The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove

Went here with friends and it was early in the morning and after the rain. Right on the beach so great view and location. You have to park the other side of the street and there is a mini bus taking you over to the lodge/motel but you have to walk down to it, then pass the lodges, into the sand/water in order to get to the restaurant. The place is small but with great vibe and definitely great view of the ocean. Service is excellent and very friendly. We ordered bunch of foods. They all tasty but nothing special. Prices wise, expensive but you have to remember that you’re paying for the location so. Worth it? Sure once in awhile for sure. It is a great place to hangout, chill with friends or family and walk along the beach afterward or prior. Overall, very cool place with good foods and great services plus fantastic view.

Excellent food! Wonderful ambiance, fresh seafood! Our young daughters thoroughly enjoyed their lunches and the mini-smores dessert was a hit! Pineapple cake and benignets were amazing too!!

I recently dined at The Beachcomber in Newport Beach, though I must preface that I was adhering to a no-carb, no-sugar, and no-alcohol regimen. Thus, my selections were limited. The location itself is undeniably scenic, with oceanfront seating and a charming walk from the parking area. However, only residents or club members can park closer, requiring visitors to walk or shuttle—though I personally appreciated the stroll. I ordered the steak appetizer, a chicken salad, and clam chowder. The steak appetizer, though slightly overcooked for my preference, had commendable flavor. The chicken salad offered fresh greens, but the chicken itself was fried to dryness, though the dressing was delightful. The clam chowder was underwhelming; it seemed to rely on pre-packaged quality, with few tiny miniature pieces of clams and mostly potatoes. While the meal wasn’t exorbitantly priced, it didn’t entice me to return from Long Beach. Yet, the neighboring table’s sautéed shrimp, paired with bread, came highly praised—and if I'm ever nearby, I might stop in solely to try that dish. Ultimately, it’s a pleasant locale, but the cuisine, while adequate, lacked distinction. Ps. I really enjoyed a revitalizing walk after my meal on the beach.

I brought my best friend here for her birthday breakfast and it was absolutely wonderful. The beignets were the best and we couldn’t have asked for a better table with a close and clear view of the Pacific Ocean. Our server, Steven, was very friendly, kind and attentive. We had an amazing experience and it felt like we were on vacation for the two hours we were on the property.

We arrived for lunch and found the place quite crowded. We managed to get seated in the patio, which offered a beautiful ocean view. Our waiter was attentive and knowledgeable, and the food was exceptional. The chicken sandwich I ordered was particularly delicious, and the mini tacos were equally tasty. To end our meal on a sweet note, we indulged in the beignets, which were simply divine. Overall, it was a delightful surprise, with a friendly and welcoming staff that made our dining experience truly enjoyable.

Perfect place for lunch on the beach at Crystal Cove. Food is simple but good quality and well executed, very friendly service. Recommend the grilled mahi fish tacos (large fish portions!) and the turkey club sandwich (not a typical stacked club, but on a roll. The turkey was excellent thick cut).

Huell Howser would be proud! The Beachcomber Cafe at Crystal Cove is one of those places where the experience is as much about the process as it is about the food. This is not a restaurant you casually pull into. It takes planning, patience, and a willingness to lean into the day. First, a key thing to know up front: the Beachcomber does not take reservations. Upon arrival, check in with the host stand, leave a form of collateral, such as a credit card or ID, and receive a customer pager. When your table is ready, the pager lets you know. On our visit, I handed over an In-N-Out Burger card, which worked just fine. We visited on a Sunday afternoon. With only two people in our party, we were initially quoted a wait of about 1.5 hours. As more people joined us, the quoted wait increased. By the time we finalized our party, the wait was roughly an hour and forty-five minutes. Before you even get to the waiting part, though, you need to understand parking. The Beachcomber is located inside Crystal Cove State Park, and you cannot drive directly to the restaurant. Parking is on the north side of Highway 1 in the state park lot. There is plenty of parking, but it is all paid. Rates are a few dollars per hour or about $15 for the entire day. It is safest to just pay the full day rate and not worry about the clock. From the parking lot, you can either take the shuttle when it is running or walk down. We chose to walk. The trail is entirely downhill, making it very manageable, even for older visitors. About 100 feet down the trail, you will see public restrooms. At that point, take a left and continue downhill. It can feel like you are walking farther than expected, but keep going. Eventually, you will reach a fork in the path. The right side appears to head back uphill. Do not take that. Stay to the left. Continuing on that path brings you to the pedestrian tunnel that passes underneath Highway 1. The tunnel is hand-decorated with murals that add a bit of character to the walk. On the other side, you emerge into old Crystal Cove. This area includes historic beach cottages, an estuary, a visitor center, and two gift shops run by the same group. Both shops are worth a stop if you are browsing for souvenirs, hats, or beachwear. It is a pleasant area to explore while waiting for your table. Continue down the main street and you will begin passing the Beachcomber’s outdoor seating area. The restaurant occupies the entire corner at the end of the road. When the street curves, turn right and you will immediately see the main entrance and host stand. Once seated, things move quickly. Despite how busy the restaurant was, our food arrived in about ten minutes. Service was efficient and well organized. The food itself was excellent. I ordered the fish and chips, which were fresh, hot, and very well prepared. The batter was crisp, the fish was properly cooked, and everything tasted freshly made. Even the iced tea stood out as being good, which is not always a given. The quality of the food justified both the wait and the effort it took to get there. When it is time to leave, you exit the same way you came in. However, you do not have to walk all the way back up the hill. On the way down earlier, you may have passed the trolley stop without realizing it. That same stop is used by the Crystal Cove shuttle and is also where the Marriott hotel trolley drops off guests. From there, you can take the trolley back up to the parking lot on the north side of Highway 1. The cost is $2 per person, per trip. A round-trip ticket would be $4 per person, but if you walk down and take the trolley back up, it is only $2 per person. Walking down was easy, and taking the trolley back up was a nice way to end the visit without the uphill climb. In the end, the Beachcomber Cafe is worth visiting, but only if you arrive with the right expectations. There are no reservations, the wait can be long, and parking and access require extra effort.

This wasn’t my choice of restaurant as I’m not a seafood girl and am allergic to shrimp as well as a ton of other allergies but I enjoyed my food. The service was also very personable. You can sit in the restaurant or on the beach and we chose to sit at the beach and it was not a wait for food nor do we have any issues due to sitting a bit from the actual restaurant. They were on top of everything and quick. The drinks were also hefty portions and very tasty. Would 10/10 go back just to drink. The view wasn’t bad either! If I’m ever in the area again we may just have to take a trip back! I will say it’s a walk to get to though, but so is the beach area in general.

Fantastic food, great ambience, and a beautiful view. They also brought us some free beignets as a courtesy while we waited. Highly recommend.!

We came late afternoon without Reservations and waited for a bit. Bring a blanket, so you can sit and watch the ocean while waiting. Or you can walking around to The Crystal cove visitor center and gift shop. During the holidays, they have a holiday shop which has many cute items for sale. We sat down and ordered food. Service was great! But there were some hiccups on the order as we had some Substitutions. The beef steak sandwich was very tender and delicious. My buttermilk chicken sandwich was so so and a bit dry. The manager Brian was amazing as he helped us clear up some of the confusion. The location was amazing as we sat on the patio. We had ordered beignets afterwards. That was amazing. It came in about 15 pieces with chocolate syrup. The location is awesome. If you are staying at the Marriott, you get 10% off by showing your digital discount card.

Yes. The location is nice and pretty... But the most important thing is: We all got food poisoning from this place! My mom is in her late 70s had severe diarrhea after eating their shrimp tacos, I had diarrhea and abdominal pain after eating their tortilla soup. My husband got the worst of it had server abdominal pain vomiting x20?times diarrhea and had to go to Hoag Hospital. After eating the mahi-mahi mahi taco. ( which he said it smelled and tasted funny, but the restaurant tried to cover up with a bunch of sauce...) The hospital ER ordered CT scan and showed findings indicative of severe food poisoning!!! He is still in the hospital getting IV and pain meds!!! They could have killed somebody... They should be shut down by the food safety inspectors. What a disgrace this place is. Will NEVER subject myself to this again!

My son and I had a late weekday lunch without a reservation. Fortune was on our side and we were sat immediately. Yay!! This place is a gem and the only eatery for those who are lucky to snag a stay at the cottages. The ocean view, beach tourists, decor of the restaurant and roaring 20's music exudes ambiance. 10/5 rating! All staff were friendly! 10/5 Appetizers - we had the Baked Brie and Korean Steak Skewers. The brie bites came as individual puff pastries topped with both savory and sweet notes. Very yummy! The steak skewers come in a sweet sauce that includes edamame and black beans. An additional dipping sauce is included, but with the sweet sauce so abundant we hardly used the dipping sauce. 4/5 For entrees my son had the Kobe burger. It's a LARGE burger with all the fixin's. Sadly the burger was overcooked and didn't come the way he ordered it. He's not into creating a fuss and did not complain until we got home. I had the Turkey Club, which was also a large sandwich, but was delicious. Overall, this restaurant is so fun and a great place to take out of town company or go with someone you'd like to spend time with. There is a gift shop(also amazing staff) and visitor center to explore, making it even more inviting. Parking and taking the shuttle or walking is also an adventure and part of the charm of this restaurant. It's not easy to get to, but it's worth the trek. If you decide to walk you're treated with charming murals on the walls of the tunnel.

One of the best brunch spots in OC, especially if you're craving that true beach day vibe. Brunch with your feet practically in the sand just hits different. Make a reservation if you can, or put your name down and make a little adventure out of it: go for a hike, hang out on the beach, then come back to eat. The view is unbeatable no matter what you do but the wait can be real long (I've seen it at 2 hour wait for our group of 4), especially on the weekends. Last time I did the 5 mile hike first, then ended it here with brunch and their Bloody Mary (which they say is the best in OC), and honestly, I believe it. Everything was perfect. Service is always solid, and there's even a cute resident cat that hangs around. Parking is $15, and you'll need to walk about 10 to 15 minutes from the lot to the restaurant. You'll know you're on the right path when you pass through the tunnel covered in kids' art. There's a shuttle too if walking's not your thing, I think it's a couple bucks, though I've never taken it. Tip: Bring your beach gear, because once you're done (or before) eating, this is the perfect place to just chill on the sand

You are paying for location, location here. You can't beat the views from here and you eat basically on the beach. You can't get closer unless you pack your own food. There is always a wait for walk up so I would suggest you make a reservation. Even with a reservation, you may wait a little. We tried the ahi poki tacos from apps, ribs dinner plate, mushroom & truffle mac & cheese, fries and lemon mouse. The Ahi poki were good but the crust tasted a little stale to me. I wish they had more of a crunch but good. Great value for ribs dinner plate. The cream corn was more of corn, not overly creamy and the ribs had a lot of fat on it. They can't control that but I felt like it was more fat then meat. But good. Mushroom & Truffle mac & cheese was on the watery side. If you are thinking it's a thick, rich mac & cheese, it is not that. Fries were good-could have been a little hotter. And I thought I was ordering lemon mouse cake but it was more of a mouse cup. Overall, good dinner and fun to treat yourself once in awhile.

The location is everything! The little Crystal cove village is cute and the Beachcomber Cafe is set right on the ocean. We went for breakfast without a reservation, but were able to sit inside. I recommend making one if you know in advance. The juices were all so beautiful and tasted delicious. The beignets were, warm, light and fluffy. It's definitely a share size. My friends and I shared the crab and shrimp eggs Benedict and the macadamia coconut pancakes. The pancakes were delicious, but the syrup is fairly sweet. Unfortunately, the service was slow for us. Because the server had been on break, we didn't get much attention initially. She was great when she did come back.

FOOD: The food here was great! We got the beignets to start and they are so good!! So airy and fluffy and delicious! I also got a mimosa with elderflower and it was very good! Great flavor. To eat, I got the skillet but with impossible sausage and it was really good! It was my sisters bday so they brought out a brownie dessert for her and it was so good! SERVICE: Our server was so nice and friendly! He chatted with us a bit and was helpful in every way! AMBIANCE/DECOR: It's definitely got total beach vibes and love that it's right on the beach so it's nice to go walking after. PARKING: The only con is the parking! We parked in the out across the street and paid $15 for a day pass because we didn't have enough reception to pull up the website and pay hourly. They should have an option to do that in person or have machines there. Also there is a $2 each way fee to use the shuttle. We couldn't walk because my dad is unable to so we had to use the shuttle.

We had the opportunity to stay at the beach cottages which really gave us the ability to finally eat at Beachcomber! You can park across the street and walk or take the shuttle but it just never seemed worth the effort until we were staying on the beach. DEFINITELY order the beignets! These were the tastiest things and just melted in your mouth. You can get them at breakfast or not-breakfast, they just come with different sauces. Everything else tasted not bad and you get that ocean-front view to make things even better. If you're not getting here early or have a reservation (I think they take reservations?) then you'll be waiting for a good amount of time. They give you a buzzer so you can walk around but not too far. Overall, if you're visiting or are in the area, highly recommend for the experience.

Such a cute spot and the food is amazing. We made a reservation and were sat really quickly. Our service this last visit was a little less attentive than I'm used to here but overall it was a still a great experience.

The Beachcomber is one of our favorite places right by the ocean. Staff are very friendly and welcoming. We had the ahi tuna tacos, the mahi mahi mahi which was phenomenal, and they made the shrimp pasta for me even though it wasn't on their lunch menu.. all done perfectly and very delicious. Our seats were just perfect that day with awesome waterfront views and the drinks were good as well. Leave room for the beignets for desert, they are a must!

Experience a mini hike adventure through an artist tunnel, to dining with sand in your feet with waves right in front of you. And decent food now! Fun little town experience. Located on Crystal Cove Beach (paid parking across the highway, walk or pay for shuttle to the beach cove area). It's been over a decade since I've visited and its changed. The food is ALOT better. The beach area: Plenty of folks sunbathing, swimming, etc. GREAT place for seniors too because of free BEACH WHEELCHAIRS to use at the cove area, and shuttle access. No appt available for 5ppl. Larger parties of 7 and more to call in. They said for larger groups, can walk-in; it'll take about 1-2hr wait. But there's beach things to do if anything. We can go early to wait for a table, and hangout around the beach. You give them your ID, and they'll give you a buzzer. Google Maps will take you to the beach side where the parking rangers will tell you to u-turn, and drive across the highway to the correct parking area. 1. $20 Pay for parking. They take credit card, and there is a senior discount. This lot can get full quick. On a weekday, it seemed to almost be full by 1pmish. I'd imagine it full very quick on a weekend. Getting to the restaurant from this parking lot. For seniors and those with walking ability of small elevation upward/downward of 20min-30min stroll -- 2a. Shuttle Area: $2 per person each way, no rsvp needed. It closes at 10pm? It was recommended to take the shuttle back for those who would have difficulty with the upward long stroll back. Anyone with hip issues, I recommend taking the shuttle back. 2b. Behind the shuttle is the public restroom. In between the restroom and the shuttle is a path walkway. Make left for the easy path to the cove/restaurant area. You'll stroll on a flat dirt road, through a tunnel full of colorful art, to out toward a parking lot and shuttle drop off area. This area also has the beach wheelchairs to use for free (for disabled and elderly). If you have someone with hip issues or certain abilities for walking, but they want to try the stroll....on person could walk first or shuttle first to the area to pick up a beach wheelchair to be ready for when the person needs it? Just an idea. I have not tried this yet and unsure if the wheelchairs are have distance constraints like some shopping carts at grocery stores. Crystal Cove town has a store (they call a visitor center), wood plank strolling path, rental cottages (difficult to rent online because its so popular), etc. 3. Restaurant: Check-In at the front. Seating indoors the main restaurant. The patio was enclosed when we visited. There is indoors of that or the enclosed patio. BUTT I recommend the beach side which is a short stroll to the left side of the restaurant. However, you'll have to be patient with slower service here due to being further way from the main restaurant. There are limited tables here. During waiting for a table we can stroll the beach. - Give them your ID, and they'll give you a buzzer. Once it buzzes, just stroll back to the front to get your seat. - Tables are small, and entree plate are huge. It is difficult if you plan to share entrees for your party. Food: Alaskan Cod Fish & Chips$22.00 - it can be made dairy free. Not bad. Lots of fish pieces. I also asked for the fries to be double fried, which was done okay. Macadamia Crusted Mahi Mahi$32.00 - can be made dairy free. The mash potatoes were made dairy free for me too!! This was fine. I just really loved the option to finally eat mash potatoes like everyone else. Roasted Spaghetti Squash-L$31.95 - I ordered this with jumbo shrimp to be added into it. It can be made dairy free. This dish is a must order again!! Char Grilled Artichokes-L$22.00. It is dairy free. This dish can get mess and unsure if it was worth the work unless you really love artichoke?

First off, the service my friend and I received was amazing. It was pretty busy and our waiter was running all over the place but he was super friendly and super accomodating. Our waters were constantly filled. The views were beautiful and we were able to watch the waves as we ate. As for the food, Jumbo Shrimp Pasta was a bit bland, but the Clam Chowder was pretty good. The Kung Pao Calamari however was dissappointing. The crispy rice noodles were kind of stale and the calamari was chewy. The only thing I would recommend is the beignets which we ordered with the idea of eating some of it and taking home the rest, but it was so good we ate the entire plate there. The whip cream and chocolate syrup wasn't too sweet so it balanced the powder sugar super well. The beignet itself is fluffy and not doughy and that was how we ate the entire plate. Not pictured was the Beachcomber cocktail and the Berry Bang mocktail. My friend said the cocktail was just fine, not super strong, and my mocktail was also just fine. Overall this was a nice place to enjoy just once for us.

I went on a date here and this is such a cute and romantic date night restaurant. It was a bit hard to find because we had to park on the other side of the road and walk for a while to find it but it's right on the beach. The food here is wonderful. I forgot what I ordered but everything was so delicious! Their drinks are also amazing!

The beachcomber cafe is a nice little restaurant right along the water. They had an option for inside, outside, and also tables on the sand. We came on a Tuesday for lunch, when greeted by the host we were informed there was a bit of a wait so we grabbed a drink at the bar to start. We were seated outside about 15 minutes later. The Beachcomber (cocktail) 4/5: this drink tasted absolutely amazing and on the sweeter side. I would definitely recommend to anyone interested in getting a drink here, my only comment is that I could barely taste any alcohol in the drink. Mahi Mahi Tacos 4/5: The Mahi Mahi fish itself was a little bit dry, but it had good flavor and came with a good amount of fish and avocado (which some places skimp on but not this one!!) Fish and Chips 4/5: They were what you expected fish and chips to taste like. Although the breading looks heavy it was very light and airy which made each bite super crispy. Clam Chowder 4.5/5: I absolutely love clam chowder and this one had an amazing taste, I wish it had more clams though. Service 4.5/5: After we moved from the bar to our table, we weren't greeted for a bit. Before us our server was sat a party of 9 and then later a party of 6 so I understand that she was pretty busy that afternoon. Overall 4/5: I would definitely recommend this as a place to go if you find yourself at the beach. Be wary of the parking situation though! You can choose between a $2 shuttle each way or a 15 minute walk. Either way, would come again.

I hate to even give this place a five star review because I feel like it's kind of a secret. It's like you're in Hawaii. It's a state owned beach that not nearly enough people know about. I'm currently dealing with an injured foot so we took the shuttle from across the street and had a fantastic meal. The vibe is very beachy very cool. You'll get sand in your shoes. Just walking there. The service is fantastic, a bunch of young people very happy to be working there. Usually when the view is amazing the food is less of a priority, but not in this case. The food is fantastic. Highly recommend.

Really enjoyed beachcomber cafe, they were great about substituting the grilled fish in the fish tacos for fish n chips cod, and it was delicious. Freshly cooked, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. I wish there was slightly more sauce but otherwise no complaints. The views were lovely, the temperature was perfect, and it was so nice to walk on the beach afterwards. Parking is quite challenging though.

Location location location. The food was good but not outstanding. The service was good but they really do throw you out after 90 minutes

I enjoy coming here, always have. I just don't like the wait time for tables nor do I like their policy of having to give your ID to get a buzzer. But service is good, view is great. Parking situation is annoying.

1. Blonde braided host was chewing gum and was rude. The brunette with glasses gave us 20-40 mins wait time / we got in within 5 mins after deciding to go to the bar and get lemonades and clam chowder. 2. When the clam chowder came out it was cold . (Probably sitting there as we moved from the bar to the dining area 3. No common sense why bring out food with no utensils . Waitress was "nice" but wasn't attentive enough 4. Food was pretty tasteless. Pasta was watery , the fish wasn't flakey and the texture was too rubbery The lobster roll was pretty good, it had a good amount of lobster in there and the fries were standard. It's a shame because it was my boyfriend's and I anniversary and we were looking forward to our lunch. Would be going back to the beach but not the restaurant again.

This is the main restaurant at Crystal Cove, so it's pretty hard to miss, but that also means it's pretty busy all the time. We got reservations months in advance for our party of 11. As our party was too big, we actually had 2 reservations for 5 and 6, and they made sure we were all seated together. The price of the food doesn't necessarily match with the place's ambiance. As it is at the beach, the restaurant itself has chill beach vibes and outside seating is on a deck, but I would expect this menu for a semi fancy place. With that said, the food is tasty and at good portions, but nothing too out of the ordinary. I enjoyed our time here, and they even sent over a cake for our bday girl. Overall a great experience.

Had a wonderful breakfast/brunch at the beachcomber! Lots of sweet and savory options to eat and helpful accommodations for dietary restrictions. We really enjoyed the chilaquiles, short rib, and crepe! Jesus was a great server and the weather was excellent. Seating was comfortable and loved the vibes!

Amazing food and Perfect spot for a beautiful beach sunset. Perfect for a date night or just a Sunday funday. Service is great as well.

First time trying this spot. It's in such a great location. We went for breakfast and we got there around 8:30am it was perfect we only waited around 10 minutes for a table for 4. After 9 am it got soo busy, so much people waiting for a table. I highly recommend coming early so you don't wait a long time (especially on weekends). Everything was delicious and staff was friendly.

A literal restaurant on the beach aka the best view possible. A perfect date night or girls night restaurant with high quality American food. The pesto pasta was tasty with a good amount of shrimp that was cooked well. I thoroughly enjoyed sitting on the sand watching the sunset while eating my meal. Talk about dinner with a view!

Okay so do plan ahead if you decide to come here. The parking is across the freeway and you pay $5.50 an hour or $15 flat rate for the full day. You can take the 8 minute walk across through the tunnel or wait for the shuttle to take you over to the historic district where the restaurant is located. We got there 30 minutes before closing and they were still kind enough to seat us however we did not stay as I think it was too late to order. The menu is extremely pricey for what they offer, so do take a look before you pay for parking and make the walk down. Otherwise, the restaurant itself is such a relaxed vibe and the beach out front is beautiful! The Beachcomber might be more for brunch and lunch. I probably won't come back for dinner just due to the options.

We were there with another couple and everybody had a taco that was pretty good, but I was overcharged for my drink. I ordered a vodka with cranberry and orange juice and that I did not need a top shelf vodka. They went ahad and poured Grey Goose vodka for $18 and then charged me an additional $5 for the orange juice?? I called to ask about it, never got a return call after leaving a message and also sent an email to the manager but never got a response. I worked in the restaurant industry for many years, certainly realize the place is very popular and this probably does not climb the ladder of any concern, but overcharging is not really fair to the customer.

Nice view & yummy food. Honestly all I need. This is the perfect place to take your family, grandparents, or go for a morning/afternoon date. There are indoor and outdoor seating, and I honestly loved sitting outside (a cooler dining experience) by the waves. The service was good, keeping in mind how busy they were that morning. There are seafood pastas, burgers, cute cocktails, and the usual American foods with a fresh twist. It was so good. Things are a little pricier for the taste, but it is a nice location so I understand.

Beachcomber Cafe is a restaurant literally located on the beach at Crystal Cove State Park in Newport/Corona Del Mar, one of the most pristine, hidden gems on the California coast. Parking at Crystal Cove is $20 and it's a short walk to the restaurant or you can pay an additional $2/per person for a shuttle to the restaurant. My wife and I opted to take the 8-10 minute walk to the restaurant from the parking lot. It's a beautiful pathway lined by foliage (and, apparently, poison ivy). My ratings tend to skew more toward food than ambiance and service. If you care about having a cute brunch at a five-star location, this this can be a four star experience. If you are like me and you look more at the food, then it's solidly three stars. I ordered a breakfast burrito and it was texturally one note. Their beignets are puffed and hollowed out like a cream puff and it tastes great with the provided whipped cream, maple syrup, and jams. I ordered a bloody mary, which looks good for the Gram, but is otherwise okay. I liked that it came with a garlicky shrimp and crab claw. I definitely needed all the provided veggies and pickles to down most of the drink. My wife ordered their short rib hash and it had a lot of short rib and less of the hash - it was like a stew, that went well with the provided toasted sourdough. Honestly, the main attraction here is the five star location for a date/boozy brunch with their mimosas and cocktails, but be ready for the Newport Beach prices. If that's what you want, then make a reservation ahead of time, plan for the 10 minute walk in the State Park to get to the restaurant, and enjoy the ocean front view. If that's what you want, then you'll be happy.

The Beignets were great as always. We get them with a side of maple syrup. I also tried a side of their coconut syrup but I was dismayed that it had lemon undertones. The Classic Eggs Benedict with a side of fruit was great. But next time my wife just wants to get a simple bacon and eggs. The Creamed Spinach and Asparagus Eggs Benedict was alright. I normally like creamed spinach with bechamel sauce but in this case it was contrasting too much with the other flavors. Also you must request your eggs to be poached soft, otherwise they will come medium. The coffee was nice and bold. Parking is always tricky here. My wife has a handicap placard so we can drive right in. But at 8:15am all of the handicap parking spots were already full!

I absolutely love this spot. Food and drinks are wonderful- and you can't beat sitting feet from the ocean. I always forget to make reservations ahead, so I was here right when they opened- which was the only available time. Started with mimosas, cocktails (they are to die over), beignets and fruit. For our mains, I had a delicious Benedict with spinach and asparagus, and my friend had steak with lemon ricotta pancakes. Service was laid back, and friendly. Highly recommended.

After a nice coastal stroll along the beach, we finally decided to try Beachcomber Cafe. Best place to park is right across and it's $14 for two hours or $20 for the whole day. To get to the restaurant there's a little walk down through the tunnel or there's a shuttle for $2 each way that is provided for your convenience. The wait wasn't too bad. There's a little shops and historic store next to the restaurant, where you learn about how Beachcomber started. The ambience reminds me a place in the big island that has that Hawaiian vibe to it. Our server Alexis is amazing. She brought condiments after we ordered that paired with our meals. We didn't have to ask. She always gave us status of every stage of drinks, apps, and main course coming out. Very professional and genuine. Everyone is great and the manager Andrew was welcoming and sociable making it feel like we were regulars. What we ordered: everything was delicious from the Tiny Aho Tacos, Ceviche de Camaron, clam chowder soup, and the famous Kobe Beachcomber Burger. Definitely will come back! You can't beat having a place to eat on the sand near the beach and watching the waves. Can't get more serene!

Wanted a sunset dinner and beachcomber was on my radar so this was the place to be for that exact vibe. Be prepared to pay $15 for parking then another $4 per person round trip for the shuttle from the parking lot to the beach area or go on a trek through a tunnel (not sure where it is.) If you are familiar with Newport Beach you know these businesses get pretty rowdy during dinner time with beach-goers finishing off their day with a couple drinks and food and surprisingly this spot was very very mellow. The servers when I came were awesome, frequent check ups and even moving around heaters/rolling up the shades so the fresh beach air can come in. Ordered the Korean steak skewers, Miso Glazed Butterfish, and lastly the Shrimp Basil Pesto Pasta. Korean steak skewers: 4.5/5 Served with black beans and edamame and shishito peppers with a side of coconut peanut sauce. The skewers themselves were bomb! Slightly sweet with a nice savory bite, good quality steak as well, not chewy or tough at all, would definitely order this again. Miso Glazed Butterfish: 4.5 Served with daikon, mushrooms, seaweed, pickled onions and black rice Shrimp Basil Pesto Pasta: 5/5 Very generous amount of flavorful pesto sauce with a handful of shrimp, definitely would order again and I'd 100% recommend anyone to order this! My 4/5 rating is not final, I have to come back for breakfast/lunch, stay tuned! Hopefully a 5/5! Thanks for the great experience here, I'll be back soon!

Been to this beach front restaurant before. This visit was on a eeek day and it was pretty busy. The casual atmosphere is very beach friendly, you are seated with views of the ocean, people swimming and walking on the beach. I ordered the vegetarian omelette and it was really good. The way an omelette should be done. Light, fluffy and very flavorful. Actually we started with beignets and they were light and crunchy. Yummy. Our server Hector was a very cheerful guy. It was our daughter's birthday and he surprised us with a chocolate brownie dessert. So sweet and thoughtful. Our experience here was very nice. Warm and welcoming. It's just my personal opinion, yes we like to dine out and experience different culinary styles however I feel at the end of the day what matters is not just the food, but the people who served you and made you feel special. That memory stays with you. We have lovely memories of this restaurant. Highly recommended. Hope your experience will be as good as ours.

Beachcomber is always packed but has such a good vibe with the beach view and ocean breeze. Came with a group and we all left full and happy. I got the shrimp tacos and they were bomb gone in seconds. Fresh and flavorful with just the right amount of sauce. The calamari was definitely the big hit for the table we ended up ordering it twice and the sauce or aioli that came with it made it even better. Drinks here are just as good as they look and everyone at the table had something different and all were solid. The beignets were alright they were super fluffy but honestly too airy for me not much doughy thickness like I usually like. So they were mid honestly. The chocolate sauce with powdered sugar was just a no for the whole table and kind of an odd combo. Even with how busy it was the service was sweet and attentive. They kept checking in and making sure we had what we needed which was nice through the craziness. The views and atmosphere make it a great spot to hang out and enjoy good seafood and drinks.

The manager Kirk was absolutely wonderful today with our 13th annual Retired teacher's celebration! We were able to all sit together and enjoy a delicious breakfast (of course we had beignets!). The service was excellent and we felt very well taken care of. The ambience is perfection, of course. The ocean view and lovely breeze completed our fabulous meal.

What a great find and a pleasant surprise to have dined at this café! We have enjoyed strolling on the trails of Crystal Cove State Park that afternoon and this "historic" area was our last stop. I have my doubt to dine at any beach front restaurants as like 90%+ of the time, the food will be mediocre at the best. It's the beautiful water/beach that called us to stay..... Parking was a bit complicated but once we got that taken care of, and got a table at the open air patio, everything was lovely! Our 2 main dishes were great! The blue crab stuffed salmon was cooked to perfection! It's a bit crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside with just right amount if the seasoning. Wow! I really enjoyed it! For the steak, the meat is tender and juicy, not chewy at all which is a good sign of the great meat quality! Even the "side kicks" - mashed potatoes and asparagus were cooked perfectly. The grilled artichoke was a bit weak, not much flavor from the grill. I felt like the chef has the high level of integrity, the passion, the skills and the experience! It really shows in the culinary art forms (the dishes) he/she presented!

If you are looking for a place overlooking the water and beach as you are having your lunch- this is the place to be. Wait wasn't too long. I will say the highlight of the meal was the dessert. The beignets are divine. They are like soft little pillows where you can pour chocolate in it. It was delicious and I would come back just for that!

We celebrated our anniversary here in 2024 and we were so impressed that we decided to celebrate it here again this year. Unfortunately, we were sorely disappointed. It felt and tasted like an entirely different restaurant. The "kung pao"calamari app was tough and over breaded and served with a sweet chili sauce on the side. The short rib was dry and tasteless with a sauce that tasted burnt. The other entrees we ordered were ok, but not worth the price we paid. Perhaps they were having an off night. Maybe their regular chef called in sick. We won't be returning for dinner again for a while.

I've dined at the beachcomber many times, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It's a unique and secluded spot. You will have to pay for parking and either walk or pay for a bus ride down to the restaurant, it can get pretty cold and windy most nights so be prepared! Highly recommend making a reservation in advance. Regardless of this, the restaurant is always super busy, the last few times we have dined here there has been an extremely long wait for service, refills, and our food to come out. I am not typically one to mention this as I know many places are short staffed or doing their best, but we have waited excessive times multiple times. The food is okay, it is similar to what you would find when dining out elsewhere, if you're coming to the beachcomber it's really for the views and ambiance. I was also shocked to find out that we were charged regular price after asking for the "steak chilaquiles," without the steak (vegetarian) - we double checked with our waitress to confirm the charge after the bill was brought and she continued to say it was the same price.

I had a wonderful breakfast -- I started with an espresso that was smooth and bold, the eggs Benedict were perfectly poached with rich, creamy hollandaise that wasn't too heavy. I finished with a mimosa that was bright and refreshing, a perfect balance of citrus and bubbles. the ideal way to wrap up the meal. A delicious, relaxing start to the day

You definitely come here for its location and view. Food and service I would say is just okay, not the best but also not horrendous. Surprisingly my sister and I decided to come here on brunchy Sunday morning and we were seated right away (inside that is, the patio is where the longer wait happens). I had their chicken tortilla soup to start as an appetizer (it literally felt like it took 30 minutes for that to come out). I also had a nice mock tail being pregnant and all. And their burger and fries was decent. Again, the access right on the beach is why this place is a hit!

I was told it was a 45 minute wait but to my surprise was seated within 20 minutes! I ordered a Mai tai and my father and my husband had tasty bevvys too! See the pics I've included. What's The Best about this place is that there are beach side seats and I'm not just talking about the patio... I mean literal beach side. A breathtaking view of the ocean waves crashing down while you enjoy your favorite island cocktail and a delicious salad or burger is serious business. I will be back and I totally loved it. Our server was such a sweetie and cute, I'm so glad we had her. I wish I could remember her name but she is a brunette who was young and friendly.

Going tomorrow for breakfast. Been many times. Beach views are amazing. We always start with the beignets and I almost always get the steak chilaquiles. We are always happy with the service and food. Servers are always friendly and attentive. Worth the price even on special days like Mother's Day.

This place is a straight-up vibe -- hands down one of the best beachside dining experiences in California, and I'm not saying that lightly. We rolled up when it was super busy, but that didn't kill the mood. Started at the Bootlegger Bar and wow... highlight of the night. Amazing drinks, beach breeze in your face, and that iconic Crystal Cove view -- felt like I was in Nice on the French Riviera. No joke. We waited maybe about an hour, which was expected, but once we got seated it was worth it. I ordered the steak medallions and fries, and they came out cold -- BUT here's the kicker... the manager stepped in immediately, handled it like a total pro. Didn't catch his name, but he brought out a fresh hot plate that was honestly perfect, and even took it off the bill without us even asking. That's how you do customer service. Even with a hiccup, this place earns 5 stars from me because: * The location is unreal (literally steps from the beach) * The vibes are immaculate * The staff handled everything with class * The food, drinks, and atmosphere together make it unforgettable If you're visiting SoCal or just want to be reminded how lucky we are to live here, go to Crystal Cove, start at the bar, and stay for the Beachcomber. Beach, sunset, cocktails, and good energy -- 10/10 recommend.

The one star is for the two girls that "greeted" us at the Hostess desk Monday around lunchtime. They were terrible !!! Both had poor attitudes and not friendly at all !!! Right from the beginning when we signed in! After waiting a half hour I went back up to check in, one of them angrily said we just paged you.....the pager in my hand was doing nothing! So we got seated at a table down the beach. After we had been seated a while my wife asked if they had given me her drivers license when I turned the pager in. No they hadn't. She went back down to the hostess desk to got it. They hassled her and weren't going to give it back to her !!!! She finally got them to give it back to her. Even our waitress was MIA half the time and not real friendly either, although she warmed up when it came time to give us the check! Excellent food but overpriced.

We've been to the beachcomber for dinner and loved it so we had to come back for brunch! I saw a picture of the beignets and had to get them, they were so buttery and flakey unlike anything ive ever had but i was basically full after them, its a huge plate. I got the steak chilaquiles enjoyed but think there may be better options. Still loved it, such a beautiful place.

One of my favorite places. Put your name in at the restaurant, go for a walk in the beach, and by the time you turn around, your table is ready. Nothing is better than beach dining. We had breakfast this trip. The food was delicious- i had the avocado toast and my friend had classic bennie dish. We each enjoyed a tasty & healthy elixir, turmeric citrus skinny lemonade, with our meal. The waitress was quick, informative, and friendly.

I was looking for a place for my boyfriend and I to have a cute brunch date and I remembered that I haven't been to the beachcomber in a while. I was so excited to go back because that's where my mom would take me when I was younger and I remember they had the best beignets. When we got there it was just how I remembered it. The server was amazing and took our orders quickly. The food was just as great as I remember and the beach view made it that more wonderful. We started out with beignets which brought back so many great memories. I ordered a cranberry mimosa with avocado toast, both were great, however I think there could have been more tomato and avocado. I really enjoyed the experience and I hope to be back soon.