Category: orange county lifestyle

11 of the Best Restaurants in OC with Ocean Views [2021]

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

Advantages of Living in Orange County

Is Orange County, CA a good place to live? This is one of the top questions that comes to mind when you think of moving to Orange County, California.  The truth is, Orange County is a great place to live in due to favorable weather, beautiful beaches, amenities, and good quality of life even for families.

Orange County is located in Los Angeles metropolitan area within the U.S state of California and has a population of over 3 million people. In this guide, we are going to discuss the advantages of living in Orange County, CA to give you better reasons why you should consider relocating to Orange County.

Let’s dive in shall we.

  1. Orange County has some of the best beaches

Orange County is home to some of the most gorgeous beaches in California. Due to the favorable sunny and warm weather, residents here enjoy spending some quality time on the beach. Some of the famous beaches in Orange County are; Laguna Beach, Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach. Each beach gives you a unique experience like no other. One of the experiences you can’t afford to miss is the famous Huntington Beach Pier at sunset.


Orange County is huge and has a diverse community

Orange County is made of diverse communities both locals and foreigners. It can be divided into two regions namely; the Northern and Southern regions. The two regions have distinct demographics, political, cultural, and economic orientations. The two regions are divided along the Costa Mesa Freeway.

The Northern region of Orange County was the first to be developed and it has a deep historical culture similar to neighboring Los Angeles County.  It includes areas like Fullerton, Anaheim,  La Habra, Buena Park, and the city of Orange with each having a high population density.

The southern region of Orange County is more modern, wealthier, and an economic hub. The most popular cities in the southern section include; Irvine, Newport Beach, San Clemente, Laguna Beach, and Mission Viejo.

  • Orange County has modern transport amenities

If you live in a city full of traffic jams, you will save a lot of time if you relocate to Orange County. There are excellent transport systems that are offered by the Orange County Transportation Authority. Public transport by road and rail is very efficient in Orange County.

There are express toll lanes for private drivers which helps reduce traffic.  Also, there is a well-maintained Southern California metro link that provides commuter train services along the Orange County line, the 91 line, and the Inland Empire-Orange County line.

  • The cost of living in Orange County is lower

The cost of living in Orange County is relatively lower compared to other neighboring counties in CA. There are many cheaper housing options for those who can’t afford leafy southern region suburbs.

The fastest-growing cities in Orange County such as Irvine have plenty of employment opportunities for the residents. According to the OC Register as of July 20, 2021 in Orange County, the median price for all homes is $900,000.

The median price of an average, mid-priced house is over $1 million once again. For people who prefer to live in a condo where the outside maintenance is taken care of, the median-priced is at $627,000. In L.A. County a mid-priced condo is $635,000.

Don’t let the price deter you. There are still 3-percent down home loans up to $822,375. This means you can buy a home for $847,800 with a 3 percent down loan and historically low interest rates under 3.00% based on you having the qualifying income and employment.

  • Orange County is safe for raising children

If you are a young family with school-going children, moving to Orange County will not interfere with their normal life. There are excellent education systems, fewer crimes, and lots of outdoor activities. Kid’s amenities such as the famous Disneyland is located in Anaheim city in Orange County. There are arrays of natural attractions and shopping centers that you can visit as a family and enjoy cool outdoor adventures.

When it comes to education, Orange County is home to some of the top-performing schools. Some of the best schools include; Coastline community college, Orange Coast College, Irvine Valley College, Anaheim University, Whittier law school, University of California (Irvine), Laguna College of Art and Design,

  • Orange County has a rich culture, attraction sites, and arts

There can never be a dull moment for Orange County residents. Communities have a rich culture and gorgeous beaches across Orange County attract millions of tourists annually. Huntington Beach is a great spot for surfing and sunbathing. Orange County has plenty of exciting outdoor activities. You can take your family to renowned theme parks such as; Disneyland and Disney California Adventure theme parks.

Other tourists and historical destinations to visit include; Knott’s Berry Farm, Soak City, Little Saigon, Mission San Juan Capistrano, John Wayne’s Yacht, and Richard Nixon’s Birthplace. There are many great restaurants in Orange County that serve tasty foods from different cultures.

Best cities to live in Orange County, California

  1. Irvine City- It’s one of the best cities to live in Orange City, CA. Irvine City has lived to its expectations of being the safest city. There are plenty of attractions and most of the residents here are working. For those with kids, you can get top-performing schools.
  2. Laguna Beach- It was founded by artists and it’s famously known as the art capital of Orange County. There are many beautiful beaches and excellent schools. Home prices in Laguna Beach are higher compared to other neighborhoods.
  3. Newport Beach- This is a coastal town that was originally designed for maritime industries. Newport Beach is one of the richest cities in the state of California. Homes in Newport Beach are also expensive. Residents enjoy gorgeous boats and yachts. Make sure you visit Lido Village and The Channel Islands for a delightful experience.
  4. Aliso Viejo- If you are looking for one of the affordable cities to live-in in Orange County, Aliso Viejo is the place to be. Residents enjoy the serenity as there are low crime rates and it’s a great neighborhood to raise a family in if you have a medium income.
  5. Rancho Santa Margarita- It’s a modern master-planned community that is strategically located in the heart of Irvine City. It has a small population and most residents here are homeowners. Rancho Santa Margarita scores the highest marks when it comes to safety. There are also top-performing schools and modern shopping amenities. Residents here enjoy the outdoors by going swimming or hiking in the nearby hills. There is also plenty of restaurants and shopping joints.