That bright red building with the cheeky fish sign commanding “DON’T LOOK UP HERE” isn’t just a quirky landmark in Newport Beach—it’s the gateway to a seafood experience that Californians have been willingly driving hours to enjoy for generations.
The Crab Cooker stands out among Newport Beach’s polished storefronts like a cheerful rebellion against pretension, a crimson beacon promising something increasingly rare in today’s dining landscape: authenticity with a side of exceptional smoked tuna.
Yes, the crab cakes might have put this place on the map, but it’s the smoked tuna that transforms casual diners into devoted pilgrims willing to brave Southern California traffic for just one more taste.
The moment you spot those distinctive green and white striped awnings, you know you’ve arrived somewhere that plays by its own rules—a place where paper plates and plastic forks serve as humble vessels for some of the most remarkable seafood you’ll find anywhere along the Pacific coast…