Rusty Pelican Restaurant, Newport Beach, CA

Rusty Pelican Restaurant

Name: Rusty Pelican Restaurant
Address: 2735 W Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA, United States, 92663
Telephone: (949) 642-3431
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.6

4.6

5912 Reviews

$30 and under

Seafood

Top Tags:

With spectacular waterfront views and an eclectic menu of fresh seafood and tender steaks, it's no wonder Rusty Pelican has become a Newport Beach dining destination. We are proud to be a recipient of Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence for 2011-2020 – a distinction bestowed upon only the nation's premier restaurants.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Oct 1, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 55 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Seafood, Steak, American
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu 11:30 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–10:00 pm Sun 11:00 am–9:00 pm
Phone number
(949) 642-3431
Website
http://www.rustypelican.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Private party facilities
Located on Pacific Coast Highway on the bay, we feature a commanding two story view of Newport bay, cozy fireplaces, waterfront patio seating, intimate lounge, full bar, 4 flat-screen TVs, and entertainment Friday and Saturday’s. Rusty Pelican Newport Beach is perfect for special events like rehearsal dinners, holiday parties, business gatherings, employee appreciation lunches, baby showers, and more!
Private party contact
Renee Gudzunas: (714) 635-4867

Location
2735 W Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Neighborhood
Newport Beach
Cross street
Riverside Dr
Parking details
Valet
Entertainment
Enjoy live music in our upstairs lounge on Friday and Saturday nights.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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Gift card

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Popular dishes

What 5,912 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.5Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Orange County
Seafood
South Orange County
Seafood

5,912 Reviews

AL
AmberLite
Vancouver
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great experience from start to finish. Valet parking, greeted by two lovely hostesses and Ryan took great care of us as always upstairs in the bar. Food delicious as we’ve come to expect. Australian Lobster definitely a worthwhile treat. See you again soon!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Minneapolis
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service4ambience4
Tremendous food, service and view! Great for a business dinner or a night out with friends.
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M
Mommabear
Orange County
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were having a family vacation (with a 5 month old, a 1 1/2 year old and a 2 year old. My grandkids are very well behaved and the restaurant was also very accommodating to our party size and additions. I think we also perked up some of the seniors there eating. The food was as usual... amazing! And the littles loved seeing the boats!
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P
Peach
Los Angeles
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love this place!!! Our server Cameron was excellent. Thank you for making our date night perfect.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
12 reviews
vip
3.0
12 reviews
Dined on September 24, 2023
overall3food4service2ambience5
Unfortunately this was not the experience we are used to having while dining at the Rusty Pelican. We sat in the bar area upstairs because we’ve found the service is usually outstanding up there. This time was different. Our server started off strong but began to lose track of us once we placed our entree order. The runner brought our food out and it wasn’t hot. We ordered our steak medium rare and it was rare and cold. Sent it back and it took a very long time to time to cook it a bit longer. My moms salmon was also raw on one side. None of us were able to eat at the same time because the server was distracted when we needed to speak with him about our meals. Overall, the flavors were delicious but having to constantly stay on top of our server made the experience less than enjoyable. We also had to ask repeatedly for a refill on our drinks. We will be back again but this time wasn’t what we expected for a $200+ bill at the end.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Kansas City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing place! Was in town on business and looking for something close by. So we found this place. A bit more dressy casual than casual casual. However we loved it! The service was amazing the food equally great and we luckily got a spot outside which we were excited about. Will definitely be back again. One do the best restaurants I ever been to in the area. And much more than I expected it episode be. Also a great price point.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Phoenix
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 23, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Excellent restaurant with a fantastic view of the harbor.
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r
risingstar
Orange County
32 reviews
3.0
32 reviews
Dined on September 23, 2023
overall3food3service2ambience2
Our server was not very enthused for serving us for some reason. The portion of Caesar salad was too small we had to place another to share. The noise level was very high. The food, we ordered mahi mahi, three sea bass( striped and two grilled). Mahi mahi was good but sea basses were dry. The restroom was so small and inconvenient considering the size of the restaurant. I will not consider returning here.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
33 reviews
5.0
33 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience4
consistent place with service and food. Have eaten there several times and am not disappointed.
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TP
TomP
Orlando
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The penne ala vodka with shrimp + scallops and the grilled sea bass were both excellent.
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JA
JAB5111
Central Coast
14 reviews
vip
4.0
14 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
We loved everything. The views, shrimp cocktail, Seabass, and mud pie were all awesome. Thanks for a great evening.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on September 19, 2023
overall1food2service1ambience4
Normally everything is great but they were off their game today! No coconut shrimp, our server was off and the food was so under par! I was truly surprised and greatly disappointed! My 93 year old Mom loves this place so much that she will sit in a car from Hollywood to Newport but today it was for nothing!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience2
We regularly dine here as it is my husband’s favorite restaurant. However, yesterday we chanced upon a group of women who were rather too rowdy for our standards as my husband and I usually like to spend peaceful Sunday lunches by the water. Other than that, food is great. We had ordered the calamari & garlic bread as apps. My husband had the seafood omelette and I had the striped sea bass. The rice was over cooked but the fish was good. Our server, Ryan, was great given that the outdoor seating area got full towards the end of our meal. Lastly, honey bees started flying around our table towards the end of our lunch which kind of ruined the experience. We weren’t offered to move indoors but it would have been appreciated.
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JC
JenniferC
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall2food1service3ambience3
The place & location are very nice. The hostess was lovely. It started off strong until we sat down. The food was HORRIBLE! My husband got scallops that was supposed to have crème of corn, a vegetable & some prepared bbq sauce. When it arrived all of it was smothered together. Not touching each other but literally smothered in all together. The taste of it was even worse. Then I had the penne all’s vodka. Nothing great about it. I feel if I went to a Coco’s or Marie Calendars I would have received the same. In the restaurant, there was one table who was playing his phone on speaker for 15-20 minutes straight. No one said a word. The waiter at the end of the evening did ask how it was & took the scallops off our bill. The unfortunate thing is he never came by during dinner so we could have got something else. He did remark that he has received that feedback about the scallops before. It was truly that bad. For such a great location, I was so disappointed in the quality & taste of food.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience5
Nice experience, food very good and being on the water can’t be beat.
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PW
PaulW
Los Angeles
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
I’ve dined here several times over the years, and the Rusty Pelican never disappoints. Excellent food and excellent service.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 11, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience5
Overall I would say that the food and service were good but my fish entree said it was supposed to come with seasonal mixed vegetables but all I actually got was a very small portion of mashed potatoes and 4 tomatoes cut in half. I was truly disappointed but too hungry to complain. This is my second time something wasn’t quite right at Rusty Pelican. Hopefully the food will improve in future as things go back to normal since the pandemic. If not I will probably dine elsewhere at that price point!
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CC
CandiC
Orange County
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My favorite resturant! Love the views and the food.... Our waiter is Ryan and he is the abosolute best..... When I go to Newport this is the ONLY place I eat....
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B
Buttercup
Orange County
57 reviews
vip
5.0
57 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Brunch that we had yesterday (Sunday) at Rusty Pelican was SO good! And, we were able to enjoy the A/C while we watched the boats along the bay. Can't wait to return! Thanks, Rusty Pelican! Your food and menus continue to get better and better!
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VK
VicK
Orange County
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is our GO TO place. We've NEVER had a bad meal or waiter. The team is ALWAYS friendly and wanting to accomodate. Thanks, RUSTY
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NS
NorthShoreFoodie
New York Area
43 reviews
vip
5.0
43 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food. Great service. Wonderful view. Will definitely recommend and return.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was amazing the servers were friendly and helpful
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I
Italianmaid
Los Angeles
50 reviews
4.0
50 reviews
Dined on September 7, 2023
overall4food3service4ambience5
Having eaten at Rusty Pelican several times, I was a little underwhelmed by the food yesterday. The garlic bread was good but not as wonderful as before. The simply grilled sea bass was just good and the broccolini was almost raw, difficult to eat and it didn't have much flavor.
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p
paradise7
Orange County
13 reviews
4.0
13 reviews
Dined on September 7, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Nice location and food is good. A little pricey but good. Service was great.
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PE
PatE
Orange County
10 reviews
2.0
10 reviews
Dined on September 6, 2023
overall2food4service1ambience4
Our server was terrible. We had a very lengthy wait for each course. She was very unfriendly & slow.
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F
Foodieforlife
Orange County
16 reviews
vip
4.0
16 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Tried the Penne la Vodka and it was fairly good, the blackened scallops were excellent. Also recommend the Bang Bang Cauliflower - excellent. Service was outstanding as always. Beautiful setting at sunset, well worth the visit. Will definitely be back.
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D
Duke
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall1food3service3ambience3
Not worth the price. Actual menus differs from online menu
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D
Disappointed
Los Angeles
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on August 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
As has been our experience, Rusty Pelican delivers consistently on all fronts, I.e, food, service, pricing, etc. Always a treat to come to Rusty Pelican.
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S
Steve
Orange County
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on August 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and service as always. Outside seating could be more comfortable. Lucy is an outstanding waitress!!
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S
Sylonboard
Los Angeles
74 reviews
vip
4.0
74 reviews
Dined on August 28, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience5
There were 11 of us and we got seated at a very odd table. Half of us did not have a view. It was 3 tables spread apart in 2 booths. Ir looked like 3 different parties. The food and service were very good.
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m
mikeyd
Hawaii
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
The food was great and the service was friendly and efficient. The parking situation was not very good and the receptionist could have been a little more friendly and efficient….
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KB
KathieB
Orange County
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Rusty Pelican has been our go to destination for meeting out of town friends, celebrate special occasions or anytime just to enjoy an always incredible meal! Highly recommend this iconic and scenic restaurant, right on the water in Newport Beach. Try the garlic bread, fried Calamari, Caesar salad, “Flagship” striped Sea Bass (an unbelievable recipe) - you will not be disappointed.
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DW
DebbieW
Phoenix
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place to eat! Consistently good food and service!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service and hospitality was great, celebrated a birthday and they were nice enough to get us dessert on the house. Definitely will go back again.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 25, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
We had the best seats. Our servers were the best. Will definitely go back just to get him as our server.
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d
davidk
Orange County
12 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on August 25, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
nice view, good food. Always a nice place for lunch.
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PB
PamB
Orange County
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on August 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service is consistently great at this restaurant. And, the view is beautiful. If you are a wine drinker they have a good variety by the glass. Enjoy
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MW
MonicaW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 23, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience5
Really good as always...however dishes too spicy not everybody can take the that hot spice..also the desert didnt mention that had nuts n my friend was alergic Im glad we ask the waitress bfore we just order very scary!!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
London
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely meal and fantastic service from the team. Thank you
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EC
EmilyC
Austin
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Amazing food. Amazing service! Our waiter was awesome. We really enjoyed it
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Rusty Pelican Restaurant using the Order Online button. Rusty Pelican Restaurant also offers delivery in partnership with Postmates and Uber Eats. Rusty Pelican Restaurant also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (949) 642-3431.

Rusty Pelican Restaurant is rated 4.6 stars by 5912 OpenTable diners.

Rusty Pelican Restaurant does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Oct 1, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 55 times today

Order delivery or takeout

2735 W Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA 92663

Additional information

Cross street
Riverside Dr
Neighborhood
Newport Beach
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu 11:30 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–10:00 pm Sun 11:00 am–9:00 pm
Cuisines
Seafood, Steak, American
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Valet
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Entertainment
Enjoy live music in our upstairs lounge on Friday and Saturday nights.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.rustypelican.com/
Phone number
(949) 642-3431
Private party facilities
Located on Pacific Coast Highway on the bay, we feature a commanding two story view of Newport bay, cozy fireplaces, waterfront patio seating, intimate lounge, full bar, 4 flat-screen TVs, and entertainment Friday and Saturday’s. Rusty Pelican Newport Beach is perfect for special events like rehearsal dinners, holiday parties, business gatherings, employee appreciation lunches, baby showers, and more!
Private party contact
Renee Gudzunas: (714) 635-4867

Featured in

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

Rusty Pelican Restaurant

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

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Gift card

Popular dishes

Chilean Sea Bass

Fish Tacos

Jumbo Gulf Shrimp Cocktail

Menu

What 5,912 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Screening

FAQs

Does Rusty Pelican Restaurant offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Rusty Pelican Restaurant restaurant rated?

Does Rusty Pelican Restaurant offer gift cards?

Is Rusty Pelican Restaurant currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

100 Orange County Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

50 Orange County Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

Gift card