Brian Nagele
Whether you’re a surfer, love the beach, or just want the ideal vacation destination, Huntington Beach is a place you should visit.
This iconic Southern California city is found in world-famous Orange County. There’s less than 37 miles between Huntington Beach and Los Angeles.
My Huntington Beach vacation was like a dream come true, and visiting several of the restaurants here was a key part of the experience.
In fact, the waterfront food scene in Huntington Beach is one of the most impressive features of this gorgeous, sunny city.
Check out my list of the best waterfront restaurants in Huntington Beach below.
Duke’s Huntington Beach
317 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Phone: 714-374-6446
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Named in tribute to the legendary founder of surfing in the United States, Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, Duke’s Huntington Beach is one of the best-known restaurants in Los Angeles.
Huntington Beach Pier is among the most famous landmarks in the city, and Duke’s Huntington beach is situated at its base, directly on the sand.
For a beachy dining experience, you can’t beat Duke’s Huntington Beach. This restaurant focuses on Hawaiian and other American cuisines, and if you love seafood, you’ll certainly feel at home here.
When I visited Duke’s Huntington Beach, I ordered (and happily devoured) the Coconut Shrimp and Fish Tacos. There is also a hospitable bar here for you to enjoy.
Ola Mexican Kitchen
21040 Pacific Coast Hwy f200, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Phone: 714-969-7300
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One of the most impressive features of Ola Mexican Kitchen is its views of the beach and ocean. In fact, this restaurant’s waterfront location and vistas are among its most popular features.
Inside Ola Mexican kitchen I found stylish decor with a unique lighting concept, as well as a sophisticated bar.
Old Mexican Kitchen focuses on Mexican cuisine and cocktails. When I partook in dinner at Ola Mexican Kitchen, I was struck by how well this restaurant merges elevated approaches and flavors with a comfort food feeling.
If you love Mexican food, you’ve got to try the food at Ola Mexican Kitchen at least once. In my opinion, the Filet Mignon Tacos and Chicken Tortilla Soup here are second to none.
Simmzy’s Restaurant Huntington Beach
21028 California 1, Pacific Coast Hwy E-100, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Phone: 714-831-1240
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You don’t need to be a local to have your own Huntington Beach hangout. Simmzy’s Restaurant describes itself as the neighborhood hangout for everyone, and that’s exactly what I found it to be.
The first thing I’ve got to say about Simmzy’s Restaurant is how delicious its burgers are. They have a great burger menu, so there’s something for pretty much everyone.
Which did I choose? The Billionaire Burger. This mouth-watering burger includes top-notch cheddar cheese and candied bacon, and the patty is Mishima reserve American wagyu beef.
Other popular dishes at Simmzy’s Restaurant include the Bacon Blue Deluxe Burger, Grilled White Shrimp, 15-Minute Wings, and Hawaiian Tuna Poke Bowl.
BLK Earth Sea Spirits
Pierside Pavilion, 300 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Phone: 714-960-0996
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BLK Earth Sea Spirits is another of the many fantastic waterfront restaurants in Huntington Beach.
This well-known Huntington Beach restaurant opened back in 2015, and it’s been a local sensation ever since.
If fresh seafood and Kobe-Style hand-cut steaks sound tempting, head over to BLK Earth Sea Spirits sometime during your stay in Huntington Beach. It’s conveniently situated in the Pierside Pavilion.
You can dine inside or outside at BLK Earth Sea Spirit. If you opt for the outdoors, you can enjoy dinner on the heated terrace with breathtaking ocean views.
That is where I sat during my meal at BLK Earth Sea Spirits. It was a wonderful setting for enjoying my Surf and Turf dish. Also check out the craft cocktails available at BLK Earth Sea Spirits.
Watertable
21500 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Phone: 714-845-4776
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One of the many fantastic features of Watertable is the tranquil outdoor seating with a close and spectacular view of the ocean.
The indoor dining room is also lovely, with sleek contemporary decor. And don’t forget about the food. No one could, as Watertable serves top-notch, delicious dishes.
Watertable serves American cuisine of the highest order. This restaurant is also known for its mixology and crafted cocktails.
The wine list is great, too. But what meal did I order at Watertable? I went for one of the most popular dishes, the Grilled Baby Lamb Chops.
If I’d gone to Watertable for breakfast, I would have gone with the Apple French Toast.
Pete’s Sunset Grille
21500 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Phone: 714-845-4775
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Are you staying at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa? You’ll definitely want to eat at Pete’s Sunset Grille, a restaurant within the hotel, while you’re there.
You may even want to head over there if you are staying somewhere else. That’s what I did, as I heard so many good things about this local eating spot.
My favorite dish here was the signature fish tacos. I paired them with a delicious beachy cocktail. The atmosphere here is casual, so you can kick back and relax for your lunch or dinner.
At Pete’s Sunset Grille, you find culinary creations inspired by famous coastal locations around the globe.
Sandy’s Beach Shack
315 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Phone: 714-374-7273
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You’ll come across Sandy’s Beach Shack during your memorable visit to the Huntington Beach Pier. Sandy’s Beach Shack is so beachy it is situated directly on the sand. If you want a laidback lunch, you can’t go wrong with Sandy’s Beach Shack.
Sit back and enjoy the breezy menu on offer here. I recommend everything I enjoyed on my visits to Sandy’s Beach Shack, including the Swordfish Tacos, the Fish and Chips, and the Clam Chowder. And the craft beers here are top-notch and one of its main attractions.
I absolutely loved Sandy’s Beach Shack and its style and decor. It features a mid-century beach-party vibe.
Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge
21100 CA-1, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Phone: 714-845-8000
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You should visit Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge at The Waterfront Beach Resort whether or not you stay at that glorious hotel.
As you’ve probably already guessed from the word “Rooftop,” Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge sits atop The Waterfront Beach Resort’s roof, offering spectacular waterfront views.
I was excited about my evening at Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge, and I wasn’t disappointed. I enjoyed parking of the Charcuterie and Cheese Board, which is perfect for sharing with a group.
Other items I tried include the Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail and Rocio’s Cheese Burger Slides. I recommend everything at Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge.
Chic and stylish, Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge is the perfect place for an elegant evening out. There are wonderful wines and signature cocktails available.
Pacific Hideaway
500 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Phone: 714-965-4448
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Head over to the Pacific Hideaway to indulge in the creations of Executive Chef Gilbert Laurie. He has recently been recognized as Huntington Beach’s Top Chef. Enough said.
With more than 23 years of experience in the industry, Gilbert Laurie is equipped to bring you the finest culinary creations.
With its location on Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Hideaway boasts a breathtaking view of the ocean. If you can, arrange to eat at Pacific Hideaway so you’ll be there at sunset.
Locals and tourists alike will tell you about the spectacular sunset-viewing experience you get at Pacific Hideaway. Sip on one of this restaurant’s craft cocktails as you drink in your surroundings.
Bear Flag Fish Co.
21058 CA-1 #124, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Phone: 714-374-0558
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Have you ever eaten at a restaurant that catches its own fish? That is the unique experience found at Bear Flag Fish Co. I also appreciated this restaurant’s pleasant location in the Pacific City area, in close proximity to the ocean.
The seafood used in all Bear Flag Fish Co.’s dishes is of unsurpassed freshness and quality. This restaurant offers a sushi bar and a drinks bar.
When I went to Bear Flag Fish Co. for lunch, I tried the salmon sushi and sashimi. Both are highly recommended. Other popular dishes here are the Fish Sandwich, Fish Burrito, Grilled Fish Plate, and Seafood Plate.
Watertable is probably one of the best, beautiful restaurants in Huntington Beach. The food is out of this world. No matter what meal you eat there, breakfast or dinner, you won’t be disappointed. The breakfast buffet has anything you might be craving. Anything off the breakfast menu also will not disappoint! The dinner steak is so tender, the salmon is delicious. Fresh baked warm bread comes with dinner ❤️
Sandy’s is really fun with lots of great choices on the menu. The burger’s are delicious, the chicken tacos are amazing. Great bloody Mary’s and a nice wine selection.