Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Orange County
  4. South Orange County
  5. Newport Beach
Rusty Pelican Restaurant, Newport Beach, CA
Rusty Pelican Restaurant, Newport Beach, CA
Rusty Pelican Restaurant, Newport Beach, CA
Rusty Pelican Restaurant, Newport Beach, CA
Rusty Pelican Restaurant, Newport Beach, CA

Rusty Pelican Restaurant

4.6
4.6
5912 Reviews
$30 and under
Seafood
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

2 people

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
  • 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
  • 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
Gift card

Gift card

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

Send a gift card

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

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Orange County

    Seafood

  • South Orange County

    Seafood

5,912 Reviews
  1. 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!

    Is this helpful?

  2. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  3. 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!

    Is this helpful?

  4. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  5. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  6. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  7. OpenTable Diner

    Phoenix

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Excellent restaurant with a fantastic view of the harbor.

    Is this helpful?

  8. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  9. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  10. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  11. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  12. 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!

    Is this helpful?

  13. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  14. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  15. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  16. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  17. 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!

    Is this helpful?

  18. 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....

    Is this helpful?

  19. 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!

    Is this helpful?

  20. 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

    Is this helpful?

  21. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  22. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was amazing the servers were friendly and helpful

    Is this helpful?

  23. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  24. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  25. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  26. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  27. Duke

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall1food3service3ambience3
    Not worth the price. Actual menus differs from online menu

    Is this helpful?

  28. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  29. 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!!

    Is this helpful?

  30. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  31. 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….

    Is this helpful?

  32. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  33. DebbieW

    Phoenix

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place to eat! Consistently good food and service!

    Is this helpful?

  34. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  35. 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. 

    Is this helpful?

  36. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  37. 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

    Is this helpful?

  38. 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!!

    Is this helpful?

  39. 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

    Is this helpful?

  40. 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

    Is this helpful?

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

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 55 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Rusty Pelican Restaurant

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
  • 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
Gift card

Gift card

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

Send a gift card
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo