The smell of salt air, the feeling of sand between your toes, and the taste of a fresh, flavorful crab cake on your tongue. It’s the quintessential coastal, summer vibes. So whether you’re patiently awaiting your coastal vacation, impatiently stuck between tropical excursions, or are simply craving quality seafood, treat yourself to the finest crab cakes in Orange County. Check out our picks for the seven absolute best crab cakes the area has to offer.
See Also: The 7 Best Barbecue Places In Orange County
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Multiple Locations / Website
Head to this local seafood chain for divine crab cakes. The menu features a Maryland-style crab cake served with remoulade, micro greens, and scallion oil. Pair the crispy, fresh crab cake with a homebrewed beer from SoCal-local brewery High Spot Beers. Reservations can be placed here.
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34091 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point / Website
Swing by the gorgeous, nautically-inspired Coastal Kitchen for tasty crab cakes served with Creole mustard and coleslaw. The interior offers classic summer, coastal vibes, while the menu keeps it fresh with a large array of seafood dishes. Reservations can be placed here.
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3010 Lafayette Ave, Newport Beach / Website
This iconic seafood joint has reigned supreme in Newport Beach for over 20 years and has racked up features on the Food Network. The menu features crab cakes topped with avocado creme fraiche, herbs, fennel pollen, and lemon salt. Both the beverage and dining menus are lengthy so there’s always something new to try. Reservations can be made here.
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619 Sleepy Hollow Lane, Laguna Beach / Website
Dine al fresco, and close enough to smell the sea at Driftwood Kitchen. Try the crispy signature DWK crab cake, served with a frisée and apple salad, and lemon herb yogurt. The Laguna Beach spot prides itself on procuring and utilizing the freshest seafood. Reservations can be placed here.
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2304 W Oceanfront, Newport Beach / Website
For beautiful, Insta-worthy plating and inspiring oceanfront views, head to Fly-N-Fish Oyster Bar & Grill. The flavorful crab cakes are made with sauteed jumbo lump crab and served with papaya mint salsa. As the name suggests, there’s a lengthy selection of oysters, as well as calamari, ahi tuna, shrimp, and more coastal staples. Reservations can be placed by calling the restaurant.
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34499 Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point / Website
A Dana Point seafood mecca for almost 50 years, Harbor Grill has a stellar lineup of seafood. Dine on top-tier crab with the Harbor Grill’s beloved Dungeness crab cakes, served with roasted red pepper sauce. Can’t get enough Dungeness crabs? The restaurant also serves a Dungeness Crab Louie. Reservations can be placed here.
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3300 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa / Website
Coastal cuisine is abundant at this luxurious spot. The jumbo lump crab cake is wonderfully crispy and served with a celery root remoulade. There’s a lengthy list of tasty craft cocktails as well as a burgeoning raw bar. This spot is sure to please any and all seafood lovers. Reservations can be placed here.
Looking for more seafood? Check out our picks for The Best Seafood Restaurants in Orange County
Photography by: Grandbrothers / Getty Images
