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Rusty Pelican Restaurant, Newport Beach, CA

Rusty Pelican Restaurant

4.6
4.6
6442 Reviews
$30 and under
Seafood

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 36 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for scenic views
  • Great for outdoor dining
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.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • 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
  • Website
    http://www.rustypelican.com/
  • 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!
  • Location
    2735 W Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA 92663
  • Neighbourhood
    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

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Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 6,442 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
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • South Orange County

    Great for scenic views

  • South Orange County

    Seafood

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Rusty Pelican Restaurant offers stunning harbor views and a welcoming atmosphere. Guests consistently commend the "wonderful service" and "delicious food," with seafood options and brunch particularly praised. While occasional seating and menu issues arise, the overall experience is highlighted by "great ambiance," "attentive staff," and memorable dining moments.

6,442 Reviews

  1. Schecky

    VIP

    Orange County

    13 reviews

    2.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 2
    This place has seen its time. Manager has no interest in accommodating one’s request

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  2. Carol

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The Striped Bass was delicious and so fresh. The seafood pasta was excellent.

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  3. Treana

    Orange County

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Celebrated my man’s birthday here. We ate outside and it was absolutely beautiful. We started with drinks and appetizers (the garlic bread and crab cakes), then enjoyed soup and salad, followed by filet mignon entrees. Our little one enjoyed the pasta and french fries. And to end it all we had the crème brûlée. Another one of our favorite restaurants. Outside dinning wasn’t too cold either. The outdoor heaters definitely kept it nice to dine outdoors. The service was wonderful, very attentive and made our experience another top notch one. We will be back again soon. 

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  4. Keith

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    The food and the atmosphere is second to none. We were on the patio and enjoy appetizers and main courses that ALL were delicious. The beautiful harbor at our side and the bright sunshine gleaming down was an extra bonus. It was brothers birthday and they surprised him with a piece of delicious cheesecake with fruit that was delicious. Our server was a little forgetful but didn't ruin the experience. The brunch menu is awesome, had both dinner and breakfast items at fair prices.

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  5. Nathaniel

    Orange County

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Really enjoyed the food, service and experience! Thank You

    Is this helpful?

  6. Debbie

    Orange County

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food & service were terrific - Saturday late lunch. We had a couple of older folks in our group who eat out a lot and had not been there before, and they enjoyed their meals and the harbor view. Everyone cleaned their plates and were all smiles. Thank you for a lovely afternoon!

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  7. Linda

    Montreal

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Our waitress Michelle was very pleasant and professional. Loved her cheerful personality. We started with Negronis. The Amarena Wild Cherries were a beautiful addition to the drink. (Not your artificial red candied cherry!) My husband and I shared the crab cakes as an appetizer. They were light and well seasoned. The side of coleslaw with mango added the perfect acidic balance. Delish! Both the house salad and wedge salad were fresh and very good. We ordered mains of the mahi-mahi with mash potatoes and the seared scallops. Both were delicious meals. Portion sizes were generous. Desert was Decadent. We ordered the flourless chocolate cake. Dense, chocolatey and definitely will satisfy any sweet tooth!

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  8. doyle

    VIP

    Los Angeles

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I always love dining at the Rusty pelican. The views are incredible, the weight staff are very friendly and attentive, and the food is super delicious.

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  9. Jennifer

    VIP

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Very nice restaurant, waitress was great. Food was fresh and delicious.

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  10. James

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Never disappointed. Me and my wife come every chance we get.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Rusty Pelican Restaurant 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 6442 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 p.m.
Booked 36 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
  • Neighbourhood
    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
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • 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
  • Website
    http://www.rustypelican.com/
  • 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!

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