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Best of Newport Beach

Scenic views for lunch

A midday break is only worth taking if you can look out at something expansive while you eat.

Based on 739 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Tavern House Kitchen + Bar image 1
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Dining happens beside water views with sights of sailing vessels and a marine breeze. Atmosphere blends romantic vibes with spots for singles at the bar. Sound dampening in booths adds comfort to the vibrant setting.

Oceanfront views dominate the scene with a spectacular harbor and sunset backdrop. The bar offers an unparalleled vista that enhances the atmosphere and suits business lunches or casual dining.

Lunch offers a window seat with marina views and a chance to watch boats while sipping cocktails. Service includes attentive staff who enhance the experience during business or family meals.

People are saying

"You get a stunning view of the bay from the window."

"The harbor views are great, especially from a window seat."

"This lunch spot has a spectacular oceanfront view."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Prime Rib is served on Fridays and Saturdays, a must-try for meat lovers.

3

Valet parking costs $6, but street parking is limited in the area.

02
Fashion Island image 1
Shopping mall

Open-air design combines multiple mall sections with stunning architecture and scenic ocean views. Atmosphere feels classy and spacious with relaxing koi ponds and plenty of outdoor seating. Family-friendly features include kid playgrounds and accessible amenities.

Views include ocean vistas and magical sunsets. Outdoor escalators add to the open, scenic feel.

Outdoor patios with a rain wall create a relaxing lunch setting. Options include spots like Great Maple and Joeys, offering a variety of choices while shopping.

People are saying

"It's a beautiful, upscale outdoor mall with a great vibe."

"I loved the beautiful ocean views and relaxing vibe."

"I loved having lunch and shopping here."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tricky during peak hours; arrive early.

2

Security measures are heightened due to recent incidents.

3

High-end stores feature a variety of luxury brands.

03
John Wayne Park image 1

Park offers an elevated vantage point with panoramic views of the harbor and western sky. Atmosphere stays peaceful and calm, with fewer crowds than nearby beaches. Mature trees and gentle slopes frame the breathtaking sunsets and create a tranquil setting for picnics and relaxation.

Offers stunning views of the harbor, ocean, and nearby islands. Provides a peaceful, intimate setting with less crowding while overlooking the Newport Beach islands and Balboa Peninsula.

A peaceful spot with a great lookout makes it ideal for a lunch break. Sitting here offers a chance to enjoy a picnic or meal while taking in the scenic view.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great panoramic view from the elevated vantage point."

"The panoramic scenic views from the elevated vantage point are amazing."

"I found this park to be a great lunch spot with a panoramic ocean view."

Good to know

1

The park offers great views of the harbor and ocean.

2

There are no public restrooms at the park, though they may be available nearby.

3

The free parking lot is adequate for regular use, with additional street parking available.

04
Newport Beach Pier image 1
Fishing pier

Fishing pier offers amazing ocean views and a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere with live music and fire pits on the beach. Amenities include bike rentals, volleyball courts, and nearby restaurants. The area attracts people for surfing, fishing, and relaxing while enjoying scenic sunsets.

Stunning ocean views stretch wide from the pier, offering a big and beautiful Pacific backdrop. Sunsets here turn the sky into a vivid display, making the views especially amazing.

Offers a variety of lunch options including spots like George's and Ruby's. The area provides a pleasant atmosphere for eating or grabbing a drink while enjoying the surroundings.

People are saying

"This beach is beautiful, peaceful, and relaxing."

"The pier offers stunning views, especially at sunset."

"It's a nice, clean Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

Parking payment machine requires cash; cards are not accepted.

2

Parking is very limited and fills up fast near the pier.

3

Public restrooms are available but may not be well maintained.

05
The Resort at Pelican Hill image 1

Resort offers breathtaking ocean views and luxurious, peaceful atmosphere with extraordinary Coliseum Pool and scenic golf course. Spaces feel quiet and private, ideal for relaxation or elegant events. Rooms and outdoor areas present immaculate beauty and comfort.

Unobstructed ocean views stretch for miles from the rooms and golf course. Lush green surroundings and the layout enhance the scenic experience throughout the resort.

Lunch offers a view of the ocean and a chance to enjoy food at the coliseum. Staff help with reservation changes to improve the experience.

People are saying

"The views here are absolutely breathtaking and stunning."

"The scenic views here are absolutely breathtaking."

"The staff here is so helpful and friendly for lunch."

Good to know

1

Daily parking costs $50, which can be a surprise for visitors.

2

The resort hosts large events, which may cause noise disturbances.

3

Valentine's Day experiences are offered, providing special romantic packages.

06
Pendry Newport Beach image 1

Luxury hotel with modern decor and spacious rooms offers stunning views and exquisitely maintained interiors. Atmosphere shifts from quiet and relaxing to lively with loud music and a party-oriented crowd in the evenings. Amenities include live music, an excellent bar and restaurant, and a quaint pool area with cabanas.

Lunch happens on the outside patio with exceptional service from Jana. Asking for Jana ensures attentive care during lunch.

People are saying

"The hotel staff's hospitality was exceptional and so kind."

"I loved the amazing, beautiful, breathtaking, spectacular ocean views from my room."

"I can't wait to return; my stays were outstanding."

Good to know

1

Valet parking costs $50 per day, with no self-parking available.

2

Fashion Island mall is within walking distance from the hotel.

3

A behind-the-scenes tour showcases multiple event spaces for weddings and corporate events.

07
RH Newport Beach | The Gallery at Fashion Island image 1

Showrooms blend breathtaking architecture with Grecian statues and ambient lighting, creating an immersive, museum-like experience. Rooftop seating offers stunning sunset views and a stylish, relaxed atmosphere. The space feels luxurious yet comfortable, attracting a clientele seeking high-end design and craftsmanship.

Balcony offers beautiful sunset views that feel like a luxury hotel setting. The rooftop restaurant features coastal views and a perfect relaxing atmosphere.

A rooftop restaurant offers a beautiful ambiance for lunch or coffee. It suits leisurely meals with friends or dates.

People are saying

"The showrooms felt like a luxurious home, not a store."

"The sunset views from the balcony are gorgeous."

"The ambiance at this lunch spot is truly breathtaking."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dining, especially on weekends.

2

Expect high prices, with sofas costing around $30,000.

3

The gallery is not very accessible for wheelchairs or strollers.

08
Galley Cafe image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Small diner with old-fashioned charm and vinyl booths creates a nostalgic 1957 vibe. It overlooks a busy marina, offering great views of boats and water. The atmosphere feels cozy and lively, popular with locals who enjoy classic breakfast dishes.

Views focus on the marina and harbor, showing water, boats, and yachts. The bay and boat lot add to the beautiful scenery.

Homestyle American breakfast and lunch dishes make this spot a solid choice for midday meals. The menu sticks to breakfast favorites and classic lunch options.

People are saying

"I loved the hearty farmer's breakfast here."

"The scenic views of the water and boats are beautiful."

"The food at this lunch spot is excellent."

Good to know

1

The cafe is open from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. daily.

2

Expect to wait in line as there is no waiting list.

3

Parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

09
Balboa Bay Resort image 1

Waterfront resort offers amazing bay views and a beautiful, immaculately clean setting with seasonal decorations. The atmosphere is lively, especially on weekend nights with music and parties extending late. Amenities include a beautiful pool, spa, boutique, and dining with live music and fire pits.

Rooms offer amazing bay views that stand out. Location provides stunning scenery and easy access to nearby spots.

Waterside seating creates a pleasant atmosphere for lunch. The menu offers snacks, sandwiches, and pastries alongside full meals. The venue feels special and inviting for gatherings with friends or family.

People are saying

"Fatima's professionalism made my hotel stay truly special."

"The bay views are stunning and worth the price."

"The service at this Lunch Spot was so kind and thoughtful."

Good to know

1

Expect hidden fees of $40 per room per night for services at the resort.

2

The resort does not provide beach access for hotel guests.

3

Reservations are recommended for the Sunday seafood extravaganza.

10
Pelican Hill Golf Club image 1

Golf course offers breathtaking ocean views and well-manicured greens with high-tech carts that display distances to pins. Atmosphere feels luxurious and relaxing, enhanced by peaceful pools and a calm spa. Valet parking and attentive service add to the upscale experience.

Offers breathtaking ocean views that create a stunning backdrop. The scenery feels unreal and enhances the overall experience.

Lunch offers a lite menu with options to enjoy on the clubhouse deck. Coffee and beverages complement the meal, making it a good spot to relax after playing.

People are saying

"The ocean views from the golf course are stunning."

"The ocean views from the golf course are stunning."

"The view from this lunch spot overlooking the Pacific is stunning."

Good to know

1

Twilight rates offer a great value for evening rounds of golf.

2

Expect to pay $425 for a standard round of golf.

3

The South Ocean course is well maintained and challenging.

11
VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa image 1

Hotel offers beautiful ocean views and a vibrant pool area with live music on weekends. Atmosphere combines elegant design with occasional loud music late into the evening. Amenities include a large gym, spa, and quality conference facilities.

Rooms offer unobstructed views of the ocean, golf course, and edge pool. The penthouse suite provides amazing panoramic views overlooking the coast.

Lunch offers a mix of experiences with some meals described as delicious and others just okay. Food service covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner consistently.

People are saying

"The hotel staff were friendly and helpful."

"The ocean views from the rooms are stunning."

"I had a wonderful lunch; everything was spot on."

Good to know

1

Valet parking costs $70 per day and is mandatory.

2

The hotel offers a free shuttle service to locations within a 3-mile radius.

3

The resort hosts various events, including a tree-lighting ceremony during the holidays.

12
Bear Flag Fish Co. image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant offers stunning Pacific Ocean views with newly remodeled indoor and outdoor seating that includes a garden-like ambiance and corner bar. Atmosphere stays chill and clean, blending casual vibes with a beautiful beachside setting. Outdoor heaters keep the space comfortable when it gets chilly.

Seating outside offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the beach. The scene includes beautiful million-dollar homes behind the strip and a clear sightline right across the beach.

Quick lunches come with tasty breadsticks from the pizza spot next door. The spot offers a casual vibe and solid flavors for a midday meal.

People are saying

"I thought the fish tacos and poke were really good."

"The lunch spot has great food and outstanding service."

"The scenic views overlooking the ocean are stunning."

Good to know

1

The line can sometimes be a little too long.

2

Be prepared to order yours to go.

3

Seating can be hard to come by.

13
Cabo Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with colorful decor and ocean breeze from open windows creates a lively, party-like atmosphere. Multiple TVs show sports games, attracting a mix of young and middle-aged crowds. Known for giant margaritas and generous nachos, it offers a fun beachside vibe.

Phenomenal views of the Balboa pier area stand out here. The bar offers great views that make it a spot to enjoy breakfast or drinks.

Lunch draws a crowd including groups like LSU Alumni. The spot handles quick meals and offers a lively atmosphere for midday breaks.

People are saying

"You have to try the giant margaritas with the Mexican food."

"The ocean views here are simply phenomenal."

"The Lunch Spot staff was attentive and talkative."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 PM with buy one, get one free beers.

2

Two-for-one cocktails are available during happy hour.

3

Expect confusion around happy hour promotions; they may not always apply.

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