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Rusty Pelican Restaurant, Newport Beach, CA

Rusty Pelican Restaurant

4.7
4.7
6455 Reviews
$30 and under
Seafood

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 59 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for scenic views
  • Good for groups
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
  • 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!
  • Neighborhood
    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
Gift card

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What 6,455 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • South Orange County

    Seafood

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Rusty Pelican Restaurant offers "superb food and impeccable service" with "incredible views" of Newport Bay. Guests rave about the "delicious seafood," especially the Cajun shrimp and coconut shrimp. The garlic bread and desserts receive high praise, while the "friendly and attentive" staff enhance the dining experience. A top choice for special occasions.

6,455 Reviews
  1. MelpoM VIP

    Phoenix6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined today

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful family dinner ~ food and service went above and beyond!

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  2. Joe

    San Francisco13 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We had a truly enjoyable evening at Rusty Pelican. From the moment we arrived, the hostess greeted us warmly and set the tone for a great experience. We were directed upstairs, where the bartender was equally welcoming and made a pretty good dirty martini—impressive, considering the lively crowd around the bar. Despite the bustle, the staff remained friendly and attentive. After our drinks, a friendly hostess seated us earlier than our reservation, which was a pleasant surprise. Our waitress, Jessica, provided excellent service. She gave detailed descriptions of the menu that helped us choose the mahi mahi, prepared two different ways—both delicious. The combination of excellent service, a lively yet welcoming atmosphere, and well-prepared food makes this a spot we’ll return to. We highly recommend it!

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  3. Jim

    Orange County6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Really good food and desert. Service was top notch. Overall experience was above average.

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  4. Kathy VIP

    San Francisco32 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Really delicious. We all ordered something different and ALL were pleased. Wonderful seafood.

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  5. Michael VIP

    New York City6 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was good, but not great. Expensive for what you get. Dessert was very good.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Jeanette VIP

    Orange County28 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Consistently providing outstanding service and excellent food.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Mmmmm VIP

    Philadelphia6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Good was delicious. Jessica is an amazing server. Made the meal even more enjoyable

    Is this helpful?

  8. Trish

    San Francisco17 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food, service and view🤗 the bartender/server was wonderful!!!!

    Is this helpful?

  9. WILLIAM VIP

    Los Angeles36 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 9, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We absolutely love this spot! After a 20-mile bike ride along the Back Bay, there’s nothing better. We come here about six times a year and always have a great experience. The bar is fantastic, and our waitress tonight was wonderful. The cheesy garlic bread, clam chowder, and wedge salad hit the spot—plus, a couple of cocktails to top it off!

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  10. doyle VIP

    Los Angeles16 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 9, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The service staff were amazing to accommodate a group of 10 people. As always, the food is delicious and you can’t beat the view.

    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 4.7 stars by 6455 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 PM
Booked 59 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
  • Neighborhood
    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
  • 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!
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
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