When planning a vacation to a destination like Surf City USA, of course local landmarks and fun beach activities are at the top of your itinerary. However, one of the things that I believe makes Huntington Beach truly unique, beyond its iconic pier and amazing action sports, are the delicious restaurants. Living in SoCal for over a decade, I’ve eaten at hundreds of spots all over LA and Orange County and trust me when I say, Surf City USA has some of the best. From serene ocean view dining to fresh seafood joints, Instagram-worthy eateries and more, here are 8 of the best restaurants in Huntington Beach.

PACIFIC HIDEAWAY

Located at the Kimpton Shorebreak Resort on 5th & PCH, Pacific Hideaway blends Southeast Asian and Latin American cuisines to create a coastal fusion menu that’s completely mouthwatering. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner or just drinks, they offer a variety of options for the whole family (even your furry friends!), including some of the best craft cocktails in town. As if that wasn’t enough, it’s totally Instagram-worthy too with the cutest décor, a colorful mural and unobstructed view of the Huntington Beach Pier.

Menu Favorites: Barely Famous (cocktail), Lao Sausage Lettuce Wraps, Chicken Tinga Tacos

500 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

(714) 965-4448

Pacific Hideaway in Huntington Beach

TANNER’S

For one of the best brunches in Huntington Beach, look no further than Tanner’s. Located at Pasea Hotel & Spa next to Pacific City, this coastal gem offers fresh, contemporary cuisine inspired by some of the world’s most renowned surf cultures. With a mix of traditional breakfast items and more eclectic options (Crab Cake Benedict, anyone?) plus a Bloody Mary bar on the weekends, Tanner’s is the perfect spot to enjoy a great mid-day meal by the sea.

Menu Favorites: Fresh Squeezed Mimosa, Eggs Benedict, Tanner’s Avocado Toast

21080 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

(714) 698-6130

Tanner's Huntington Beach

Henry’s Oceanview Dining

If you’re looking to spend your evening with a little fine dining on the water, Henry’s at The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel is the perfect option. This chic, elegant spot will take you on a culinary adventure with its seasonally changing menu featuring exquisite dishes with only high-quality, sustainable ingredients. They even offer 6, 10 and 15 course tasting menus for those who really want to explore the best of it all. Tip: make sure not to miss their creative libations like the Conductor, a smoking whiskey cocktail and their delicious bites menu for in-between meal satisfaction.

Menu Favorites: The Conductor (cocktail), Arabella (cocktail), Henry’s House Made Charcuterie Plate

21100 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

(714) 845-8450

Henry's Oceanfront Dining in Huntington Beach

WATERTABLE

Another great spot for brunch with a view in Huntington Beach? Watertable, located at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa. This upscale eatery is nestled inside the resort among their other shops and restaurants, making it a more quiet and serene place to enjoy an a.m. (or p.m.!) meal. Sit on the outdoor patio surrounded by vibrant flowers and sip on a mimosa (orange, peach or strawberry if you’re feeling adventurous) while enjoying classic egg dishes, sweet waffles and an array of benedicts. They even have a buffet too for those with more of an all-you-can-eat kind of appetite.

Menu Favorites: Poached Egg and Avocado Breakfast Salad, Soca Benedict (fried chicken & waffle)

21500 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

(714) 845-4776

Watertable in Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa

Solita Tacos & Margaritas

Located in Bella Terra Shopping Center, Solita takes the spot as the best Mexican restaurant in Huntington Beach, hands down. Offering a mix of the cuisine’s signature favorites and more modern offerings, it’s the perfect spot to satisfy whatever you might be craving, margaritas included. And make sure not to miss their Taco & Tequila Tuesday, with specials on street tacos, signature margaritas and beers too.

Menu Favorites: House Margarita, Sweet Potato & Bacon Street Tacos, Grilled Corn Elote

7631 Edinger Ave #1508, Huntington Beach, CA 92647

(714) 894-2792

Solita Tacos in Huntington Beach

Captain Jacks

For a more laid-back locals vibe, head over to Captain Jack’s in Sunset Beach for some of the most authentic seafood in town. With over 50 years of history, this cozy joint sits right on the water in Huntington Harbour and is known for their world famous crab legs, prime rib and other seafood specialties. From mussels and oysters to fish and lobster tails, Captain Jack’s has proven to be one of the best restaurants in Huntington Beach for those who want a classic variety of fresh caught local fare.

Menu Favorites: Seafood Skins, Alaskan Red King Crab, Seafood Combination

16812 Pacific Coast Hwy, Sunset Beach, CA 90742

(562) 592-2514

Captain Jack's in Sunset Beach

Bluegold

Fine dining meets casual coastal cuisine at Bluegold, one of my personal favorite restaurants at Pacific City. The second-floor ocean view is enough of a reason to plan a visit, but the food certainly doesn’t disappoint either. Their menu features New American cuisine with a farm-to-table mindset. That means local ingredients and seasonal selections, so you can always expect something fresh and new with each visit. The cozy interior is great for a romantic dinner, group gathering or even just a cocktail at the bar—it works for every occasion.

Menu favorites: Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Wild Salmon, Lamb Chop Frites

21016 Pacific Coast Hwy d200, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

(714) 374-0038

Places to Eat in Huntington Beach

Social Restaurant

A newcomer in town, the popular Social Costa Mesa has made its way to Surf City USA with a new location on Beach Blvd that all the locals are raving about—and it’s easy to see why. With a totally cool interior, thoughtfully curated new American menu and innovative craft cocktails, Social is sure to become a staple here in Huntington Beach. Stop in for happy hour from 4-6pm, enjoy a delicious dinner or head over for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays until 2:30pm. Whatever meal you decide to enjoy here, Social’s creative dishes and drinks are sure to impress.

Menu Favorites:

21214 Beach Blvd, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

(714) 374-7715

SOCIAL restaurant in Huntington Beach