Yes, Huntington Beach is known for its pleasant climate, beautiful beaches, and excellent surfing opportunities; but, did you know that the city is also blessed with a vast array of restaurants serving both locally and internationally inspired food?
Should you require quick suggestions, Capone’s Italian Cucina and Duke’s Huntington Beach are my consistent top picks. These two establishments are sure to impress.
From fresh seafood (duh!) to classic burger joints, farm-to-table establishments to oceanfront dining, and coffee shops to breweries, the California Surf City will bombard you with a staggering number of places to eat.
Take your pick from the list below of the best restaurants in Huntington Beach, and enjoy an all-encompassing dining experience.
1. Capone’s Italian Cucina
In the heart of Huntington Beach is Capone’s Italian Cucina, a family-run restaurant that has been serving patrons traditional pastas, sauces, and desserts for over two decades. This is your neighbourhood Italian restaurant where you can gather with friends and family to enjoy a hearty meal.
Consider treating your taste buds to the crispy prosciutto wrapped around plump and juicy shrimp, generously poured with a delightful lemon cream sauce. This appetizer is as delicious as it is elegant.
For a satisfying main course, try the Penne Con Petite De Pollo—a signature dish from chef/owner Dino. My best advice is to savor the creamy balsamic sauce, which perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors that will leave you craving more.
Capone’s Pollo Marsala comes with beautifully golden and tender pieces of chicken in a rich and creamy Marsala wine sauce. Served with pasta aglio olio, you’ll want every last drop on the plate in your stomach!
Hungry for more? Agnello Capone is their popular rack of lamb dish that has people drooling. The lamb is incredibly tender and tastes absolutely delicious with the Chianti wine sauce.
What to order: Scampi di Parma, Penne Con Petite De Pollo, Pollo Marsala, Agnello Capone
Address: 19688 Beach Blvd. #10, Huntington Beach, CA 92646
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2. Duke’s Huntington Beach
Located on the beach at the Huntington Beach pier, Duke’s is the place where people head to after a long day at the beach swimming, surfing, and chilling. With a retro-style beach bungalow ambiance, and a Barefoot Bar welcoming you with refreshing drinks, the restaurant serves expertly prepared fresh seafood, prime meats, and more.
The Fish Tacos here are so good, that you could see them at almost every table around the restaurant. You can have your fish grilled or beer battered (I suggest the latter!); the fish is fresh, flaky, and delicate.
You get a slight tartness from the tomatillo sauce and a smoky and spicy flavor from the chipotle salsa. Take a bite of everything together with the soft flour tortilla, and you’ll understand why the dish is so popular.
The crispy Coconut Shrimp is fantastic. What makes this crispy, crunchy deliciousness stand out is the hot and garlicky lilikoi chilli water dipping sauce on the side.
The Sautéed Macnut & Herb Crusted Fresh Fish will remind you of your time in Hawaii. The fish will be the catch of the day, always fresh, and the macaroni salad on the side—you can have a separate bowl of just this as a main dish!
And for the showstopper—Kimo’s Original Hula Pie. There’s no beating around the bush about this dessert, it’s a slice of heaven!
What to order: Fish Tacos, Coconut Shrimp, Sautéed Macnut & Herb Crusted Fresh Fish, Kimo’s Original Hula Pie, Crab Wontons
Address: 317 E Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
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3. LSXO
A secret harboured by Hunting Beach’s Bluegold restaurant is another restaurant: LSXO. This intimate restaurant celebrates the culture and heritage of Vietnam with a Southeast Asian-inspired menu and decor that transports you to the streets of Vietnam.
Get introduced to the amazing flavors of Vietnam with LSXO’s Pork, Shrimp & Crab Dumplings. While the dumplings are soft and mild, the spicy and vinegary dressing on the side is simply wicked (wickedly good!).
Want something more fulfilling? Chao is a soul-warming Vietnamese rice porridge dish. You can order yours with different fillings, like poached chicken and confit duck; but, our favorite would be the Crab Chao, which comes loaded with crab meat, salted cod, and egg white in a big steaming bowl.
Now, let’s talk about the Lamb Satay dry noodle—it’s outstanding! Get this if you want a comforting meal that will lift your spirits.
And to complement your dining experience, the Vietnamese Ice Coffee is a must-try. Trust me; it’s sweet, punchy, and oh-so-refreshing!
What to order: Pork, Shrimp & Crab Dumplings, Crab Chao, Lamb Satay dry noodles, Vietnamese Ice Coffee
Address: 21016 E Pacific Coast Highway D200, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
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4. Watertable
As the signature restaurant of Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach, Watertable serves Southern California cuisine, paired with an extensive selection of world-class wines and artisanal cocktails. The rustic interior is an elegant combination of old and new, and the food is ever so appealing.
Open for breakfast and dinner, both menus have some solid dishes that outweigh their counterparts.
From the Breakfast menu, the Breakfast Flatbread is one filling option I highly recommend. Topped with dry chorizo, avocado, sweet peppers, and more, the dish tastes excellent, especially with the tangy and smoky chipotle crema. Special mention to the charred tomato and onion jam—chef’s kiss!
Perfectly browned, crisp, and tender, the Corned Beef Hash benedict is just ambrosial.
From the Dinner menu, try the Grilled Baby Lamb Chops. Served with sweet onion-chorizo-potato hash, the lamb is tender and jam-packed with flavor.
If you love your steak, Watertable has some marvellous creations, like the Prime New York steak with creamy and fluffy chive mashed potatoes, crispy prosciutto, asparagus, earthy and herby toasted hazelnut gremolata, and rich and delicious red wine demi. The tender and juicy steak tastes out of this world with the sauce and all the other fixings.
What to order: Breakfast Flatbread, Corned Beef Hash Benedict, Grilled Baby Lamb Chops, Prime New York
Address: 21500 E Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
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5. Mama’s on 39
If comfort food and cocktails are your definitions of a happy meal, head to Mama’s on 39, a popular local hangout spot serving American comfort food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu features numerous home-style staples, served in a casual and friendly setting.
No matter how many chicken & waffles you’ve had in your life, Mama’s Famous Chicken ‘n Waffle could easily move to the top of your scoring board. Picture this: crispy, tender buttermilk fried chicken perched atop a fluffy homemade waffle. Topped with Mama’s delicious country gravy and maple syrup, say hi to your new favorite!
If you want something easy, the Breakfast Pizza Pie is a unique and wonderful recreation of a classic American breakfast. Loaded with smoked bacon, sausage, chorizo, cheese, tomatoes, eggs, Mama’s potatoes, and Mama’s country gravy, this dish will remind you of your mama’s southern cooking.
Bacon Biscuits ‘n Gravy—an oldie but goodie! The biscuits are soft and crumbly. I highly recommend getting his before going home.
What to order: Mama’s Famous Chicken ‘n Waffle, Breakfast Pizza Pie, Bacon Biscuits ‘n Gravy
Address: 21022 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach, CA 92648
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6. Cucina Alessá
One of the most popular dining spots in Huntington Beach, Cucina Alessá focuses on delivering an authentic Italian culinary experience, with a menu featuring homemade pastas, fresh fish, local ingredients, and more. The place has an old-world charm, partial credit to its Italian-style interior, and is almost always bustling.
Ravioli di Zucca or Butternut Squash Ravioli is a must-order dish here. It’s so good that you’ll dream about it, even if you don’t like squash!
Looking for seafood? Try the Ravioli D’Aragosta. This is lobster fennel ravioli in vodka cream sauce; the ravioli is cooked to perfection—soft and slightly chewy, and the lobster filling inside is a game-changer.
Alternatively, their Conchiglie Gamberi E Asparagi is a seashell pasta dish that will make you smile with every bite. There is shrimp and chopped-up asparagus in the dish, everything swimming in a creamy and flavorful lobster cream sauce.
At Cucina Alessá, you can taste authentic, astoundingly good Tiramisu. Made fresh every day, this dessert will transport you to the heart of Italy.
What to order: Ravioli di Zucca, Ravioli D’Aragosta, Conchiglie Gamberi E Asparagi, Tiramisu
Address: 520 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
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7. Shabu on Fire
Situated in a high-traffic area, Shabu on Fire is the go-to spot for delicious Asian food and sushi in Huntington Beach. The space is simple, the service is friendly and attentive, and the food is exemplary.
The Sushi on Fire Roll introduces your tastebuds to multiple yummy flavors in just one bite. It has shrimp tempura, shrimp salad, and avocado wrapped in soy paper. The baked langostino on top adds a subtle sweetness, whereas the creamy sesame sauce adds a spicy note.
With all the best-tasting fish, and finished with lemon and spicy cilantro sauce, the Refreshing Roll is refreshing, indeed! The thin slices of jalapeno on the top throw in an unexpected but enjoyable spice kick.
When in doubt, get the Shrimp Tempura. This one is always an everlasting hit here. Tthe Spicy Edamame is also another highly recommended dish—buttery, nutty, a teeny bit sweet, and of course, spicy.
What to order: Sushi on Fire Roll, Refreshing Roll, Shrimp Tempura, Spicy Edamame
Address: 310 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
8. The Black Trumpet Bistro
Specializing in Mediterranean-style tapas, The Black Trumpet Bistro will reel you in with the most appetizing aromas that leave the kitchen. In addition to tapas and small plates, there are full entrees, and house-made sangria too. The dimly lit space is ideal for date nights and to share friendly conversations.
Brussel Sprouts and Truffle Fries are two of my top picks at The Black Trumpet. Trust me, you can’t go wrong with either of the two.
Tossed with smoky chorizo, almonds, and tangy and sharp sumac, the Brussel Sprouts is a superbly balanced small plate you’ll love. If you want a healthy starter, this is the way to go!
On the other hand, the Truffle Fries are fragrant, garlicky, and finger-licking good. As a truffle fan, I highly recommend getting this for that unique earthy flavor.
For your main, the Miles Rack of Lamb with rice, vegetables, and Madeira wine reduction sauce is a must-have. This classic, straightforward dish tastes impeccable.
What to order: Brussel Sprouts, Truffle Fries, Miles Rack of Lamb
Address: 7041 Yorktown Avenue #104, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
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9. Sushi on Fire
Sushi on Fire is Shabu on Fire’s sister establishment, known for serving heavenly sushi in Surf City, and the menu is extensive, also featuring Japanese fusion dishes. The interior is modern, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the service here is fast and friendly.
Miso Soup is always a great way to start your sushi meal with. At Sushi on Fire, you can expect a sensational version of the soup—deeply savory, salty, sweet, and rich.
This place also serves the best Edamame in the locale. Order yours spicy, if you can handle the heat.
If you’re extra hungry, I suggest going for one of their rolls. The Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna roll is more like a gourmet sushi roll, to say the least.
The textures of the crispy rice and soft and buttery tuna work well together, and along with a little bit of chilli oil, this roll is the kind you wouldn’t want to share.
What to order: Miso Soup, Edamame, Spicy Edamame, Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna roll, Robin & Pat Special roll
Address: 301 Main Street #103, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
10. Buon Gusto
Buon Gusto makes simply delicious Italian food, food that will have a special place in your heart and will remain in your memory for years to come. The charming interior and relaxed atmosphere of the restaurant make you want to sit back, relax, and indulge in the scrumptious meal that follows.
The Chicken con Broccoli Alla Panna is a heavenly marriage of flavors! The chicken is, of course, cooked just right along with broccoli, red onions, and fresh tomatoes in a cream sauce, which binds all of these with perfectly cooked rigatoni superbly well.
Now, let’s talk about two more favorites on the menu. The Baked Lasagna Al Forno is a contender for the top 5 lasagnas I’ve ever tasted—each layer delivering a burst of satisfaction.
And when it comes to their Chicken Parmigiana? It’s not just good; you’ll find yourself craving this dish even in your sleep! If you can only get one dish here, this is the one to get.
What to order: Chicken con Broccoli Alla Panna, Baked Lasagna Al Forno, Chicken Parmigiana
Address: 4911 Warner Avenue #109, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
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11. Sugar Shack Cafe
Established in 1967 in the same location where it is today, Sugar Shack Cafe is a kingdom worthy of its crown. With indoor and outdoor seating and a back patio, the place is always packed with people looking for delicious, home-style meals.
First time here? You should definitely try one of their Breakfast Burritos, all of which come with three eggs. Though there are “meaty” options, we incline toward the healthy, fibre-rich, and delicious Main Street Burrito, which has mushrooms, avocado, sprouts, onions, and cheese.
Now, we can’t talk about breakfast without mentioning omelettes. Speaking of omelettes, you can have the same combo as an omelette as well which is called the Main Street Omelette. This one tastes just as good as its burrito counterpart.
If you’re craving French toast for breakfast, get Peggi’s French Toast (yes, there’s the regular one too!). This is made with raisin bread, and tastes yummy, yummy in your tummy!
PRO TIP: I highly recommend you visit the place on a Tuesday to try their lunch special Homemade Meat Loaf. You’re welcome!
What to order: Peggi’s French Toast, Main Street Burrito, Main Street Omelette, Chili & Cheese Omelette, Meat Loaf
Address: 213 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
12. Ola Mexican Kitchen
Serving regional Mexican cuisine and cocktails with some of the best oceanfront views from almost every table, Ola Mexican Kitchen offers an immersive dining experience. The menu is gently nudged to elevate classic dishes, with traditional flavors meeting modern vision.
A cool appetizer on a hot summer day along the beach would be their Acapulco Ceviche. The tequila-citrus vinaigrette cooks the Pacific rockfish beautifully, and the roasted pineapple pico de gallo gives it a punch of sweetness.
Craving tacos? The Lobster Tacos are inviting and succulent. Each fresh, handmade tortilla comes stuffed with a generous portion of fresh, sweet, plump lobster tossed in citrus butter, and topped with spicy and sweet sriracha-agave aioli slaw.
The Enchiladas Con Pollo or chicken enchiladas are to die for. The tangy, sweet, and smoky homemade guajillo pepper sauce is solely responsible for the drool-worthiness of this dish.
Don’t forget to pair your Mexican meal with one of their specialty boozy margaritas! The sweet and sour El Dragón margarita is a good place to start.
What to order: Acapulco Ceviche, Lobster Tacos, Enchiladas Con Pollo, El Dragón margarita
Address: 21040 E Pacific Coast Highway F200, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
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Have plans for Anaheim? We already have a list ready, a list of the best restaurants in Anaheim for you to try.