Rusty Pelican Rusty Pelican

Rusty Pelican Awards

Classic seafood dinners at sunset are served up at Newport Harbor’s romantic Rusty Pelican.
Openings: Lunch Mon.-Sat., Dinner nightly, Brunch Sun.

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Rusty Pelican, Newport Beach, CA


Rusty Pelican Restaurant Review:


This Newport Beach establishment has served up large doses of romance and good continental fare for more than three decades. And like many of the restaurants that dot Mariner's Mile, it takes full advantage of the view afforded by Newport Harbor. In-the-know locals get a seat at the upstairs bar at least an hour or so before sunset to catch the sky burst into orange and purples while the harbor’s blue waters sparkle. If you're ready for a more formal experience, however, start with a glass of wine from the smart by-the-glass list and order the spicy Cajun shrimp appetizer or refreshing ahi sashimi or calamari fritti. The menu mostly features pan- and oven-roasted seafood dishes, but there are also three cuts of steak for those who seek a surf ‘n’ turf combo. We enjoy the macadamia nut- and plantain-crusted mahi mahi, which is surrounded by orange reduction. Swordfish, which is prepared in a brandy herb marinade, is also a good choice. Lobster is usually a hit-and-miss menu item in OC, but the tails here are poached in butter for unusual tenderness. Desserts are highlighted by the flourless dark chocolate cake. On Sundays, the venue offers hearty brunch items like flat-iron steak and eggs and crab cake Benedict.