Photos of Newport Beach Restaurant Crab Cooker, Food Review and Dining List

 previous < Newport Beach Photos > next

The Crab Cooker in Newport Beach offers fish, and claims to have the world's best chowder. Open daily, it is located at 2200 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, CA. Call: (949) 673-0100. crabcooker.com

 Whether the best clam chowder is at Splash Cafe in Pismo Beach, or it's at The Crab Cooker in Newport, some beg to differ...agree to disagree. Shown in the photo above is the landmark brilliant red building (once served as a bank) with white and green striped awnings.  People line up at lunch and dinner time, weekends and vacations to savor the comfort foods and fish served hot, tasty and fresh at The Crab Cooker.

There's no need to dress up at this beach location. With simple wooden tables, a casual atmosphere is something to enjoy, as well as the smoked and grilled preparations, plus some surprises such as the delicious Maryland Crab Cakes.  A fish market allows customers to drop by early and buy catch of the day to take back to their beachfront rentals and prepare themselves in a barbeque, an especially popular event on the 4th of July!

This restaurant that's a tradition for many travelers who return to Newport Beach, began as a passion of a man who loved to fish...and loved the ocean. He launched his restaurant in 1951, cleverly calling it Seafood Varieties. But when, as he described, the guests remembered only the crab cookers inside, it became obvious that a survey wasn't required to create the best name and moniker for the place. Still owned by Bob Roubian, we take our hats off to this amazing entrepreneur who had the persistence to follow a dream, skills to create the best product possible, never falling into mediocrity, and longevity to serve generations of local families, vacationers and celebrities, all savoring the best meals you can find in Newport Beach. There's also a Crab Cooker in Tustin.  And by the way, he gets an award for keeping his prices affordable, too. Thanks, Bob Roubian!
 

Note: This list needs updating, always call first.
 

20 Great Reasons to Dine in Newport Beach:

1 Aysia 101 2901 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach 949-722-4128
Asian food from China, South East Asia and Japan, two bars, a sushi bar overlooking the bay and banquets up to 350 people. 
2 21 Oceanfront 2100 West Oceanfront, Newport Beach 949-673-2100
Fresh fish flown in from around the world, prime meats, pasta, poultry and rack of lamb. 
3 Back Bay Café 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach 949-729-1144
Al fresco dining with views of the bay. Enjoy California-cuisine in a fun, casual setting. Award-winning seafood chowder. Free parking, guest slips available for boaters. Located at the Newport Dunes Resort. 
4 Billy’s At The Beach 2751 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach 949-722-1100
Billy’s bayfront restaurant offers a view of the bay and tropical décor. Thick steaks, lobster and fresh Hawaiian seafood such as Ahi and Ono. Polynesian Bar for nightly live entertainment. 
5 Bistro 201 3333 Coast Highway, Newport Beach 949-631-1551
A sophisticated and elegant setting offering international home-style cooking with a harbor view. 
6 Bluewater Grill 630 Lido Park Drive, Newport Beach. 949-675-3265
Located at the former site of Sea Shanty and Delany’s on the water in Newport Beach. Fresh mesquite-charbroiled seafood, pastas and oyster bar items Sunday brunch and kids menu. Dock spaces, catering and boat charters available.
7 Buzz 3450 Via Oporto, Newport Beach 949-673-4700
A family entertainment dining facility serving Eclectic World-Beat cuisine in a light, festive atmosphere. Fun for all ages. 
8 (The) Cannery Restaurant & Cruises 3010 Lafayette Avenue, Newport Beach 949-675-5777 cannery@newportbeach.com
Located at the historic wharfside location in the heart of old Cannery Village for 25 years. Open air dining on the wharf is available day and night and champagne brunch cruises tour the harbor every weekend on one of the Cannery yachts. Awarded Hospitality Ambassador of the Year, 1997. 
9 Chart House 2801 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach 949-548-5889
A dining tradition in Newport Beach since 1963. Fine steaks, prime rib, pastas, fresh seafood, oyster bar, and salad bar. Enjoy a scenic view of the Newport Harbor. Located along Mariners Mile. 
10 Mutt Lynch’s 2300 W. Oceanfront, Newport Beach 949-675-1556
Located on the water’s edge in beautiful Newport Beach with Catalina Island and the pier in the background , enjoy pizza and schooner’s of beer! Breakfast is served seven days a week along with a lunch menu that fills everyone’s needs. Opens daily at 7am. 
11 Newport Landing 503 E. Edgewater, Balboa 949-675-2373
Waterfront dining including fresh seafood, prime beef, and Sunday champagne brunch. The casual upstairs lounge offers complete menus, patio deck, and live entertainment. Banquets and catering available. 
12 Renato 2304 W. Oceanfront, Newport Beach 949-673-8058
Exceptional Italian cuisine and ocean view on Balboa Peninsula at the Portofino Beach Hotel. Fine informal dining. Guest favorites are chef’s pleasure. Distinctive wine list Private parties. Valet parking. Semi-casual dress. Dinner daily from 5:30pm-10pm. 
13 Ristorante Mamma Gina 251 E. Coast Highway, Newport Beach 949-673-9000
Portofino, fiorentia, or fresh pomo e basilico are ideal on pasta such as penne, capellini, linguini, and fettuccine, which like the freshly baked breads are homemade. Only fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, and sage accompany specialties like broiled lamb chops, sautéed veal scaloppini, grilled whitefish, swordfish and prawns. Mamma Gina’s on the water. 

14 Big Belly Deli, Pacific Coast Highway near Orange Ave. Offers ample portions and fresh ingredients. Very casual. Sports atmosphere.
15 Ruby’s Diner end of the Balboa Pier, Balboa 949-675-7829
Ruby’s is a 1940’s diner, which captures all of the good feelings of a classic all-American diner. 
16 Harborside 400 Main Street, Balboa Peninsula 949-673-4633
In the historic Balboa Pavilion overlooking Newport Harbor. Specialties include seafood and pasta. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch. Banquet facilities available for 50 to 500 guests. Live Entertainment Thursday-Sunday. Karaoke/Thursday-Saturday. Complimentary valet parking 
17 Viewshi in 16th floor View Lounge Marriott Hotel & Tennis Club, 900 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach 949-640-4000
Breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean provide the perfect backdrop for this outstanding sushi/sashimi bar. 
19 Woody’s Wharf 2318 W. Newport Boulevard, Newport Beach 949-675-0474
Fresh seafood moderately priced in a causal nautical setting. There are even slips to accommodate several large yachts for customers who prefer sailing to driving. Live rock ’n roll entertainment Thursday through Saturday. 
20 Yankee Tavern 333 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach 949-675-5333
Spectacular waterfront bay view, combined with traditional American food, makes this local spot a most enjoyable dining experience. Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. The friendliest bar in town.