01
Best oceanfront experience
Duke's Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach Pier • Lively Hawaiian-Inspired Seafood Spot • Iconic Oceanfront Choice
Classic for a reason, Duke's pairs surf-side views with crowd-pleasing seafood and steaks in a buzzing, vacation-ready room.
If you want the full Surf City postcard moment, Duke's is the move: floor-to-ceiling windows frame the pier while surfers carve waves just outside. The menu leans into approachable island flavors, from coconut shrimp and poke to grilled fresh fish and hearty steaks. It’s loud, fun, and ideal for visitors, big groups, and any night where the view matters as much as the plate.
02
Best for creative small plates
Pacific Hideaway
Downtown, Near Main Street • Eclectic Coastal Kitchen And Bar • Best For Inventive Sharing Plates
A breezy second-floor spot that mixes global flavors, strong cocktails, and a relaxed surf-boho vibe overlooking downtown.
Tucked just off Main Street, Pacific Hideaway feels like a stylish beach house, with patterned tiles, patio seating, and peekaboo ocean views. The menu has a playful, shareable style—think crispy Brussels sprouts with bold sauces, flavorful tacos, and bright ceviches alongside solid vegetarian options. The bar program is a draw on its own, making this a great choice for date nights or starting a night out in downtown HB.
03
Best polished resort dining
Watertable
Resort Corridor On Pacific Coast Highway • Upscale Yet Relaxed American Restaurant • Refined Dinner And Drinks Pick
Set inside a beachfront resort, Watertable delivers seasonal, modern American dishes with a serious bar program and a calm, grown-up atmosphere.
Watertable feels a notch more refined than most Huntington Beach restaurants, with a warm, modern dining room and attentive service that suits special occasions. The kitchen focuses on ingredient-driven American cooking—short ribs, fresh fish, thoughtful vegetarian mains—executed with resort polish but without stuffiness. A deep wine list and well-made cocktails make it a smart choice for lingering dinners or a quieter night away from the Main Street crowds.
04
Best classic breakfast spot
Sugar Shack Cafe
Main Street, Downtown • Old-School Surf Cafe • Beloved Breakfast Staple
A no-frills, surf-town institution known for hearty breakfasts, friendly service, and a constant line of locals and visiting families.
Sugar Shack is the kind of place where surfers, kids still in pajamas, and out-of-towners all squeeze onto the patio for pancakes and bottomless coffee. The menu leans big and comforting—omelets, stacks of French toast, burritos, bacon-heavy plates—served quickly and without pretense. Expect a wait on weekends, but the people-watching and old-school Huntington Beach charm make it part of the experience.
05
Best intimate special-occasion spot
LSXO
Pacific City • Intimate Vietnamese-Californian Spot • Date-Night Hidden Gem
A tucked-away dining room inside Pacific City, LSXO serves bold, refined Vietnamese-influenced dishes in a moody, speakeasy-like setting.
Marked only by a small sign and tucked behind a larger restaurant, LSXO feels like a secret locals like to show off. Inside, the space is compact and richly decorated, with a handful of tables and a soundtrack that leans more lounge than beach bar. The menu balances comfort and finesse—crispy wings, rich short ribs, nuanced noodle dishes—and the focused cocktail list makes it an excellent choice when you want something more intimate and adventurous than the typical oceanside spot.