Bear Flag Fish Company
About This Spot
Stepping into Bear Flag Fish Company in Newport Beach feels like arriving at a cherished local hideaway where the ocean’s presence lingers just beyond the door. The atmosphere gracefully balances a laid-back fish market energy with the warmth of a familiar neighborhood spot—functional yet inviting, with a dash of sun-soaked coastal spirit. Whether you wedge yourself into one of the simple indoor seats or settle outside to soak up fresh air and harbor views, the pace is easygoing, shaped by the friendly rhythm of counter service that still manages to feel personal and attentive.
Here, the focus is on freshness and honest flavors that celebrate the sea’s bounty without fuss. The air often carries the subtle mingling scents of grilled seafood and bright citrus, inviting you to savor each bite with a sense of discovery. Plates come generously portioned and thoughtfully composed, offering moments of comfort whether you’re diving into poke bowls bursting with vibrant textures or unwrapping a burrito filled with delicate, flaky fish and perfectly seasoned accompaniments. Alongside these stands a rotating cast of fresh catches, allowing visitors to connect with the local ocean harvest in an approachable, unfussy way.
The staff’s easygoing camaraderie and attentive pace help maintain an atmosphere that’s equal parts bustling market and casual seaside eatery. This isn’t the place for a formal sit-down meal; instead, it invites a relaxed, shared experience where the pleasure lies in good company and straightforward, well-prepared seafood. The outdoor seating area, touched by gentle coastal breezes, becomes a natural extension of the dining room, making it easy to linger over a savory chowder or enjoy specialty tacos as conversation flows.
Bear Flag Fish Company captures an authentic Newport Beach vibe—a blend of community spirit, ocean-side simplicity, and a genuine appreciation for the fresh and flavorful. It’s a spot where locals and visitors alike can feel at home, reconnect with the sea’s gifts, and find quiet joy in the everyday ritual of good food and friendly faces.
What’s Available Here
-
Outdoor seating - Delivery
- On-site services
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Serves local specialty
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Comfort food
- Happy-hour drinks
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Wine
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Bar on site
- Toilet
- Casual
- Cosy
- Trendy
- Family friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
- University students
- Usually a wait
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
- On-site parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM | |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM | |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM | |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM | |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM | |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM |
Guest Reviews
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Stephen Zimmerman 06 Nov 2025
Delicious food! And reasonable prices with large portions. It’s not a traditional restaurant atmosphere — more of a fish market vibe with both indoor and outdoor seating. Counter service, with food brought to your table. I got the large fish plate and my wife got the small. We also shared a calamari plate. We both were stuffed. Personally, I did not feel like the portion size for the calamari was large enough for the price, but the main courses we ordered more than made up for it. I highly recommend this spot for delicious seafood with a great selection at reasonable prices. If I were local, I’d definitely be back.
M G 05 Nov 2025
They are so much better than California Fish Grill! I wish they had one near where I lived. I would eat here regularly. Lots of really delicious options for low-carb diets, which is incredibly hard to find. I had the salmon with sautéed veggies and an avocado. I also loved their tea. Even my youngest (6 years old) loved it. A couple of things to consider: drinks besides tea and water are not refillable like other restaurants, and it's really cramped. Decent for party sizes up to maybe 4 people (we had 6 and it was hard to sit together). The black beans aren't seasoned with much more than maybe a tiny bit of salt. I took a bite of my husband's beans. They're good! But not typical black beans. Service is good! Employees seem happy to work here, though they have some trouble helping with answering menu and ordering questions, but they're cheerful and try to find someone who knows the answer, but it can hold up the line and I felt a little awkward because I needed those answers due to dietary restrictions. While most of the restaurants we ate at in NB were very good, this is the only one I ate at twice during my stay because it was so delicious with tons of low-carb options and very affordable. Definitely recommend for smaller parties.
Charleston “Earwaxxx” P 05 Nov 2025
Bear Flag in Newport Beach is one of those places that consistently delivers, whether you’re stopping in for a quick bite or sitting down to enjoy a full spread with friends. The vibe is casual, beachy, and welcoming, and the staff keeps things moving while still being friendly and helpful. The Bear Flag Burrito is a must-order—packed, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. Everything tastes fresh, and the ingredients really shine without being overcomplicated. The ahi burrito was another standout: clean, fresh, and cooked just right, with great texture and flavor in every bite. We also tried the oysters, which were fresh and briny, and the clam chowder, which was rich, comforting, and not overly heavy—perfect for a coastal spot like this. Even the pizza impressed, making it clear that Bear Flag goes beyond just seafood and does it well. To top it off, the drink selection paired perfectly with the food. The Pizza Port Chronic Amber and Sully Ale were both solid choices and rounded out the meal nicely. Overall, Bear Flag Newport Beach hits all the marks: fresh food, great variety, solid drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere that fits the location perfectly. A reliable go-to spot whether you’re a local or just visiting the area.
Stacy Kline 10 Oct 2025
Wonderful local fresh fish eatery with great ocean vibe! The fish is fresh, everything is delicious from the chowder to the bowls to the sushi! The staff is incredibly accommodating and don't miss the exquisite cocktails.
Brianna Everett 09 Oct 2025
The halibut was so fresh but the real star of the dish was the sautéed vegetables. Could've had a whole plate of those! Atmosphere was very cozy without losing quality. Loved our La Bamba sushi roll and everything was brought to our table in a good time frame. Staff was friendly and they had a clear gluten free menu options list at the counter. There's an outdoor eating area as well. Definitely would come here again!
Amy W 05 Oct 2025
Following my recent eye surgery, I was excited for my first movie outing. The Lido Theater was showcasing a new release, “The Lost Bus,” which prompted us to dine at a nearby restaurant prior to the screening. The ambiance and proximity to Newport Bay were undoubtedly captivating rendering the food quality almost secondary. Nevertheless, I found the Bear Flag Burrito with chips and salsa to be enjoyable. The tortilla was soft but well-rolled giving it excellent structural integrity. The panko-crusted white fish was nicely contrasted to the tangy crema, which had a smoky and spicy kick. Was that the Tommy sauce? The harmonious incorporation of classic filling ingredients(rice, black beans, pico de gallo, lettuce, avocado)provided the burrito’s great taste yet maintaining a light and refreshing quality. The portion size is substantial, and I recommend sharing or portioning it for later consumption. A charming patio area outside the restaurant served as an ideal setting for a late-summer meal.
NESCOTT24 17 Sep 2025
Solid fish joint serving up fresh poke bowls, tacos, and burritos. Two public Parking lots are available. One cost $10 for the hour and the other is free. Inside there is a good amount of seats but the place gets packed quickly. Expect to look for seating. Outside patio seating plus courtyard increases chances. They have a bar with limited seats. A seafood market selling fresh fish by the lb. The line was coming out the door but went rather quickly. You order at the counter, and are given a number. Pricing wise it’s premium. Poke Bowl is a hit. I can see why people rave about it. Guac was absolutely delicious. Food is fresh. But it’s not delivered to your table all at once which caused us issues. Missing fish tacos. By the time I got them they were cold :( They were just okay as the breading/seasoning were lackluster. Missing garlic crisps for poke bowl. Had to ask for them as well. The crisps really changed the depth of the bowl and had excellent flavor. Tip: Get rice as the base instead of the salad. 4/5 stars. Minus one star for missing essential order items.
Matthew Tsou 15 Sep 2025
I had the bear flag taco which was ok (plain), the yellowtail taco which was good, caterpillar roll which was good and Smokey bear cocktail which was good. I didn’t taste anything excellent, but staff are friendly. Prices are what you expect for seafood. Very popular place so crowded but surprisingly the wait in line is not too long and there’s usually a few tables open, even on Sat afternoon. There’s an outdoor patio area with umbrellas.