resident, we can all agree that eating out should be enjoyable. With the natural beauty and scenery in California that should be quite easy at a nice restaurant or cafe.
Let me start by saying this article on the best restaurants in Orange County with an ocean view was very challenging because I can only list 11 restaurants. Narrowing it down to 11 of the best ocean view Orange County restaurants can change any week depending on the reviews from Yelp and Open Table as well as as individual food and drink preferences. If you’re looking for great food and beverage, you can’t go wrong with many others not listed yet still have positive comments on the review sites.
This article will provide people who are visiting Orange County the opportunity to try some of the best cuisines our cities by the ocean have to offer and if you’re a local resident, you are well aware how great the restaurant scene is!
While we are focused on assisting people to find excellent homes for sale in South Orange County we love to write about things that interest people who may want to learn more about.
One of the first things clients who made the move to South OC say is “we can’t believe how great the food in Orange County is!” Several of these people making these statements relocated from Los Angeles or San Diego. It really should come as no surprise with the abundance of nice neighborhoods and wealthy communities.
Without any more waiting, here are the picks for the best restaurants with an ocean view in Orange County (in no particular order).
1.) Splashes Restaurant
Sit, eat and drink a mere 25 feet above the water at this restaurant in Laguna Beach. The sounds of the ocean waves and cool pacific breeze will relax you no matter if it’s inside near the open windows or outside on the patio.
Guest comments:
“one of the best spots”
“Perfect Special Beach View Dinner”
1555 S Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
888.281.3502
Map & Directions
2.) Raya
RAYA features exquisite coastal Latin cuisine and expansive ocean views by the renowned Chef Richard Sandoval. The restaurant allows their guests to enjoy an excellent breakfast, lunch or dinner while observing surfers at Salt Creek Beach.
Guest comments:
“Amazing Lunch with Great Views and Service”
“Awesome view with delicious food”
1 Ritz-Carlton Dr
Dana Point, CA 92629
949.240.2000
Map & Directions
3.) 180 blu at The Ritz-Carlton
The never-ending views of the Pacific Ocean and amazing sunsets at 180blu make our outside cocktail lounge a desirable and favorite spot for OC natives and visitors as well. The lounge boasts 180-degree views of the ocean and is located on a 150-foot bluff looking over Salt Creek Beach.
When you combine their unmatched scenic views with fresh seafood appetizers, made to order cocktails and live music on the weekends, you have the ideal dining experience.
Guest comments:
“food with a view”
“beautiful view with lunch”
1 Ritz-Carlton Dr
Dana Point, CA 92629
949.240.2000
Map & Directions
4.) Beachcomber Cafe
A converted cottage is the home for this beachside eatery serving California favorites & a breakfast favorites.
It’s the only beach front restaurant in Crystal Cove state park with gorgeous views, fabulous food and overall vibe.
It’s not easy to find because guests park across PCH and take a shuttle ($1.50/person each way) to the restaurant. The option to walk to the eatery is an option too if you don’t mind 10 minutes.
Although breakfast is very popular, alcohol is served during breakfast and of course later in the day.
Guest comments:
“Perfect!”
“Never disappoints”
15 Crystal Cove
Newport Coast, CA 92657
Map & Directions
5.) Pelican Grill
Features a stunning view of the ocean favorite grilled food such as steak, burgers and oven baked pizza, which you are sure to enjoy without a doubt.
Guest comments:
“Amazing”
22800 S Pelican Hill Rd
Newport Coast, CA 92657
844.443.0022
Map & Directions
6.) The Cliff Restaurant
Outdoor eatery with a view of the ocean serving seafood and American cuisine, wine & cocktails
Guest comments:
“great beach and ocean view”
“Great view, good food.”
577 S Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949.494.1956
Map & Directions
7.) Ola Mexican Kitchen
Located in Huntington Beach’s, high-end beachfront mall, better known as Pacific City, Ola Mexican Kitchen features coastal views from nearly every seat. It gets even better with their creative south of the border menu from Mexico.
Guest comments:
“Great Views”
“Good food”
21040 Pacific Coast Hwy, F200
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
714.969.7300
Map & Directions
8.) A+O Restaurant & Bar
A&O Kitchen+Bar, acronym for Anchors and Oceans, is the classic-designed waterfront eatery with a menu that stresses farmers, mom & pop producers, and local spirit distillers. At A&O Kitchen+Bar our guests can drink on craft cocktails, relax near one of three fire pits outdoors while listening to live music on the weekends.
1221 West Coast Highway
Newport Beach, CA 92663
+1 949-630-4285
Website – http://www.balboabayresort.com/
Map & Directions
9.) SOL Mexican Cocina
Set just off Mariner’s Mile on the Balboa Marina in Newport Beach is Sol Cocina. Influenced by trips to Baja California, the menu is full of fresh seafood, tacos, and simple dishes made from original ingredients.
Guest comments:
“Beautiful views and Great Food.”
“Potent Drinks, Tasty Meal, Good Service”
251 Pacific Coast Hwy
Newport Beach, CA 92660
949.675.9800
Map & Directions
10.) Watertable
Restaurant + gastro bar with a unique coastal cuisine. Top notch wines, crafted cocktails and crafted brews from their mixologist
21500 Pacific Coast Hwy
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Map & Directions
11.) Driftwood Kitchen
Enjoy fresh, ocean-to-table eating at Driftwood Kitchen, a waterfront restaurant with the catchy slogan of “Any closer and you would have to swim.”
Guest comments:
“Seaside Dinner”
“A really nice place with very good food…”
619 Sleepy Hollow Ln
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949.715.7700
Map & Directions