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Top 10 Huntington Beach Restaurants You Must Visit

Nestled along the Pacific Coast, Huntington Beach, CA, serves up a diverse range of gastronomic treasures that evoke the essence of coastal dining.

From oceanfront dining to culinary gems along the boulevards, Huntington Beach’s food scene is an ever-evolving lineup of restaurants.

Whether you’re a local looking for recommendations on where to go on your next food trip or someone planning their vacation to the Surf City, this roundup of the best Huntington Beach restaurants is your ultimate guide to having the best gastronomic adventure.

Top Huntington Beach Restaurants

The Surf City is a food haven, with numerous dining options for your every craving. But having too many choices can be overwhelming, so let’s narrow the list down to the 10 best Huntington Beach restaurants.

hamburgers and fries served in huntington beach restaurants

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#1: Duke's Restaurant and Barefoot Bar

Duke’s Restaurant and Barefoot Bar is one of the best Huntington Beach restaurants on the water, known for serving authentic Hawaiian seafood.

Located at the Huntington Beach Pier, the restaurant features a traditional beach house ambiance and style with breathtaking ocean views.

Must-Try:

  1. Mango BBQ Burger – 1/2 lb. Angus Chuck and Brisket blend, Duroc bacon, cheddar, mango BBQ sauce, crispy onion strings, iceberg, tomato, brioche bun, and fries.
  2. Seared Ahi Bowl – Seared rare, furikake crust, seaweed salad, wasabi edamame, kimchi, pickled cucumbers, diced avocado, jasmine rice, and yuzu ponzu.
  3. Coconut Shrimp – Crispy coconut panko-crusted shrimp, lilikoi chili water dip.

Reviews:

“I had a really amazing salad at Duke’s in Huntington Beach also, the mango smoothie was phenomenal. I would highly recommend getting it. It was so good that everyone at the table ordered one. I will definitely be back even just for the smoothie.”
– Andi Nicpon

Restaurant Information:

tacos served in huntington beach restaurants

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#2: Sandy’s Beach Shack

Sandy’s Beach Shack is one of the best Huntington Beach restaurants with a view, serving an eclectic range of food options, including pizzas and Surf ‘n’ Turf plates, and an extensive selection of drinks.

Must-Try:

  1. Steakhouse Tacos – Tender pieces of grilled filet with cabbage, caramelized onions, and mushrooms, topped with horseradish crema, blue cheese crumbles, and pico in flour tortillas. Comes with habanero salsa and black bean slaw.
  2. The Surfer Sandwich – Chicken breast topped with Caesar tossed romaine, Swiss cheese, and tomato on grilled sourdough.
  3. Shrimp Kabob – 2 jumbo shrimp kabobs blackened or Hawaiian style.

Reviews:

“Sandy’s Beach Shack is the perfect place to stop when you’re at the pier in Huntington Beach or after a stroll down Main Street. It’s casual, yet trendy, with a fantastic drink menu, beachfront views, and a wonderful menu with specialties for every palate. The service is fast and friendly, and you can sit and enjoy people-watching, surfing, volleyball, the pier happenings, all from your table. I recommend sitting outside to really enjoy its location; during the cooler hours, the heat lamps make it very comfortable.”
– Kelly Haynes

Restaurant Information:

seafood paella served in huntington beach restaurants

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#3: Black Trumpet Bistro

A popular spot known for its open kitchen/bar area that gives guests a unique dining experience, Black Trumpet Bistro is the perfect place for a romantic dinner. Patrons come back for its delectable Mediterranean small plates and kebabs, and excellent wine.

Must-Try:

  1. Satchmo Bouillabaisse – Mediterranean-style fish stew, couscous.
  2. Ella Lamb Shank – Red wine fig reduction, rice, vegetables.
  3. Seafood Paella – Saffron risotto, green peas, Spanish chorizo, mussels, clams, shrimp, calamari, and aioli.

Reviews:

“This place is absolutely amazing and worth the drive if you’re going in the direction of Huntington! We had a couple of specials on the menu that night which included beef empanadas and another was mushroom and filet raviolis which were the best dishes I have eaten at a tapas place! I will be coming back in the future.”
– Safire

Restaurant Information:

a plate of streak with vegetables served in huntington beach restaurants

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#4: 25 Degrees

This burger joint is a local favorite that serves delicious gourmet burgers and boasts a wide selection of cocktails, beer, and wine. If you’re craving a great burger, this is the place to go.

Trivia: The restaurant’s name was derived from the temperature difference between a medium-rare and a well-done burger.

Must-Try:

  1. Bone-In Tender-Loin Filet – Wild mushrooms, Dutch potato, asparagus, smoked blue cheese, cabernet sauce.
  2. The Forager Burger – Sirloin patty, wild mushrooms, white truffle cheddar, basil pistou, and arugula.
  3. Teriyaki Beef Bowl – Herbed rice, black lentils, spinach, tomato, ribeye steak, garbanzo beans, green onion.

Reviews:

“An Oldie but Goodie in downtown Huntington Beach. Hadn’t been since before COVID but found myself Downtown and BOOM, instant smile remembering one of the best Burgers I’ve ever had. The Secret Menu is no longer available but great Happy Hour Menu is to be had. I checked in but for some delicious reason I didn’t even think about Pics. Sorry!! 10-10.”
– Brian Bogan

Restaurant Information:

a plate of sushi served in huntington beach restaurants

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#5: Sushi On Fire

Sushi On Fire wows diners with its extensive menu of over 200 items, featuring traditional Japanese sushi and fusion dishes. You’ll find something new on the menu every time you visit while seeing your old favorites.

Must-Try:

  1. Salmon Teriyaki – Grilled fresh salmon in homemade teriyaki sauce, served with sauteed vegetables and steamed rice.
  2. Octopus Salad – A slice of octopus in a tasty marinade.
  3. Soft Shell Crab – Fried soft-shell crab, served with ponzu sauce.

Reviews:

“This is one of the best sushi places I have been to, and I just keep going back. Nice place, with a nice atmosphere, and also offers seatings outside if you like to people watch. There are tons of selections of sushi rolls. Nigiri and sashimi, and it’s super fresh! Service is great. It is located in Main Street in Huntington Beach, so next time you’re in this area, you must surely try this place.”
– Stephanie Bernardino

Restaurant Information:

a plate of shrimp scampi served in huntington beach restaurants

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#6: Captain Jack's

Captain Jack’s is a longstanding seafood restaurant in Huntington Beach, serving classic Surf ‘n’ Turf staples like crab legs and prime rib, along with various fresh seafood options such as mussels and oysters.

The restaurant offers stunning ocean views and a relaxed atmosphere. Live entertainment is provided by local singer-songwriter Jim Quealy on Thursday through Saturday nights.

Must-Try:

  1. Seafood Scampi – Sautéed King Crab, scallops, and shrimp over rice or linguine.
  2. Prime Rib – Bone-in, center cut, Eastern corn-fed Certified Angus Beef.
  3. Linguine with Clams – Baby clams served on a bed of linguine in a butter garlic sauce. Also available with New Zealand mussels.

Reviews:

“The most delicious, perfect marbled ribeye steak and their fabulous crab, all is top notch to top it off with a very cozy ambiance, congratulations you just hit the best spot in Huntington beach area.”
– Helia Harati

Restaurant Information:

food and alcohol served in huntington beach restaurants

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#7: Watertable

A high-end restaurant located in the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa, offering a seasonal menu of fresh and delicious food. Aside from its private dining area, guests can enjoy their food at the outdoor patio, with breathtaking ocean views by day and starry skies at night.

Must-Try:

  1. Grilled Salmon Bowl – Seasoned arugula, pomegranate seeds, quinoa–farro, trumpet mushrooms, maple butternut squash puree.
  2. Huevos Rancheros – Corn tortillas, refried beans, over-easy eggs, ranchero sauce, avocado-crema, queso fresco, micro cilantro.
  3. Classic Quiche Lorraine – Seasoned arugula, lemon oil, Maldon Salt, shaved radish, avocado.

Reviews:

“What a beautiful restaurant located within the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach, the decor is stunning. We dined here for breakfast. The meals were very unique and inventive, but most importantly, the food and service were both fantastic. Watertable is a restaurant you’ll want to visit whether you’re staying at the hotel or not. Highly recommend for a drink or date night as well!”
– Anthony R

Restaurant Information:

burrito wrap served in huntington beach restaurants

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#8: Ola Mexican Kitchen

Another amazing restaurant with a view of the ocean, Ola is known for its authentic Mexican cuisine and cocktails.

Must-Try:

  1. Siete Mares – Mexican seafood stew with shrimp, whitefish, lobster, salmon, and grilled veggies in a lobster broth.
  2. Baja Fish Burrito – Lightly breaded seasonal fish, cilantro-lime rice, guacamole, chili-lime aioli, three cheese blends, and tequila-citrus slaw.
  3. Lobster & Shrimp Enchiladas – Lobster and shrimp inside our cheese enchilada, topped with a tomatillo cream sauce and sour cream.

Reviews:

“My favorite restaurant in Huntington Beach. Awesome view of the ocean, great food, and great prices.
The patio is the perfect place to have lunch and see the ocean.
I love the steak enchiladas. The chips are delicious!!”
– Jeff Swanson

Restaurant Information:

a plate of sushi in huntington beach restaurants

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#9: Matsu Japanese Restaurant

This modern and stylish dining spot specializes in authentic Japanese cuisine meticulously prepared by highly skilled chefs, using only fresh, from scratch ingredients. There is also a full bar that serves a wide range of drinks, including sake, beer, wine, and soft drinks.

Must-Try:

  1. California Roll Special – California roll, chicken teriyaki, green salad, rice.
  2. Matsu Combination Boat – Salmon teriyaki sesame chicken beef teriyaki chicken teriyaki shrimp, and vegetable tempura California roll fresh fruit in season.
  3. Japanese Ceviche – Albacore, tomato, cucumber, white onion, avocado, smelt egg, sprout and sesame seeds. Olive oil and ponzu sauce on top.

Reviews:

“My go to spot for sushi in Huntington Beach! They also have a great dinner hibachi grill, but you definitely have to make reservations. Everything is always fresh and super clean. The service is always great. I love trying new things here and sitting at the sushi bar. I would highly recommend this place for not only sushi, but for tepp grill as well. They are great with accommodating gluten allergies as my wife is always taken care of here.”
– Coco Loves Dogs

Restaurant Information:

ham sandwich with sunny side-up egg served in, huntington beach restaurants

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#10: Sugar Shack Café

A Huntington Beach institution known for its classic American breakfasts. The café has been serving award-winning burgers and sandwiches to happy patrons for almost 50 years.

Must-Try:

  1. Michele’s Special – Grilled chicken breast, 3 egg whites scrambled with bell peppers and tomatoes with a choice of white steamed rice or fruit and a plain bagel.
  2. HSS Special – Grilled ham sandwich on sourdough bread with melted cheddar cheese and scrambled eggs. Served with home-style spuds.
  3. Keppler’s – Eggs scrambled on an English muffin topped with sliced avocado, tomato, bacon, and hollandaise sauce. Served with hash browns.

Reviews:

“Shack Shack Cafe hit the B-Spot for breakfast on our Huntington Beach road trip. The location on the Main Street is perfect. After a short walk from the hotel we settled in for an outdoor breakfast Street side. I had Street Omelet and she had the French. Needless to say we shared and it was delightful. Can’t wait to go back.”
– Chuck Baldonado

Restaurant Information:

Wrap Up

There you have it – the top 10 restaurants you must visit when you’re in Huntington Beach, CA. Every spot is guaranteed to give you an amazing culinary experience!

If you are interested in learning more about the area, feel free to contact me at (714) 875-7029 or john.garcia@camoves.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

The food scene in Huntington Beach offers a diverse range of cuisine, from American classics to Asian dishes.

Eat like a local! Explore all the restaurants in the area, from casual eateries that have been serving the area for decades to modern dining venues that offer fusion cuisine.