Dock and Dine (verb) \ˈdäk and ˈdīn\ : To arrive at any such eating establishment via floating vessel then secure said vessel to a state of immobility so as to partake in a delicious meal.
This might be kind of obvious but there are two major steps involved in a well-executed dock and dine: 1. Dock your boat. 2. Dine.
Sounds easy, right?
Well not so fast, you aspiring dock-and-diner. It’s all about where you dock and of course, where you dine that transforms the experience from a boring, old dinner into an unforgettable event.
Now if you don’t have a boat of your own, we just so happen to know a few people who can help you out with that (hint, hint) but as for the whole dining thing, here are seven Newport Beach choices to anchor your sails—or rented Duffy—and have yourself a meal.
Bluewater Grill
630 Lido Park Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92663
Voted “Best of OC” by The Orange County Register, Bluewater Grill is the epitome of local, sustainably caught seafood. Dine on the outdoor patio to the soothing sounds of water sloshing against the dock as you chow down on sautéed sand dabs, tomatillo-salsa-topped mahi mahi or, if the ocean played nice that day, a just-harpooned swordfish from the restaurant’s very own harpoon boat, Pilikia.
Pizza Nova
2601 W. Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, CA 92663
What began as a San Diego wood-fired pizza experience is now a staple of Orange County Italian cuisine and this particular Pizza Nova—yes, there are several—happens to feature ridiculously beautiful bay-front views. Stay traditional (with a twist) by ordering the roasted tomato arugula and prosciutto pizza or, if you’re feeling feisty and adventurous, try the gorgonzola pear creation, a surprisingly crisp, refreshing spin on the traditional cheese-and-tomatoes pizza staple.
SOL Mexican Cocina
251 Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, CA 92660
Baja-style cooking comes to spicy life at SOL Mexican Cocina. Everything at this waterfront establishment is made fresh every day, including 24 varieties of fresh salsas, handmade margaritas, guacamoles, seafood ceviches and more.
Newport Landing Restaurant and Oyster Bar
Balboa Pavilion, 503 Edgewater Pl., Newport Beach, CA 92661
This two-story restaurant borders the historic Balboa Ferry and on a clear day, offers vistas that stretch all the way to the far-off peak of Saddleback Mountain way beyond the waters of Newport Bay. Munch on clams, crab cakes, oysters calamari and more in an establishment that describes itself as dedicated to satisfying patrons who are “ocean-hearted.” Sigh. That’s so sweet, Newport Landing. Indulge your inner sea-loving self at this maritime-minded locale on the eastern end of the Balboa Peninsula.
The Dock
2816 Lafayette Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92663
From the outside, The Dock looks somewhat unassuming; its storefront appears relatively small, squeezed between the larger shops along Lafayette Avenue. Outside, frosted glass windows obscure much of what lies beyond the front door and a small, circular sign—announcing “The Dock”—is the only indication that a restaurant can be found there. But once you do step inside, you’re instantly transported into a high-ceiling, open-aired, maritime-inspired space that oozes with the undeniable magnetism of old-world, Newport Beach charm. Along the back wall … wait, there is no back wall, just a balcony that opens up onto Newport Bay. Check out the boats floating on by as you choose from any number of delectable items on The Dock’s Mediterranean-infused, continental menu; the caviar limes topping the Hamachi tartare are a must-try, as is the red-wine-drizzled Maple Leaf Farm duck breast.
Woody’s Wharf
2318 Newport Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Woody’s Wharf isn’t just a fun, Newport Beach go-to, it’s an important part of the city’s history. Woody Payne, a longtime local fisherman, opened the establishment in 1965 as a “small, local watering hole where the other fishermen could gather to tell their fishing tales,” according to the restaurant’s official website. (Prior to the location becoming an eatery, Woody used it as a boat repair shop.) Mere months after it launched, Woody’s was the hottest spot in Newport Beach and residents couldn’t get enough; even A-list patrons like John Wayne, Cary Grant, Humphrey Bogart and Mickey Mantle could be found lounging and dining along Woody’s stretch of wharf. In 1988, Chuck Norris, a longtime Woody’s mainstay, bought the place as a present for his wife, Diane, who managed it while legendary actor and martial artist—then struggling thespian—Jean-Claude Van Damme manned the front door. (According to Norris, when he purchased Woody’s it was losing $20,000 per month and soon after became Newport’s No. 1 restaurant, which begs some kind of Chuck Norris joke about his unquestionable awesomeness but we’ll pass.) Today, neither the fisherman Woody nor Chuck Norris own the place; four business partners from Whittier, CA keep Woody’s ticking, though it’s still no less of a cherished Newport spot for waterside eats.
The Cannery
3010 Lafayette Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Two words: Jellyfish. Lounge. The upstairs retreat at The Cannery (decorated with faux, electric jellyfish dangling from the ceiling) has not only garnered the unofficial title of Jellyfish Lounge, it’s also known as one of the best happy hours in Newport Beach. Half price sushi and discounted craft cocktails? Yes, please. Like Woody’s, The Cannery has storied beginnings that start in 1921 when it was a fish cannery and the hub of all commercial fishing in Newport Beach. These days, despite the name staying the same, no fish are canned at The Cannery but it is the place to be for seafood, spirits and spectacular views of Newport Bay.
