Happy Easter from The Crab Cooker Family. Both locations will be closed Easter Sunday to allow staff to be with their families. We will be back serving the World’s Greatest Seafood Monday April 21st.

THE CRAB COOKER

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EAT LOTS A

FISH

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Learn About
Our Story...

Family ran and operated for more than half a century at The Crab Cooker, we do one thing: Fish!

As our late “flounder” used to say, “The Main Thing is to Keep The Main Thing The Main Thing” We specialize in mesquite broiled seafood served in a casual beach setting perfect for families hungry after a day out in the sand.

See why The Crab Cooker has become a destination for fish eaters from around the world.

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Seasonal Items to be excited for:

Local Lobster (California Spiny Lobster)

About:
  • Native to the Southern California coast down to Baja.
  • Sweeter than Maine lobster with a mild ocean flavor.
  • Very meaty and satisfying, even when simply prepared.
How Local is it?
  • Delivered twice a week by local fisherman from Dana Point.
The Crab Cooker Way:
  • Par-boiled, lightly seasoned, and grilled over mesquite charcoal.
  • Served on the half shell with drawn butter and lemon.

Wild Chesapeake Oysters

  • Wild caught from the James River, Virginia.
  • Balanced flavor: mild saltiness with a sweet, buttery finish.
  • Clean, briny ocean taste, approachable for everyone.
  • Firm but tender texture.
  • Shucked to order and served on the half-shell with Atomic Horseradish, house cocktail sauce & lemon.

Little Neck Clams

  • Wild caught off the coast of New York.
  • Sweet, briny, slightly nutty flavor.
  • Tender texture — never tough.
  • Very versatile: can be served raw or steamed.
  • Served on the half-shell with Atomic Horseradish & cocktail sauce — or steamed in their own brine with butter & lemon.

Oysters On a Skewer

  • Pacific oysters harvested primarily from Washington.
  • Milder and sweeter than East Coast oysters.
  • Creamy texture with subtle briny notes.
The Crab Cooker Way:
  • Steamed, chilled, and skewered with bacon.
  • Lightly seasoned and grilled over mesquite charcoal.
  • Served with two side-orders, homemade tartar sauce & fresh lemon.

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Newport Beach

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Tustin

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happy customers

What Our Customers Are Saying

From Nicole

This is a great place to eat seafood. The mussels are so good and they have some of the best scallops I have ever had. The new renovations really make the place look beautiful. The staff is always wonderful and of course a nice walk on the beach after tops the evening off with a special treat.

From Robert

Unbelievably good. It is hard to find fault with the Crab Cooker. The food was amazing. The staff were friendly and pleasant. The restaurant has great old decorations from the past. I would love to go back. They also sell fresh seafood and fish to take home. I highly recommend this spot!

From William

After all these years, it's nice to know some things don't change. The Crab Cooker has been an institution in Newport Beach for decades and is a "must visit" for first timers and veteran visitors alike. First time here in over two years and did not disappoint. Yummy food and friendly service. Cost about $60 per person, with appetizers and beer/wine plus entree. Funky harbor and nautical decor on the inside with fresh fish cooked over an open fire. Yes, still served on paper plates and plastic utensils, just part of the charm. Worth the visit. Make sure to look up when inside to see all the stuff, including the big great white shark hanging from the ceiling.

From Michael

Great spot for a casual lunch or dinner. Food is great and affordable and the service is top notch. Highly recommend to try it out when in Newport.

From DuWayne

One of our favorite stops when in Southern California. Best clam chowder hands down. Fish is fresh and well prepared. Staff is excellent. The restaurant environment is awesome.

From Krystal

This place has been so special to my family for so many years. I was born in Orange County and moved to Washington when I was a kid. Every single year we would visit family in Cali and the Crab Cooker is always the restaurant we all go to meet. The potatoes are unlike any I’ve ever had. I have flown them all the way home to share before.

From Randy

What a great place. There are many restaurants and choices in socal. But one stands above rest. The crab cookers offer the best seafood in Newport Beach and Orange County. The atmosphere, service and seafood selection is the "best". Whoever owns or manages this restaurants gets 10 stars. Cheers!

From Alex

The restaurant had an awesome atmosphere and friendly service. The food was really stood out too. It was good seafood, done simply buy really well. We had a group of 5 plus a baby and everyone enjoyed the food and the time. I had the soft shell crab and can highly recommend it.

From Dee

Our favorite place in Newport. A must for us for decades! Never disappoints!

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Tustin

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Newport Beach

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