Rusty Pelican

4.4
3048 reviews

About

Seafood RestaurantRestaurant
With spectacular waterfront views and an eclectic menu of fresh seafood and tender steaks, it's no wonder Rusty Pelican has become a Newport Beach dining destination. We are proud to be a recipient of Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence for 2011-2020 – a distinction bestowed upon only the nation's premier restaurants.

Details

  • Dine-inAvailable
  • DeliveryAvailable
  • TakeoutAvailable
  • Accepts reservationsAvailable

Location

Rusty Pelican
2735 W Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA
92663, United States

Hours

Reviews

4.4
3,048 reviews
5 stars
2,067
4 stars
569
3 stars
205
2 stars
84
1 star
123

What are people saying?

AI-generated from recent customer reviews

Food Quality

Overall, customers praised the food for being fresh, delicious, and well-prepared, with standout dishes like seafood pasta, calamari, and various fish options.

Service Experience

Service quality was inconsistent; while many reviews highlighted attentive and friendly staff, there were notable complaints about slow service and rude interactions from some staff members.

Atmosphere

The restaurant's ambiance received positive feedback for its beautiful waterfront views and inviting atmosphere, although some noted that the seating was cramped.

Reservation Issues

Several customers reported problems with reservations, including delays and unpreparedness upon arrival, which negatively impacted their dining experience.

Pricing

While many found the prices reasonable for the quality of food and location, some felt that the value did not meet expectations, especially regarding portion sizes and menu limitations.
  • BM
    Bailey McCann
    Nov 17, 2025
    5.0
    Stellar food and vibe. Garlic bread is amazing, fish are quite good, but also offers for vegetarian too!
  • DR
    Drew Racine
    Nov 13, 2025
    4.0
    Not great but I wouldn't this much anyone who went there. Had a great experience, the food wasn't exceptional but well. Got to see it great sight of the sea. Cook your own food, butt come y'all. One thing a man told me that I respect. Don't get in the way of anyone's paycheck.
  • JH
    Jon Holt
    Nov 9, 2025
    5.0
    The food is amazing. This was our first time getting brunch. Chad the bartender was. splendid. He was very attentive and pro-active.
  • DA
    Danielle Amato
    Nov 8, 2025
    5.0
    My husband and I love this place. An underrated gem in Newport. Great food at a great price for the location. Friendly staff and great ambiance. Chad was our server and was lovely. Don’t skip this spot for delicious seafood on the water.
  • CN
    Ceri Nelmes
    Nov 7, 2025
    2.0
    Food was meh. We expected some great flavors. The seafood pasta had weird pasta in it. There was no smokey flavour as advertised. It had gooey, stringy cheese not parm. Brussel Sprouts were good.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rusty Pelican

Does Rusty Pelican accept reservations?

Yes, Rusty Pelican accepts reservations which can be made through their website.

What are the general operating hours of Rusty Pelican?

Rusty Pelican is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday until 10:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM.