There's something undeniably special about arriving at a restaurant by boat. The gentle puttering across the harbor, the wind in your hair, the best ways to experience waterfront dining.
Whether you're cruising in a Duffy boat through Huntington Harbour, exploring Newport Beach's legendary harbor, or discovering the gems of Long Beach, there are dozens of restaurants ready to welcome you dockside. Some will even bring your food out to the boat if you prefer dining on the water.
"Dock and dine transforms a simple dinner into an unforgettable experience. It's the quintessential Southern California way to enjoy a meal."
How Dock & Dine Works
New to dock and dine? Here's how it works:
- Rent a boat – Duffy boats are perfect for dock and dine because they're easy to operate and have a flat deck for easy boarding/deboarding
- Cruise to your restaurant – Most harbor restaurants have dedicated guest docks with blue-and-white marked pilings
- Tie up – Some restaurants have dockhands to help; others are self-service (we'll teach you the basics!)
- Dine – Enjoy your meal on the patio, inside, or order to-go and eat on the boat
- Continue cruising – Work off those calories with more harbor exploring!
Huntington Harbour Favorites
Starting from our home base in Huntington Harbour, you'll find several excellent options for waterfront dining:
Malainey's Grill
A local favorite with all-American classics: juicy burgers, fresh seafood, excellent salads, and pizza. Perfect for casual dock and dine with the whole family. Great happy hour and friendly staff.
The Crab Pot
Famous for their "Seafeast" – buckets of Dungeness crab, shrimp, corn, and potatoes dumped right on your table. Fun, casual, and delicious. A must-try experience that kids absolutely love.
Boathouse on the Bay
Two stories of waterfront dining with outdoor patios, fire pits, and 60+ beers on tap. Stunning sunset views and a menu that ranges from casual bites to full seafood dinners.
Newport Beach Classics
Newport Beach is the undisputed capital of dock and dine in Orange County. With one of the largest recreational harbors on the West Coast, you'll find waterfront restaurants around every bend. Here are the standouts:
Bluewater Grill
Voted "Best of OC" for good reason, sustainably caught seafood, award-winning clam chowder, and a guest dock right on the patio. Their Cruise & Dine platters feed 8-10 people and are perfect for eating on the boat.
The Cannery
A historic 1921 cannery transformed into Newport's premier seafood destination. Fresh, line-caught fish, stunning harbor views, and they even have their own boat for rent. Cioppino is legendary.
Billy's at the Beach
Island vibes and world-famous mai tais. Tiki drinks, pupu platters, and a laid-back atmosphere that feels like you sailed to Hawaii. They'll even bring food to your boat dockside!
Sol Cocina
James Beard-nominated coastal Mexican cuisine. 17 fresh salsas made daily, incredible ceviches, and top-shelf margaritas with waterfront views. The fish tacos are perfection.
More Newport Gems
Newport's harbor has no shortage of amazing spots. Here are a few more worth seeking out:
- The Dock – Intimate, romantic, incredible wine list. Perfect for date night. Reservations essential.
- Nobu Newport – World-famous sushi and Japanese-Peruvian fusion at Lido Marina Village. Upscale and unforgettable.
- Malibu Farm – Farm-to-table California cuisine with organic, locally sourced ingredients. Instagram-worthy everything.
- Lighthouse Café – Breakfast and lunch in an actual lighthouse at Marina Park. Great for families.
- Lido Bottle Works – Craft beer paradise with Michelin Guide-approved food. Perfect pre-cruise spot.
- Woody's Wharf – Historic Newport spot since 1965. John Wayne and Cary Grant used to hang here.
Dock & Dine Etiquette
- Call ahead – Especially weekends. Confirm dock availability and size limits.
- Be ready to tie up – Know basic docking (we'll teach you!) or use restaurants with dockhands.
- Mind the time – Don't monopolize dock space; enjoy your meal and move along.
- Tip the dockhand – If someone helps you tie up, a few dollars is appreciated.
- Support the restaurant – Ordering food/drinks is expected when using their dock.
Long Beach Options
Long Beach Harbor offers its own collection of waterfront dining spots, especially around Alamitos Bay and the marina:
- Boathouse on the Bay – The signature dock and dine destination with sprawling patios and fire pits
- Ballast Point – Craft brewery with harbor views and excellent food
- Parkers' Lighthouse – Iconic seafood spot with panoramic marina views
🍽️ Best for Different Occasions
- Romantic date night: The Dock, Nobu Newport, The Cannery
- Family-friendly: The Crab Pot, Billy's at the Beach, Lighthouse Café
- Group celebrations: Bluewater Grill, Boathouse on the Bay, Woody's Wharf
- Happy hour: Lido Bottle Works, Sol Cocina, Malainey's Grill
- Casual and fun: Billy's at the Beach, Ballast Point, The Crab Pot
Tips for the Perfect Dock & Dine Experience
- Time your cruise: Head out 30-60 minutes before your reservation to enjoy the harbor first
- Sunset dinner: Book your table for sunset. The views are spectacular
- Bring layers: Harbor breezes can be cool, especially after dark
- Order to-go: Many restaurants will pack food for boat-side dining if you prefer
- Make it a tour: Hit appetizers at one spot, dinner at another, dessert at a third
- Designate a captain: Someone needs to drive the boat back!
Ready to Dock & Dine?
Dock and dine is one of the most uniquely Southern California experiences you can have. It transforms an ordinary dinner out into a memorable adventure, cruising the harbor, arriving by boat, enjoying incredible waterfront views, and returning home under the stars.
Whether you're planning a romantic evening, a family outing, or a celebration with friends, our Duffy boats are the perfect way to experience Orange County's best waterfront restaurants. We can help you plan your route, suggest the best spots for your group, and make sure you're comfortable with docking before you head out.
Your table, and your adventure, awaits.
Plan Your Dock & Dine Adventure
Rent a Duffy boat and explore Orange County's best waterfront restaurants.
Call (949) 993-7448 (949) 993-7448
