Surf & Turf: An Expert Guide to Dining in Huntington Beach

A destination shaped by iconic Orange County sunsets, some of SoCal’s most thrilling surf breaks and an easy-going beachfront energy at every turn, Huntington Beach’s culinary scene doesn’t flow far from the Surf City USA® lifestyle, it follows it.

Credit: Visit Huntington Beach

Leaning into its coastal setting, there’s far more here than simple fuel for days spent along the shoreline. From low-key local favourites to global culinary influences, one thing is guaranteed when dining in this Californian beach city: ocean views are rarely off the menu. For a full foodie guide, read on to discover our top picks for dining in Huntington Beach.

Jolie & The Belle

Classic American fare takes on a more refined edge at Jolie and its rooftop counterpart, The Belle. Sister restaurant to The Goldfinch in Irvine, California, Jolie serves up seasonal dishes in a vibrant yet elevated social setting, balanced with the easy-going energy of Huntington Beach.

Credit: Visit Huntington Beach

An upscale take on dinnertime classics and local favourites, the menu leans into fresh cuts, seafood specials and seasonal sides, perfectly capturing the evolving dining scene in Huntington Beach. Overlooking views stretching towards the Huntington Beach Pier, this is Surf City USA®’s answer to ‘dinner with a view’.

Upstairs, The Belle (above) shifts the experience. Its rooftop setting brings a more social feel, where a host of fan favourite cocktails and sharer platters complement the coastal view. Whether an extension from table to terrace or a standalone visit, it’s a worthwhile recommendation for the perfect evening in Huntington Beach.

Duke's Huntington Beach

While plenty of spots perfectly capture the essence of surf culture in Huntington Beach, few bring the same sense of heritage as Duke’s Huntington Beach.

Credit: Visit Huntington Beach

Named after legendary Hawaiian surfer and Olympic swimmer Duke Kahanamoku, who introduced surfing to Huntington Beach in 1925, Duke’s pays homage to the roots of what makes Surf City USA® the destination that it is today.

Here, diners are met with a true sense of Aloha, alongside a menu that blends classic Hawaiian influences with Californian coastal favourites. Situated at the foot of the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, it’s not just the food that reflects the surf culture, either. With front-row views of the break, this is one of the closest spots in town to the action.

LSXO

We love a hidden gem as much as the next road tripper. Tucked away within parent restaurant, Bluegold, LSXO trades the typical coastal dining scene for something a little more intimate.

Credit: Visit Huntington Beach

The not-so-secret unmarked entrance to LSXO leans into its underground identity, bringing low lighting and speakeasy vibes to the table in an experience that feels unique to the West Coast. Highlighted in the Michelin Guide for its lively personality and elevated Vietnamese menu, LSXO brings a touch of culture, craft and inspiring flavour combinations to California’s shores. For a refined setting that leads with the experience, this is certainly one to bookmark for clients.

Offshore 9

A spot that plays into the effortlessly cool coastal vibes of Huntington Beach, Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge delivers a refined take on waterfront dining, elevated in more ways than one.

Credit: Waterfront Beach Resort

Perched on the 9^th floor of the Twin Dolphin tower at the Waterfront Beach Resort, Offshore 9 takes the title for Orange County’s highest coastal rooftop experience. The result? Some of Surf City USA®’s finest uninterrupted oceanfront panoramas.

Defined as much by signature sips and shareable plates as it is by its views, Offshore 9 adopts a unique buzz after sundown. Complemented by live music on Fridays and Saturdays, the dining experience shifts to a livelier tone. Whether you have clients keen to extend the SoCal energy into the evening or simply savour coastal Californian fare in style and comfort in equal measure, Offshore 9 is an unmissable recommendation.

Lōrea

Just steps from the Huntington Beach Pier located within the Paséa Hotel & Spa, Lōrea sets the tone with its signature coastal flair, seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients and a selection of hand-crafted cocktails.

Credit: Visit Huntington Beach

Whether dining on the ocean-view patio or even taking a moment to savour the laidback vibes at the open-air bar, this is the place to be. With monthly events and frequent happenings taking place, Lōrea’s atmospheric social setting offers far more than a brief meal. That’s not all, either. For the perfect nightcap, we recommend heading upstairs to Treehouse on PCH, where rooftop vibes, light bites and lively entertainment await, all overlooking the endless vistas of Huntington Beach’s 10 miles of coastline.

Sandbar Cocina y Tequila

With regional influences stretching far in SoCal, Sandbar Cocina y Tequila brings bold, Baja-inspired flavours to the heart of Main Street.

Credit: Visit Huntington Beach

Revamping Mexican favourites through a modern lens and diverse collection of regional ingredients, Sandbar is a spot designed for sharing, delicious flavours and a curated blend of SoCal vibes and contemporary Mexican flair.

With an extensive menu covering everything from elevated nachos to inventive street tacos, burritos, rancheros bowls and more, Sandbar Cocina y Tequila offers the perfect opportunity to tap into the more vibrant side of Huntington Beach. Here, the atmosphere only builds as the day rolls on, making it an easy way to extend the Surf City USA® experience into the evening.

Pacific Hideaway

Where sophisticated dining meets California cool, Pacific Hideaway casually redefines surf-centric cuisine. Tucked unassumingly within the equally vibrant and colourful Kimpton Shorebreak Resort on 5^th Street, Pacific Hideaway serves Latin-Asian fusion to the culinary world of Huntington Beach.

Credit: Visit Huntington Beach

Drawing inspiration from and paying homage to popular surf destinations around the world, Pacific Hideaway’s easy-going vibes and layered menu stretch from the restaurant to the patio. Pairing meals with local craft beer or cocktails, the restaurant leans into its social side; where après-surf energy and Surf City USA®’s signature coastal views complement the experience. With a menu spanning cuisines from Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, Latin & South America, every meal at Pacific Hideaway is a flavourful explosion worth savouring, whether that be Mahi Mahi tacos, catch of the day, bao buns or more.

Watertable

Just south of the Huntington Beach Pier, the iconic footbridge crossing over the PCH leads directly to the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa, home to Watertable, a signature dining space centred around regional, grill-driven American fare.

Credit: Visit Huntington Beach

Guided by seasonality, the menu focuses on well-executed classics and customisable dishes that cater to a range of tastes. From chef-led selections to social sharing plates, accompanied by a vintage, world-class wine list and cocktail programme, every meal here is a conversation starter.

Designed to slow the pace, the warm, understated atmosphere at Watertable invites diners to settle in and savour the moment, offering a more grounded contrast to Huntington Beach’s higher-energy dining spots.

The Huntington Beach experience extends far beyond bucket list activities, riding waves and sunsets that switch up the contrast. A food scene benchmarked by coastal fusions, elevated dining and lively social settings, there’s far more to explore beyond the surface, whether you have clients that are keen foodies or simply in need of a recommendation for the perfect nightcap during their stay in Surf City USA®.

For more information, or if you’re keen to add Huntington Beach to any California itineraries, don’t hesitate to get in touch via info@rocketlondon.co.uk