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Rusty Pelican Restaurant, Newport Beach, CA

Rusty Pelican Restaurant

4.7
4.7
6454 Reviews
$30 and under
Seafood

Make a booking

2 people
21:30
Booked 64 times today

About this restaurant

  • 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.

Additional information

Gift card

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What 6,454 people are saying

Rusty Pelican Restaurant reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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.

6,454 Reviews
  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. 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.

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  5. 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.

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  6. 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

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  7. 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!!!!

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  8. WILLIAM VIP

    Los Angeles36 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 9 March 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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  9. doyle VIP

    Los Angeles16 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 9 March 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.

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas1 review

    2.0

    Dined on 9 March 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    I requested a table with a window and an available table was right there waiting but instead we were seated near unruly iPad kids, mind you my guests were elderly and this was a birthday celebration. The proportions were not great. My plate had the least amount of food and literally took me less than 5 minutes to indulge and I am a slow eater. I’m glad my guest thought it was nice, but I certainly didn’t. Also, you need to make your place more ADA accessible

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FAQs

Rusty Pelican Restaurant offers delivery in partnership with Postmates and Uber Eats. Rusty Pelican Restaurant also offers takeaway which you can order by calling the restaurant at (949) 642-3431.

Rusty Pelican Restaurant is rated 4.7 stars by 6454 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 booking

2 people
21:30
Booked 64 times today
Google Map for Rusty Pelican Restaurant

2735 W Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA 92663

Additional information

  • Phone number
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Steak, American
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Thu 11:30–21:00 Fri, Sat 11:00–22:00 Sun 11:00–21:00
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Valet
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Delivery & takeout
Gift card

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