Enjoy wine and charcuterie with views of the Newport Harbor at A O Restaurant | Bar PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
These scenic outdoor O.C. restaurants boast breathtaking ocean and harbor views.
Sip the Hibiscus Mai Tai at the shorefront 180blu at The Ritz- Carlton PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
180blu and RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
180blu’s name says it all: The elegant restaurant offers 180-degree panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, as it overlooks both Strands and Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point. Most of the patio features two- to six-person high-tops, and at 150 feet above the ocean, guests are perfectly positioned to take in the sea, the sandy beaches and The Ritz-Carlton’s beautiful palm tree-dotted grounds. Enjoy small plates and desserts over live music and epic sunsets. Inside, RAYA serves up chef Richard Sandoval’s Pan-Latin coastal cuisine in an upscale setting with floor-toceiling windows looking out on the ocean. Both restaurants are offering a new spring cocktail and mocktail menu, with refreshing creations like the Hibiscus Mai Tai, Orange Ginger and Agua Fresca RX. 949.240.2000, ritzcarlton.com
Laguna Niguel. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
A+O Restaurant | Bar at Balboa Bay Resort
Inspired by waterfront restaurants along the Italian Riviera, A+O offers a cool and casual culinary experience with the array of boats meandering up and down the Newport Harbor as your backdrop. An expansive wraparound patio features striped umbrellas, white resin stone tables and multiple fire pits, creating the perfect setting to yacht-watch on the marina. Master chef Prabeen Prathapan’s showstopping menu captures California’s breezy ethos, with dishes like salmon chimichurri and salt and pepper shrimp, and cocktails like the Mariposa, served with an edible butterfly. A new spring/summer menu will feature additions like sweet corn gazpacho, seared crabcakes and miso-glazed Icelandic cod, to be paired with The Variant, Jefe Pablo and Life is Peachy cocktails. 949.645.5000, balboabayresort.com/dining/ao
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
The Beachcomber Cafe at Crystal Cove
This vintage oceanfront cottage wows with top-notch cuisine, vibrant energy and spectacular views of the Newport coastline and Catalina Island. Situated right on the sandy shore of Crystal Cove, Beachcomber Cafe’s outdoor patio is the perfect spot to enjoy sea breezes alongside extensive breakfast, lunch, dinner and drink menus. Spend hours on a beach chair while munching on starters like fire-grilled artichokes and crispy calamari, sipping on signature cocktails like the Coconut Mojito and The Baja Breeze, and dining on entrees like seared sesame-crusted yellowfin tuna or blue crab-stuffed salmon. The Beachcomber’s Bootlegger Bar serves up tasty libations, and a summer express menu with burgers, favorite grilled items and beach snacks is also offered. 949.376.6900, thebeachcombercafe.com
Ocean views abound at Laguna Beach’s Las Brisas PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
The Deck on Laguna Beach and Driftwood Kitchen at Pacific Edge Hotel
A premier waterfront restaurant at Laguna Beach’s Pacific Edge Hotel, Driftwood Kitchen & Stateroom Bar boasts breathtaking views of the Pacific alongside ocean-to-table cuisine by executive chef and partner Rainer Schwarz. Highlighting the bounty of the ocean, menus feature the freshest seafood and handshucked oysters as well as steaks and handcrafted cocktails. Dine alfresco on the balcony or in the open-air dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows. Next door, The Deck is one of Laguna Beach’s few oceanfront restaurants directly on the beach, offering a unique seaside dining experience. Grab some friends and dig in to shareable dishes like a seafood tower or Pacific ceviche—and remember, seating at this popular local spot is on a firstcome, first-served basis. 949.715.7700, driftwoodkitchen.com; 949.755.8788, deckonlaguna.com
The dining room at Driftwood Kitchen is just steps from the sand PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar
Located on the San Clemente Pier, this breezy beachfront spot features Pacific Northwest seafood served family style. A wide variety of menus highlighting fresh seafood include options for breakfast, lunch and dinner—and there’s also an oyster bar menu, a coursed and family-style fisherman’s feast menu, a little fisherman’s menu for kids, and special sunset happy hour bites and drink offerings. Savor the gorgeous San Clemente sunset while enjoying some of The Fisherman’s oysters; daily catches like mahimahi, Atlantic salmon steak and sea bass; and delicious cocktails, from margaritas to mai tais. 949.498.6390, thefishermansrestaurantsanclemente.com
Executive chef and partner Rainer Schwarz leads the culinary program at The Deck and Driftwood Kitchen PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
Larsen at Hotel Laguna
Last fall, the 90-year-old Hotel Laguna reopened its doors following a sweeping renovation by Laguna Beach Company, which restored the historic property’s style and introduced new dining concepts and an oceanfront terrace. The hotel’s signature restaurant, Larsen, is local chef Craig Strong’s fresh take on coastal California cuisine prepared with French techniques, offering seafood like grilled Spanish octopus that reminds Strong of his time in Barcelona. Named in honor of Eiler Larsen, Laguna Beach’s unofficial “greeter” and a fixture of the community, the restaurant’s simple and clean design frames the seascape like a painting, allowing the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Main Beach to become the focal point. 949.494.1151, hotellaguna.com
The lemon tart at Larsen. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
Las Brisas
Perched above the Laguna Beach coastline, this classic SoCal institution offers a sea-to-table menu bursting with the flavors of Mexico. Opened in 1979 in the space formerly home to the romantic Victor Hugo Inn, Las Brisas is known for authentic techniques and housemade signatures like fresh tortillas, spicy salsas and seafood. Chef-inspired recipes are made by using simple ingredients with the area’s abundance of seafood. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, brunch, happy hour and dinner menus in the elegant dining room or on the outdoor patio—which was recently revamped with new flooring, state-of-the-art heaters and outdoor speakers. No matter where you sit, you’re guaranteed classic Mexican favorites and panoramic ocean views. 949.497.5434, lasbrisaslagunabeach.com
Request a spot on the patio at Tanner’s to enjoy some of Huntington Beach’s best views PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
Mosaic Bar & Grille at Montage Laguna Beach
Soak up the sun and take in the sea while enjoying elevated poolside cuisine at Montage Laguna Beach’s upscale bar and grill. Situated beside the Mosaic Pool, the scenic eatery serves California-inspired beach fare such as salads, grilled sandwiches, Mosaic nachos, Baja fish tacos and fresh seafood dishes. The oceanfront restaurant also offers pool and cabana service during the day, and while the restaurant is first-come, first-served for lunch, cabanas can be reserved. You can even catch live entertainment on select evenings, while sipping a Mosaic Colada or Frose All Day cocktail. 949.715.6132, montagehotels.com
Order the seared scallops and pull up a seat in the waterfront dining room at Splashes at Surf & Sand Resort PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
Nobu Newport Beach at Lido Marina Village
The Orange County outpost of this world-famous Japanese restaurant opened in Lido Marina Village in spring 2017. Designed by a renowned Paris-based architect, Nobu occupies a two-story waterfront space at the end of Lido’s main deck—from which patrons can enjoy majestic views of Newport Harbor. Arrive from Village Street or pull up to the harbor in a Duffy to feast on stellar sushi and beloved Nobu signatures like miso black cod and rock shrimp tempura with creamy spicy sauce. At Nobu Newport Beach, guests will enjoy a dramatic sensory experience whether they opt to sit indoors, outdoors, at the sushi bar or in the sleek lounge. 949.429.4440, noburestaurants.com/newportbeach
Sand Resort PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
The Rooftop Lounge at La Casa del Camino
The Rooftop Lounge at Laguna Beach’s La Casa del Camino hotel is a must-visit for locals and guests alike—boasting spectacular views of the Pacific coastline, delicious signature fresh fruit mojitos and craft cocktails, and a welcoming ambiance. Keep the beach experience alive at the end of the day, or visit for lunch or for one of the best happy hours in town. Enjoy fresh California dishes like salads, sandwiches, burgers and entrees—as well as popular spring items such as the wild mushroom flatbread, avocado toast, poke cocktail and a mezze Mediterranean spread. The lounge was recently renovated to reflect the building’s roots in the Golden Age of Hollywood, and your four-legged friends are invited along too. 949.497.2446, rooftoplagunabeach.com
Try the Summer Salad at The Rooftop Lounge at Laguna Beach’s La Casa del Camino hotel PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRANDS
Splashes at Surf & Sand Resort
Just steps from the water, Surf & Sand Resort’s signature restaurant, Splashes, is seaside dining at its finest. Elevated on the beachfront, the scenic eatery overlooks the Laguna Beach shoreline. With the sea just 25 feet below, you can enjoy fresh coastal cuisine while watching the waves roll in—whether you opt to sit inside by an open window or on one Splashes’ palm-shaded patios. Fresh, local ingredients are employed in breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner menus, with dishes such as West Coast oysters, veal sweetbreads and New Zealand sea bream. Or, opt for the chef’s four-course tasting menu—while you listen to the sounds of California’s rolling surf as the sun sets over the sea. 877.741.5908, surfandsandresort.com/splashes
The Rooftop Lounge at La Casa del Camino. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
Tanner’s at Paséa Hotel & Spa
This favorite Huntington Beach eatery features locally sourced California coastal cuisine inspired by surf scenes from around the world paired with diverse flavors. Surfers, locals and travelers alike flock to the rustic-casual restaurant with an open design and breathtaking ocean views— whether from the floor-to-ceiling windows inside, or outside on the patio overlooking the Pacific. New seasonal dishes include pear salad, Cajun fried artichoke and spinach dip, custom poke bowls and hamachi crudo. In March, Tanner’s also debuted a fully dedicated pet restaurant menu, so your furry friend can feast on items like a puppy parfait or protein bowl. Cap off the night with a cocktail at Treehouse by Tanner’s, the rooftop patio bar that’s just upstairs. 714.698.6130, tannershb.com
Photography by:
