10 Best Restaurants in Huntington Beach CA

Huntington Beach is known for its oceanfront setting and steady dining scene, focusing on fresh ingredients and relaxed settings. The local restaurant mix includes seafood, global flavors, and carefully curated dining spaces. Each restaurant listed here represents a different part of the Huntington Beach experience, offering dependable meals that draw locals and visitors. The best restaurants in Huntington Beach CA balance location, consistency, and strong menu development.

Duke’s sits at the base of the Huntington Beach Pier and serves seafood, steaks, and tropical-inspired dishes in a beachfront setting. The dining room features open ocean views, and the restaurant layout includes indoor and patio seating. Menu staples include macadamia nut-crusted fish, coconut shrimp, and slow-roasted prime rib. Many guests come for the view and stay for the quality of food, which remains consistent during lunch and dinner.

The Fresh Green Olive HB offers Mediterranean food in a fast-casual format with counter service, open seating, and a takeout-friendly layout. The menu includes grilled meats, falafel, wraps, and rice bowls built to order. The menu supports vegetarian, gluten-free, and high-protein options without needing substitutions. Sauces like garlic spread and tahini are made in-house, and combo platters allow guests to try multiple sides.

Pacific Hideaway is inside the Kimpton Shorebreak Resort. The interior includes open-air seating, patterned tile, and lounge-style tables with partial ocean views. Menu items include Korean short ribs, miso cod, Vietnamese egg rolls, and pork belly fried rice. Drinks are a strong part of the experience, with house-made cocktails built around tropical fruit and herb flavors. Weekend brunch draws locals and hotel guests alike, with menu transitions into dinner service focused on shared plates and composed entrees.

The Black Trumpet Bistro focuses on Mediterranean and Spanish-style small plates with a rotating wine list. The restaurant’s interior is intimate, with warm tones, low lighting, and close seating. Tapas-style dishes are served as they’re ready, encouraging a slow-paced meal. The wine list is international, with pairings suggested for each section of the menu. It stands out in Huntington Beach for focusing entirely on small plates in a compact setting with personal service.

The Brant Kitchen and Bar offers modern American dishes with upscale plating in a space that mixes lounge and dining room seating. The menu includes steaks, seafood, and seasonal vegetable-based sides. Dishes are prepared with clean lines and minimal garnish, leaning on technique and high-quality ingredients. The bar is a strong focal point, offering classic cocktails with fresh juice, house syrups, and updated takes on standards like the old fashioned and Negroni. The Brant appeals to those looking for an elevated experience without moving into fine dining.

Watertable is the signature restaurant inside the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa. It offers breakfast, brunch, and dinner service in a space designed to feel like a quiet retreat. The dinner menu includes braised meats, fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, and house-made desserts. Presentation is thoughtful without being overdone. Breakfast and brunch are structured around à la carte dishes, with options such as avocado toast, short rib hash, and eggs Benedict. The wine and cocktail lists are tightly managed, and the dining room transitions well between daylight and evening service.

Capone’s Italian Cucina serves classic Italian-American dishes in a traditional setting. The menu includes pasta, veal, chicken, seafood, and a strong list of house-made sauces. Dishes like lobster ravioli, osso buco, and rigatoni with sausage arrive in large portions. The restaurant's interior features dark wood, white tablecloths, and framed photos of old Hollywood and Prohibition-era decor. Capone’s fits nicely into the traditional category of restaurants in Huntington Beach CA that focus on neighborhood loyalty, predictable quality, and high comfort food value.

Matsu serves upscale Japanese cuisine focusing on sushi, sashimi, and small cooked dishes. The sushi bar is often the preferred seating area for guests who want to watch preparation or talk with chefs. Fish is delivered fresh multiple times a week, and the restaurant emphasizes traditional techniques with updated presentation. Specialty rolls are available, but many diners opt for nigiri and omakase formats. Matsu also serves cooked entrees including tempura, miso-marinated black cod, and grilled meats.

Bluegold offers panoramic ocean views alongside a menu centered around California coastal cuisine. The interior features high ceilings, large windows, and a clean, modern design that transitions well between daytime and evening service. The menu covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with seared scallops, wood-fired steak, burrata salads, and fresh oysters. A full bar complements the kitchen, offering craft cocktails and regional wines.

Sancho’s Tacos is a casual local favorite just steps from the beach on Pacific Coast Highway. Known for its bold flavors and laid-back setting, the restaurant serves street-style tacos, burritos, and breakfast items with house-made salsas and slow-cooked meats. Options include carne asada, carnitas, al pastor, and grilled fish, all served on fresh corn tortillas. The space is compact with outdoor seating and a steady flow of walk-up orders throughout the day. The restaurant’s hours and beachside proximity make it a popular stop for surfers, cyclists, and residents looking for a dependable meal without leaving the waterfront.

If you're considering buying or selling in Huntington Beach, Ashley Marie brings the local knowledge and industry experience to guide you. A longtime Huntington Beach resident and agent with The Agency Orange County, Ashley offers more than a decade of expertise in luxury sales and business operations. Whether you're searching for a waterfront home, a downtown build, or an investment opportunity, Ashley provides white-glove service every step of the way.

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