Surf City offers new eateries and experiences that will keep you entertained and ensure you don't go hungry.
Known for its walkable downtown area and laid-back surfer vibes, Huntington Beach always has something going on. From high-impact events like the Fourth of July parade, summertime’s U.S. Open of Surfing and the Pacific Airshow in the fall, to concerts on the beach and the weekly street fair offering food items, artisanal gifts, farm-fresh produce, cut flowers, live music and more, there is always something exciting happening in this bustling beach town.
And while a couple of culinary venues stand out – the Hawaiian icon Duke’s nestled at the start of the pier, casual Mexican hot spot Sancho’s Tacos and chic seafood eatery Bluegold with Vietnamese restaurant LSXO hidden inside at the Pacific City shopping complex, for example – Surf City has been largely devoid of interesting cuisine. Until now, that is. These new places to dine and immersive experiences ensure that the dining scene in Huntington Beach is starting to flourish.
PHOTO 1: Beef from the grill Lōrea. PHOTO 2: Fresh cavatelli pasta with peas, a vegan option at Lōrea. PHOTO 3: The pavlova dessert at Lōrea, which provides a show with dry ice “smoke.” PHOTO 4: A rendering of the interior of Paséa Hotel’s new Lōrea restaurant. Photos courtesy of The Meritage Collection
Luxurious Lōrea and a Playful Treehouse
21080 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach
Tucked in the Paséa Hotel and Spa along Pacific Coast Highway, the new signature Lōrea restaurant and Treehouse on PCH rooftop bar were unveiled in early May following a $5 million renovation meant to transform the resort’s dining ventures. Dreamt up by executive chef Scott Rackliff, Lōrea’s varied menus – available for breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and dessert – offer culinary delights from the land and sea that are accentuated by seasonal ingredients. Try the duck and goat charcuterie, spicy pork gyoza, Pacific hamachi crudo or miso baby wedge salad to start, then follow it up with entrees like the grilled salmon, seafood stew, wagyu steak from Snake River Farms, an aged pork chop, Montreal-crusted albacore or fresh cavatelli pasta that incorporates peas seven ways for vegan and vegetarian diners.
Enjoy ocean views from the eatery as well as immersive tableside experiences that are sure to enchant visitors, such as the melting edible candle made from Turkish chile-lime butter that accompanies the parker house rolls or the tropical pavlova dessert, which features passion fruit, mango, whipped coconut and candied pineapple plus a “smoke” created by dry ice.
If it’s drinks you desire, head up to the Treehouse on PCH. This refreshed rooftop lounge retained its iconic tree sculpture that towers over the central bar, but the space has been enhanced with daybeds, swinging chairs and plush sofas that are perfect for enjoying the breeze on a summer day while new fire pits are perfect for cuddling up as you watch the sun sink and the stars begin to appear. Sip beer, wine, specialty cocktails or “free-spirited” mocktails.
Dishes from EggBred. PHOTO 1: The Ribeye Steak and Egg sandwich with roasted pepper chimichurri. PHOTO 2: Avocado toast. PHOTO 3: The ribeye asada breakfast burrito. Photos by Ashley Ryan, Culture OC
Eggcelent Bites at EggBred
9120 Adams Ave., Unit 15, Huntington Beach
Never skip egg day – or so the neon sign below the menu reads at the new EggBred. Enjoy morning meals that are handcrafted with locally sourced ingredients and brunch items cooked from scratch, with a special emphasis on sandwiches. Cage-free eggs are incorporated into breakfast options, like the Scramble Me Softly, crafted with a smoked paprika spread, or the country fried chicken, which features hand-breaded buttermilk chicken and a side of sausage gravy. Breakfast burritos are also part of the morning lineup, named for the protein they contain (applewood-smoked bacon, chorizo, ribeye asada, black forest ham and more, as well as the Plain Jane with beer-battered potatoes).
Those visiting in the afternoon can still grab an egg-filled handheld, such as the EggBred Cheeseburger or the mouthwatering Ribeye Steak and Egg sandwich, which contains the brand’s roasted pepper chimichurri sauce. The lunch menu also features The Nashville Hottie, a spicy take on a chicken sandwich, in addition to the Truffle Crunch Burger with white truffle spread, crispy fried onions and smoked jalapeño ketchup.
Aside from sandwiches, you’ll find avocado toast, breakfast poutine, chorizo chili cheese hash and build-your-own eggs Benedicts on the menu as well as options for add-ons, desserts or kids’ meals. And don’t forget to enjoy a hot drip coffee, cold brew, pressed juice or probiotic shot with your meal.
PHOTO 1: The chicken BBQ pizza at Stuffed. PHOTO 2: Egyptian-inspired décor at Stuffed.
Photos by Ashley Ryan, Culture OC
Eat Like an Egyptian at Stuffed
17342 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach
Those looking for something utterly unique to try can look no further than Stuffed, a new Egyptian pizza place that recently opened its doors along Beach Boulevard. The menu offers an array of pies, served either the Egyptian, Mexican or American way, resulting in a vast number of combinations that ensure you’ll never get bored with the menu no matter how many times you stop by. Both savory and sweet fillings are available – and stuffed inside the dough, hence the name – including house-made pastrami, ground beef, chicken barbecue, za’atar cheese or veggie as well as nutella, pistachio, sweet potato with ice cream and more.
The menu also features the traditional Egyptian dish hawawshi, which consists of pita bread filled with house-made sausage, pastrami, ground beef or mixed meat, in addition to meshaltet, a flaky layered pastry also prominent in Egyptian cuisine. For the latter, opt to add honey, molasses, cream or cheese.
The interior of the restaurant, which was previously a Pizza Hut, has been renovated to present a more authentic Egyptian feel, with special touches reminiscent of the owners’ homeland.
Be Good and Dine in the Dark
300 Pacific Coast Highway # 112, Huntington Beach
Fire up your senses with the new trend of dining in the dark, which has finally come to Huntington Beach courtesy of Be Good Restaurant and Experience. As your eyesight becomes less available, your other senses will be heightened, providing a whole new experience as you dine in a way you never have before. In addition to dining in a pitch-black atmosphere, this unique eatery offers other immersive dining sessions as well, including an all-request dueling piano performance, the comedic Karen Dining Experience and a murder mystery dining show that allows you to become the sleuth.
While the experiences offered at this one-of-a-kind restaurant are exciting, they’re only half of the affair. High-quality dishes are also presented during each and every event, with a menu that ranges from shareable plates like chicken wings, chips and queso, mango shrimp ceviche and chipotle chicken empanadas, to entrees including Be Good to Me fettuccine, salmon, enchiladas, burgers, tacos and the Hot Stone Experience, which layers deconstructed fajitas with your choice of protein atop a heated stone.
And don’t skip the sips: Imbibe on a whiskey berry smash, various margaritas, michelada flight, glass of wine, smoked old fashioned, Ranch Water or signature Be Good Paloma.
