If you’re a food lover living in or visiting Huntington Harbour in Huntington Beach, CA, you’re in luck—this picturesque waterfront neighborhood boasts a surprisingly diverse culinary scene. From romantic dockside dining to cozy breakfast cafés, gelato rollers, and neighborhood favorites you’d miss without a local tip, Huntington Harbour’s food scene offers something for every craving and every budget. Get ready for a delicious tour!
Waterside Wonders: Upscale Dining with a View
Huntington Harbour’s location means sparkling marina views and ocean-fresh air accompany some of its top dining experiences.
- Pelican Isle Restaurant
*Location: 16400 Pacific Coast Highway, near Admiralty Dr.*
This beloved spot serves up fresh seafood, steaks, and creative fare right on the waterfront. Diners rave about their parmesan-crusted halibut and the extravagant Sunday brunch buffet (with bottomless mimosas, of course). It’s a local tradition for special occasions—just don’t forget to reserve a table on their outdoor deck.
*Cuisine:* Seafood, American classics
*Price:* $$-$$$
- Huntington Harbour Yacht Club
*Location: 3821 Warner Ave*
You don’t need to be a member to enjoy their public restaurant nights! Check their schedule for themed dinners (taco night, Italian night), which pair chef-driven menus with panoramic marina sunsets.
*Cuisine:* Eclectic, chef-driven specials
*Price:* $$
Breakfast Rewards: Where Locals Start Their Day
Breakfast is a big deal in Harbor, with hidden gems serving everything from artisan coffee to creative omelets—often just steps from the water.
- Harbour Rackhouse
*Location: 16821 Algonquin St, by Warner Ave*
Casual and friendly, this gastropub-style spot opens early for egg lovers, but really shines at brunch with their lemon-ricotta pancakes and spicy breakfast burritos. It’s a relaxed place locals love for leisurely mornings.
*Cuisine:* American breakfast, brunch, sandwiches
*Price:* $-$$
- Prime by Shenandoah
*Location: 16695 Pacific Coast Hwy*
This locally owned café brings Southern hospitality and California flavors to morning fare. The pulled pork benedict and their “from-scratch” biscuits pack serious flavor. Don’t miss their seasonal fresh juices.
*Cuisine:* American/Southern fusion
*Price:* $$
Sweet Treats and Bakeries: Sugar, Spice & Everything Nice
From gelato to gourmet cupcakes, Huntington Harbour has treats for every sweet tooth.
- Mangiamo Gelato Caffe
*Location: 16212 Pacific Coast Hwy*
A true Italian-style gelateria, Mangiamo blends imported ingredients and local dairy for the creamiest gelato in North OC. Pistachio is a standout, but locals swear by the fior di latte with a shot of espresso.
*Cuisine:* Italian gelato, coffee
*Price:* $
- Pacific Cake Company
*Location: 16685 Pacific Coast Hwy, near Bolsa Chica Bridge*
More than just cakes (though their custom creations are show-stoppers), this bakery whips up cupcakes, cookies, and French macarons. Pop in for a box of treats on your way to the marina.
*Cuisine:* Bakery, desserts
*Price:* $
Global Flavors at Your Fingertips
Diverse tastes are celebrated in Huntington Harbour, with neighborhood spots serving flavors from Asia, Italy, and beyond.
- Red Table
*Location: 16821 Algonquin St (corner of Warner Ave and Algonquin St)*
The local “hidden gem” for New American cuisine with global touches. Red Table’s stellar happy hour is well-known—think tempura avocado, braised short rib tacos, and a diverse craft beer list. Don’t skip their miso-glazed sea bass!
*Cuisine:* Global/New American
*Price:* $$
- Secret Island Tiki Restaurant & Lounge
*Location: 16428 Pacific Coast Hwy*
For a tropical twist, this festive Tiki bar serves Polynesian fusion—bao buns, poke bowls, and creative cocktails in a totally immersive retro-lounge. Dark, whimsical, and perfect for date night fun.
*Cuisine:* Polynesian, Asian-inspired
*Price:* $-$$
- Aioli
*Location: 16277 Pacific Coast Hwy*
Classic Italian done right with a California twist. Their wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas draw in regulars. The seafood linguine and fig & prosciutto pizza are crowd favorites.
*Cuisine:* Italian
*Price:* $$
Food Trucks & Fast Favorites: Comfort Eats on the Go
For quick bites, food trucks and takeout options around Algonquin St and Pacific Coast Hwy deliver flavor without a fuss.
- TK Burgers (Located near the PCH and Admiralty Dr intersection)
Ask Huntington Harbour locals for their favorite burger, and TK often tops the list. Juicy patties, that secret sauce, and legendary crinkle fries—enjoyed best with a view from Sunset Aquatic Park just across the street.
*Cuisine:* Burgers, classic fast food
*Price:* $
- Local Taco Trucks
*Roaming Pacific Coast Hwy near Trader Joe’s parking lot*
Some of the area’s best street tacos—carne asada and al pastor are musts—roll in nightly, drawing lines of Harbor regulars. Some trucks add fresh seafood to the mix as a local twist.
Neighborhood Traditions & Tips
- Dock-and-Dine: Many marina-adjacent restaurants offer guest docks for diners arriving by boat—a Huntington Harbour tradition! Call ahead to Pelican Isle or Mangiamo Gelato to confirm dock space.
- Weekend Farmers Market: While not exactly in the Harbour, the nearby Surf City Nights market in downtown Huntington Beach is where chefs and locals source seasonal produce and fresh seafood is often found in Harbour kitchens.
- Happy Hour Hop: Many Harbour eateries feature generous happy hour deals between 3-6pm—especially Red Table and Pelican Isle.
Final Bites: Why You’ll Love Eating in Huntington Harbour
What sets Huntington Harbour’s dining scene apart isn’t just its marina setting or variety. It’s the energy—neighborhood chefs experiment, staff treat regulars like family, and there’s always something new to discover tucked along the palm-lined streets. Whether you’re docking your boat or just looking for a Saturday brunch, Huntington Harbour proves you don’t have to go downtown for world-class eats.
So next time someone asks where to eat in Huntington Beach, take them north to Huntington Harbour and introduce them to these delicious local secrets!