Newport Harbor, with its sun-drenched waters and vibrant maritime culture, has long been a magnet for boaters, sailors, and those in search of the perfect coastal escape. For boaters lucky enough to spend a day cruising in Newport, the harbor offers a smorgasbord of opportunities for those who are seeking transient mooring to dock your vessel, an inviting restaurant to refuel, or a lively bar to unwind. In this installment of our “Dock, Dine, and Drink” series, we’re taking you on a journey through Newport Harbor, revealing everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.
For starters, if you’re planning to dock in Newport Harbor, you’ll be pleased to know that the City of Newport Beach, along with several private operators, offers transient moorings. These slips are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but during the bustling summer months, pre-arranged reservations are strongly advised. With the harbor accommodating a range of vessel sizes — from small pleasure crafts to larger yachts — the transient mooring system ensures that every boater finds a spot to call home for the day. For more details on mooring rentals, visit the City’s website at newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/harbor/mooring-rentals.
Once your boat is securely tied down, it’s time to turn attention to the culinary delights that await along the waterfront. If there’s one place that epitomizes the blend of history and flavor in Newport, it’s The Cannery. A true crowd favorite in Orange County with which most locals are well acquainted, this dining institution is housed in a historic building that’s stood the test of time along the Rhine Canal.
The Cannery’s story is as rich as its menu. Long before The Salisbury family took over, this building was already a beacon of maritime and culinary heritage. Local legend has it that resident Jack Croul saw a dream in the building’s character and history, and in the fall of 1999, he purchased the property from developers for three times its asking price. With no background in restaurant management, Jack partnered with Ron Salisbury through a mutual acquaintance. Entrusting Ron with the restoration and ongoing success of The Cannery, Jack’s passion and vision continue to resonate with every dish served.
The Cannery also offers guests the opportunity to elevate their dining experience with a private Duffy boat rental. Cruise through the scenic Newport Harbor aboard a 22-foot Bay Island Duffy for a self-captained brunch on Sundays or a stylish cocktail cruise before dinner. It’s the perfect way to turn a great meal into an unforgettable outing on the water. Food and beverage service is available for your voyage — just review the menu and coordinate your order with Event Director Jason Noble at [email protected]. Rentals are $150 per hour with a two-hour minimum, and availability varies seasonally. To check current booking options, visit The Cannery’s website and click “BOOK NOW.”
The Cannery’s menu is a veritable seafood celebration. From traditional offerings like a half-dozen oysters — served either plain or dressed — to the comforting warmth of New England Clam Chowder crowned with brioche croutons, each dish is a nod to Newport’s rich marine bounty. Dinner entrees boast an impressive array of seafood selections, featuring everything from Chilean seabass to blackened swordfish tacos and perfectly seared scallops. And if you’re looking to start off your afternoon right, The Cannery’s seven-day-a-week happy hour — from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. — and weekend brunch offer delightful options for every palate. Whether you’re a longtime local or a first-time visitor, The Cannery’s blend of history, flavor, and waterfront ambiance is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. For more information, visit cannerynewport.com/.
But the culinary adventure doesn’t stop there. Just a short journey down south of the harbor, you’ll discover a hidden gem known as The Jetty — CDM Beach Shack. Tucked right on the sand, this charming shack offers an intimate dining experience that’s as casual as it is delectable. Imagine sitting under the gentle warmth of the sun, your feet buried in the soft, cool sand, as you savor fresh, locally sourced cuisine. The Jetty stands out as the epicenter of fresh, delicious food, thanks to its unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability.
The Jetty prides itself on sourcing ingredients from local farmers’ markets, ensuring that every dish bursts with the flavor of the season. Their menu is both innovative and comforting, designed to appeal to a wide range of tastes. Breakfast is available from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., offering hearty options like chilaquiles, breakfast burritos, French toast, and breakfast sandwiches that energize you for a day of exploring the harbor. For a lighter meal, you can opt for quick snacks like their signature Jetty Clam Chowder or a serving of Beach Corn drizzled with Lime Cotija Crema and Parmesan, spiked with a hint of paprika for that perfect touch of spice. And if you’re in the mood for something truly indulgent, the Jetty’s Lobster Roll, featuring succulent lobster drizzled with Old Bay Aioli and served with celery, clarified butter, and crisp romaine lettuce, is an absolute must-try. What makes The Jetty even more appealing is its versatility: not only can you dine in, but they also offer takeout packaging designed to preserve the integrity and freshness of their meals, and they even cater for events, ensuring that the quality of a beachside meal is never compromised, no matter where you are. For more information, visit thejettycdm.com/.
Continuing our culinary tour of Newport Harbor, we turn to a venue that offers a classic American dining experience with a coastal twist — Tavern House Kitchen + Bar. Recognized as the Diner’s Choice winner by OpenTable in 2024, Tavern House Kitchen + Bar is a celebration of inventive cuisine that seamlessly marries the coastal flavors of Southern California, Hawaii, and Mexico. Under the expert guidance of Chef and Restaurateur David Wilhelm, the restaurant reimagines traditional dishes, blending them with creative flair and a commitment to sustainability. The menu changes frequently to highlight seasonal ingredients, ensuring that every dish is as fresh as it is inspired. For those seeking a hearty meal, signature offerings include the Chipotle Bourbon BBQ Oysters, served with smoked paprika, garlic, and grilled sourdough, and the Santa Fe Caesar, a modern twist on a classic salad with poblano Caesar dressing, avocado, pumpkin seeds, and pico de gallo. For brunch enthusiasts, Tavern House Kitchen + Bar offers an innovative menu featuring creative dishes such as Fried Chicken and Waffle Benedict — a delightful combination of crispy fried chicken, fluffy waffles, perfectly poached eggs, and a silky hollandaise sauce drizzled with maple syrup. Their Tavern Cheeseburger, made from a half-pound of prime Angus sirloin topped with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and a signature 1000 Isle sauce, all sandwiched between a brioche bun, is another standout favorite. With daily happy hours from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. and a stunning waterfront view that can be enjoyed all week long, Tavern House Kitchen + Bar is an essential stop for any mariner seeking a satisfying, classic dining experience. For more information, visit https://www.tavernhousekb.com/.
While Newport Harbor’s culinary offerings are sure to delight, the experience of cruising into the harbor itself is equally enchanting. The harbor’s vibrant atmosphere is a mosaic of activity, with sailors, recreational boaters, and transient moorers all coming together to celebrate the maritime lifestyle. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a first-time visitor, the harbor’s efficient transient mooring system — though available on a first-come, first-served basis — ensures that you have a safe and accessible place to drop anchor. And with the summer months in full swing, pre-arranged reservations are highly recommended, so you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying the experience.
For more details on mooring rentals and to plan your next maritime escape, be sure to visit the City of Newport Beach’s harbor website. And as always, from the dock to the table, we at The Log are here to ensure that every journey is a memorable one. Happy cruising, dining, and drinking — here’s to a day well spent at Newport Harbor!
Note: This article is a celebration of Newport Harbor’s unique blend of maritime charm, culinary excellence, and vibrant community spirit. All information is accurate as of the date of publication and subject to change. For the latest updates on transient moorings and dining options, visit the official websites of Newport Beach and the respective venues.
