Diners' Choice: Great for scenic views restaurants in South Orange County

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking restaurants that have the most scenic view in South Orange County? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Beachcomber Cafe - Crystal Cove

4.8

4.8 (10792)

$30 and under

Californian

Newport Beach

About the restaurant

Voted as one of the "Top 100 Restaurants" for 2023 by OpenTable in the United States

The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove provides "world class" ocean front dining in the Historic District of the Crystal Cove State Park with breath taking views of the Newport Coastline and Catalina Island. Situated on the sandy beach, The Beachcomber's outdoor patio provides the perfect spot to enjoy the ocean's breeze while sipping on your favorite cocktail or enjoying one of the many favorite entrees and appetizers.

The Beachcomber's outdoor tropical bar 'The Bootlegger' with thatch roofing provides the perfect spot to escape from the world while enjoying one of many tropical libations.

Top review

kimberlyVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Wonderful atmosphere and food. The mushroom crepe was divine and the beignets were amazing. ( a lot for two people but we took some home!)

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Popular dish

BEACHCOMBER BEIGNETS

Popular dish

Beignets and Ambrosia

Popular dish

MAHI MAHI TACOS

Rusty Pelican Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (6521)

$30 and under

Seafood

Newport Beach

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

WendyVIP

Dined 3 days ago

It was a beautiful day dining outside on the deck overlooking Balboa Bay. The service was excellent and our meals were delicious.

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Splashes at Surf & Sand Resort

4.7

4.7 (4564)

$30 and under

American

Laguna Beach

About the restaurant

Nestled along the picturesque Southern California coastline in Laguna Beach, Splashes offers an exceptional dining experience that celebrates innovative coastal cuisine. Helmed by renowned Chef Ron Fougeray, the menu blends fresh, local ingredients with creative culinary techniques, delivering vibrant dishes that capture the essence of coastal California. Sommelier-selected wines from the restaurant's award-winning wine program enhance the dining experience with perfect harmony. Indulge in modern elegance in a newly renovated dining room, where the soothing sights and sounds of the ocean create a serene atmosphere. Guests will enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific as they savor contemporary coastal flavors, making every meal a memorable occasion. The team at Splashes invites guests to celebrating the beauty of coastal living with an unforgettable dining experience that reflects the spirit of Laguna Beach.

Top review

Stephanie

Dined 4 days ago

The renovations look amazing and dinner was excellent! 🙏🏻

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RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

4.7

4.7 (2575)

$31 to $50

Latin American

Dana Point / Monarch Beach

About the restaurant

RAYA, a restaurant concept by Chef Richard Sandoval, showcases Pan-Latin coastal cuisine prepared with sustainable seafood, local produce, natural and organic meats, and signature Latin flavors.

Top review

Steve

Dined 2 days ago

This is simply a very nice venue, in a fabulous setting.

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Scallops & Pork Belly

The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach

4.7

4.7 (2126)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Laguna Beach

About the restaurant

Located in the oceanfront resort, Montage Laguna Beach, The Loft features stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean – the perfect backdrop for enjoying market-fresh, creative American cuisine with friendly, informed, and professional service. Innovative signature dishes reflect California regional cuisine with strong influences from the Americas; other favorites also include roasted meats and seafood.

Top review

LeslieN

Dined 2 days ago

Loved everything about our lunch at The Loft! Service was excellent and the food was amazing!

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Experience

Sunday Champagne Brunch

Louie's by the Bay

4.7

4.7 (1519)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Italian

Newport Beach

About the restaurant

Louie’s by the Bay is a modern Italian steakhouse located on the waterfront along picturesque Mariners Mile in Newport Beach. With a 180-degree view of Newport Bay, a warm elegant design, and exceptional service, Louie's brings an unparalleled dining experience to Newport Beach. The restaurant is the latest addition from Ron Salisbury of El Cholo and The Cannery. The menu features authentic charcuterie and antipasti, unique pastas, prime steaks and chops, classic Italian desserts, and a truly exceptional wine list. Open for dinner nightly, with a lively and late-night cocktail scene. A presto!

Join us for Bottomless Sparkling Brunch!

Top review

Olivia

Dined 1 day ago

Went to Louie’s for our anniversary and everything was exceptional! Andy was our waiter and absolutely crushed it. Everything was great!

FIN SUSHI & SAKE at Hotel Laguna

4.7

4.7 (135)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Laguna Beach

About the restaurant

The fish is fresh and the sake is strong at Fin, our oceanview sushi restaurant, located inside the historic Hotel Laguna in the heart of Downtown Laguna Beach. Offering the freshest daily-caught local seafood as well as imported delicacies like Hokkaido scallops and firefly squid, plus a selection of award-winning sake, it is a thrilling adventure in flavor and fun. Belly up to the Tokyo-style bar for lively chef interaction and unforgettable omakase or take a table overlooking the sea and sample to your heart’s desire.

Top review

Duke

Dined on Jun 1, 2025

Great sushi and service. Prices are fair for Laguna Beach. Must try

Wind & Sea Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (1905)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Dana Point / Monarch Beach

About the restaurant

The Wind & Sea Restaurant is located on the water in the Dana Point Harbor. With water on three sides, every table has a spectacular view.
We serve fresh fish selections daily as well as Lobster tail, shrimp, steaks, and vegetarian dishes.

Monday through Friday (not available Holidays and Special occasions) we have Hawaiian Happy Hour from 4:00 to 7:00 featuring our world famous Mai Tai's as well as draft beer, wine and food specials. Big screen TV's, keep the lounge exciting at all times.

The waterfront open-air patio serves the full menu and is heated at night, perfect for an order of nachos and a margarita or a full dinner under the stars. Private banquet facilities accommodate 20 to 75.

Top review

Janet

Dined on Jun 24, 2025

Beautiful view! Food was reasonably priced for Dana Point, and the staff were outstanding! We will definitely eat there again! Janet B.

Harpoon Henry's Seafood Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (1537)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Dana Point / Monarch Beach

About the restaurant

OPEN FOR DINING INDOORS AND ON OUR WATERFRONT OUTDOOR PATIO

Join us dockside for dining with sweeping Harbor views; for a weekend breakfast, or lunch/dinner daily... in the evenings we have patio heaters to keep you warm!

Harpoon Henrys Seafood Restaurant is proud to offer a spectacular waterfront view, fresh seafood, and the latest in California Beach Cuisine. We offer our guests harbor views from our dining room and our outdoor waterfront patio. For 46 years, we have provided the best in service, ambiance, and cuisine. We have been winners of awards from the Southern California Restaurant Writers Association”, a finalist for Dining Excellence from both the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and the County of Orange, and our wine list has been awarded a Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence.”

Top review

Bill

Dined 7 days ago

Great location. Very good food. Our server was a delightful and professional young man.

Driftwood Kitchen

4.6

4.6 (1446)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Laguna Beach

About the restaurant

Driftwood Kitchen and Stateroom bar is a casual restaurant that serves ocean-to-table fare next to a lovely waterfront view. Helmed by executive Chef Rainer Schwarz, the menu showcases an eclectic selection of seafood dishes that highlight the diversity of the Pacific. Menu highlights include hand-shucked oysters, salmon, octopus, swordfish and lobster, prepared with nothing but the finest and freshest ingredients. Driftwood also offers alternative menu items for landlubbers, such as dishes made of chicken or steak.

Driftwood Kitchen and Stateroom Bar is open all through the week. In addition to its dinner menu, the restaurant serves brunch 7 days a week between 9 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. The airy dining room is a great place to enjoy a casual business lunch or a fun outing with friends. Driftwood Kitchen also boasts a bar, open from 9am - 10:30pm everyday.

Top review

Leslie

Dined on Jun 25, 2025

We returned to this restaurant after having had the best meal there, years ago, and to reconnect with an old friend. Even though Laguna is a long slog for us, (we live near Pasadena), we happily met our friend at the restaurant, and happily relived our previous great experience. We remembered the “best halibut in our lives” we’d had there, so we wanted to share the great place with our friend. He loved his big bowl of mussels!

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