Where to Eat in Huntington Beach: From Breakfast to Dinner

Spending some time in Surf City USA and wondering where to eat? I’ve got you! After exploring the area earlier this year, I put together a list of where to eat in Huntington Beach, California, so you don’t have to spend time trying to figure it out.

Collage with short rib dish, sushi, chocolate pie. and fried shrimp.

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This gorgeous part of Southern California is known for surfing, so be sure to bookmark my guide to Huntington Beach beaches. Each beach has its own charm, but they are all a little different, so decide in advance where you’ll want to spread out your towel.

Where is Huntington Beach?

Located along the Pacific Coast Highway in Orange County, Huntington Beach lies about 35 miles south of Los Angeles and just north of Newport Beach. Its prime location on Southern California’s Orange Coast makes it an easy and convenient getaway for beach lovers.

On the map below, you can see each restaurant’s location, so you can just pull it up on your phone when it’s time to eat. Note that the busiest time to visit Huntington Beach is summer, so expect higher hotel rates and fewer parking spots. Personally, I think the best time to visit is April and May in the spring, and September and October in the fall. I was there in April, and the weather was perfect, but there’s really not a bad time to visit Huntington Beach.

How to Pack for a Beach Vacation

Packing for the beach is easy, but forgetting something means you’ll have to buy it there and bring something else home, which no one wants to do. Go ahead and grab my free printable packing list so you don’t forget a thing.

Most hotels provide towels you can take to the beach. Many of the nicer hotels even have sand toys, though you have to grab them early in the day as there is a limited supply.

I stayed at The Waterfront Hotel, which was lovely. The pool faces the beach and gives you easy access when you’re ready to head over to relax on the sand or watch the surfers. In fact, one of my favorite restaurants in Huntington Beach was right in my hotel, so let’s get to that list.

Best Restaurants in Huntington Beach California

1 Oz Coffee

I start every day with coffee, and the flavor of the coffee at 1 Oz Coffee was incredible. They start with quality beans, so you know it’s going to be good. They even teach classes from making the perfect espresso at home to creating a beautiful latte.

I typically don’t eat breakfast, but when I saw the syrniki at 1 Oz Coffee, I could not resist. This was my first syrniki, and I really need to learn to make them. The best description I’ve seen is a cross between a pancake and cheesecake, but it was so light and fluffy, I’m not sure that does it justice. Trust me on this one. Order the syrniki.

Pastries with yogurt and fruit in a grey bowl with a lattee coffee above on left and local magazines above on right.

If you really don’t want to start the day with something sweet, you’ll have a lot of other choices. From Croque Monsieur to bagels with a variety of fillings, there really is something on the menu for everyone.

On top of all the great coffee choices and delicious food, I just loved the decor and warmth of 1 Oz Coffee. It felt very welcoming, making it the perfect first stop of the day. Find 1 Oz Coffee at 155 5th Street, Suite 121.

IYKYK! Coffee Lab

For a bit of a different experience, IYKYK! Coffee Lab brings together coffee, breakfast, music, and art. In the mornings, you might arrive just in time for a DJ spinning perfect tunes for waking up. Pop in during the afternoon, and you might catch a funk house playlist.

The music is a big draw, but the farm-to-cup coffee is really what shines. You can trace each bean by checking out the varieties on their website, like Joyride, which hails from Brazil and Ethiopia.

Cappuccino with an iced scone on a flattened white bag.

If you’re hungry, you can choose from a plethora of donuts and bagels. Have a seat and chill out. If you know, you know. IYKYK! Coffee Lab is located at 21508 Pacific Coast Highway, inside the Pacific City retail hub.

Jolie & The Belle

The view of the beach from Jolie & The Bell is probably one of the best in the city, though I was hard-pressed to take my eyes off the food. Start with a cocktail, of which you’ll have a lot of choices. I’d suggest the Spritz.

Two orange colored cocktails on a wood table with blurred view of beach in background

The appetizer menu is right up my alley. We started with the Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Stack, which is an absolute must. This amazing creation starts with a layer of perfectly crisp sushi rice on top of pickled cucumber slices, then topped with a hefty layer of ahi tuna mixed with their house-made spicy sauce.

Hands holding a tuna appetizer layered over pickles on a white plate.

Not a seafood fan? Try the goat cheese-stuffed artichoke hearts or the meatballs. Honestly, I could just order appetizers there and be happy. Calamari with cherry peppers and house-made marinara? Yes, please.

For entrees, I’d recommend the Thai Curry Sea Bass, the Pistachio Panko Crusted Halibut, or the Braised Short Rib, which you can see in the very first photo above. I tasted them all, and you can’t go wrong with any of these dishes.

Panko- crusted fish on top of a red sauce with vegetables in the background on a white plate with other dishes behind.

Don’t leave without tasting the Ube Basque Cheesecake or the Seasonal Cobbler. You’re welcome. Jolie & The Belle is located at 300 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 220, right across from the beach.

Slice of purple cake with powdered sugar and a purple flower on a grey plate.

Housemade fruit cobbler with ice cream in a small black cast iron pan.

Duke’s Huntington Beach

Don’t miss a stroll along the iconic Huntington Beach Pier. When it’s time to turn around and walk back to the beach, you’ll see Duke’s Huntington Beach just at the beginning of the Pier on the right. The sunsets from Duke’s are spectacular.

You can’t just dine at Duke’s without knowing at least a little of his history. Duke Paoa Kahanamoku was an Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer in Hawaii, and introduced surfing to the Atlantic Coast of the United States, as well as New Zealand and Australia. Planning a trip down under? Check out the Best Surf Spots in Australia before you go.

Duke was the first person inducted into both the Swimming and Surfing Halls of Fame, and was posthumously inducted into the US Olympic Hall of Fame. With locations in Malibu, La Jolla, and three Hawaiian destinations, this family-owned business feels right at home in Surf City USA.

Duke’s has a lovely long wine list, which was where I began my visit. Once I had wine in hand, I ordered several appetizers so I could try different dishes. My server said I had to order the Crispy Coconut Shrimp and the Poke Tacos.

Tuna poke tacos, calamari tenders, crab cakes, and fried shrimp next to a glass of white wine on a wood table.

I love crab cakes (though I do judge them to see if they are as good as my Old Bay Crab Cakes), and as they aren’t always available at Duke’s, I had to try them. They were huge, filled with crab meat, and delicious. I didn’t taste any Old Bay seasoning, but I do think that’s an East Coast thing.

I also ordered the Panko-Crusted Calamari. This is not the rings you might be used to, but more like calamari tenders. They were also really good, served with both guava cocktail sauce and Meyer lemon remoulade.

Duke’s has a few special nights, like Burger and Beer Monday, and there’s even a Beyond Burger option for those who want a veggie burger. Taco Tuesday looks amazing, too.

Note that the portions are large, and you have to save room for the Hula Pie. You just can’t go to Duke’s without trying it. Again, I don’t think they do anything small, and it’s a large serving of luscious ice cream pie. Now that you are stuffed to the gills, go for a walk on the Pier. Duke’s Huntington Beach is located at 317 Pacific Coast Highway, right on the beach.

Slice of ice cream pie topped with melted chocolate.

Sushi Nigiriba

One of the newest spots in Huntington Beach, Sushi Nigiriba specializes in Omakase, a menu experience planned out for you. The fish served at Sushi Nigiriba is the freshest you’ll find, managed under Japan’s strict freshness standards.

Sitting at the counter, you can see the preparation of each piece of sushi, including the handcrafted sauces and freshly grown herbs. You’ll have four choices, from Nigiriba Simple to the Nigiriba Chef’s Table, for larger appetites.

The chef recommended Nigiriba Signature is a good choice, considered to be the soul of their kitchen.

Piece of tuna sashimi with housemade sauce and garnish.

Seared fish with housemade sauce and fresh garnish.

It includes edamame, 9 pieces of Nigiri, 1 handroll, and a dessert.

Hand holding a black and brown plate of mochi ice cream.

I was also treated to the eel, below, which was incredible. Seared right before my eyes, and so tender.

Long strip of seared eel on a long black plate with chopsticks and green sauce at one end.

I loved the slow pace of Omakase, but if you have to get back to work, let them know, and they can recommend the quickest menu items. To-go orders are also available, so take a look at the selection of boxes and order online. Visit Sushi Nigiriba at 180 5th Street, Suite 130.

Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge

I had only planned to have a cocktail for sunset at Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge. It’s connected to The Waterfront, where I stayed, and I had heard the sunset was incredible.

The cocktail menu is creative, even featuring a nice list of mocktails. As I knew I would be drinking wine later with dinner, I opted for the charcuterie board. It was huge, but I had already made friends, so it was perfect for sharing.

Wood board with charcuterie, crackers, cheese, pickles, and sauces on balck table.

Interested in a special on a cold beer, La Marca Prosecco, or selected lite bites for just $6?Power Hour is from 4 PM until 5 PM on Monday through Friday, and 2 PM until 5 PM on Saturday and Sunday, when you’ll also be treated to a live DJ. Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge is located inside the Waterfront Beach Resort at 21100 Pacific Coast Highway.

Henry’s Coastal Cuisine

This was definitely one of my favorite meals in Huntington Beach. The inviting atmosphere had me relaxing the minute I arrived. I sat outside, and the weather was just perfect.

Henry’s has a great wine list, and my server, Kyle, helped me choose based on what I typically like to drink. He also suggested the starter of Truffle Short Rib Agnolotti, which was delicate pasta bundles tucked into butternut squash purée with roasted hazelnuts and whipped ricotta. It was a large portion that would be perfect for sharing, and I had to stop myself from finishing it so I could eat my entree.

Butternut squash puree topped with pasta, cheese, hazelnuts, and microgreens.

For my main meal, I actually ordered another starter. Kyle recommended the Beet Root Cured Ora King Salmon. It was delicious and served with baby beets and asparagus tips.

Salmon with housemade sauce, roasted beets, and asparagus tips.

Henry’s entrees feature so many choices, from pan-roasted fish to a decadent burger made with filet mignon and 30-day dry-aged New York strip. They also have vegetarian and gluten-free options, so everyone in your party will have great choices.

Note that Henry’s dress code is smart casual, so don’t plan to come from the pool in a towel! It’s also recommended that you make a reservation to be sure they can accommodate you. Visit Henry’s Coastal Cuisine inside the Waterfront Beach Resort, 21100 Pacific Coast Highway.

Nardo Italian Restaurant

I visited Nardo Italian Restaurant on my first night in Huntington Beach. I usually do at least a little research before deciding where to eat, but I just happened upon Nardo, and I’m so glad I did.

I found a spot at the bar and wasn’t there three minutes before the bartender was pouring me a glass of Italian red wine. Good start. Nardo specializes in cuisine from Puglia, in southern Italy. The wood-fired oven had me thinking pizza, and my neighbors at the bar were raving about it.

I started with the Watermelon Salad, which was fresh and flavorful. I do have to say I should have thought through that it wasn’t really watermelon season, so give that some thought when ordering. The watermelon was totally fresh, just not very sweet.

Watermelon salad with greens, cucumber, and feta cheese in a light grey bowl with a glass of wine and a menu in the background.

I followed the salad with the Polpettine, Neapolitan meatballs in a spicy sauce, served with grilled bread from that wood-fired oven. I was planning to see how hungry I was after the salad and meatballs, but the portions were pretty large. You’ll have to forgive me for not sharing a photo. The meatballs looked so good, but I dug in and completely forgot to get a photo until about halfway through!

If you enjoy a meal of appetizers, this is the spot for you. I wanted to try the Bruschetta with Figs and Olives, Caprese, and the Fried Calamari and Shrimp, so I’ll definitely go back to this spot the next time I’m in Surf City. Check out Nardo at 21022 Pacific Coast Highway.

Bear Flag Fish Co.

I hadn’t been in Huntington Beach long when I spied Bear Flag Fish Co. right across from the beach. I was so hungry, and saw tacos and beer, which is the perfect way to start any trip.

Fish taco on a white square plate with a beer set on a wood bar wih the beach in the background.

Though the fish taco was really delicious, I’m glad I only opted for one. Once I saw the deli case full of seafood, I knew I had to have the tuna poke. Between some of the freshest poke I’ve ever eaten and that view, I was a happy camper.

Tuna poke in a bowl with tortilla chips with a beer in the background.

If you happen to check out Bear Flag and see a long line, it’s not unusual. It’s really good! Lucky for you, that line moves fast, so not to worry. There’s also bar seating.

This is a spot I would go back to again and again if I lived in Huntington Beach or the surrounding area. Find Bear Flag Fish Co. at 21058 Pacific Coast Highway.

Though I enjoyed dining at all these spots, you can always grab a takeout order and eat on the balcony of your hotel for that gorgeous sunset. I’ve got just the place to stay, too.

Where to Stay in Huntington Beach

I stayed at The Waterfront Beach Resort at 21100 Pacific Coast Highway and would choose it all over again if I went back. I loved the location, the luxury, the exceptional service, the vibe, and that view!

View of a pool and the beach from a hotel balcony.

It’s nice when there are on-site restaurants, and as I said earlier, I loved Henry’s Coastal Cuisine and Offshore Rooftop Lounge. I didn’t make it to Cabo Wabo Pool Bar, Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo Beach Club, or the Driftwood Beach Club (at the pool), but they were busy, so I’m sure they were all good.

There’s also a Super Hero Marketplace for to-go snacks, coffee, ice cream, and just about anything you might need from a convenience store. I also loved all the included amenities:

free shuttle
tropical style outdoor pool
dog-friendly
Waterfront spa – Drift
Current By Drift Gift Store
pool cabanas
bike rentals

Bookmark this information when you start planning your Huntington Beach getaway so all you have to think about is relaxing in that wonderful California sunshine.