Top 15 Restaurants in Huntington Beach

If you’re planning a trip to sunny California, one destination you should consider visiting is Huntington Beach.

Commonly referred to as the Surf City, many travelers near and far come here to enjoy the sandy beaches and the best surfing experience on the Pacific Coast. Moreover, Huntington Beach is also the home to the International Surfing Museum.

While it’s known as the Surf City, Huntington Beach is also home to the International Surfing Museum.

Also, be sure to dedicate some time to visiting Huntington Central Park for its lakeside views and horseback riding trails.

Avid food-lovers can find several dining options during their stay at Huntington Beach. They offer a wide selection of local favorites, from seafood and burgers to other international dishes.

But, with so many options available, it might feel overwhelming to try and visit them in between your time for shopping, exploring, or surfing.

Best Restaurants in Huntington Beach

1. Matsu
2. The Black Trumpet Bistro Tapas & Wine Bar
3. Duke’s Huntington Beach
4. Captain Jack’s
5. Red Table
6. Capone’s Italian Cucina
7. 25 Degrees Huntington Beach
8. Mangia Mangia Restaurant
9. Watertable
10. Sugar Shack Cafe
11. Cucina Alessá
12. Sandy’s Beach Shack
13. Mona Lisa Cucina
14. Mazara Trattoria Cucina Italiana
15. Ola Mexican Kitchen

If you need a headstart on finding a place to eat, check out my list of the best restaurants in Huntington Beach offering the best flavors the city offers.

Matsu

18035 Beach Blvd S, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Phone: 714-848-4404
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The first place that I recommend checking out for dinner on my list of the top restaurants in Huntington Beach is Matsu, located fifteen minutes east of Huntington Central Park.

This intimate eatery offers a traditional Japanese fine dining experience as you watch teppan and sushi chefs prepare your meal before your eyes.

If you’re in the mood for sushi, I recommend trying their Albacore Sashimi, Baked Halibut Roll, or Scallop Sushi.

Their Vegetable Tempura, Chicken Teriyaki, or Sukiyaki are also excellent choices if you prefer traditional entrees. 

Don’t forget to pair your dinner with any of their house spirits, wine, or sake. I prefer their Karate Punch.

The Black Trumpet Bistro Tapas & Wine Bar

7041 Yorktown Ave #104, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Phone: 714-842-1122
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Next up on my list of the best restaurants in Huntington Beach is The Black Trumpet Bistro Tapas & Wine Bar, nestled within the Seacliff Village Shopping Center.

This intimate restaurant has dim lighting and a jazzy vibe for enjoying Mediterranean small plates with your friends after a day of shopping or relaxing at the beach. 

After starting with their Baked Brie, Mediterranean Sliders, or Tuna Tartar, order their Coltrane, Billie Rigatoni, or Filet Shish Kabobs with a side of Rice Pilaf or Black Trumpet Risotto.

I also love stopping by during their Paella Mondays with a friend for their paella for two special. Don’t forget to browse their extensive wine and martini list.

Duke’s Huntington Beach

317 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Phone: 714-374-6446
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Nestled within Pierside Pavilion, Duke’s Huntington Beach is one of the area’s best restaurants, offering Hawaiian seafood in a tropical setting, complete with scenic surfside views.

Named after surfing legend Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, this destination offers an authentic beach vibe year-round.

I love their Seafood Hot Pot, Furikake Ahi Steak, Kabocha Squash & Mascarpone Ravioli, and Prime Rib with a Moana Margarita or Pog Cocktail.

If you stop by during Taco Tuesday, try their Kalua Pork Tacos. I also recommend their Steak & Crab Dinner on Surf & Turf Thursdays.

Consider sampling their signature Kimo’s Original Hula Pie if you have room for dessert.

Captain Jack’s

16812 CA-1, Sunset Beach, CA 90742
Phone: 562-592-2514
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Captain Jack’s is a casual surf & turf restaurant near Sunset County Beach and Huntington Harbor. It has a laid-back atmosphere and offers classic steak and seafood entrees for anyone craving the finest flavors near Sunset Beach.

Whenever I stop by for dinner, I usually order their Oysters on the Half Shell or Seafood Skins as an appetizer.

Then, I have their Top Sirloin, Fresh Charbroiled Salmon, Seafood Scampi, or Alaskan King Crab & Prime Rib Combo with a side of garlic bread.

The best specialty drinks that I recommend pairing with your surf & turf are Spiked Palmer, AppleTini, and Captain’s Cosmo.

Red Table

16821 Algonquin St, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Phone: 714-846-4700
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After your shopping spree at the Huntington Harbour Mall, why not stop by for dinner at Red Table? This funky, casual destination is several blocks away from Davenport Beach Park.

From their All-Day Happy Hour every Monday to their half-priced bottles on Wine Wednesdays, there are plenty of specials you and your friends can enjoy after a long day.

I recommend starting with their Bacon Truffle Mac & Cheese and ordering their Winemaker Burger, Creamy Tuscan Salmon, Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta, or Braised Beef Short Ribs with Southern or Cajun Fries. Then, finish with their Red Table Cupcake for dessert.

They also offer a kid’s menu for children 12 and under and brunch on Sundays.

Capone’s Italian Cucina

19688 Beach Blvd #10, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Phone: 714-593-2888
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Can’t find any Italian restaurants in Huntington Beach offering flavors that exceed your taste buds’ expectations? Then, consider booking your next reservation at Capone’s Italian Cucina, located inside Newland Center by Bartlett Park. 

Chef Dino prepares classic Italian dishes for people far and near to enjoy. They also offer outdoor seating for anyone who loves Huntington Beach’s fresh, warm air.

Their menu changes based on availability, so be sure to stop by often to try as much as possible during your stay.

My favorite menu options are their Tortellini Veneto, Margherita Pizza, Agnello Capone, and Pollo Parmigiana. In my opinion, they taste great with a Cucumber Blast or Chocolate Martini.

25 Degrees Huntington Beach

412 Walnut Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Phone: 714-960-2525

You can find 25 Degrees Huntington Beach minutes away from Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum.

I love this restaurant for its hip atmosphere, enticing gourmet burgers, and other beachside comfort food.

My go-to dinner options are Red Curry Salmon, Blue Style Burger, BBQ Style Burger, and Fish & Chips. And if you wish to try their Short Rib Birria Tacos and Mezcal Flight, stop by on Taco Tuesdays.

I also recommend visiting on Wednesdays for their Bison Bolognese or the weekend for their Southern Fried Chicken Dinner. Be sure to enjoy your meal with fries, onion rings, mashed potatoes, or mushrooms on the side.

Mangia Mangia Restaurant

16079 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Phone: 714-841-8887
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One of the best restaurants in Huntington Beach offering an easy-going ambiance and quality Italian and Sicilian fare is Mangia Mangia Restaurant by GoldenWest Plaza.

Its warm and friendly vibe is ideal for people interested in relaxing after sightseeing across the city. They also offer catering services for offsite gatherings of any size.

In my opinion, they serve the best Veal Pizzaiola, Rigatoni Alla Puttanesca, Eggplant Sorrentino, and Manicotti in the Goldenwest neighborhood. Don’t forget to browse their wine list to find the best drink to complement your meal.

Finally, end your night with their Cannoli Siciliani or Spumoni for dessert. 

Watertable

21500 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Phone: 714-845-4776
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If you’re staying at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa, the best place you can grab a bite to eat is Watertable.

I like its rustic-chic interior design that emphasizes the hotel’s trendy feel. As a result, I consider it one of the best places for indulging in seasonal American comfort fare.

If you’re treating your family to dinner, start with their shareable Creamer Potato Cakes and order a Watertable Burger, Prime Tomahawk, or Bone-In Chicken Breast as your main course. Be sure to enjoy it with a London Fog cocktail. You can also stop by for their breakfast and try their Apple French Toast.

Sugar Shack Cafe

213 Main St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Phone: 714-536-0355
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Within walking distance from the Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort stands Sugar Shack Cafe, a small yet lively restaurant offering tasty breakfast and lunch options.

I think it’s the best place to start your morning with style before going to the beach. Like the nearby International Surfing Museum, it’s got casual, beach-themed decor.

My favorite dishes are their Bacon & Cheese Breakfast Burrito, French Toast, Patty Melt with Grilled Onions, and Chili Dogs.

I also recommend trying their Homemade Meatloaf Lunch Special on Tuesday or Hamburger Steak on Thursdays. Don’t forget to pair your meal with hot chocolate, raspberry iced tea, or grapefruit juice.

Cucina Alessá

520 Main St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Phone: 714-969-2148
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Standing next to Huntington Beach Art Center is Cucina Alessá, another popular Italian restaurant minutes away from the shoreline.

As you unwind in an airy and cozy dining room, Chef Eliseo creates amazing pasta, pizza, and other Tuscan-style Italian dishes for you to sample.

I recommend sampling their Pizza Napoletana, Calzone, Pollo Saltimbocca, or Gamberoni Alla Brace with seasonal potatoes or sautéed broccoli to enhance your meal’s flavor.

And if you stop by for Cusina Alessá’s weekday happy hour, try their Moscow Happy Mule, Limoncello Martini, or Rose Sangria with a cheese platter or calamari.

Finally, treat yourself to a cannoli or their gelato of the day.

Sandy’s Beach Shack

315 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Phone: 714-374-7273
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Located within Pierside Pavilion, Sandy’s Beach Shack is one of my favorite casual beachside restaurants in Huntington Beach, Los Angeles.

I love taking my friends to this place whenever we go out during the summer because of their stylish and contemporary Californian surf & turf cuisine and atmospheric outdoor seating.

I like their Beach Bum Burger, Swordfish Tacos, Spiaggia Flatbread, and Ahi Tuna Sandwich with a Pelican Punch, South Side Margarita, or Bahama Mama cocktail.

I also recommend trying their draft beer flight or visiting for a beach-themed brunch. If you bring your dog with you, you can get them a kibble meal with beef or chicken.

Mona Lisa Cucina

9017 Adams Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92646
Phone: 714-965-9900
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Mona Lisa Cucina is a refined yet casual restaurant located four minutes away from Wardlow Park. If you’re in the mood for delicious Italian pasta and pizza, this restaurant might be the best lunch or dinner option if you’re looking for something affordable.

If you’re in the mood for regular or gluten-free pasta, consider trying their Spaghetti Bolognese, Linguini Pescatori, Ravioli Aroor Agnello Al Ragu topped with grilled vegetables or meatballs.

However, if you’re interested in their signature pizza, don’t miss out on their Leonardo da Vinci, Paradiso, or Romana pie.

Don’t forget to ask your server for their wine list to find the best flavors to enhance your dining experience.

Mazara Trattoria Cucina Italiana

18027 Beach Blvd, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Phone: 714-465-4874
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Another Italian restaurant you should consider visiting during your visit to Huntington Beach is Mazara Trattoria Cucina Italiana, located east of Huntington Central Park.

This family-operated eatery offers enticing Italian favorites in a warm and casual environment, perfect for relaxing after a long yet exciting day at the park.

Each of their menu options incorporates seasonal ingredients bursting with traditional flavors. During my last visit to Mazara Trattoria, I started with their Mozzarella Caprese and ordered a slice of Bianca Neve Pizza and their Gnocchi di Patate with gorgonzola sauce.

Don’t forget to ask your server about their desserts of the day if you love sweet treats.

Ola Mexican Kitchen

21040 Pacific Coast Hwy f200, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Phone: 714-969-7300
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Last but least on my list of the best restaurants in Huntington Beach is Ola Mexican Kitchen, found in the Pacific City Mall.

If you’re looking for a dining destination with a lovely oceanside view, this is the best option for you. This contemporary eatery offers modern Mexican cuisine and creative cocktails for an authentic South of the Border feel.

During my last few visits to Huntington Beach, I started with their Lobster Quesadilla and Acapulco Ceviche and ordered their Carne Asada Tacos, Siete Mares, Ola Chicken Burrito, and Posole. If you’re interested in their house drinks, ask your server about their Margarita of the Month.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, the best restaurants in Huntington Beach offer a wide selection of flavors for all to enjoy while taking in the city’s sun, warmth, and surf culture. So, whether you’re in the mood for pizza or seafood, there’s always something tasty to discover.

Hopefully, this list can help you narrow down where to eat in Surf City if you’re interested in treating your friends to something special.

And if you’re looking for breathtaking scenic views, check out my list of the best Waterfront restaurants in the area.

Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you leave us a comment, and we’ll check it out!

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