Where to find the freshest ocean-to-plate fare

Fresh fish is a big part of healthy eating—for many good reasons. There’s no better place to support a seafood kick than Newport Beach, which has a serious reputation for some of the area’s best catch. From tender halibut to the best crab legs in town, here’s around-up of restaurants serving delicious and sustainable ocean-to-plate fare.

Lido Bottle Works

In front of the harbor, right in the heart of Lido Marina Village, you’ll find this gem of a restaurant. Here, the kitchen churns out some of the best seafood-based dishes in the city. Summer menu favorites include the squid ink pasta, which stars the salty-sweet Dungeness crab and uni. Not to mention, every single day, the chef whips up an equally delicious “catch of the day” special. Word to the wise: don’t pass it up. Check out the Wellness Week Menu offer HERE.

Bear Flag

This seafood haven in Crystal Cove (second location in Lido Marina Village) offers up a diverse menu that’s sure to present a challenge to anyone with decision-making issues. You’ve got burritos, poke bowls, tacos as well as custom seafood plates. (The kitchen is very much open to tailoring dishes to your needs). And just in case you need a little nudge in the right direction, the folks at Bear Flag pick their freshest catch and recommend a “fish of the day” every day. One thing that’s an all-time favorite? Their creamy, New-England-style clam chowder, a definite crowd pleaser.

Dory Deli

Don’t befooled by the word “deli.” Nestled along the Balboa Peninsula boardwalk, just a stone’s throw away from the beach, this gem is so much more than the sort of place that slings tuna mayo on white-sliced. The name “Dory Deli” came from the historic Dory Fleet Market which opened in 1891 where enterprising fisherman could sell their fish to the public. The market still exists today along the Newport Pier and is recognized as a local historical landmark. Dory Deli emphasizes fresh and quality seafood. Go here for flawless beer battered fish and chips, and wasabi-crusted ahi tuna burgers offered in a low-key bar setting. Don’t miss: the deli’s monthly seafood special. (This month, it’s a Peruvian salmon poke bowl, made with salmon, sweet potato, watermelon radish, avocado and chives, all served alongside chips).

The Cannery – Seafood of the Pacific 

Go to this waterfront restaurant for the spectacular harbor views. Stay for the fresh ocean fare. Standouts include the baked Peruvian scallops and the Snake River rainbow trout, which comes resting on a bed of gnocchi sardi, cotechino sausage, roasted tomato emulsion and scarlet beans. The restaurant also houses a sushi bar, which features daily specials made with the freshest catch.

Buddha’s Favorite

Dine Newport Beach took a recent field trip to this hidden sushi spot on the docks of Cannery Village. Buddha’s Favorite is a local treasure that serves up some of the best sake and sushi rolls on the coast. Every dish from the kitchen is made from the freshest ingredients and family recipes that originated in Japan. Enjoy this Weekly Bites feature that will surely inspire a visit.

Written By: Mariam Makatsaria