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Expect long lines in summer at this indoor--outdoor dining spot serving up the freshest local fish (swordfish, sea bass, halibut, and tuna) and a wide range of creative seafood dishes (the Hawaiian-style poke salad with ahi tuna is a local favorite). Order at the counter, which doubles as a seafood market, and sit inside or outside on a grand patio. This is one of the few restaurants in Southern California with its own fishing boat, so there's a good chance some line-caught local fish will be on the menu. Oysters are a great choice, and the fish tacos topped with the homemade hot sauce are not to be missed. This restaurant is so popular that it opened two other locations at Crystal Cove and Huntington Beach.
3421 Via Lido, Newport Beach, California, 92663, USA
Known For
- Fresh catches thanks to restaurant fishing boat
- Fish tacos with homemade hot sauce
- Craft beers
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Set on an expansive deck overlooking the water and a few boats, Descanso Beach Club serves a wide range of favorites: grilled burgers, street tacos, clam chowder, salads, and layered nachos, along with the island's sweet signature cocktail, Buffalo Milk---a mix of fruit liqueurs, vodka, and whipped cream. Firepits and chic beach cabanas add to the scene, as does the sound of happy and terrified screams from the zipliners in the canyon above the beach. There is a shop to purchase beach items, and a stand to rent kayaks and snorkel equipment.
1 Descanso Ave., Avalon, California, 90704, USA
Known For
- Tropical beach vibe
- Scenic views
- Chic cabana rentals
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Located in what used to be the Victor Hugo Inn, Las Brisas is now a Laguna Beach landmark restaurant. Sit on the expansive patio to take in the spectacular coastline views while enjoying signature margaritas and coastal Mexican cuisine with a California twist. Look for the lobster Benedict for breakfast and brunch and the whole grilled fish served with black beans, rice, salsa, and freshly made corn tortillas for dinner.
361 Cliff Dr., Laguna Beach, California, 92651, USA
Known For
- Fresh seafood
- Panoramic coastal views
- Reservations a must
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Cordelia Knott's fried chicken and boysenberry pies drew crowds so big in the 1930s, that Knott's Berry Farm built a park to keep the hungry customers occupied while they waited. The Western-theme restaurant serves crispy home-style fried chicken, along with handmade biscuits, mashed potatoes, gravy, and Mrs. Knott's signature chilled cherry-rhubarb compote. The adjacent Marketplace has a grab-and-go counter to order and take home Knott's fried-chicken dinners.
8039 Beach Blvd., California, 90620, USA
Known For
- Famous fried chicken
- Long waits especially on weekends
- Pies and desserts
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The owner and executive chef Bruno Serato is one of the most beloved and famous philanthropists in Anaheim, known as much for his mission to feed America's hungry children as for his fine-dining Italian restaurant where standout dishes include lobster ravioli, Italian gourmet pizza, and his signature steamed salmon "chocolat" served with Belgium white-chocolate mashed potatoes. Grilled hanger steak dazzles with a green chimichurri sauce, and the Angus beef filet mignon is served with a savory Italian porcini sauce. Save room for the Jackie O showstopping dessert platter for four people.
887 S. Anaheim Blvd., California, 92805, USA
Known For
- Classic Mediterranean cuisine
- Celebratory fine-dining venue
- Celeb chef
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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On the site of an old sportfishing dock, this popular spot offers a variety of seasonal seafood, shellfish, meat, and poultry. There’s a tranquil bay view from either the dining room, which is adorned with early-1900s fishing photos, or the waterfront patio. Favorites include miso-glazed black cod, local rockfish snapper, and all different types of shellfish including oven-baked lobster tail. There's an emphasis on freshness—the menu changes daily—and wines and craft brews are reasonably priced.
630 Lido Park Dr., Newport Beach, California, 92663, USA
Known For
- Boat and harbor views
- Happy hour specials
- Daily-changing menu of fresh fish
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Overlooking the entire harbor, this open-to-the-sea-air patio is the preferred spot to dine on freshly caught fish, savory chowders, and all manner of shellfish. Order a swordfish steak, the lobster roll, or the sand dabs if they are on the menu. Save room for homemade Key lime pie or java mud pie. The dining room has an understated nautical vibe. Fishing rods serve as room dividers, and plank floors lend a casual feel inside and out. Vintage black-and-white photos acknowledge the island's famed sportfishing legacy. Happy hour offers craft beers, potent cocktails, and tasty bites like fried calamari and oyster shooters.
306 Crescent Ave., Avalon, California, 90704, USA
Known For
- Fresh local fish
- Handcrafted cocktails
- Overwater harbor views
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There is no Starbucks on the island, so the Catalina Coffee & Cookie Company is very popular in the morning. While you're grabbing your coffees, lattes, and mochas, you may want to kick-start the day with fresh-baked pastries, a hot breakfast burrito, or one of their custom made-to-order bagel sandwiches. Sit outside at one of the tables in the quaint Metropole Market Place.
205 Crescent Ave., Avalon, California, 90704, USA
Known For
- Dark chocolate pistachio bars
- Bagel sandwiches
- Popular breakfast spot
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Open daily 6–4.
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Just across the street from Mission San Juan Capistrano, this restaurant has a patio that's perfect for a late lunch or a romantic dinner. The menu is fairly straightforward, with dishes that are tasty and portions that are substantial—try the "Brown Derby" Cobb salad or Cedar Creek burger at lunch, or the prime rib for dinner. There are gluten-free and vegetarian options, plus a variety of beers, specialty cocktails, and wines.
26860 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, California, 92675, USA
Known For
- View of the historic mission
- Coconut cake
- Comfortable seating and patio
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Freshly caught seafood reigns supreme at this homage to surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku; it's also a prime people-watching spot right at the beginning of Huntington Beach Pier. Choose from several fish-of-the-day selections—many topped with Hawaiian ingredients—and shellfish like lobster, king crab, and shrimp. Or try the crispy coconut shrimp or fresh ahi tuna fish tacos. Duke's mai tai is not to be missed. And save room for a slice of the Kimo Original Hula Pie, with chocolate cookie crust, macadamia nut ice cream, hot fudge, toasted macadamia nuts, and whipped cream. Open for lunch, brunch, and dinner. Every Monday they offer a Burger and Beverage special for $19 from 4 to 9 pm. Taco Tuesday special in the Barefoot Bar is two tacos with fresh chips and salsa for $13.
317 Pacific Coast Hwy., California, 92648, USA
Known For
- Hawaiian-style decor
- Gorgeous sunset views
- Mai tai cocktails
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Each morning this gelato shop makes fresh small batches of artisanal gelatos and dairy-free sorbettos in a variety of appealing flavors. Located in back of the charming Peppertree Lane shopping center, there is a small outdoor patio where people gather to enjoy the authentic Italian gelato after a day at the beach or to cap off an evening.
448 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, California, 92651, USA
Known For
- Authentic Italian gelato
- Fruit flavors
- Patio gathering spot
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Established in 1999, this trendy restaurant has an open kitchen, comfortable booths, and outdoor seating. The patio is a fantastic place to hang out to enjoy a shrimp cocktail and glass of wine. They make heavenly biscuits, shucked oysters, grilled California artichokes, pan-seared ahi tuna burger, New Orleans barbecue shrimp, and a cedar plank-roasted salmon. It gets noisy near the bar area, so come early or retreat onto the patio if you prefer a quieter spot.
850 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach, California, 92660, USA
Known For
- Oysters on the half shell
- Local hangout
- Outdoor patio
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This Laguna Beach establishment set in a historic Craftsman-style building is part gourmet pantry (a must-stop for your every picnic need) and part global dining adventure. Enjoy comfort cuisine from around the world paired with an eclectic wine and beer list. Brunch is best enjoyed outdoors on the sunny patio under colorful umbrellas. An iconic statue of Eiler Larsen aka "The Greeter" of Laguna Beach is a prominent feature on the corner of the property.
1200 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, California, 92651, USA
Known For
- Sapphire salad
- Weekend brunch
- Pet-friendly patio
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This Southern California landmark sitting on a bluff off the PCH is the perfect spot to get a quick breakfast burrito or pancake combo. During lunch and dinner they make tasty Cove burgers served with a side of French fries or coleslaw, fish-and-chips, and a seared ahi sandwich. The menu also includes a vegan Impossible burger, banana date shakes, and root beer floats.
7703 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Coast, California, 92657, USA
Known For
- More than 30 different shake flavors
- Incredible ocean views
- Small parking lot with 30-minute limit
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A hop, skip, and a jump from the bay, this popular second-floor restaurant keeps regulars happy with sizzling steaks and locally caught swordfish and shrimp. The sultry black-and-blue decor and old-fashioned supper club feel creates a romantic atmosphere set off with stunning harbor views.
417 Crescent Ave., Avalon, California, 90704, USA
Known For
- Friendly staff
- Water views
- Steak and seafood dinners
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$ | Balboa Island |
Stop by ice cream parlor Sugar 'N Spice for a Balboa Bar—a slab of vanilla ice cream dipped first in chocolate and then in a topping of your choice such as hard candy, chopped nuts, or Oreo crumbs. Other parlors serve the concoction, but Sugar 'N Spice claims to have invented it back in 1945.
310 Marine Ave., Newport Beach, California, 92662, USA
Known For
- Inventor of the Balboa Bar
- Frozen banana
- Local institution
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This may look like a fast-food taco stand with salads, quesadillas, and nachos on the menu, but the quality of the food here equals that in many higher-price restaurants. Some Mexican standards get a seafood twist, like swordfish, calamari, and shrimp tacos. Other favorites include blackened mushroom-and-tofu tacos, salads, and bowls. They also offer a vegan menu with veggie tacos, hemp blackened burgers, and bowls. It stays open until midnight on Friday and Saturday. All seating is outside, making this a great people-watching spot.
640 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, California, 92651, USA
Known For
- Vegetarian and vegan tacos
- Sidewalk seating
- Surfer clientele
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Walk through the quaint Laguna Beach artist village to get to the Cliff and its 180-degree views of Main Beach and the Pacific coastline. The multilevel dining patios serve hearty breakfasts and coastal seafood favorites for lunch and dinner. Firepits, outdoor heaters, and blankets keep diners warm when the marine air grows chilly in the evening. This is also a popular happy hour spot where people stay to enjoy the sunset and then remain for dinner.
577 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, California, 92651, USA
Known For
- Some of Laguna Beach's best ocean-view dining
- Reservations necessary
- Splurge-worthy seafood towers
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Since 1975, this old-school, artsy eatery in Laguna provides healthy, organic vegan salads, bowls, burritos, tamales, veggie burgers, pita pocket sandwiches, fresh fruit soft serve, and smoothies.
238 Thalia St., Laguna Beach, California, 92651, USA
Known For
- 100% plant-based vegan food
- Brown rice burritos
- Nut-milk shakes
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A local favorite in the morning and throughout the day for organic heirloom coffee and hand-blended fine organic teas, Urth also serves health-conscious food as well as pastries outside on the charming garden patio looking out at the Laguna Art Museum across the street. For lunch and dinner, they offer a variety of salads, soups, bowls, pizzas, and signature sandwiches. Heartier fare includes a Mediterranean platter, Urth tamales, lasagna, and an Asian-style nori plum rice wrap. There is a children's menu, too.
308 N. Pacific Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, California, 92651, USA
Known For
- Health-conscious cuisine
- Organic coffee and tea
- Long lines on the patio during peak hours and weekends
