Dig In to Family Friendly Dining in Newport Beach

Squirrely toddlers and picky eaters can make dining out a trial. But you shouldn’t have to suffer through a Chuck E Cheese pizza dinner to feel comfortable eating out – especially when you’re on vacation in foodie land Newport Beach. So we’ve rounded up the restaurants in town that are friendly to kids and friendly to your palate. 

Beachcomber Cafe  – @thebeachcombercafe  

Newport Beach Restaurants with
Plenty of Outdoor Space

Sometimes, it’s best to let the energetic kids blow off some steam while the adults tuck into their food. We find that restaurants with large outdoor spaces are usually better babysitters than an iPad. So let the kids enjoy some good clean fun at these Newport Beach restaurants with plenty of outdoor play space. 

$$ – Sabatino’s Sausage Company: A family-owned Italian restaurant next to a large dry-slip boat yard, Sabatino’s is a hidden gem and longtime favorite of Newport peninsula locals. An easy walk from any of the vacation homes on the peninsula, Sabatino’s also has a great enclosed outdoor space that’s perfect for kids to run and play in. The best part of all? You can tuck into some amazing, freshly made Italian cuisine – uninterrupted. Located at: 251 Shipyard Way, Newport Beach, CA 92663

$$ – The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove: Unless you’re staying at the Crystal Cove cottages, you’ll have to drive from your vacation home to this restaurant. But the 15 minute care ride will be well worth it! Located right on the sand in idyllic Crystal Cove, the Beachcomber serves American classics with a side of ocean views. Expect to find kids playing in the sand at the foot of the restaurant while their families dine in the timeless ambiance. Located at: 15 Crystal Cv, Newport Coast, CA 92657

$$ – Bluewater Grill: Just a 10-minute walk from the vacation homes that line the peninsula, the Bluewater Grill offers fresh seafood faire while also catering to those with an aversion to fish. They have a fun and easy-to-customize kids’ menu (including a just-for-kids dessert menu!) and a large wrap-around deck that’s perfect for dining with the entire family.  Located at: 630 Lido Park Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92663

Ruby’s – Balboa Pier

Restaurants with a Family Atmosphere
(Loud, Lively, & Fun!)

You’re on vacation – so you’re dining experience should celebrate that! These restaurants are popular with vacationers and locals alike, so you can expect them to be full of families and full of fun! Get in on the action, too! But maybe show up before the dinner rush, because these places get busy!

$$ – Mama D’s Italian Kitchen: Right on the peninsula, it’s normal to see a long line of people waiting for their turn to sup at Mama D’s. But don’t worry! The staff will take good care of you while you wait, passing out hot-out-of-oven garlic knots for you to snack on. Once inside, dig into anything from their extensive Italian menu and we guarantee it will be delicious! Kids think so, too! Located at: 3012 Newport Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92663

$ – Ruby’s Diner: At the very end of the Balboa Pier, you’ll find Ruby’s Diner, a restaurant that recreates the American diner experience with a giant gumball machine, laminate booths, and a jukebox. The only catch, though, is that this 1950s ambiance gets a major upgrade by the 360 degree view of the ocean. So take a stroll to the end of the pier with your strollers, your toddlers, your teenagers, and everyone will enjoy this night of refillable french fry baskets and burgers. Located at: 1 Balboa Pier, #1 #1, Balboa Peninsula, CA 92661

$ – Avila’s El Ranchito: Right in the heart of the Newport peninsula, El Ranchito is a family restaurant hot spot serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Choose between their festive indoor or outdoor seating and tuck into their crispy chicken tacos, tangy ceviches, and mouth-watering margaritas. Kids are well taken care of with their own menu of Mexican food favorites. And if you’re dining here on Taco Tuesdays, expect to wait your turn, because this place gets busy! Located at: 2800 Newport Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92663

Booked a babysitter? Click here for our list of the must-try restaurants for a romantic date night the two of you will never forget!

Visiting Newport Beach? Check out these family friendly vacation homes on the Newport Peninsula that are all steps to the sand – and more importantly – family friendly fun!

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NEWPORT BEACH VACATION HOMES