The 6 Best Dining Experiences in Newport Beach
Newport Beach is a culinary destination with a scenic twist. This vibrant coastal city offers much more than just fresh seafood and ocean views—though those are definitely included. Its combination of waterfront dining, innovative tours, and festive holiday cruises makes it a perfect spot to indulge in memorable meals while soaking up the California sunshine. Whether you’re craving a romantic evening on the water, a day of upscale shopping with a meal to match, or a holiday cruise filled with festive cheer, Newport Beach has a range of options that stand out.
What makes dining here so appealing is the variety. You can enjoy a gourmet dinner on a boat, explore chic shopping districts with excellent eateries, or celebrate holidays with special buffet cruises. Each experience offers a unique flavor of the area—sometimes literally. Keep reading to find out which Newport Beach dining experience fits your trip best.
Quick Overview
In this guide, we cover six top dining experiences in Newport Beach. Options include Orange County Premier Dinner Cruise from Newport Beach, a 2-hour evening cruise with gourmet food, and Newport Beach Adventure, Retail Therapy and Dining, which combines shopping, sightseeing, and a tasty meal over a 7-8 hour day. Holiday specials like Thanksgiving and Christmas cruises offer festive dining on the water, while the Romantic Boat Cruise with Wine & Cheese provides an intimate coastal escape. Now, let’s explore each experience in detail.
1. Orange County Premier Dinner Cruise from Newport Beach
This dinner cruise (see details here) is a perfect way to combine sightseeing with a gourmet meal on the water. For about $133.30 per person, you get around 2 hours of cruising aboard a boat that sails through Newport Beach harbor at sunset. The highlight is the four-course meal, featuring a duet entrée freshly prepared onboard, seasonal vegetables, and a decadent dessert.
What sets this cruise apart is its focus on creating a memorable atmosphere. You’ll dine at a private table, with background music via satellite radio, and then step outside to the outdoor decks to enjoy the illuminated harbor and starry sky. Many reviews mention the attentive staff and the romantic setting, making it ideal for couples or special celebrations. The cruise is rated 4 stars based on 14 reviews, with many describing it as a “great atmosphere” and “unforgettable experience.”
Bottom line: This cruise offers excellent value for a romantic or special occasion dinner, with scenic views and a gourmet meal. It’s a classic Newport Beach experience that will leave you with lovely memories.
2. Newport Beach Adventure, Retail Therapy and Dining
For those who want to see the highlights of Newport Beach while enjoying a meal, this full-day tour (check it out here) combines shopping, sightseeing, and dining in one package. Priced at $1,099 for a group of up to five, it’s ideal for friends or families who want a personalized, in-depth experience. Over 7 to 8 hours, you’ll explore locations like the Newport Beach Civic Center, Fashion Island, and Balboa Island.
The tour includes a visit to the modern architecture of the Civic Center, with sweeping panoramic views and art installations like Bunnyhenge, perfect for photography. You’ll stroll through high-end boutiques at Fashion Island, enjoying lush landscaping and water features, then explore charming neighborhoods and upscale shops in Lido Marina Village. The tour emphasizes landscape design, contemporary art, and coastal scenery, making it a relaxed yet comprehensive way to experience Newport Beach.
While reviews are not available yet, the itinerary’s focus on visual beauty, upscale shopping, and scenic views makes it a good pick for travelers who want a relaxed, day-long immersion. It’s best suited for those who love combining retail therapy with sightseeing and dining.
Bottom line: This all-in-one tour is perfect for those who want a flexible, comprehensive day exploring Newport Beach’s best spots with a touch of luxury and good food.
3. Newport Beach: Thanksgiving Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
Celebrate Thanksgiving with a special cruise (see details here) that combines festive dining with stunning harbor views. For $141 per person, this 2 to 2.5-hour cruise offers a chef-prepared buffet featuring all the holiday trimmings, plus unlimited mimosas on brunch and lively music entertainment.
This experience stands out because it turns a traditional holiday meal into a scenic event, floating on the water with views of Southern California’s beaches and harbor. The holiday atmosphere includes festive decor and a warm ambiance, making it ideal for families or those wanting a memorable Thanksgiving without the hassle of hosting. Reviewers note the scenic views and delicious buffet, praising the experience as a special way to celebrate.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a festive, hassle-free way to enjoy Thanksgiving or holiday dining, this cruise offers a relaxed setting with great food and beautiful coastal scenery.
4. Newport Beach: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
On Christmas Day, this cruise (see details here) offers a festive buffet with full bar service, along with scenic views of Southern California’s coastline. Priced at $141 per person, the 2 to 2.5-hour cruise features holiday decor, lively music, and a chef-prepared meal, making it a delightful way to celebrate with loved ones.
Rated 5 stars, this cruise is praised for its cheerful atmosphere and quality food. Its holiday-specific decor and scenic setting foster a cozy, joyful experience. It’s perfect for families or couples who want to spend Christmas immersed in coastal beauty without the stress of cooking. The combination of festive ambiance and scenic views makes it a top choice for Christmas Day dining.
Bottom line: This cruise elevates holiday dining into a memorable event, blending holiday cheer with coastal scenery and top-notch buffet options.
5. Newport Beach: Christmas Eve Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
On Christmas Eve, this cruise (check it out here) offers another festive option, with $186 per person for a 2 to 2.5-hour cruise featuring a chef-prepared buffet, full bar, and holiday decor. It’s perfect for those celebrating Christmas with a special coastal twist.
Rated 4.4 stars, the cruise offers a cozy yet lively holiday atmosphere, with unlimited mimosas on brunch and scenic harbor views. The detailed buffet and the opportunity to enjoy holiday music onboard make it a popular choice for small groups or families looking for a festive night out. Its slightly higher price reflects the holiday premium, but many see it as well worth the investment for a memorable Christmas Eve.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for a holiday celebration that mixes festive spirit with scenic cruising and a substantial buffet.
6. Romantic Boat Cruise with Wine & Cheese or Surprise Dinner
For a more intimate experience, this luxurious electric Duffy cruiser (see details here) offers a romantic escape in Marina del Rey. Priced at $149 per person, it lasts about 2 hours and is ideal for couples or small groups seeking a cozy, upscale outing.
This cruise emphasizes personalized service, with options for wine and cheese or a surprise dinner onboard. The boat accommodates up to 10-11 people, making it perfect for anniversaries, birthdays, or just a quiet evening. The experience includes scenic views, wildlife viewing, and peaceful coastal scenery, creating an atmosphere of relaxation and romance. Reviewers highlight the “very pleasant cruise” and the sense of special occasion.
Bottom line: If you’re after a romantic, private experience with good food and wine, this cruise in Marina del Rey offers a luxurious and intimate escape.
How to Choose
Deciding between these dining experiences in Newport Beach depends on your priorities. If you want a classic gourmet dinner on the water, the Orange County Premier Dinner Cruise provides a well-rounded, scenic evening. For a full day of exploration with a meal included, the Retail Therapy and Adventure tour suits those who want local flavor and shopping combined.
Holiday cruises like Thanksgiving and Christmas are perfect for celebrating in style, especially if you enjoy festive decor and scenic views. For intimate, romantic outings, the Luxury Boat Cruise with wine and cheese offers a private, personalized experience.
When choosing, consider your budget, the trip length, and whether you prefer a festive holiday event or a casual day of shopping and dining. Booking early is advised for holiday cruises, as they tend to fill quickly.
Final Thoughts
From elegant dinner cruises to festive holiday celebrations and personalized romantic outings, Newport Beach provides a range of dining experiences that highlight its stunning coastal scenery and culinary excellence. For a relaxed, scenic meal with romantic ambiance, the Orange County Premier Dinner Cruise is hard to beat. Those seeking a full-day adventure with retail therapy and sightseeing might find the Retail and Dining tour perfect.
Holiday travelers will appreciate the Thanksgiving and Christmas cruises for their festive flair, while couples looking for intimacy might opt for the Wine & Cheese cruise. Whichever you choose, booking early guarantees a spot in these popular experiences. Enjoy your time in Newport Beach and savor every bite and cruise!